Don't forget, rborsholm is in Canada so prices are higher than in the States. I live up Island from him & brake pad price sound about right, the service would have cost you about $300 at a local indy. I buy my tires from a local aftermarket parts guy, his prices are competitive and if you give him the wheel he will mount and balance the tire for free. but I agree with the others here, get a manual and do it yourself. btw, I was talking with some others last night who say that S.D.'s prices are about 20% higher than other HD stores.

 

Labor at my dealership is 65 an hour, I would suggest that along with the manual you also get the dvd fix my hog from one of this sites sponsors. Get the one for your bike it helps some times seeing someone else do it and with the help of the manual, dvd, and all of your friends here on the forum it should be a walk in the park. Just my .02 worth

 

I take mine to a local independant shop for service. Harley is way too expensive and holds onto the bike too long. I had a friend get a $750 quote for a 10K service from an HD dealer. Mine is going in for the 10,000 mile service next week. Cost - $320 and it will be done the same day I bring it in. Once my warranty is up, I will be doing the services myself.

 

Where do you buy a service manual?

 

I see where 2 of our local HD dealers have what they call their "Express Lane" . One of them even advertises an oil change and filter for 29.99 in an hour or less...no appointment necessary.

 

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US

 

thanks travroc

 

You can do your own service without affecting the warranty. Just keep good records and receipts.

 

well if you don't even know when your own tires need replacing ,I'm afraid you are going to be at everyone's mercy........ .... were you under the impression that the labor and materials were free?

 

Thanks to all that posted - good insight into the dealer charges...

Some clarifications... I have a VTX and have done pretty well all the work on it for the last 5 years (including stage 1, pipes, oil changes, swapping fork springs out, etc. etc.) - got real comfortable with it and yes it is a great way to relax, wrenching away.

The ultra is a big beast (and a bit initmidating) - I plan on getting the manual and start to do the work myself. The dealership made a big thing about how much has to be done during a 10k tune up. They also quoted the Harley sales bible of "And if you don't bring it to us - the warranty...blah, blah, blah....) When I got the bill - it basically was for an oil change... As someone wrote - probably a good idea to get "in writing" exactly what they are going to do and for how much. Needless to say, I did not and the post was more to get an idea if this price was way out of line or not (seems not to be). I appreciate all the responses.

I ride a lot so for me, it will be two oil changes per year and a new set of tires. This winter I will put the machine up on blocks and start "to learn" :-)

Last comment about the tires (more for us Canucks). I found that I could buy my front and back tires, pay for shipping and customs charges for less than I could buy one back tire up here (I have two extra sets of tires for my VTX and a new set of tires for the Ultra in my garage which probably cost 45% of what they would cost up here (after taxes)... Buying online for the States is a great way to get tires....

Again, thanks for all the comments, it was appreciated.

Ron