5000 mile service... really??
#32
There is something to be said for having an experienced mechanic do maintenance and repairs on your bike.
Few would be happy however if that dealership had someone doing the work that had absolutely no experience doing so.
Yet they will recommend other forum members, who say they have no experience with such repairs, to jump in and do the services themselves.
To do it yourself, you need to take the time to learn and understand the proper way to do the services. You then need to source the proper tools and supplies, then you need a proper work space, put aside the time, and give it your best shot, knowing that the first time is the hardest, and has the smallest chance to go perfectly.
You also need a plan "B" in case something goes well. Easy to drive your bike to the dealership and hang out in the waiting room for an oil change. Much more difficult to have your bike transported there on a trailer because you cross threaded a drain plug.
Few would be happy however if that dealership had someone doing the work that had absolutely no experience doing so.
Yet they will recommend other forum members, who say they have no experience with such repairs, to jump in and do the services themselves.
To do it yourself, you need to take the time to learn and understand the proper way to do the services. You then need to source the proper tools and supplies, then you need a proper work space, put aside the time, and give it your best shot, knowing that the first time is the hardest, and has the smallest chance to go perfectly.
You also need a plan "B" in case something goes well. Easy to drive your bike to the dealership and hang out in the waiting room for an oil change. Much more difficult to have your bike transported there on a trailer because you cross threaded a drain plug.
#33
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 181
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There is something to be said for having an experienced mechanic do maintenance and repairs on your bike.
Few would be happy however if that dealership had someone doing the work that had absolutely no experience doing so.
Yet they will recommend other forum members, who say they have no experience with such repairs, to jump in and do the services themselves.
To do it yourself, you need to take the time to learn and understand the proper way to do the services. You then need to source the proper tools and supplies, then you need a proper work space, put aside the time, and give it your best shot, knowing that the first time is the hardest, and has the smallest chance to go perfectly.
You also need a plan "B" in case something goes well. Easy to drive your bike to the dealership and hang out in the waiting room for an oil change. Much more difficult to have your bike transported there on a trailer because you cross threaded a drain plug.
Few would be happy however if that dealership had someone doing the work that had absolutely no experience doing so.
Yet they will recommend other forum members, who say they have no experience with such repairs, to jump in and do the services themselves.
To do it yourself, you need to take the time to learn and understand the proper way to do the services. You then need to source the proper tools and supplies, then you need a proper work space, put aside the time, and give it your best shot, knowing that the first time is the hardest, and has the smallest chance to go perfectly.
You also need a plan "B" in case something goes well. Easy to drive your bike to the dealership and hang out in the waiting room for an oil change. Much more difficult to have your bike transported there on a trailer because you cross threaded a drain plug.
Wrenching on your own motorcycle can also benefit you if you get stuck out there on the road somewhere and need repairs. This has happened a few times - and without the experience I gained from doing a few simple things at first, I would have probably been at the mercy of a tow truck and dealer which I didn't know or trust to work on my motorcycle.
However - there are items I don't do because I either don't have the tools, or don't have the time (or space) to perform those repairs.
Oil changes and routine maintenance - got that. Changing out cams (or cam bearings) - I'd defer this to a solid mechanic. Since I ride almost 30,000 miles a year - it only made sense for me to perform my own 1k, 5k, 10k etc maintenance.
#35
As for rocket scientists (or Aerospace engineering as they refer to it) - most of them don't do a lot of manual labor like changing oil on motorcycles. They are scientists. (and yes, I know quite a few of them).
Plus - I have YET to know any Aerospace engineer that rides a Harley and does his/her own oil changes. Most, if not all - would take it to the dealership. Thats just how they roll.
Plus - I have YET to know any Aerospace engineer that rides a Harley and does his/her own oil changes. Most, if not all - would take it to the dealership. Thats just how they roll.
You folks getting on londo-cat's case do realize he's kidding, right?
The statements above are so ridiculous and you don't see the humor in them?
#38
#39
For some, common sense ain't so common. For others, they lack the mechanical aptitude. For others, they do not have the time or patience. For a few, they have money to **** away and could care less.
Those are the people that SHOULD bring it to the dealer, plain and simple.
I like to tinker, have a typical farm boy's mechanical aptitude, barely scrape by $$ wise, and feel that why have someone do it if I can do it myself. Granted there are things that are beyond my know-how or skills. For those, I bring it to the dealer. I am in the camp that believes that you should learn your vehicles, it may help you some day by the side of the road.
Those are the people that SHOULD bring it to the dealer, plain and simple.
I like to tinker, have a typical farm boy's mechanical aptitude, barely scrape by $$ wise, and feel that why have someone do it if I can do it myself. Granted there are things that are beyond my know-how or skills. For those, I bring it to the dealer. I am in the camp that believes that you should learn your vehicles, it may help you some day by the side of the road.
#40