i have always done my own work, i've never had anything new enough to need warranty work done, i mostly build my own. stealers are for warrenty related issues IMO.

 

It's a simple matter of choice here. If you do not wish to learn your bike in and out, or simply would rather not work on it. Take it to the dealer, ask questions, put them to the test. You may find the effort to DIY is not worth the effort required. I change my own oil, keep the primary chain adjusted, samll stuff like that. All the other stuff goes to the Dealer, their work is warrantied, no matter the warranty on the bike. If they do the work and something happens to the bike, it's on them. At least at my dealer.

 

I say do what you can on your own, especially if you can save some money. The prices dealers charge is ridiculous. I doubt it will have any effect on resale so long as you save all the receipts on parts and the bike is clean and in excellent running condition. It wouldn't hurt to keep an informative log of what's been done and at what mileage and even taking some digital pics of certain procedures just to have good documentation and memories...lol.

 

The dealer had it for its 1K check. Then we brought a service manual. I know if I do it myself, it gets done right, it gets done how I'd like it, and it gets done on time. I also get to know my bike a lot better, and learning how it works through servicing it and wrenching it hopefully will pay be back one day if I ever had the misfortune to break down - I might be able to fix it rather than being helpless by the side of the road (or be able to help someone else).

So far I've installed all my own parts too. Mostly except for my engine guard, which I screwed up and managed to strip the bolts and needed tools I didn't have to get them out [:@]


I've never been mechanically inclined before, but I just love my bike and I love getting to know how it works too. Heck I don't even have a cow if I get my hands dirty on it - now THATS a first!

 

Eva,
You might want to get one of these kits. They are great for removing stripped screws and bolts and super easy to use. Anyone who works on a Harley will probably need this at one point or another:

Craftsman 7 pc. Drill-Out/Screw-Out Power Extractors
Sears item #00952157000 Mfr. model #720SR
Drill-Out removes broken bolts that are snapped/broken off. Screw-Out removes damaged screw heads without damaging surrounding material. Easy to use 2-step process. Requires 3/8 in. reversing drill.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00952157000

 

I don't think it would help with resale value. Everyone I know uses the blue book to determine values. Tim

 

whether or not you work on it or they is really a question of can u afford it or not? if u can and dont want to do the work cool! if u cant afford it u learn to do it yourself . but i know if i break down out on the road i know how to troubleshoot it and maybe jerry-rig it to get home.

 

Thanks guys. I really love doing my own work so I will be buying the service manual and doing the work myself! Thanks for your opinions.