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[Midnight Rider]

Took my bike to the local dealer (not the one I purchased from) for the 1K service this past Saturday...if you get there at the butt-crack of dawn, and can manage to park the scoot in one of ten numbered slots, they'll fit you in on a Saturday.  Can't complain about that...otherwise, it's wait two weeks on an appointment.  They did pull mine in first, though I was number 8...don't know if that was because of what I was having done, or if it was because mine was the only SE   [smiley=nixweiss.gif]  Anyway, I took my own oil (Mobil 1 VTWIN) for them to use....of course they would not use it, saying that they were only allowed to use HD oil.  Rather than getting into a pissing contest with them (I needed all the other checks they do at 1K) over the fact that they HAVE to use your choice of oil if it meets or exceeds the specs for theirs, or give you their's free (Federal Law on warranty issues), I just had 'em put the Syn 3 in there, and kept my mouth shut for fear they'd find a way to not get things done on time.  I'll just change it this weekend, after I get the K&N oil filters I ordered yesterday.

From now on, if I take it in for "normal" servicing, I'll change the oil myself before taking it, and tell them to leave off the oil change.

Question to those in the know:  How many of you do your own "normal" service?  I have a fairly complete set of tools (roll around chest of predominately craftsman), torque wrench, etc.   I don't have HUGE sockets, but a really good range of 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" drive sockets, deep well and regular; a standard kit of allen sockets and wrenches; torx; and a J&S jack...plus hammers of various sizes   I was told by the selling dealer, that as long as I kept good records/reciepts of the service I do myself, it was no problem.  I know certain fasteners, belt drive, etc must be checked periodically.  Frankly, I don't trust dealers of any kind (cars or bikes) to do what they are supposed to do...I'd rather do it with my own two hands, if possible.  I used to do all my work on my cars back when you could tell what you were looking at, and was a pretty good A/C mechanic for over 20 years, so I'm very mechanically inclined, and a damn good troubleshooter.  I've got the main service manual, and the supplement for the SEUC.  What are some of the things best left to the dealer?  I'm not talking problems here, just usual stuff. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]  It's really not the money so much, I have a place that does all the normal stuff to my car, and I trust them, but frankly, I just don't trust many places to do the right thing.

Your opinions?

[hd-dude]

My opinion is to do it yourself. You stated that you are somewhat mechanically inclined and have the tools and manuals so go for it! You may fing that you need to get a couple of special tools to do some of the more complex stuff but for services you can do it all with basic tools.

[ultrafxr]

Go for it.  I'won't tear into my motor but the routine stuff is not really difficult.  Plus I like knowing it was done right.

[HUBBARD]

Took my bike to the local dealer (not the one I purchased from) for the 1K service this past Saturday...if you get there at the butt-crack of dawn, and can manage to park the scoot in one of ten numbered slots, they'll fit you in on a Saturday.  Can't complain about that...otherwise, it's wait two weeks on an appointment.  They did pull mine in first, though I was number 8...don't know if that was because of what I was having done, or if it was because mine was the only SE   [smiley=nixweiss.gif]  Anyway, I took my own oil (Mobil 1 VTWIN) for them to use....of course they would not use it, saying that they were only allowed to use HD oil.  Rather than getting into a pissing contest with them (I needed all the other checks they do at 1K) over the fact that [highlight]they HAVE to use your choice of oil if it meets or exceeds the specs for theirs, or give you their's free [/highlight](Federal Law on warranty issues), I just had 'em put the Syn 3 in there, and kept my mouth shut for fear they'd find a way to not get things done on time.  I'll just change it this weekend, after I get the K&N oil filters I ordered yesterday.

[highlight]Your opinions[/highlight]?

  I'd go back to that particular Stealer, (Dealer Principal), refresh his memory concerning the Law, show him the Spec's on the Oil you preferred, and demand my FREE 4 Qts. of Oil!!  If he gives you a hard time about it, advise him you already knew he would, and inform him it would now be in the hands of your Attorney General.  It's a$$holes that make such policies as that, that shouldn't even be allowed to ride a Harley, much less sell them.  I know one just like that, in my Town.  Wouldn't waste my time there.  I like to deal with people that want and appreciate my business, and have a wealth of knowledge about the Product.  There endeth the lesson.  Later--HUBBARD    

[110tHunDer]

Or, how about grabbing four empty Syn3 containers out of their garbage, filling them up with the oil you drain out of your scoot this weekend, and returning them to the dealer for a refund. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Just kiddin'.  If they put them back on the shelf (like they no doubt would), you'd be $h!tting on the next guy who bought them, but you would have your money back from those losers, eh?

I think it's crap that these dealers have resorted to doing stuff like this.  So, since I don't use Syn3 in the tranny, I always change the Mobil 1 gear lube in there either before taking it in or afterward, and tell them when I drop it off, not to bother with that part of the service.

[grc]

TC,

Definitely, do your own preventitive maintenance.  After having two different dealers do my first service on the last two bikes (only took it to the dealer because the first service was included in the purchase price of the bike, and being a frugal (cheap) person, I wanted what I'd paid for), I found I had to do the work over once I got the bikes home.  The first time I had a major oil leak at the primary inspection cover, the second time I found the O-rings on the engine and trans drain plugs torn and seeping oil (not changed out as they should have been, and then overtightened), the primary chain tight as a banjo string, and most of the rest of the checks not performed at all, such as cable lube and adjust.  Do it yourself, and at least you will know for sure everything was actually checked.  Kind of like packing your own parachute, rather than trust the guy with the hangover who was out until 5 am last night.

