"But if you plan on taking it to a typical Harley shop that only changes the oil and filter, you won't gain anything by doing it at 500 miles versus 1400 miles.
Never assume your dealer actually does all that stuff on the check list." Jerry, you said a mouthfull there!
We have three different dealerships (each with multiple locations) to choose from in the East Tennesee/Knoxville area. Without stating the dealership, there is one that I will NEVER take my bike back to. Things that were scheduled for on a service were not performed but were paid for and the bike came back dirtier than when it went in...not acceptable. I do all my maintenance except for the first 1000 mile service as I want to make sure the factory/dealership has a record of that first service. Plus if there is something wrong from the factory, that first service is the best way to catch it (if I haven't caught it already). A plug on oil here...only HD oil and filters have EVER gone in or installed on my Harley, especially during the warranty period. I've worked on and been associated with respectable mechanics over the years and from what I and they have seen, you can tell the difference in motors that did and didn't use HD oil, especially long mileage motors. I AM NOT putting down aftermarked oils, just stating what I've experienced....ok, off my soap box!
My suggestion is don't assume your dealership performs all the items on the 1000 mile list. Discuss this list with your service manager PRIOR TO the service, get the price set up front and stick to your guns if there is any discrepancy. We assume too much at times (I'm the worlds worst at that) but remember the 5P's....Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. If you get it addressed the first time, it can save calling a tow truck in the middle of nowhere. All of this is common sense stuff but always good to revisit.
