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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through March 02, 2007 » Archive through March 02nd, 2007 » Do dealers really do a proper service ? » Archive through February 19, 2007 « Previous Next »

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Bails
Posted on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 02:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Took my bike into the local Wollongong Hardly dealer for first service,$360.00 for a few fluids. $275.00 for labour.
Asked the bloke who did the service how was the TPS setting ? Good I test rode the bike and it went well ????? Asked about the ignition timing, what was it set to , didn't need to change was the response as the bike road tested well ? So what does this mean ? I'd say they didn't even look or do half the stuff they were supposed to.
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Rays
Posted on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 04:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bails - that is on the high side for Australia. My first service was $222 (bit over a year ago) - that was $154 labour.
They changed engine oil + filter and transmission oil and while I can't comment on what was 'inspected ' and 'checked' there wasn't any lubricating of sidestand, clutch & brake levers etc.
In my experience, if you don't specifically ask then sometimes nothing more than the basic fluid & filter replacement will happen.
On the positive side I think it's worth talking to the service manager to make sure he is aware of your expectations and that you aren't one of the masses who is only interested in how the bike wash after the service impacted the shine on the chrome do-dads. I have done that and I think it has been worth the effort. I had my 32,000km service completed yesterday and I would have to say that they did a very good job this time. Fresh plugs, air cleaner element and a TPS reset have my Uly running like a dream and to top things off the clutch was adjusted juust right. I was so pleased with the ride today I'm going to drop by the workshop tomorrow to thank them for the nice job.

BTW - are you coming down for the Superbikes?
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Bails
Posted on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 04:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rays. I never miss the Gp or Superbikes. I expected the dealer to follow the Buell check List, if they don't why get them to do the service ? I could have done what they did for a fraction of the price. It might just be that the two Hardley dealers I've dealt with are F wits,and not all of them are. The reason I asked about timing and TPS settings is Buell claim that the ping issues is from incorrect settings. Dah seems like the missing link is the dealers don't know sh**t about Buells or bikes for that matter,as they can't use the diagnostic equipment to do a correct service.
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Windrider
Posted on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bails, Nobody likes my bike as much as I do. No one is more concerned about my safety than I am. For these two reasons I do almost all of my own work on the Uly.

Buell motorcycles are really quite easy and fun to work on and don't require much in the way of specialty tools or special mechanical skills. The service manual is excellent.

I have ridden my bike through all kinds of nasty roads and weather and the only time it has been on it's side was when the authorized HD/Buell dealer dropped it after the 1K service. The most damage ever done to my Uly was in the hands of the servicing dealer.
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12x_infatuation
Posted on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 10:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bails, from memory my 1st service was $320. I changed the oil & filter at 4000km. Dealer service at 8000km was around $360. Oil & filter by me at 12000km (this time syn3). Will be due for 16000 in about a month - ill probably be up for a little more as i will ask for the syn3 in the transmission this time as well. I think i will specifically ask for TPS reset & particular attention to primary adjustment when i book an appointment... I think i may also ask if their new mechanic is aware of the 'snug' seating of the drain plug into the aluminium oil res/swingarm...
My farkling skills will improve with time & the money i save will be well spent on dangleberry eliminators & the like!
regards, matt
ps, hey, how much is a service manual?
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Maximum
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 12:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had the 1000 mile service done in Alabama (where I bought it) prior to my trip back to Colorado. To my surprise it was all billed to the sales department! I got a great deal on this new '06 with no freight charges, no dealer prep fees, and then I was surprised to find out that it included the 1000 mile service too!

Kudos to Buell (Harley too) of Dothan, Alabama!!
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Bails
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 12:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I did get one on with the bike but I believe it is available on line. I just thought you may have meant the repair manual,in which case I have no idea. My issue is if the tasks that comprise a service are listed in the owners manual,stating what has to be done, why is it the dealers don't do this ?? TPS is meant to be checked first service !Along with a lot of other checks.
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Tel
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 02:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bails my first service was $357.25 and I also left the dealership not overly confident the TPS or any of the other checks had been done. (More like the 1200 Sportster service maybe???) I did an oil and filter change at 4000kms Next service due I'll be specifically asking for all the checks and changes as detailed in the Service Manual and another transmission oil change.
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Mesa_cityx
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 05:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Had my 1k service done in phoenix. Did I say done? I meant the paperwork was filled out for warranty requirements.... TPS not done. Primary adjusted? Don't know. Paid for all of it, however. Dealers think we don't notice the difference when the TPS reset is ACTUALLY done and now my docile little cityx will make the jump to lightspeed. On one wheel. Many of the people who buy these bikes used to ride BMW's, Ducati, Triumph...We KNOW when the service hasn't been done. Knuckle-dragging moron H-D "service managers" need to die off or evolve.
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Thelumox
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 07:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 what windrider said. i would only take my bike to them for specific items i can't do myself. service manual is very good.
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Sanchez
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 08:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I hadn't gotten a 2 year prepaid maintenance plan thrown in when I bought my bike, I'd never pay a dealer for any service I could do in my garage. It's not that I don't trust my dealer, mind you, because I do. I'm just cheap.
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Ihavemanyfleas
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 10:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It seems like 200-300 bucks is an aweful lot to pay some guy to ride your bike around for you... Where do I sign up for that gig?
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Electraglider_1997
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 10:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Learn to do your own maintenance and the stuff you're not equipped to handle make sure that you specify exactly what you want done and make sure they tell you the cost before you hand over the bike and keys. Less surprises that way. No way a Buell owner needs to let someone change their oil for them.
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Adrian_8
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 11:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Tell-em Electra...as Charlie Brown said "Good Grief"...a Buell is so easy to do basic service on that the time and money saved could be spent somewhere else...unless you are making about $300.00 an hour. It is only a motorcycle not an F16 jet...get the service manual and learn the basic stuff and gradually get into more repairs. Plus it is fun to do and you know it was done right.
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Gotj
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 12:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

