I had the 1000 mile check done at the dealer, only had to pay $30 for the synthetic upgrade. I, too, use Redline for all 3. So at 5000 miles I'll change the oil myself and take it to the dealer for the 5K check. I am not a mechanic, and $129 seems like a reasonable price for peace of mind. I did buy a service manual, and intend to use it, but there are a lot of things on the bike I just don't understand, and would prefer a professional make the checks and adjustments. I bought the 6 year ext. warranty with the thought that if anything goes wrong with the bike it will be covered, and the repairs will be done by a professional. I hire a CPA to do my taxes, a subject I don't understand and don't want done wrong. The same thinking applies to my motorcycle.

There's no shame in acknowleging one's limitations.

 

I usually do my own service but have had the dealer do the past 2 1k services. First service cost me $300 and the second " Free Service " cost me $175. It seems I forgot to negociate Synthetic oil and a siren for my so called "Factory security system" with my last purchase. That being said for the prices you stated and no warranty gain/maintain I'd purchase a service manual and keep my part/oil reciets for records. You will probabally service your bike with more care than they will anyway.

The thing that gets me is I recently purchased a new Ford F150, the first dealer service cost me $50 on a V8.

Sath

 

Ok... Stupid newbie question.... What are some good places to buy a manual? Dealer maybe?

 

You can probly save some money if you ordered from....Lakeshore HD (lshd1.com) in Chicago, Illinois. Surdyke HD (surdyke.com) in St. Louis, Missouri and New Castle (shop.newcastlehd.com).

If you need it now,the dealer.

 

Hell no the dealership shouldn't do it!!

 

I happen to like to do my own service. I like the time alone. Sometimes my wife will come out to the garage and read a book. It is nice to have her there.

I know the oils are properly topped off. I have had others do services on my cars and trucks only to have a tranny main bearing go out because they forgot to put the oil in once it was drained. I checked the work of one place once only to find the front diff. was empty.

I use Amsoil. Good, bad, or indifferent that is what I use and I like to know everyhing has been given the personal attention only I, the owner, will give.

By the time I bought the proper oil filter wrench, a lift jack, the primary gasket, and other misc. stuff I was still way below the $400+ the dealer wated for the project.

Now, some people like to have someone else do it. Okay. Then go that route. Either way, always check their work.

A service manual can be the best investment you can make in your bike. If you use it.

 

1000 mile service is easy.

Drain/refill all 3 holes
Adjust clutch
Lube/adjust steering head bearing

Those are the biggies. The rest is stuff you do on every periodic service: check brake fluid, belt tension, air filter, etc.