I have been turned down by a honda and yamaha dealers before because my bike was over 10 years. The bike was like new with only 300 miles but they didn't want to touch it
Like everyone here ,so glad to see you up and about. I missed watching your blogs because I'm stuck in bed after ankle surgery. It SUCKS, especially hearing all the bikes out of my bedroom window. Anyway welcome back your blogs are the best !👍🇬🇧🇺🇸😎
I have a 1999 Euro sidecar outfit for even doing Simple repairs nobody will touch it and so they make me do it and I am not a mechanic but I managed to do it. I am so sick of the I just want to build Choppers attitude of aftermarket shop because I don't need Orange County Chopper and all that crap. When I need to have a top end done or brake service I just want them done. It gives me Pride to do it myself. But like I say everybody loves sex but not everybody wants to be a gynecologist.
I was at a local HD dealership and saw them turn away a guy with a flat tire because it was over 10 years old and wouldn’t even let the guy work on his bike in the parking lot, a few guys were trying to take his wheel off to help him fix his flat so they pushed it out onto the public road out front and fixed it in no time at all it was just a broken valve stem , everyone that was watching said they wouldn’t come back to that dealership
I was very blessed to find a great shoo by pure chance. It's Ronnie's V-Twin in Willis Texas very close to where I was living last year. I just got back to the area with my 2006 Springer and 2001 Road King which I gave to my son. We took the bikes over there to get hydraulic cam tensioners and upgraded oil pumps installed to make the Twincam motors more bulletproof. They did great work, no take backs for me. My son had a minor carburetor problem which they resolved very quickly. The bikes run great and the owner is extremely knowledgeable. Everything he told me lined up with what I'm seeing on this channel and other channels that discuss the pros and cons of different Harley engines.
In my town there are 3 shops an HD dealership an independent shop that's always busy & mine all though I been doing mostly machine work . I still do a bike or two but only bikes older than 07 ! I don't like 07 & up bikes much !LOL ! The HD dealership is now down to one service tech ! I try every winter to find a basket case to put together for someone or to sell ! The independent shop calls me quite often to see if I got time to do one of their customers bike's plus I do all their machine work ! I'm a one man show & I love it !
I wouldnt let anyone but me touch my Shovel...no way. The biggest reason I went to MMI was to be able to take Old School and work on my own stuff...glad Your ok brother.👍
You missed one point . Do not need repair service right before or during the Sturgis Rally . Its another reason you will be put on the back row with getting it repaired.
Went to local H-D back in 2007. Wanted otd price for a new Electra Glide. Would not give me a price without completing a credit check. Didn't want their credit. I left and have never been back to a dealer. Support your local independent tech.
The independent mechanics and shops are what truly keeps the old iron and Harley Davidson legacy alive. About 25yrs ago had to have my beautiful 1968 FLH trailered in when I got a flat rear tire on the PA turnpike far from any other help. On a Sat no less!. My throw-over saddlebags knocked my valve stem off. Luckily(?) we just passed the exit where an HD dealership was. Called them and they asked what make and model. I simply replied "Harley FLH". So the truck w/trailer showed up in about 15min. Young employee looks at my bike🤔, looks at me🤨, and we load it up and took it in. Now the fun starts. Service writer comes out with his clipboard and starts looking around the steering neck. I ask what's up, and he says he needs the VIN. I tell him 68FLH####. He says no, it should be 1HD???????. They seem busy so I offer my help. They say no, I must leave service area. So I go grab a cold drink as my 2 buddies I was riding with roll in. About 10mins later, the service manager comes out and asks me to come back to the service area. There's 3-4 ''technicians'' all milling about my bike up on a lift looking at it oddly. They don't know how to take the rear wheel off! They never saw a Harley with a drum rear brake! My bike was probably older than the oldest ''technician'' there! Probably all recent MMI grads! 