Doing your own Maintenance on your HD

[Rollin Thunder]

Morning. I just been told by the service guy at my HD shop after asking him a couple of questions on my 14 Tri Glide. I like using Syn motor oil and have for years even on my Evo's. But I asked him if the oil filters are the same and he Yes since 1999. Then came a question from another guy standing there talking with us about trans oil ? He said THEY recommend a HEAVIER Synthetic like RED LINE for that and that Harley doesn't have one.

OK cool Now I have all my info and ready to change things when I get a few more mins to play with my bike. Just letting any of you that still do your own Maint on your bikes. Seems now day NO one takes the time to do their own stuff any more and just take it to the dealer drop it off.
The only time I took my New Bikes in for service was the 1st and maybe the second oil changes.
After that I do all my own.
I've heard of guys that had service work done and things were not done right or something was loose. Done blame them if you don't take thins in to your own hands. OK NUFF said.

[HDB0B]

ANY service I can do myself ... is done by myself. I worked for an AMF Harley Dealer in the 70's.
We were real mechanics ... not part swappers. We had no DTC Codes.

Some things are best left to the Dealer / Indy Shop due to the specialized tools required.

I own the proper factory manuals for my rides.

I might take twice as long ... but I know it is done right.

Bob

[Bill G]

ANY service I can do myself ... is done by me. I worked for an AMF Harley Dealer in the 70's.
We were real mechanics ... not part swappers. We had no DTC Codes.
Some things are best left to the Dealer / Indy Shop due to the specialized tools required.
I own the proper factory manuals for my rides.
I might take twice as long ... but I know it is done right.

Agreed, I do the same as you. I never let the dealer touch my bike unless I have no other choice such as a major warranty issue. Even then I demand the best tech. I then talk to him and the service manager and we come to an understanding before they touch my scoot.
As a matter of fact when my bike is new I take it home and spend the day going over everything I can. I double check everything fluids bolts you name it (have found loose brake caliper bolts for example, low fluid levels).

You would be surprised what I have found over the years of buying new Harley's.Ride Safe All,
Bill G

[geezerglide11441]

ANY service I can do myself ... is done by myself. I worked for an AMF Harley Dealer in the 70's.
We were real mechanics ... not part swappers. We had no DTC Codes.

Some things are best left to the Dealer / Indy Shop due to the specialized tools required.

I own the proper factory manuals for my rides.

I might take twice as long ... but I know it is done right.

Bob

100%

Roger

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I started doing my own work on my bikes out of necessity(lack of funds) plus i always enjoyed it.I have let the dealer do the first service on my last three bikes but after that i always do my own.I built my 01 Road Glide to a 95 inch other than doing the head work and boring the clys i did it all,amazing how much money one can tie up in assorted cam install tools,got three different cam bearing removal tools(evo,early twin and late twin) will save my son a ton of money,he has two HD's plus he is a motor head. I have always said that the evo was the easiest one to swap cams in.

[Trampas]

Been doing my own service on my bikes for a long time, I will be doing the same to the triglide also, the only thing is when it is something I can't handle, then it goes to the dealer, let's put this another way, if I don't feel comfortable doing it, then to the dealer.



All for now Trampas

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Just as a word to the wise for those that are still covered under warrantee. document, document, document. I print the pdf files for the service schedules for my bikes and initial each item on each service as I do it. I then sign, date and time the service form and file it. If it requires a special tool (lets say a belt tension measuring tool is called for) I buy one and keep the receipt.

Big pain in the bu$$, but, the regional rep can't argue that it wasn't done right.

[Jack Klarich]

No one touches my Trike but me and dealer warranty work, Nuff Said JMO