Just got back from my Harley dealer, and the service guy quoted me, at my 1000 mile servicing, at a price of $325?! Is this right!?! Or is the price jacked up because of the dealership? I was told by someone else that I could probably do it myself, as servicing a sporty isn't rocket science according to him. What should I do? Thanks

 

$325 sounds like the norm. That's what I paid for my 1000 mile.

I will be doing the 5000 mile service myself. Not only was the dealer service expensive, but it was also lacking in the attention to detail. Afterwards the throttle had way too much play in it and they didn't properly tighten my primary tensioner nut which caused me a bit of concern when my primary chain started smacking the top of the case.

I suspect it will probably cost me a little more than a standard dealer service cost for this first self service because I need a couple tools like a nice torque wrench, maybe a decent bike lift, and a service manual, but I think its worth it in the long run in terms of both cost and peice of mind.

The bike needs serviced for safety reasons as well as for reliability and longevity. Do what your comfortable with, but by any means don't skip it.

 

Ps/ do a YouTube search for "delboys garage sportster service". I think he does a pretty good video on the subject.

 

They do a lot of stuff at the 1000 mile service. If you're handy with a wrench, have the service manual, and all the tools, you could do it yourself. There's a lot of checking torque values and adjusting that goes on at that service, it's more than an oil/filter change but like your friend said it's not rocket science.

Some guys choose to do everything themselves, others have the dealer do it all. I fall somewhere in the middle. I've got the service manual and am not afraid to tackle a few things but just for peace of mind and to avoid any warranty issues (I know, I know, if done right they shouldn't be able to raise a fuss but why risk it to save a few bucks?) I had them do the 1000.

 

Sounds about right. I charged about $260 for a 1k with standard everything.

The 1k is a pretty easy maintenance, but the important stuff comes from the inspection. Lots of stuff is breaking in/getting dumped for the first time and you need to keep an eye for anything that is out of norm. Usually it is just tightening belts, chains, and cables, but occasionally I've found some more pressing issues that required referral to a dealership for warranty.

 

It's about $300 locally with syn so the price isn't too far off. I've always let the dealer do the 1000 mile (it was free on the first 2 bikes), after that they don't see it unless it's a warranty issue. The regular service intervals are easy with a service manual, basic tools and even novice level mechanical ability. I have a good indy locally that is always there to back me up if I have problems and do things like tires that I don't feel like getting into. If you are going to tackle a lot of your own mods the service manual is mandatory and get a good set of torque wrenches (they don't have to be $400 snap-on models but don't cheap out either).