I was at about 1400 miles when i got mine done and luckily I didn't get any crap about warranty when i took it in although I was dreading it big time. I was under the impression that the 5000 mile service would be cheaper but much to my un-surprised self, it is the exact same cost. Are there other shops to take it to for regular scheduled service that are better priced and don't void warranty?
If mechanically inclined, get a service manual and do it all yourself. The majority of the cost is labor.
I've done some mechanical work in my day when needed (i.e. replacing head gaskets/clutches and minor stuff from there all car related) so i could probably figure it out pretty easy, just don't want HD coming back and sticking it to me if a warranty issue arises is all.
Uh, someone said just do it when you get back. Didn't you say you were doing a 3000 mile trip, that means you would have 3400 miles on the bike. I don't think that is good advice, I would get it done before you hit 1200 miles.
You know, that thing that you bring the bike to the dealer, it changes oil and filter (barely), it tell you it did all a bunch of things, and it spills you $400 out of your pocket?