🤭 They didn't even have the 7/16 lug wrench! Naturally, I carry the tools I need so I just brushed them aside and removed the rear wheel myself. They never even saw a flip-up rear fender before! So I hand off the rear wheel and go back to my buddies. Here comes the technician. They don't have a side rubber stem tube, but do have a side metal stem. So I dig into my toolkit and hand him a rubber grommet and tell him to put it in the hole of the wheel and between the two metal stem nuts. So while waiting for him to mount the tire, I take off my brake drum and clean it, readjust the brakes, wipe off and relube the chain, etc. But now all the ''technicians'' are back walking around asking what's this? MOUSETRAP! What's that? Cable operated DRUM FRONT BRAKE!?!? How's that work? (It doesn't, much!) I don't mind imparting some of my knowledge and experience. One guy said he "put points in a Shovelhead one time but that's just like an Evo", pointing to the 'cone' that's not there! I said ''no, the points are up here in the distributor!". He just shook his head and walked away. So after about an hour and a half, my bike is off the lift and I get to pay the bill. Roadside pick-up - $50 - OK, new inner tube - $20 - OK , 2 HOURS SHOP TIME - $150 - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well , it was on a Sat! 😂 So I jokingly said to the service manager that is should be 1hr for my valuable instruction and OJT.👨🎓 Manager NOT jokingly said if I told him on the phone it was a 1968 Harley FLH , I'd still be out on the turnpike! 😠
@The Screaming Chicken That's why I drink beer. In a way, I can see the service managers point. Many if not most dealership mechanics have zero experience with the older bikes. Plus it is supposedly official HD policy to not work on non-current models. Doubt I could pull into a Chevy dealership and get a '68 big-block vehicle worked on. But Harley Davidson is supposed to be different. They claim and sell TRADITION. Their ads often show vintage bikes, and many dealerships have some for decoration. I had a dealership owner try to buy my above mentioned '68 back then. Actually offered to trade any new HD I chose for it.
@@pb68slab18 you sound like a very chilled and onto it guy. A lot of guys in that situation would have stressed and turned it to shit. You obviously know how to handle people, not just Harleys. In my experience if you can understand and acknowledge the dealers concerns they can sometimes be talked around.
I bought a 92 Sportster 883 last year (first Harley) & except for a couple of 'know it all's (who never actually are willing to physically HELP) I thank my lucky stars I found an independent bike shop in St. Clair Shores, Mi. (a bit of a drive) who has already helped my with my bike that I will continue to go to. He's already rebuilt my font forks & he's always ready with advise on something I might do myself and always will take time to explain things. A Win/Win I say ! ! ! (one reason I think he takes it in at all is because it IS in good shape and has Not been all Cobbled up)
GixxerFoo. That's not why dealerships don't work on older bikes.. It's all about warranty and the new technology. Their techs have to keep up tp date with it and so they don't work on the older stuff. All dealerships are like that. You wouldn't take a Model A Ford to a Ford dealership and expect them to work on it. That's what the smaller independent shops are for.
I have a 03 Road King I got in December asked the dealership where I purchased the bike from for a price on checking and changing the Cam chain tensioners if they need it. (Yes, I know I should upgrade but I chose to keep it OEM) Dealership told me $1200+ for the Job ok WOW! I searched around and found an independent shop with great reviews and just about all of the reviews said very fair prices. I called him and $700 and a few days later he calls its done. I then told him to go over the bike and let me know anything that needs fixed. He found nothing else wrong he had an open chance to jump into my wallet and DID NOT... he just got a loyal customer!!
Just cammed and hydro tensioned my camchest in my garage. You may want to research the compensator sprocket nut backing out and causing a problem for you. There's a service bulletin about a different torque sequence. Mine backed out at 20,000mi. Costed me a new stator otor. Could have been worse. 03 heritage.
@@tattoomiked4612 hell yes, a service manual, you tube, the tools, and being mechanically inclined and you can do just about anything to the ole twin cams, and older...unless you need heads, cylinders etc done...good on ya for hydraulic tensioners, the factory ones were trash.
I have a guy 1 mile from my house who is a great mechanic, honest and reasonably priced. Only problem is, every time I go there he tells me how backed up he is (and he is) but he tells me sitting at his desk with three or four guys hanging out. His biggest problem is the social club that he's got going on. So, I've procured a shop manual and plenty of tools. I'll do my own wrenching and the money I save will go into parts and tools.
Glad you’re doing well, welcome back. After several dicey situations with dealers and independents, I decided to try all my repairs and mods myself. Never been happier, got what I wanted and only paid for parts. Barked a few knuckles and squashed some fingers but it’s all good.
