I have a 2007 Ultra Classic and recently had the bike in for the 5,000 mile service at a local Harley Dealer. They later advised to change to Bel Ray transmission oil to quite down the 5th gear whine and when I did I found the transmission oil empty. The bike ran 700 miles with very little synthetic oil.

I immediately took the bike to the dealership where they drained the Bel Ray and found no metal particles. They also test rode the bike and said it was ok. Does anyone have any knowledge of potential damage or feedback on what I should do next? I contacted Harley Davidson and they wouldn't offer much advise or information. Thanks.

 

i am just being a smarta$$, so do not take this seriously. Never let a dealer do any maintenance on your bike! They do not give a $hit if they forget to fill any of the three holes with oil. Ain't their problem. If I was a betting man, I'd bet that the transmission will be just fine and will last until 1 or 2 days after the warranty is up. At that point it will be yor problem, not the dealers. That's what they are banking on anyway! Now for the serious part - I would attempt (probably will not work out) to get the dealer to sign something admitting that they neglected to put oil in the tranny and that they accept responsibility for future problems, even beyond the warranty period. Good luck though!

 

That is pretty disturbing! Any good reputable dealer does care about your bike and having you as a repeat customer, having them sign something to keep them liable isn't really a bad idea, but I don't think they will.
If you've been happy with their past service and want to continue doing business, let the service manager know you do not want that technition working on your bike again.

 

yea thatel teach em?

 

I'd probably run the current fill for 1000 miles and then send it off to a lab for analysis. If the report comes back that there is significant wear, then make the dealer pay for a new tranny.

 

Just one more reason I do my own oil service now. When I picked up my bike from my 1000 mile service I drove a block away and checked the oil in the engine & trans (yes I brought an allen wrench with me). Had to wait to get home to pull the derby & check the primary....which is when I realized WTF am I doing? Got my service manual the next day. I have read at least 10 posts on here for the same problem. One guy with a brand new Vrod had his engine blown because the idiot tech forgot to fill the engine with oil and took the bike for a test ride. He had all kinds of problems with the MoCo and had to settle for a rebuild on a brand new bike.

I just don't trust anyone to do simple service on my bike, cars, boat.

 

All good replies here,

NEVER, EVER leave anywhere after service without checking your fluid levels. Might take a little more time and a few hand tools, but as you experienced time well spent.

 

Damn. Dave. I feel for ya man. Those guys do that for a living.
That would be like going in for a heart transplant and the doc forgets to put the new heart in!

 

Dang, lucky you found it when you did. Hate to be 100 from nowhere.

 

+1 on checking fluids prior to leaving the dealer. You can only check two of three holes.