Without naming the dealership,a Charlotte, NC H-D franchise said it would take three hours labor to install the IDS on my 2007 Electra Glide. Luckily I had read enough posts on this forum that I knew that was bogus so I went to another nearby dealership who quoted me one hour for the job. With the Elbow Grease promotion, therewas no labor charge at all for the install. It seems some dealerships want to play the system so they can gain the most out of Harley's attempt to correct a wrong on the 2007 models.

 

Call the other "one" and inform the service manager of what the "good" one did, and ask him to explain how there can be that much of a variance. That is just rediculous.

DanB

 

Local wrench shop (Eastern Performance) in my area, last week qutoed me 2.5 hours for the install.

 

If the story is true, why don't you want to name the dealer. What is the point of this post. We all know there are differences in pricing but you should name the guys that are either too stupid or too greedy to do repairs on our bikes. You will be doing the guys in your area a favor by pointing out the name of the "stealer". T.

 

Absolutely what Ultra said.

 

I would question the difference with the time as well. Are they using a standard flat rate quote or are they just winging it?Auto dealers use a standard flat rate from a pre-established guide of time it takes to do a job. What do Harley dealers use? Call the high priced dealer back and ask them.......why so much and where are they coming up with the 2 1/2 hour labor? Could they be padding all their labor charges to make up for this soft economy?

 

I'm not an attorney, but I think there could be legal ramifications for identifying the dealership. It would be my word against the service writer's. The point I'm trying to make here is you need to be aware that the labor times vary between dealerships and we shouldshop around before just accepting a single estiamate. Maybe someone on this fourm would know if H-D, like the automobile industry, has standard labor charges for specific repairs. But, in any case, there shouldn't be a two and a half to one hour variance for the same procedure.

 

I also called around to several dealers in the Carolinas out of curiosity. I was surprised at the variation. I never got a quote as high as 3 hours but you could tell some had a list and could give a quick definate quote and some gave me the "uhh that would be probably about and 1-1/2 hour job." Some needed a little hint as to what an IDS is. One in five knew about or was willing to mention the "elbow grease" discount. Seems like there should be something a little more uniform. Seems like it even can vary at the same dealer depending on who answers the phone.

I am studying and using my shop manual a lot so I can do things myself and not worry about it. The brown truck should be here today with mine. Can't wait to get started on the install.

In all fairness I really like dealing with he Charlotte HD service department. I feel they have always done good by me. I want to give credit where credit is due. I just like to learn and try to do the easy stuff on my own. Especally if I can save money at the same time.

 

Let the dealership know how expensive they are compared to other dealers.Then ask them why their techs are so f**cking slow

 

I spoke to the service department at Rocket Harley near Huntsville Alabama about the IDS install under the Elbow Grease Program.

He told me Rocket Harley did not participate in the Elbow Grease program.

Why would a dealer NOT participate in the program?

Since this is the nearest dealer, about every 60 days I go insane and check with them about service, parts, or accessories.

I guess I'm a slow learner because it has never ever been an acceptable outcome.

My experience has been high price quotes on service and over MSRP pricing on the accessories that I was looking for.

So again, I make the 60 mile ride to Foster Harley in Tuscumbia Alabama where I have ALWAYS received excellent service and great prices.

For example, they displayed a 2' x 3' Elbow Grease Program poster board on their service counter.

I asked about the IDS install.

They said; yes we have it in stock; yes the Elbow Grease Program will cover all of the labor; and asked if I would like to do it right now.

It took Foster Harley 1:30 to complete the job which also included a windshield replacement and throttle adjustment.

As for the IDS; it made a significant improvement in my bike.

The bike is considerably quieter and much smoother.