Harley dealership had my bike for 8 months before they had it "ready for pick up". Rode it to an independent shop and left it with them for a few hours to torque everything. There was one thread on the nut holding the forks in.
Glad to see you back on your feet brother. I started a policy years ago after a few bad experiences with Harley dealers. Since I'm at least as good as any dealer mechanic out there, I spend my money on whatever specialty tools I need for the job at hand. I've been a mechanic of everything from bicycles to huge HVAC units for many decades and (so far) haven't found anything I couldn't figure out or fix. A nuclear reactor might be a little over my head, but I won't know until I try. But yeah, I have a few friends that have independent shops and would definitely recommend them over a dealer, for the reasons you mentioned. And I agree that word of mouth is the best way to find a good shop in your area. Stay safe brother!
Same here after having marginal to piss-poor shop service. I have taught myself how to pretty much fix anything on a Harley and nearly everything on a GoldWing. I do have the tools needed.
I find with the Indy guys you have to keep the time of year in mind when asking for them to do work. Ask them to do a valve adjustment on a bike that requires two hours of work just to get to them and they will ask you to come back in the fall when they aren’t so busy. I own on average 5 to 6 running bikes at a time. I’ve invested a lot of money in my home shop to avoid going to anyone for work.
Aside from inspecting cam chain tensioners, my 2003 road king has not had 1 issue, but I would stay clear of a dealership for service. Glad you are back on your feet. Thanks for posting.
Have you considered upgrading to hydraulic tensioners? I ride a 2000 RK and that was the FIRST thing I did after I bought it. Been going strong for 8-9 years now without incident.
Welcome back Gixx! Glad your doing well. I've had my present HD 90 XL since 2005. I bought the HD service manual, a Chilton &Hayes book, and the good old "red" Harbor Freight full motorcycle lift and a scissor jack. Bike has broke down many times. I've always got it going. ( not to mention many You Tube " how to's). But, I enjoy wrenching it as much as riding it. Old Harley's rule!
I like a lot of your content, this one particularly. I'm hearing a lot of my buddies being turned away for their old bikes and not being able to do their own work they are asking me to do some of their services. I'm about to pull the trigger and be one of those Indy shops working out of my own garage. Keep overhead minimal to pass on savings to friends and buddies. Just keeping the old iron on the road so to speak. keep up the great videos.
Sorry, I had no idea you were in the hospital. I really enjoyed your videos and being new to Harley Davidson. They are super informative and give me a much better understanding of these machines at what needs to be done to keep them running in proper order. Quick recovery.
Your comment about the toolbox was spot on....the service writer at Frontier HD in Lincoln,NE told me "those toolboxes don't pay for themselves" as he pushed my bill across the desk. Never been back since.
Glad you are back at it and feeling better! Could not agree with you more as far as independent vs. dealer. I have been riding a 1980 fxb sturgis for 22 years, it is an impeccable machine! Purchased a 2014 ultra limited with 11k miles on it last year, also a very sweet bike. Was fortunate to find a GREAT independent shop here in Corona, CA. That will work on either bike, no problems. The local dealer would not look at my shovel 22 years ago. So yes, finding that independent shop us the way to go. Sure enjoy your channel!!🤙
Get a shop manual, buy a basic set of tools, get familiar with the machine that has YOUR life on the line. With the amount of resources and videos on youtube, anyone refusing to actually work on their own bike deserves to eat the cost of every dollar the stealership charges and has noone to blame but themselves when their moronic "techs" destroy your ride on your dime. Bought my first tc88 3 years ago and have since done an entire 95" big bore kit and camchest without a table lift in my garage, and 20k miles later still going strong. Appreciate the simplicity of these engines and feel good knowing the job was done correctly. Glad you're back on your feet too brother!
