Cost Of First 1,000 Mile Service M8

[Capt.Bob]

We have been at our SW Florida spot for almost a week and I finally got around to making some calls about getting the first service done.

To my amazement, Six Bends (Ft Myers) is doing them on new TGs for $360.00. Guess I'll go there. After that I'll go back to doing them myself, at least until the 20,000 probably.

Joe, If the small book we get with our 2019 TGU's is correct, make sure that they use Formula+ for the tranny and the primary chain case. They likely would just fill all three holes with Syn3 if you didn't alert them. Bob

 

[ISP-FL]

Thanks Bob, I will certainly do that. I never fully trust the work when a dealership does a 3 hole change but just hope they at least follow the manual and check all the other stuff they are suppose to.

 

[Burnerboy]

I'm not a Harley rider (Goldwing)..... BUT a big suggestion here: Everytime I change oil/filter, replace spark plugs, wax, change tire(s), ect.ect. I always note it in the back of my owners manual, with mileage, date...This way, I know for my own information, OR if you sell it, it sure looks better to the new buyer/owner that this work/service has indeed been done and everything was noted, with mileage and exact date of complection... This sure beats the "guessing game' "was it" OR "was it not" really done!!!

Ronnie

 

[Jack Klarich]

I'm not a Harley rider (Goldwing)..... BUT a big suggestion here: Everytime I change oil/filter, replace spark plugs, wax, change tire(s), ect.ect. I always note it in the back of my owners manual, with mileage, date...This way, I know for my own information, OR if you sell it, it sure looks better to the new buyer/owner that this work/service has indeed been done and everything was noted, with mileage and exact date of complection... This sure beats the "guessing game' "was it" OR "was it not" really done!!!

Ronnie

#1, The first thing I do is staple in a couple extra pages to note ALL add ons to the trike or bike

I also record the mileage on oil and oil filter receipts

Keeping good records has always been important to me, it has rewarded me when it comes time to trade

 

[MDO]

Thanks Bob, I will certainly do that. I never fully trust the work when a dealership does a 3 hole change but just hope they at least follow the manual and check all the other stuff they are suppose to.

You sure that price they quoted you wasn't just labor? They may add on 7 quarts of fluid, a filter & a gasket kit (derby cover & 3 "O" rings).

 

[ISP-FL]

My experience has always been when they check in your bike you sign the work order. If their estimate at that time does not match what they initially told me on the phone then I'll simply ride off into the sunset. I have never had them give me a quote for just labor on a requested service.

 

[ISP-FL]

I stand corrected. Guess even under new ownership Six Bends is still going to be a subpar dealership.

Was there at appointment time (noon). After some searching for my paperwork it was discovered that the service gal had put me down for Tuesday instead of Monday. They realized their mistake but promised the bike would be done by closing.

Signed the work order and noticed there was no estimate. Since they had quoted me $360.00 I asked again to confirm the price. Yep, initial 1,000 mile service would be $360.00.

Picked it up and guess what, $405. At first she began explaining the paperwork and said there was tax but then discovered it was $380 before they started adding other tax and junk on anyway. Expressed my displeasure. Their response was basically, you owe $405.

I know it is only $45 but it pisses me off that they quote one price and then jack it when the bike gets done. Hope they make a ton of money as a new dealership doing that because I'll be driving the extra few miles up to Black Widow from now on.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I stand corrected. Guess even under new ownership Six Bends is still going to be a subpar dealership.

Was there at appointment time (noon). After some searching for my paperwork it was discovered that the service gal had put me down for Tuesday instead of Monday. They realized their mistake but promised the bike would be done by closing.

Signed the work order and noticed there was no estimate. Since they had quoted me $360.00 I asked again to confirm the price. Yep, initial 1,000 mile service would be $360.00.

Picked it up and guess what, $405. At first she began explaining the paperwork and said there was tax but then discovered it was $380 before they started adding other tax and junk on anyway. Expressed my displeasure. Their response was basically, you owe $405.

