| Author | Message | ||
     Staindus |
Should I do this myself or take it to the dealer? What should I expect the dealer to do with my first service? Is $200.00 what I can expect to pay at the dealer? P.S. I searched for about an hour looking for this in the archives. | ||
| Pwnzor |
when you walk into the service department there is a big board on the wall that tells you what is included at each service interval. My advice, get a service manual, do it yourself. For less than the price of that service you can OWN the book, do it on your own, and KNOW that each service was ACTUALLY performed. Ask me why I stress those points, and I'll tell you but I think it's self explanatory. I spent a LOT of money at stealerships in my first 10,000 miles... never again. | ||
| Nutsnbolt |
Yeah.. in your 1000 mile service, it's basically an oil change and TPS reset. Plus, the fluid in the crank. Easy. The TPS, if you have to have that adjusted, you'd know it by now. I took mine in, basically a glorified oil change and NO TPS reset. They didn't even check it. Awesome. 200 bucks later, I felt like a total dip $&*#. So, from that day forward, hell, I just did it myself. I have the Service Manual on my computer, it's a big file but I could see what I could do about getting you a copy. I could even post it on my web site for anyone to download, I guess. Anyway, do it yourself. If you really wanna be independent, get yourself the direct link and never look back. Mark | ||
| Staindus |
I dont believe I need the TPS reset. I do not plan on doing an exhaust or ECM yet but may get an 07 airbox and a performance air filter. Will I need a TPS reset then? Looks like I will be purchasing the manual and give it a go. Any other tips? Thanks for all the info. Rob | ||
| Pwnzor |
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| Gentleman_jon |
Back in the day, we used to say " having someone else fettle your bicycle, is like hiring a guy to kiss your girl friend". Just not a very good idea AT ALL. Without pushing that simple analogy too far, suffice it to say that the knowledge and confidence that comes from caring for, and adjusting, and perhaps modifying one's own bike is a very satisfying part of the entire experience of owning any motorbike, but it is especially true of a Buell. The reason for this might be that the Buell is so unique, and, if I may say so, so intelligently designed, that it may reward proper set up more than other models, and it appears to me to be easier to work on than other machines with which I am familiar. My work log shows that I have fooled around with Lil' Blackie 118 times since I got it this March. I must admit that it would be hard for me to imagine time better invested.  | ||
| Staindus |
You Rock Pwnzor!  | ||
| Midknyte |
Without pushing that simple analogy too far, suffice it to say that the knowledge and confidence that comes from caring for, and adjusting, and perhaps modifying one's own bike is a very satisfying part of the entire experience of owning any motorbike, but it is especially true of a Buell. I've posted up before, that working on a bike and doing your own maintainence has the [unexpected] benefit building knowledge and trust in the man/machine equation - and that will help allow you to become a better rider. The more you learn and understand about these bikes, the better it gets... | ||
| Midknyte |
Do get and pay attention to a service manual though! There are bolts and fixtures on these bikes that are not intended for re-use upon reassembly, and I think you'll tweak your swingarm if you loosen/dissasemble things out of order. Someone will gladly hop in and fill in the blanks (I don't do any hardcore work to know or quote these things offhand). | ||
| Staindus |
I am assuming that the above lists are adequate for Lightning models too right? Thanks all for your input. Everyday I am on this site I learn more about these bikes and am proud to own one. | ||
| Punkid8888 |
I let the dealer do the 1000 mile service thinking I would be doing all others. And I just did my first oil change since then and three of the 6 bolts holding on my chin plastic on is already missing the nice little plastic washers. Needless to say I bought the service manual and will be doing all other services to myself. I think If you are a mechanically inclined person and would enjoy working on your bike. Then get the service manual and do it your self. If you think you might screw up the bike more then you would fix it, then maybe you might want the dealer to do it. But they might end up screwing it up more then you. Or they might be really good and do it free of charge. Very luck of the Draw. | ||
| Nutsnbolt |
Look... For the most part your servicings are all minor to say the least until you start moving on to forks and such. And even then, I would consider sending them in to have them re done to suit your weight, along with your shock. Figure that's what you would have spent at the dealership and this way you've got a bitchin system set up for YOU. But other that that, it's just little stuff. If you can change the oil on your car... You can change the oil in the swingarm and tranny fluid. I mean the hardest part is buying the parts. The big stuff to worry about that is only big because of their location is Spark plugs and other little crap. Believe me, get the manual, take it to the bathroom and just read it for leisure reading material and then when you do need it, you have a jist by now what you are looking at. These bikes are MEANT to come apart down to the most minute piece. The frustrating part about all of this is taking all the crap off to get to the piece you need to get to to fix. That's if you even NEED to fix anything. Everything else is just minor maintenance. I stated before about the service manual, someone PM'd me already and I'm sure they have the service manual as well, now. Mark | ||
| Hammer71 |
Staindus, When you plan on doing everything give Mikexlr saintly or myself a shout and we can get you going with the service. Lost count on how many TPS resets Ive done. The service isnt bad at all and takes a short amount of time. Besides you know its done and done right. And no money to the dealer. Hammer | ||
