If you've got a service manual. Then go for it!!!
First 1000 Mile Service
I know the first 1000 mile service is important but the dealer wants a lot of money. This is my first Harley. I've owned other bikes and I can do oil changes and have seen enough YouTube videos to be pretty certain I can change the primary oil too. So what else do I need to do for the first service if I decide to do it myself? I've looked at the manual and most everything seems like checking bolts, tire pressure and lubricating the jiffy stand. Any help and advice form a seasoned Harley Sportster veteran would be greatly appreciated.
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Shop around for prices, its what I did. Saved almost a $100.....!
Get a factory shop manual. The services are all listed. Most everything can be done by you, without any special tools. There is quite a list, such as checking the headstock(steering) bearings, but all can be done with a motorcycle jack and normal tools. Keep records of date and mileage and services preformed, and you are good to go.
I always worry about paying the dealer over $300 for the service and how do I know they are actually doing all that's supposed to be done. You can't check if they changed the primary oil unless you pop the drain plug. (I guess you could remove the derby cover, but that could get messy) That's why I'd rather do it myself. Plus I get a good felling knowing I did it myself and I enjoy learning as I go along.Get a factory shop manual. The services are all listed. Most everything can be done by you, without any special tools. There is quite a list, such as checking the headstock(steering) bearings, but all can be done with a motorcycle jack and normal tools. Keep records of date and mileage and services preformed, and you are good to go.
Never worry about things getting done if you do it yourself. Get the manual. buy whatever tools you don't already have, and git 'er done. It isn't a big deal, and you'll get to know your scoot better for doing the work.
Welcome aboard. Yes. You can do it. I'm new to HD too and dealer wanted ALOT of money so I did mine myself. Everyone here says service manual a must. I found all the info I needed here and on YouTube. Next you'll be hearing all the opinions on what lubricants to use.
2013 FLHRC stock
2013 FLHRC stock
The MoCo Service Manual and the Parts Book should be your first things to buy, best money you will ever spend. :thumbsup :thumbsup
My 1000 mile service is approaching and I am contemplating doing it myself. So far, I've been reading everything I could on this subject. I've looked at some YouTube videos and am looking around on this forum for 1000 mile service as the topic. The more I read the more I think I will have the confidence to do it myself. I've never changed the oil on an HD, but I've changed the oil on a '71 Firebird, 200x Ford F-150, etc so I am thinking I've got a shot at getting it right. My only question is, by doing it yourself, do you void the warranty from HD?
no you are not voiding the warranty. keep good records and receipts and be sure you do it right. there is a law against this voiding warranty something along the line of Magnum Moss I believe.
Besides the manual - either buy the over priced oil filter wrench and oil drain thingy like I did or you can make your own. It will help keep from getting oil all over your voltage regulator and wiring when you take off your oil filter.
When I bought my new iron 883 they told me that my first (1000 mile) service was included in the purchase price from when I purchased the vehicle. Maybe my dealer just hooked me up on that though.
That varies from dealer to dealer.When I bought my new iron 883 they told me that my first (1000 mile) service was included in the purchase price from when I purchased the vehicle. Maybe my dealer just hooked me up on that though.
When I bought my new iron 883 they told me that my first (1000 mile) service was included in the purchase price from when I purchased the vehicle. Maybe my dealer just hooked me up on that though.
Varies dealer to dealer also person to person. part of negotiating price was telling them to include 2 years of free service, buying in the off riding season helped make them oblige.
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