I realize I need fluids and maybe a gasket or two, but what else? I'm contemplating doing this myself, even though I'm not a mechnic. I've installed slipons, installed a PCIII, changed the fluid in the three holes, changed the oil filter, and installed a few doodads here and there (curved license plate mount, highway pegs, etc...)

I'm PROBABLY capable of doing all of the 1,000 mile service stuff myself, but I'm not sure. Things like adjusting the clutch scare me just a bit, but it's probably easy.

So I know about fluids, a gasket or two, and a service manual. I assume it would be good to have a torque wrench, but is it really all that important to have one?

I have stuff like screwdrivers, allen wrenches, etc...

Is this so easy that I'd be better off doing it myself and not paying the dealer $250-350 for the work?

I like the sense of accomplishment I get even from doing easy things and it's never a bad thing to feel like you know your bike better. But if I got into the unknown territory (like adjusting the clutch) and couldn't figure it out, I'd be all pissed off and scared of hurting something. I'd like to avoid that. lol

I know to keep records and receipts for warranty purposes.

 

Service manual is all you should need

 

Step 1. Get a service manual

 

I'm about ready to do mine soon and the only oddball thing is greasing the steering head bearings. From what I've read here expect to pump in about half a tube of grease. Maybe someone else on board can suggest a good brand to use. Everything else on the 1k appears to be sure nothing has loosened up or fallen off and to swap out fluids.

 

I am no mechanic either, got a service manual it was all easy. Most of the stuff listed there wasn't necessary, but I did check everything. I didn't need to do the clutch at only 1K miles. Did all 3 fluids and that was it.

 

The manual also lists critical fasteners that need to be checked at the 1K. Clutch adjustment is pretty easy with the manual and two torque wrenches (foot pound and inch pound) would be a wise investment.

 

Operation of switches & electrical equipment Remove & replace engine oil & filter
Remove & replace primary oil
Remove & replace transmission oil
Clutch adjustment
Lubricate and adjust clutch cable
Primary chain adjustment
Adjust and lubricate throttle cables
Adjust enrichener **** (Carburated vehicles)
Inspect spark plugs
Inspect and adjust rear drive belt
Brake pads and disc
Brake fluid
Inspect brake rubber lines and components
Lubricate jiffy stand
Neck bearing adjustment
Remove and replace front fork oil
Inspect air filter
Inspect rear shocks
Inspect engine mounts and stabilizer links
Inspect fuel and oil lines for leaks and wear
Wheel spoke tension
Tire pressure and tire condition
Torque all critical fasteners
Engine idle speed adjustment (at operating temperature)
Check and clean battery connections
Test ride
GENERAL 1,000 MILE
Electra Glide®/Road King® Service Sheet
CONTINUED
Operation of switches & electrical equipment
Inspect engine oil level
Inspect transmission oil level
Adjust enrichener **** (Carburated vehicles)
Inspect and adjust rear drive belt
Brake pads and disc
Inspect brake rubber lines and components
Lubricate jiffy stand
Inspect air filter
Inspect fuel and oil lines for leaks and wear
Tire pressure and tire condition
Engine idle speed adjustment (at operating temperature)
Check and clean battery connections
Test ride
GENERAL 2,500 / 7,500 / 12,500 / 17,500 / 22,500 / 27,500 / 32,500 / 37,500 MILE
Electra Glide®/Road King® Service Sheet
CONTINUED
Operation of switches & electrical equipment
Remove & replace engine oil & filter
Remove & replace primary oil
Remove & replace transmission oil
Clutch adjustment
Lubricate and adjust clutch cable
Primary chain adjustment
Adjust and lubricate throttle cables
Adjust enrichener **** (Carburated vehicles)
Inspect spark plugs
Inspect and adjust rear drive belt
Inspect brake pads and discs
Brake fluid
Inspect brake rubber lines and components
Lubricate jiffy stand
Lubricate neck bearings
Inspect air filter
Inspect rear shocks
Inspect fuel and oil lines for leaks and wear
Wheel spoke tension
Tire pressure and tire condition
Engine idle speed adjustment (at operating temperature)
Check and clean battery connections
Test ride
GENERAL 5,000 / 15,000 / 25,000 / 35,000 / 45,000 MILE
Electra Glide®/Road King® Service Sheet
CONTINUED
Operation of switches & electrical equipment
Remove & replace engine oil & filter
Remove & replace primary oil
Remove & replace transmission oil
Clutch adjustment
Lubricate and adjust clutch cable
Primary chain adjustment
Adjust and lubricate throttle cables
Adjust enrichener **** (Carburated vehicles)
Remove and replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust rear drive belt
Brake pads and disc
Brake fluid
Inspect brake rubber lines and components
Lubricate jiffy stand
Neck bearing adjustment
Lubricate neck bearings
Disassemble, inspect and repack neck bearings (at 50,000 miles)
Remove and replace front fork oil (20,000 & 40,000 miles)
Inspect air filter
Inspect rear shocks
Inspect engine mounts and stabilizer links
Inspect fuel filter screen (20,000 & 40,000 miles)
Inspect fuel and oil lines for leaks and wear
Wheel spoke tension
Tire pressure and tire condition
Torque all critical fasteners
Engine idle speed adjustment (at operating temperature)
Check and clean battery connections
Test ride

 

The SM requires the clutch be adjusted at the 1K check. Mine at 1K needed to be adjusted, hard to find neutral, but not as bad now.

 

It's easy to do and will give you the satisfaction of getting to know the bike better. I have about the same skills that you have, and do almost all of my own maintenance. The Service Manual will show you how to handle clutch adjustments, steering head lube, and belt tension adjustment.

Coupled with a good wash and detail job, this makes for a good afternoon's work.

 

If I can do it, anyone with 5% brain power could do it. Seriously, it's not that hard, my advice is TAKE YOUR TIME. I know for me personally, it I try to rush something, I will forget a step or do it wrong. The service manual is your friend. Have fun with it.

I leave myself a 4 hour window to do an oil change and usually finish it in 20 minutes. I know if I had to rush and get it done in 20, it would take an hour and I would screw it up somehow.

When I do a 3 fluid change/check fasteners/adjust clutch (check out Youtube) I leave myself all day Saturday to do it. Hasn't taken more than 2 hours yet....