Methinks it's just about being one.

 

I'd just do the service myself if I were you. Take a look at all your fasteners, check cable adjustments. Change engine oil and primary/transmission fluids, both super easy jobs. Check lights, flashers, and brake lights. Check tire pressures and drive belt tension. That's about it at 1000.

John

 

Yep, and proud of it.
But I'm hardly the oldest fart here, just the only one with the title.

 

Just be sure to save your receipts, like for the oil, filter, etc, and document the bike's mileage, the date you did the work, and note what you changed, adjusted, checked, etc.

 

The 1,000 mile service on a 48 can be done by a novice wrencher. It does require an investment of about $200. I had to buy every basic tool (oil catch pan, torque wrench, you name it) and the $60 Service Manual. The manual is a must-have. It is well-written with lots if pictures for newbies like me.

If you decide to try it and get stuck, just ask. I'll answer any "dumb questions", since I've had to figure them out through trial and error or have already asked.

 

So how much is going to cost the next service?

 

Ha! Under $50. That covers the cost of oil, filter and lunch.

 

The only thing good about going to the dealer is you know what and where you got it done... They do have good mechanics but it's a revolving door at Harley (Speaking from experience) so you never know who is there or how reliable they are. With that said, I will never go there unless I have to. They are a bunch of crooks and do not care at all for your bike or the owner, it's all about $$ to them. (With the exception of a select few)
I use to work there and I left because I could not deal with people who not only had no care for the bike or the ride but was all aboubt the money. From parts to service to the sale floor, it IS all about the sale over there... I know this because I worked in each department. I started in parts and thought maybe it was just my supervisor so I moved to sales thinking the love of getting people on a new bike would be awesome, it was... but some of the things they wanted me to do were terrible. they would stab their own mother in the back for a dollar. Hence, I went in the back because I wanted no part of that... It was no different. So, I left Harley all together. Sad but true, Harley is not about bikes, riding bikes, or for the love of it at all anymore. It has sadly become a yuppy/salesman's world.
Well, that was my more than 2 cents LOL

 

I could be mistaken but I believe you asked either a mod or admin and they put "old fart" there for you? If the powers at HDForums deem you worthy, they oblige you. I've been wrong in the past but generally that's how it's done.

 

+1

I keep my receipts in my owner's manual. I just did my 5000 mile service the other day. It's 3rd oil/filter change since I got the bike in April with 1100 miles.