| Nutsnbolt |
Man... I wish someone near me had a way to do the TPS. I would love that. Seems like everyone in a 200 mile radius is in the same boat I am. I have all the other stuff but that. If/when I do get it, that's exactly what I am going to do... Hook everyone else up, too. You're good people Hammer for doing that. I don't know if anyone has told you or not, but you are. Good job. Mark | ||
| Mikethebike72 |
Just be sure to keep receipts and notes of when you do your svc. If you have something major wrong, those can get you out of a bind with the warranty stuff. Don't overlook lubing cables and pivot points. Adjust your clutch to your liking, it might take a few time for you to get it adjusted so it engages/releases where you like it to engage/release. Don't overlook adjusting the primary, it can make a huge difference in how you bike shifts if you do both of those correctly. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I am assuming that the above lists are adequate for Lightning models too right? Absotively. It's really for the whole XB Family with few exceptions. | ||
| Hdbobwithabuell |
"Believe me, get the manual, take it to the bathroom and just read it for leisure reading material and..." Nutsnbolt, who in their right mind would read the buell manual in the can?  | ||
| Tx05xb12s |
I agree. I am no mechanic, but I own the shop manual and parts manual for my bike and do all of my own maintenance. I have always hated working on things and was the type of cager that just wanted to get in, turn the key, and it was supposed to work. If it didn't, I'd bitch out the dealership and make them fix it. If it wasn't in warranty, I'd get rid of it and get a new one. Now that I own this motorcycle, I have learned that doing my own maintenance is part of the experience and it has brought me much further into the joy of ownership than if I had merely ridden the bike and hired a H/D mechanic to, "kiss my girl" for me. In the past 1.75 years I have grown confident in my ability to maintain my bike in top condition, know most every nut and bolt on the bike by heart because I was interested enough to find out what each is for (and probably took it off too at one time or another LOL!), and have everything adjusted exactly like I think it needs to be just for me. Now that I think about it, before I even rode the bike my dad and I partially disassembled it just to see how it was all put together. LOL! Anyone else do that?? I guess that was the equivalent of looking around under the hood before you buy it. The 1000 mile tuneup is basically an oil/primary fluid change and checking for loose stuff, adjustments, and function. If you're not experiencing any problems, just run through your checklist in the back of your owners manual (or what pwnzor posted in front of me) and change your fluids. I would highly recommend using a heavy duty diesel oil like Delo or Rotella T 15W40. I use it in both my engine and primary. It will give you a much higher level of protection than regular oil. In addition, I change my fluids every 1000 miles. Oh by the way, the best deal I've found on oil filters is Supertech at Wal-mart (part #ST4967) They're $2. Otherwise, I have also used Wix filters (part #51394) from Napa Autoparts, but they're twice as expensive. Last bit of advice, I'd make it a habit to change the fuel filter too (Buell part #P0101.02A8) Since we can't run gas treatment to clean the injection system, we can at least keep the fuel filter clean (and run 93 octane). Have fun maintaining your bike. I enjoy it almost as much as riding it. Considering I had never owned any tools until I got the bike and had zero experience, I've come a long, LONG way. I'm sure you can too. | ||
| Xbswede |
Nutsnbolt, are you still in Portland. If so I can help you with a TPS reset. | ||
| Nutsnbolt |
No, I'm stationed here in Camp Lejeune with the Marines. I am originally from Portland. (NE Portland Basically between Glisan and Division off of Main and 169th). But believe me, I have been taking note of the Oregonians on this board. I plan on at least making sure I can connect with a few when I go home sometimes. (Leave and eventually retirement.) Thanks though. I apprecieate the offer greatly. By the way, to comment on HDbob's deal about the manual in the bathroom bit... I have always felt that if your Manual can usually be FOUND in the bathroom and not your garage, then you have no issues with your bike and you are maintaining it well. Fortunatley for me, mine can be found in the bathroom as well. Mark | ||
| Staindus |
Thanks all. I started out in HS to become a mechanic but ended up in computers. I think I can handle it, but it was the warranty thing that always got me. I will keep all records and receipts. The dealer that I have been going to seems to have a good bunch of guys in the service department, but I always feel out of place when I take it there. I will feel allot better knowing it was done, and done right. | ||
| Mikexlr650 |
stain, listen to hammer, you have people here that are offering to help and enjoy working on buells. my place is not more than 15 minutes from you complete with bike lift's and tools. hammer is a trained hd tech(as well as a pro wyatt earp) and saintly is a top level tech complete with his own private machine shop. you have an amazing amount of resources available to you should you choose to use them. or, you could just go to the dealer and spin the wheel of chance. there are some great buell techs out there, just tough to find them. keep in mind we're going to mb4 at the end of march, you're obviously welcome to join us. should be a great time! | ||
| Typeone |
i want my dealer (who is a decent one, thankfully) to continue supporting Buell. so i support them, by letting them do the major interval services. gives me piece of mind (for the most part) and gives them business... on a Buell. (i'm comfortable working on my bike, no issue there, but i would freek if my dealer dropped support. i need them to stay healthy) | ||
| Xbswede |
Mark, no problem. If your back and need any help look me up. | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