Glad to see your up and about. I came down with a case of lyme disease 2 months ago & thank God I'm back in the saddle. I may have mentioned one of my rides is an all original 1996 Dyna Low Rider Convertible. Schaeffer's Harley Davidson in Orwigsburg, Pa. WILL work on it, in fact the service manager has been there over 30 years, still young but I see him working on Panheads, Shovelheads & Ironheads. Also, a young fellow, a technician is capable of tackling the older bikes as well. Anyway, great topic & take care of yourself. Grandfather John Pennsylvania Livin The Dream
Glad to see you back And not with tubes hanging out of you, I've been fortunate enough that I've never been turned away but I'm also quite mechanical and able to fix pretty much everything that I need to fix I did take my 08FLH in for a clutch cable Because I just didn't have time to change it out myself because of work and we were getting ready to go on a 3000 mile ride as it was leaking pretty bad at the case It was an independent shop that did it and and 400 miles into it I got on the bike pulled the clutch in and the handle went right to the grip Had to re adjust it all In a hotel parking lot but lesson learned Needless to say that bikes not going back to that indie shop Once again glad you're doing better and will look forward to the next video Cheers from the Great White North
I've got a 98 Evo FLSTC. Took it to dealership to have a carb kit installed and forked out $250. While they had the bike there, they looked at cam and said I needed new tappets and pushrods. I said replace them and they did. Two weeks later, while prepping to go to Sturgis ralley, I decided to load the bike with gear and do a 100 mile shakedown run. Ninety seven miles later my bike was spewing oil from the rear tappet block. Upon arriving at the garage I looked at what was wrong with it. The rear tappet block screws were falling out and the front was so loose I could twist them out with my fingers. Needless to say it has completely destroyed the drive train. Thanks Harley. I guess the dealer decided I needed a new bike and let an untrained monkey work on my ride. Not Happy. From now on I'll fix my own engine and tranny...after I rebuild it.
Yes my friend I can relate, have my own tech shop manual & parts catalog I found on eBay for my 91 flhs. I just replaced the belt n primary seals n shaft bearing about month ago n knowing what it needed n was done right (BY ME). Unfortunately we trust someone else, instead ourselves.
Sorry for your bad luck Mikal. Out of curiosity what was the end result? Surely they owe you a new motor but none are available through the "REMAN" program anymore. If that happened to me I'd be going in there with a quote for a brand new S&S motor and say...."Here's what I want and oh by the way its getting installed by a reputable shop" and present that quote also. If they fail to honor your request you need to speak to an attorney!
@@kennethwise7108 this just happened a few weeks ago in mid July. Right now the motor is in my garage torn apart on 2 workbenches. It will be Spring or early summer before I can afford all the parts it needs so it's covered with a white bed sheet that has "do not touch" in red paint on it. I'll be adding parts as I can through the Winter. The bike had 25k miles on it and was running strong before this happened. I bought it with 5k miles on it four years ago.
@@kennethwise7108 the dealership is in North Dakota and I live in Montana. I sent them pictures and made a call but they claimed I should have had my cam bearing replaced as well. I checked runout on the cam and it was still in spec but roasted from lack of oil. The bearing wasn't the cause as they tried to claim. I lost all respect for them as they denied it was their doing. It would cost more for the lawyer than the parts so I'm stacking pennies to fix it myself...
Hey man. I really do appreciate your knowledge and delivery. You have been a pool of info and helping me really get to know my bike that my wife and I saved for for 7 years. Keep doing what you are doing we appreciate it and God bless you and your family
I am a new tech at an indie shop. We take in many Harleys. I myself bought one because I love them and I want to learn them. I take a lot of pride and passion in my work…but sometimes it means I take longer to make sure it’s done RIGHT. Im paid a hybrid model so I’m not rushed stressing out over whether or not I can afford food. Sometimes it means you don’t get your ride back when you were planning a trip with your buddies that weekend. I appreciate your patience!
Dealers are too busy doing the bling thing. As well as being too busy from doing warranty work because today's Harley is a piece of shit which is why they have to have a 25-year warranty I remember when Harley's had a 6-month warranty. When I was checking into the MMI course thirty years ago I called up motorcycle shops and they said we don't need people to work on engines we don't need people to take them apart we just need people to do service work add to put chrome parts onto new bike. Bring your bike in for a valve job heaven forbid. Their illustrious technician might break a nail and ruin his mani-pedi.
Been techn’ my own bikes because Harley won’t. Explain why I should buy a new Harley 😂. If I need help I know of a guy who is good and is known to fix what the dealership messes up. Glad your doing well.