I know it is only $45 but it pisses me off that they quote one price and then jack it when the bike gets done. Hope they make a ton of money as a new dealership doing that because I'll be driving the extra few miles up to Black Widow from now on.

Wow, I thought ALL work orders in Fl needed to have the estimate on before you signed to authorize the work? It seems to me that is the way it used to be + they could not go 10 per cent over that estimate with out consent.

If this still holds true I would be on the phone to the manager, JMO

I ran the back shop @ a Sears Auto center, that is how we operated to comply with the law

WE had a few not to bright service writers that got us in big trouble with customers over this very type of thing

I sure do not miss that BS

 

[Jack Klarich]

Joe, I just looked up the Fl law

What they did was illegal IMO

They have to give you a written estimate

You have the right to waive this BUT there should have been a check off box on the invoice

If that was me I would be all over that dealer JMO

 

[ISP-FL]

Jack, good advise. I am taking my wife in for catarac surgery (first eye) this morning and I have some other commitments this week but I will try to get some time to go back to Six Bends and discuss this with them.

The over charging will be issue #1.

Bob, when they checked me in I asked about putting Formula+ in the tranny instead of just Syn-3 in all three holes like I normally have done. The first service guy who started my paperwork said he had never head of any changes like that to the 114 M8's. He went back into the shop and "claimed" he asked the top mechanic about it. He came back out and said there were no changes for the 114 motors as far as what lubricants to use. Page 151 in the owners manual would seem to dispute that if I am reading it correctly.

So today while I am babysitting the DW I will try to get a call in to Milwaukee and get the real scoop. If I find out Syn-3 is not suppose to be in the tranny then I'll be heading back ASAP for two issues.

 

[rhino 2]

Jack, good advise. I am taking my wife in for catarac surgery (first eye) this morning and I have some other commitments this week but I will try to get some time to go back to Six Bends and discuss this with them.

The over charging will be issue #1.

Bob, when they checked me in I asked about putting Formula+ in the tranny instead of just Syn-3 in all three holes like I normally have done. The first service guy who started my paperwork said he had never head of any changes like that to the 114 M8's. He went back into the shop and "claimed" he asked the top mechanic about it. He came back out and said there were no changes for the 114 motors as far as what lubricants to use. Page 151 in the owners manual would seem to dispute that if I am reading it correctly.

So today while I am babysitting the DW I will try to get a call in to Milwaukee and get the real scoop. If I find out Syn-3 is not suppose to be in the tranny then I'll be heading back ASAP for two issues.

If I remember correctly but my memory isn’t too good since the alien aduction I’ve had a few years ago but with my 17 synthetic three was recommended! When I started having the oil migration that’s when harley tech recommended formula plus for the transmission and that didn’t stop the migration it just got worse and worse

 

[ultrafxr]

I got curious about the recommended lubricants so I checked my Trike Models 2018 Service Manual Supplement and this is what it says:

Engine - recommended oil is Genuine H-D 360 motorcycle oil

Transmission and Primary - Formula+ Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant and Screamin' Eagle Syn3 Sull Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant 20W50 are both acceptable lubricants

Don't know of any reason why any of the TCs or M8s would be any different. Personally I do run full synthetic in the engine and Formula+ in the tranny and primary. I've run this combo in several two wheelers and now my TG. I've had no problem with shifting or finding neutral with any of them. And I do think the synthetic in the engine what with how hot it runs is a better choice. This is just my opinion but based on extensive study and experience.

 

[ISP-FL]

I got curious about the recommended lubricants so I checked my Trike Models 2018 Service Manual Supplement and this is what it says:

Engine - recommended oil is Genuine H-D 360 motorcycle oil

Transmission and Primary - Formula+ Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant and Screamin' Eagle Syn3 Sull Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant 20W50 are both acceptable lubricants

Don't know of any reason why any of the TCs or M8s would be any different. Personally I do run full synthetic in the engine and Formula+ in the tranny and primary. I've run this combo in several two wheelers and now my TG. I've had no problem with shifting or finding neutral with any of them. And I do think the synthetic in the engine what with how hot it runs is a better choice. This is just my opinion but based on extensive study and experience.