When it comes to a filing a warranty claim, how much documentation does a self-service owner have to produce to prove that proper maintenance has been done? I just got the 1,000 mile service done on the assumption that that issue goes away when a shop does the work.

I did find it a bit unsettling that the service adviser did not have a Buell, let alone a Ulysses, menu pick in his computer for the 1,00 mile service. I believe it was for the Sportster XL. Does the XL have a TPS, for example? It included three hours of labor which seems to be the "Book Rate" for the 1,000 mile service. Do you think you could beat the book rate?
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Bails
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 04:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I intend to do my future services,and I expect better results than the first. I had the dealer do the first so that I could ensure the bike started from spec, I assumed all checks and adjusts would be made as per the Buell list ??? ON another part of the board we have a running debate about the pinging issues of Buell. A Buell representative by the handle of anonymous stated that the pinging is due to timing being out of spec. My idea was to eliminate this issue with my bike by ensuring all was at spec levels due to first service. I believe I have found the pinging problem ! the dealers our out of Spec.

As stated above Ive come from a BMW ,and yes they have dealer issues as well, but the service system requires placement on the machine on the diagnostics equipment, my port plug was not used by my Buell service agent,maybe it isn't required to check the timing and TPS I'm not sure.
Perhaps they should stop teaching them how to sell T shirts and show the dealers how to use a wrench.
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Treadmarks
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 04:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Perhaps they should stop teaching them how to sell T shirts and show the dealers how to use a wrench.

If ya want it done right, ya got to do it yerself.

The only way to check the TPS is to use the port.

I doubt the proficiency of my dealers so much, that if my engine blew, I would even fix it myself. This is one of the most simple bikes in the world to service.

Like you said if you need a tee shirt, go to the dealer. If you want your bike checked right, learn it, love it, be it.
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Naustin
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 07:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Never, EVER trust your bike to a stealer.

(Message edited by naustin on February 17, 2007)
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Lovehamr
Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 10:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I still think that the worst thing about owning a Buell is the Hardly dealers. My latest fiasco is here;
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/251235.html
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Birdmanrh
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 01:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Treadmarks,

Good luck finding a T-shirt. I ordered a shirt from the dealer near me and after 4 months they finally just gave my money back...

Heck, they don't stock wheel bearings....
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12x_infatuation
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 04:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thats it!!! daveS, US$ for the workshop manual? Im sure ill be 100% better off in the back pocket after one service even after the cost of the manual...
Hey, havent heard from daveS for a while... Have the HD mafia been a callin?..
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Rays
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 06:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Matt, I bought mine with the bike and it cost AU$160 (approx US$125) back in November 2005 and took 13 weeks to arrive.
Now that I know about the huge difference in parts prices between here and the US I would have ordered it from one of the Badweb sponsors. I recall seeing the US price being and $60 or $70 on an earlier thread somewhere.
The maintenance manual is well worth having - it is about 1.5" thick so will keep you amused for a few nights.
BTW, Dave-S has recently started up his own archery business and from what I read is no longer at Appleton HD.
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12x_infatuation
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 06:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Archery business, eh? Sounds like a plausible explanation... Has anyone actually seen or heard from him? Bet FtB is next...
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Crusty
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 08:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Daves is still posting here; Go to the Quick Board, and look at the thread Already made my first Dollar

(Message edited by Crusty on February 18, 2007)
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Chopped58
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 09:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You can get a service manual online from Chicago Harley for 56.00 shipped to New York. It sells for 48.00, and the part# for an 06 uly ( not sure if 07's are different) is 99494-06y
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Bails
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 04:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Anyone thought of PDF copy for board members? Or perhaps Buel could make an electronic version we could pay to download, then everyone on the planet would have access at a fair price.
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Lorazepam
Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 08:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

When you consider what goes into making a service manual, the Buell price is very fair.
In my business, it isnt unusual to pay 10 times that for a manual.
Pony up the money, and get a good service manual at a fair price.
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Bails
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 02:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

}Or perhaps Buel could make an electronic version we could pay to download,

I think I suggested payment,It's just in Australia we have to Pay $120 US due to shipping etc. Electronic download means we all get a good deal.
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Ulyssesguy
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 06:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I just called my local dealer here in Washington and asked them what the 5k service was going to cost me and they said $370. I'm glad that I bought the Service manual they had on the shelf when i bought my Uly back in July. Basically the only thing i have my dealer do is the stuff i can't... Tire changes, Tps reset or recall stuff like the side stand... DIY for the win!
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Lorazepam
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 - 08:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey Bails, maybe you could use a "birthday" gift from one of your american cousins? I could pick up a manual for you, and send it via postal service global priority, and if made a gift, I dont think you have to pay any duties on it.
I will check the post office and see.
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