[Autobred]

Ive heard it time and time again that its great to do your own maintenance but the
1st scheduled maintenance should be done at the dealer or independant dealer and keep receipts to maintain warranty. Is there any truth in that, and any members chose to do 1st maintenance themselves? Thanks

 

[BigDaveOnBass]

I let the dealer do mine up to the 5000 mile mark, then I started doing my own. It was more for warranty concerns.

 

[BDMastiff]

I let the dealer do mine up to the 5000 mile mark, then I started doing my own. It was more for warranty concerns.

If you save your receipts for your oil and fluids you shouldn't have any warranty issues. I write the date and mileage on my receipts and throw it in a folder in case I ever need it. I do a much better job than the dealer and my bike hasn't ever been in the shop.

 

[Rowdy]

Had the dealer do it

I had the dealer do mine for the 1k and the 5k, now I am going to be doing them myself, or taking it to one of the local indys... With the problems I have had with the dealer lately I will be taking my money somewhere else.
The hardest part of doing that is we have the loyalty point system at the local shop and I have a ton of points which = cash...
You will want to keep your receipts though whether you do it yourself, or have an independant do it.

 

[Leatherneck Clean]

I do all of mine, dont want dealer to touch.....unless some kind of recall.
Ive had problems at dealership.....keep all receipts is a good idea.
But warranty will cover you.....unless youve replaced something with an aftermarket part...at least thats been my experience

 

[HD-DOC]

If you have the ability to do it your self and the tools, go for it. Keep reciepts and record what you did and make sure you do the hole service right. Doc

 

[Autobred]

Thanks for the replys fellas, Just wondering everybodys take on it..I always brought my softails in for initial maintenance.. Then a mechanic got layed off and started doing stuff at home so I let him do it to help him get started and naturally save money. Nice thing about it was I can sit there watch and drink beer.. he's checking on the work on previous maintenaces Eg. He would tap my spokes with a small wrench for tightness and say they are like tuning forks.. Hear that one? Those yoyos at the dealer should of taking care of that.. Then proceed to tighten all of them, just the little things like that makes you feel comfortable all the while helping and saving hard earned greenbacks..So I'm actually skeptic about letting just any dealer work on mine. Probably the best course of action is actually develop a friendship/trust with the guys or just DIY

 

[BDMastiff]

If you have the ability to do it your self and the tools, go for it. Keep reciepts and record what you did and make sure you do the hole service right. Doc

Has anyone ever done a DIY post with photos on how to service your bike? I just serviced mine yesterday but I'll do one the next time I do a service if no one has already. It's so simple and a matter of removing 3 plugs and a filter (and the passenger floor board on the left side to access your derby cover). You can do the whole job with a 1 torque, 2 hexes, a 5/8" socket and an oil filter wrench. You may also need a derby cover gasket and a few o-rings for the plugs but it's very simple. I don't even jack my bike any more 'cause it's too easy to do on the ground. Adjusting the clutch and clutch pack are easy too and should be done each time you service your bike. For those who have not serviced their own bike, don't be scared of it; a child can do it.

 

[mi2az]

Folks:

Youtube is your friend. You have some good "How To's" and some not so good. But it will give you an idea on how to tackle some projects.

JMO,

Marty

 

[CHAINSAW]

Folks:

Youtube is your friend. You have some good "How To's" and some not so good. But it will give you an idea on how to tackle some projects.

JMO,

Marty

Your right,.. I learned how to tie a neck tie from youtube. How did we ever get along before the internet?