Just did it on my trike. Okay, so it's not a big deal doing it myself ... but I thought I'd shed some light on how much you can save, not to mention I know it was done right.
I scanned the maintenance schedule and printed a copy to use as a work sheet. Got the shop manuals out and read about it.
Next I went to Harley and purchased a gallon of syn 3, an o-ring for the drain and a new filter. Total cost after vet discount (10%) $58.96.
Then I went home and did the service. Most of it is common sense stuff that doesn't require any mechanical ability. The oil change is no tougher than doing a car, a little tighter to get under the trike, but not rocket science. The only tough part is checking the drive belt tension, and if you spend the 20 something dollars for the tool and follow the service manual and tool instructionsit's not tough. Also you will need Harley Lube as per the maintenance schedule. And some rags.
I also recommend a set of the disposable rubber gloves for mechanics, I get mine at Home Depot, cheapest place in town. Sun 3 smells funky and is a little tough to get the smell off your hands although lemon juice works well.
My dealer charges $395 for the 5k. Cost me $58.96 and two hours time (includes reading about it). Oil needs to be disposed of safely, not down the storm drain. Most auto parts places will recycle it for free. They provide you the service, they get to sell the used oil, you buy stuff there. Win Win. If you do just one, you can save enough to get all the labor saving devices and probably feel good about yourself.
Labor Saving Devices I use:
-fancy drain pan that fits under the trike - HD - also used to take oil to recycle
-primary oil fill funnel (not used on 5k) - HD
-tool that catches oil from filter when removed - HD
-drive belt tension tool - HD
Some tips. I initial every step on the service schedule as I do it. When I'm done I sign, date and time it.
I also attach the receipt for any parts. All so I can prove it was done.
Okay, now I am assuming we all have a basic set of wrenches, sockets, etc. But even if you don't, Sears sells mechanic sets for less than $100 that will have most of what you need. I got into the habit of wrenching on my bike with tools I carry on the bike. If I find my tool set I carry is missing something, I evaluate weather or not I need to add it. For instance, the tension tool isn't in my travel set. If I need to adjust or replace the belt on the road (yes I carry a spare belt, might not be a roadside repair, but if I get the trike to a gas station with a mechanic, I got the belt), I can get it close enough by "feel" to get me home or to a dealer. Again, common sense is authorized here. I have four 9" x 12" canvass bank bags that I keep the travel tools in. 1 is for sale, 1 is for metric, 1 is for torx and socket wrench and extensions, and 1 is for misc.
stuff, screw drivers, knife, pliers, crest wrench, etc. These fit nicely into nooks and crannies in the trunk, weight is low and secure, although not as big a deal on the trike. In the Ultra I laid the in the bottom of the saddlebags.
I'm not suggesting that everyone should do your own wrenching because I know there are many that don't want to get on the floor and do it. It's each to his or her own. But I thought I'd post this to maybe give someone the idea to do it ... worse case ... if ya mess up, the dealer will always bail ya out ... for a price. Now there are services that I'm not sure I'd tackle ... but those I can still have the dealer do.
Hope somebody finds this helpful.
I scanned the maintenance schedule and printed a copy to use as a work sheet. Got the shop manuals out and read about it.
Next I went to Harley and purchased a gallon of syn 3, an o-ring for the drain and a new filter. Total cost after vet discount (10%) $58.96.
Then I went home and did the service. Most of it is common sense stuff that doesn't require any mechanical ability. The oil change is no tougher than doing a car, a little tighter to get under the trike, but not rocket science. The only tough part is checking the drive belt tension, and if you spend the 20 something dollars for the tool and follow the service manual and tool instructionsit's not tough. Also you will need Harley Lube as per the maintenance schedule. And some rags.
I also recommend a set of the disposable rubber gloves for mechanics, I get mine at Home Depot, cheapest place in town. Sun 3 smells funky and is a little tough to get the smell off your hands although lemon juice works well.
My dealer charges $395 for the 5k. Cost me $58.96 and two hours time (includes reading about it). Oil needs to be disposed of safely, not down the storm drain. Most auto parts places will recycle it for free. They provide you the service, they get to sell the used oil, you buy stuff there. Win Win. If you do just one, you can save enough to get all the labor saving devices and probably feel good about yourself.
Labor Saving Devices I use:
-fancy drain pan that fits under the trike - HD - also used to take oil to recycle
-primary oil fill funnel (not used on 5k) - HD
-tool that catches oil from filter when removed - HD
-drive belt tension tool - HD
Some tips. I initial every step on the service schedule as I do it. When I'm done I sign, date and time it.
I also attach the receipt for any parts. All so I can prove it was done.
Okay, now I am assuming we all have a basic set of wrenches, sockets, etc. But even if you don't, Sears sells mechanic sets for less than $100 that will have most of what you need. I got into the habit of wrenching on my bike with tools I carry on the bike. If I find my tool set I carry is missing something, I evaluate weather or not I need to add it. For instance, the tension tool isn't in my travel set. If I need to adjust or replace the belt on the road (yes I carry a spare belt, might not be a roadside repair, but if I get the trike to a gas station with a mechanic, I got the belt), I can get it close enough by "feel" to get me home or to a dealer. Again, common sense is authorized here. I have four 9" x 12" canvass bank bags that I keep the travel tools in. 1 is for sale, 1 is for metric, 1 is for torx and socket wrench and extensions, and 1 is for misc.
stuff, screw drivers, knife, pliers, crest wrench, etc. These fit nicely into nooks and crannies in the trunk, weight is low and secure, although not as big a deal on the trike. In the Ultra I laid the in the bottom of the saddlebags.
I'm not suggesting that everyone should do your own wrenching because I know there are many that don't want to get on the floor and do it. It's each to his or her own. But I thought I'd post this to maybe give someone the idea to do it ... worse case ... if ya mess up, the dealer will always bail ya out ... for a price. Now there are services that I'm not sure I'd tackle ... but those I can still have the dealer do.
Hope somebody finds this helpful.
