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[sjr]

On a scale of 1 to 10, I am generally satisfied with my dealer, giving them a 9. I may need to lower that rating.
I have my 2011 Convertible in for the 1,000 mile service. ( I have more than one bike ).
Among other things I wanted checked, I mentioned that I thought the front end was a bit too soft. Even when encountering small bumps in the road at speeds over 45 the front end tends to bottom out.
as mentioned, this is not my first Harley.

Service writer called me and said the front end is within "factory specs".
I asked how that was determined and was told it was the opinion of the mechanic, however if I wanted, they would drain the old fork oil and replace it with screamin Eagle oil, which would stiffen up the front end.

Parts and labor = $100.00

Should I complain to the service manager or just pay it?

Anyone else encounter this problem?

( some may say 100.00 is not bad to get a stiffer front end, lol...but seriously.....? )

[GregKhougaz]

I think you will get a very wide range of answers on this one.  $100 is not a bad price when you consider HD labor rates and heavier fork oil will help a little bit.  You could argue about whether this is a warranty issue, especially if you are bottoming out. Is there any evidence of a leak?  You are still stuck with an antiquated front suspension, however.  I changed to a Progressive monotube front suspension and love it.  Many others have upgraded far more than that.  It depends on how you ride and how picky you are about your suspension.

[grc]

It's impossible to answer your question just based on your description of a "soft front end".  Here is what I would suggest:

Get your dealership to let you ride several other similar bikes over the same course and then you determine if your bike and your front end is "normal" when compared to those other bikes.  If yours is significantly softer or bottoms much more easily, then I'd say you should insist they investigate and fix the real problem.  If yours is basically the same as all the rest, then I'd say if you want a better suspension it will be up to you to buy one.

Btw, just substituting higher viscosity fork oil isn't much of an answer but it can provide a minor improvement.  If you are reasonably handy you could drain and fill the forks yourself for just the cost of the oil.  If you have someone else do it, at today's average dealer labor rates of $80 - $100 per hour the price they quoted you isn't far out of line.  Don't expect a huge improvement however.

Jerry

[BDMastiff]

It can be a pain in the azz to change your fork oil.  $100.00 is worth it but I don't know that the SE Fork oil will solve your problem.

[mrmagloo]

No to be a jerk, but how much do you weigh?

I'm 6" and weight 210, well OK 220, and neither my SED or SEUC ever bottom out upfront.  The back will on a tough one on the Deuce, and the Ultra will too, if I have the Legends pumped to the low side.

I think the key is, if the front ever bottoms before the back, there's an issue, unless you're talking about hitting curbs or something extreme.

My .02 fwiw

[sjr]

I am 5'9" and weigh 189, so I don't think that is the issue. I picked the bike up today from the dealer and rode it home. about a 10 mile ride. The front end did feel a bit firmer. I think it was probably low on oil from the factory, but the service manager took 15% off ...so for $85.00 I'm not unhappy.
I'm fairly handy and I to tinker now and then but it was 35 degrees today and I dont like the cold garage. I prefer the warm living room, on my recliner, watching the big TV.

Counting the days till it's over 50 degrees out and I can ride again.

[Charlie]

All i know is its less than you would pay in Dubai at the HD dealer!

[Willie D]

I am 5'9" and weigh 189, so I don't think that is the issue. I picked the bike up today from the dealer and rode it home. about a 10 mile ride. The front end did feel a bit firmer. I think it was probably low on oil from the factory, but the service manager took 15% off ...so for $85.00 I'm not unhappy.
I'm fairly handy and I to tinker now and then but it was 35 degrees today and I dont like the cold garage. I prefer the warm living room, on my recliner, watching the big TV.

Counting the days till it's over 50 degrees out and I can ride again.

Sounds like you got a fair deal. I have 12k on the FLSTSE3 and will have the dealer change mine when the weather warms here too. 
WD