Jerry

[Garznhogs]

My tool kit is basic (ie, it sucks ), just enough to keep me out of the big stuff.
Took wife's RK to the dealer last week for 15k service, plus added cruise control, clutch assist and some other stuff. They sprayed some kind of oil all over her floorboards, put a new right front reflector (old one melted by the exhaust) on so it aimed 45 degrees instead of 90 (to the side), and put fingerprints all over, and threw away a $65 throttle lock that was on her original hand controls ("gee, it went out in yesterday's trash") .  We paid (in advance) for "Preferred Service Program" meaning we get 12 scheduled services at 50% of regular price, get to make appointments, and...get Syn 3 upgrade oil. I mentioned that I saw some Redline Shockproof on the shelf in service and asked if they'd put that in the tranny instead of Syn3. They said 'sure', no problem. Wife says it shifts much better now, after 100 mile lunch ride.
It's like they do some things good, other things dumb. When I get the bike home I go over as much as I can, rechecking.

On a nasty note: When I was installing my new speakers I thought I'd try to find out why my cruise control light doesn't turn green when it's 'set', but flickers green when the cruise is switched off.  What I found was a wire bundle leaning against the right side metal fairing support(?), close to the radio.  In 4,000 miles it had worn through the bundling tape and the insulation on two wires, a green and an orange, and both were shorting on the metal support.  Further checking found the clutch line rubbing on the other side and wearing through the rubber sleeve.  I wrapped both with cable bundling stuff, then tied them away from the metal.

It's scary to NOT do your own checking at least, because the service guys aren't going to get everything right, or even notice a lot of things. I'm always finding things after a service, even when we were going to a 'top-notch' independent guy.  

Hey, I've only got two wheels under me... I can't afford to lose anything!
(First attempt at pic... let's see if I did it..!)

Garz   [smiley=smoking.gif]

[Garznhogs]

My tool kit is basic (ie, it sucks ), just enough to keep me out of the big stuff.
Took wife's RK to the dealer last week for 15k service, plus added cruise control, clutch assist and some other stuff. They sprayed some kind of oil all over her floorboards, put a new right front reflector (old one melted by the exhaust) on so it aimed 45 degrees instead of 90 (to the side), and put fingerprints all over, and threw away a $65 throttle lock that was on her original hand controls ("gee, it went out in yesterday's trash") .  We paid (in advance) for "Preferred Service Program" meaning we get 12 scheduled services at 50% of regular price, get to make appointments, and...get Syn 3 upgrade oil. I mentioned that I saw some Redline Shockproof on the shelf in service and asked if they'd put that in the tranny instead of Syn3. They said 'sure', no problem. Wife says it shifts much better now, after 100 mile lunch ride.
It's like they do some things good, other things dumb. When I get the bike home I go over as much as I can, rechecking.

On a nasty note: When I was installing my new speakers I thought I'd try to find out why my cruise control light doesn't turn green when it's 'set', but flickers green when the cruise is switched off.  What I found was a wire bundle leaning against the right side metal fairing support(?), close to the radio.  In 4,000 miles it had worn through the bundling tape and the insulation on two wires, a green and an orange, and both were shorting on the metal support.  Further checking found the clutch line rubbing on the other side and wearing through the rubber sleeve.  I wrapped both with cable bundling stuff, then tied them away from the metal.

It's scary to NOT do your own checking at least, because the service guys aren't going to get everything right, or even notice a lot of things. I'm always finding things after a service, even when we were going to a 'top-notch' independent guy.  

Hey, I've only got two wheels under me... I can't afford to lose anything!


Garz   [smiley=smoking.gif]

[Garznhogs]

What the hell am I doing??  Time for bed, then tomorrow read 'how to attach..."
Sorry!  
Garz   [smiley=smoking.gif]

[Midnight Rider]

Lesson learned...I'm kind of stuck with what I know are two less than perfect (read, chitty) dealers here in B'ham, or at least that is the reputation they have in general (both owned by the same guy).  That's one reason I bought the bike in Mobile, 'cause the dealers here are robbing people.  The only person who's decent at the dealer closest to me is the parts guy, who at least gave me and the GF a little break on a Billet License Plate Frame I got for Father's Day (my dogs told my GF that I wanted one   )  But, unless there's a warranty issue, I think they've gotten the last $260 from me for service.  To make myself feel better, I'll go back over everything they were supposed to do, and drain the oil that I didn't want, but had to pay for, and change the filter to one I prefer using, which again exceeds their specifications.

So, now I've got 4K miles to read my service manuals, get more familiar with the bike, take some things apart and put them back together again, and add a little bling here and there...got a good start with the LP holder...now on to hiway pegs, LED's for the tourpak....that's the short list.

Maybe I'm gettin' old, but when I worked for my Grandaddy in his two pump SERVICE station, we gave people their hard earned money's worth, and they didn't have to worry about whether it was done right, 'cause my Paw would kick my ass if I didn't.  

As Hub would say 'There endeth the Sermon'   [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

Thanks for the advice, and telling me what I thought I was going to hear!