Im about at 2500 miles in 50 miles. One short trip left in her. Scarred to hit the mileage due to the next service being due. Service due is about $300.00. I feel like damn, i was just in there at 1000 miles and that one was $300.00 bucks. Feels as you have to be rich or plain neglect the maintenance on this bike. Do I have to do the entire service to keep the factory warranty valid or can i just change the oil and then do the full 5k service?

 

First: Does anyone know if the Dealers 'Enter' this routine maintenance information into a computer data base? One that 'only the dealerships can access? If not, how would one dealership know whether you've gotten the work done at another dealership or not? Hell, I don't take the owners manual on the road with me.

The only factory service that I had a dealer do was the 500 mile....Which (other than fluids) was included with the sale. I've done everything else (with the exception of a few oil changes made 'on the road') in the 48K I've got on the bike. Heck the service manager told me when I picked up the scooter to do most of the 'maintenance stuff' myself. But hell, I only had a one year/unlimited mile (lotta good that does in Michigan) warranty. I put about 11K on the bike the first year...before the warranty ran out. Keep all your reciepts is about the only advice I can give ya.

However, I can tell you this from almost 14 years experience in owning a HD, unless you constantly check with the dealers, The MoCo isn't gonna keep you posted on all the Service Directives for you model. Make certain that you bike is current with all of them.

 

Mine has only been in for the 1000 mile service and that's it. I've done everything else my self. No it will not void your warranty. If they say it does then they are full a crap. Just do your own maintance and you and your HD will be fine.

 

I have heard that the 2500 mile service is not necessary. People I have talked to (independents) say that the 1000 mile service should be followed by 5000 mile service then, 10000, 15000, 20000, 25000, etc. About every 5000 miles or so for service. Every 2500 to 3000 miles for fluids. Most can change your own fluids. Make sure you run synthetic oil. If you are like me I don't get to ride the scoot enough, therefore it will go days and even weeks with not getting a ride, especially now that it is getting cold and the weather stinks. If you don't know how to change your fluids, post on here for step by step or do a GOOGLE search. Can't be too difficult. Good luck.

2004 FatBoy

 

I believe the 2500 mile service is basically just an engine oil and filter change. You can do it yourself, just keep proof that you bought the oil and filter. The next one (5K)is engine oil, filter, trans and primary fluids as well as adjust the primary chain and drive belt. You can still do it yourself as long as you maintain proof but you need to make sure you adjust the chain and belt properly. I do all my own service without any special tools.

 

I take mine in for service each 10, 000 miles when I also get new tires while the wheels are off for repacking bearings, etc. I do the fluid, filter changes myself in between, Of course, I am not concerned about the warranty. My warranty ran out ten years ago.

 

mine was done at 1000, from here on i do my own. but 1000 plus 2500 (my personal engine oil change interval) = 3500 miles, then i will do the primary and tranny every other oil change.

Get the shop manual and do your own service and adjustments

 

I ride a lot, and my dealer here recommends (after the initial 1000 hour service) service at 5000 mile intervals, including fluid changes. With modern oils and reasonable use, there is no reason to change oil more often than this. Shorter intervals certainly won't hurt anything, but today's oils can easily go 5000 miles or more between changes.

 

I skipped the 2500. I'll probably take it to my dealer for the 5000 unless I do it myself. My dealer's service department is good. They have done right by me and I don't mind entrusting my bike to them, but I kinda like getting my hands dirty if you know what I mean. Besides I ought to know how to do this stuff anyway. When I had my 1000 mile service done the charge was $269 including SYN3 in all three holes. I have since replaced that with Amsoil in the crank and Shock Proof Heavy in the trans.

 

I think your getting robbed at $300 for service... its just oil and labor