As an engineer and AVID hotrodder of all things mechanical I have done all my own work on all my vehicles(Certificated Airplane Mech too)I have done all my own preventative Maintenance (pm) and love the feeling of taking it apart and putting it back together. Use Locktite, a decent torque wrench and basic hand tools, did I mention locktite yet? Keep the receipts for the warranty stuff and just hope you never need it! Ride On! | ||
| Xbswede |
I have two dealers where I live. The one I bought my bike from I am not to happy with but might try the other dealer when it comes time for fork oil change. otherwise I do my own service just because it gives me a piece of mind. I do buy all my parts from the dealership though. | ||
| Bueaddicted |
I have taken my bike to the dealer I bought the bike from, even though its about 70 miles away. I took it for the 1K service a few months ago, and I took it again last weekend for the 5K. I did it because I don't have the tools nor a garage where I can do it. I prefer that they do it because I know that I am not mechanically inclined, and also as a way of supporting them. But as someone else said, who knows if they do all that the service entails... They did a great job, but one small detail marred the experience - my bike is idling now between 1500 and 2000 rpm when warm. Now I have to go back after the New Year for them to adjust the idling.  Maybe I should just consider doing the 10K service myself... | ||
| Doon |
Bueaddicted: Adjusting the Idle is just turning 1 screw. No need to ride 70 miles to the dealer, to have them turn it for ya. Its Real easy to do, no matter how little mechanical skills you've got  Now if it 70 miles of curves, then it would be ok. | ||
| Pwnzor |
The dealer that I have been going to seems to have a good bunch of guys in the service department "seems" being the key word in that sentence. Every single mechanic that f*cked me was a cool guy to my face. The minute I walked out the door, some monkey would be banging on my bike with the wrong end of a wrench. Not to mention the fact that they charge outrageous prices for everything, including the services they don't even perform. If they think you won't see it, they won't do it. | ||
| Bueaddicted |
Well, fixed the idling, and that was as Doon said - easy! Thanks.  | ||
| Josh_cox |
Pwnzor, I understand you have had bad experiences in the past, but please don't accuse every technician and shop of those actions. It is insulting to those of us who do (in my case did) work in a honest service environment. Hell, our shop checks your static timing, checks AFV for a normal range for our area, and does a TPS reset on every service even. That isn't in the book is it? Instead of not trusting anyone, I suggest everyone talk to other riders in their area about opinions of your local shops. If you are mechanically inclined and can do it yourself, do it. Remember, however, if you screw up, you pay for your own mistake. If a shop messes up, they pay for it. Josh | ||
| Pwnzor |
It's not just bad experiences "in the past" as you say, Josh. It is EVERY...SINGLE...TIME...EVER. please don't accuse every technician and shop of those actions. Show me where I did this, please. If you read my post carefully, you will see that I did no such thing. I understand implicitly that there are good shops out there. Unfortunately they are not near enough to where I live to make the trip worthwhile. Instead of not trusting anyone, I suggest everyone talk to other riders in their area about opinions of your local shops. Excellent suggestion. If a shop messes up, they pay for it. Take a trip down the BadWeb memory lane and you'll find threads where exactly the opposite is true interspersed among the threads where people had to enlist outside help from Court, or get on the phone with BMC customer service in order to get the shop to fall in line with their obligations. I am of the opinion that ANY place charging $85 per hour on labor, based on some bullsh1t "book hours" should be held 100% accountable for everything that they do. No corners should be cut, no detail left out. And yes, your bike should be shiny-spotless when you get it back. I know that if you go up to Appleton, this is exactly the service you're going to get. Not sure what their labor rate is, but out here in Cali the cheapest I've seen is $75 per hour. It's here in Cali where I live, so my choices were limited by geography. I started off with Laidlaw's, they sucked a$$ and they dropped the Buell line forcing me to take my business to California Harley who also sucked a$$, and they sucked so bad that I went to Orange County Harley who summarily sucked a$$ and then dropped Buell also. I went back to Cal Harley for my 10k and they not only broke the camel's back with that last straw, they sodomized the camel and charged extra for it. I've heard good things about Glendale, but it's just too far away for me to consider it. Biggs in San Diego, I've heard mixed reviews. Sweeping generalizations are not made by me on this subject. I am merely warning of the hazards that exist, and no dealer or service tech can credibly deny that this situation exists. The mountains of physical and anecdotal evidence are impossible to ignore. | ||
| Pwnzor |
our shop checks your static timing, checks AFV for a normal range for our area, and does a TPS reset on every service even. That isn't in the book is it? TPS reset and timing check are both right there in black and white, and are scheduled for every 10,000 miles, not every service. To me, (this is my opinion) resetting my TPS when it isn't called for is a service failure. Think about it, if I'm paying $85 per hour do I really want the service department EXTENDING the amount of time they are working on my bike? You can't tell me that service is performed for free. When I'm paying for service I expect the guidelines in the factory manual to be followed to the letter, unless there has been a service bulletin from BMC stating otherwise. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And checking the AFV is useless because the bike has DDFI. Doesn't it seem unfair to the techs when they know how much is being charged for the work they are doing? | ||
| Pwnzor |
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