I'll dig through my paperwork/manuals again and see if I even have a "service manual supplement". The 19's came with one thick manual instead of two like previous model years. The Boom information is included in the single manual along with everything else basically.

Never had a chance yet to follow up on these issues yesterday. DW's cataract surgery went okay but a few hours later she got really sick and we ended up back in Dr. office at 10pm. Not much improvement today so back we go. Not sure what is going on yet.

 

[FRR]

I don't know about the new ones, but when I owned my Ultras ( last one sold in 2014) there wasn't a thing on that list that I couldn't do at home. Most of us can change the fluids and a lot of the other things were check this, look at this, etc. Why would anyone pay crazy prices like this?

 

[ultrafxr]

I'll dig through my paperwork/manuals again and see if I even have a "service manual supplement". The 19's came with one thick manual instead of two like previous model years. The Boom information is included in the single manual along with everything else basically.

Never had a chance yet to follow up on these issues yesterday. DW's cataract surgery went okay but a few hours later she got really sick and we ended up back in Dr. office at 10pm. Not much improvement today so back we go. Not sure what is going on yet.

Joe, sorry to hear your wife is felling sick after the surgery. Hopefully it will clear up soon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Regarding the Service Manual Supplement - it does not come with the TG. This is the supplement to the factory service manual that covers the items specific to the trike. Like the factory service manual it must be purchased. I also just checked the touring model service manual which covers all models including the components on the TG that are the same as the two wheelers and as I knew it would it has the very same recommendation for lubricants as I posted for the TG. Both say Syn 3 is acceptable for the engine also of course.

 

[MDO]

I'll dig through my paperwork/manuals again and see if I even have a "service manual supplement". The 19's came with one thick manual instead of two like previous model years. The Boom information is included in the single manual along with everything else basically.

Never had a chance yet to follow up on these issues yesterday. DW's cataract surgery went okay but a few hours later she got really sick and we ended up back in Dr. office at 10pm. Not much improvement today so back we go. Not sure what is going on yet.

I'm keeping positive thoughts for a good medical outcome here. Good luck.

 

[ISP-FL]

Thanks for the good wishes. After a better morning and visits with two doctors from their group they decided it was a severe reaction to one of the drugs used to put her under yesterday. For next tuesday's surgery on her second eye they are switching to the same combination of drugs used in colon screenings.

I called Milwaukee a little while ago. I told him what page 151 in my manual indicated about Formula+ being the only recommended lubricant for the tranny. He looked it up and then put me on hold for a few minutes while he contacted someone else for clarification.

They didn't really say the owners manual was wrong. Their answer was actually "almost" clear. He said they recommend using Formula+ in the tranny for the M8-114 because that is what they used to test it. If a customer wanted to switch and use Syn-3 then that would be okay and in no way effect their warranty.

Just for added clarity I asked "then if I wanted to continue to use Syn-3 in all three holes, just like I did in my 2016 103 then that would be okay with Harley?" He said that would be fine. He asked me if I wanted a reference number and I didn't take one, probably should have but I have a hard time believing using Syn-3 would make a difference in the tranny anyway.

It wouldn't shock me to see this changed in the 2020 manuals, or whenever they reprint.

 

[MDO]

ISP-FL, it's good to hear positive news about your better half. I know the drugs they use for anasthesia can cause problems for a lot of patients for 24 hours after administering them.

Glad they have a plan for next time.

 

[GARYD]

I still think 3 different fluids in 3 different holes.

Personally I would never use the same fluid for 3 different applications. JMHO

 

[rhino 2]

I still think 3 different fluids in 3 different holes.

Personally I would never use the same fluid for 3 different applications. JMHO

If you have the oil migration then it don't matter..........