A technician diagnoses, and replaces parts. A mechanic looks for the root of the problem, and fixes things (not necessarily replaces). Funny side-note; the last time I had my septic tank pumped out they referred to the guy as a "technician". 💩
I had a nightmare trying to find a shop, Harley Dealership was terrible communication and new person working on the bike every time. Then independent shop sold me on top end rebuild that didn’t fix the issue and they had a bike in the shop over a year. I had to take it home as is with bunch of bolts missing and other stuff. Torn down the engine and rebuild heads myself, find out there were not touch at all during the rebuild. Also found out that pinion nut was lose, but sure if they even took cam cover off. Also found a local guys who’s mobile mechanic helping me with advice and tuning. Never going to the shop again.
Great to see you again, dude. I had to take my bike to an H-D dealer a few weeks ago for a GPS tracker. They couldn't start my bike from the parking lot because they didn't recognize that it has an S&S enrichener. I give the guy pass though as he looked about 25 years old and my bike is an '86.
Welcome back, yes it does, needed a tire on a road trip, I running a 1987 Electra glide stock expec t for a cam, after two dealers turned me down, Cheyenne Wyoming dealer put one on for me
Always used independant shops even when I had brand spanking new bikes. Now all I have is old used bikes that dealers don't want to work on. Luckily I have used one shop for the past 19 years. The owner won't turn down anyone no matter what kind of bike you ride. You don't find many like him anywhere. Great video! Ride and stay safe!
I got turned down at a Harley Davidson Shop with my Shovelhead. I did the work myself, just replacing a Delorto pumper with a Mikuni VM. After I saw a throttle cable for Delorto and Mikuni VM! Still used my Jack Hammer grip!
Glad you're back and doing better! Good video. Didn't know about the 10 year thing, kind of figured there was a cut-off somewhere but wasn't sure. Will check next time I'm in. Thanks!!
Glad to see you back! I remember a few years ago when some dealerships refused to work on Evo's. Even a simple oil change was turned away. Once the twin cam's arrived you needed special tools and digital code readers to service them. I remember having to ohm test crank position sensors, cam sensors, Tps, air temp sensors. It was nuts. Now you just buy a reader to plug in to diagnose the problem. Anyway it's good to have you back. Always enjoy the videos even when it's on a Milwaukee 8 which I don't have, Yet!!
I have 4 Harley’s and 2 of them are 2003 Dyna wide glide and a 2003 VRCSA my Harley dealer in tampa florida have done work on them and replaced parts that are impossible to find. They have never turned me away, they are great over there, I purchased 2 Harley’s from them.
In our dealership we don’t work on or sale anything 2007 or older. Keeping this bikes here for months trying to locate a part is not good for the dealership or the customers. Trade ins 2007 or older are taken straight to auction.
Glad u back .. 👍✌️🙏Local shop here in northern Indiana and we have a couple if it's 10 years old or older don't even take it there they won't even work on it. Unless you buy tires from them and pay their markup don't even take tires there to have them mounted even the small shops same way you think they would actually want the work but maybe they just don't have the technicians. That's why I build a tire changer it's pretty basic but as long as I still have strength I will do my own and other people's but they help me they have to help me. We will do it together. I remember I went to one of the shops local in 04 and I had a 93 they said it was too old. I just don't think they understood or didn't have anybody any more that could work on the evolution motor they were now hell-bent for the new twin cam. Years before I had a shovelhead again the same thing now what they did tell me that there could be multiple things wrong with it and they would have to fix every item before it could leave the shop otherwise they could be sued by the customer if anything happened. I said that's fine you know I always understood a business is a business if you don't want to do something for a customer that's their prerogative. And I don't think suing them because they won't make you a cake is going to do any difference or make any difference. That's why you have to learn to do it yourself get a couple of your friends together more people have more ideas and you will hash it out and you will get it done. And several one in particular shop here in town if you didn't buy a new bike there you're a second class citizen. It's pretty sad because they are still a family business the mom and dad are well not in the picture anymore sadly but it's the kids and they just want the money. The I sell a new bike money. 😡
Glad to see your ok! I just got back from Sturgis did 934 miles yesterday so I'm recovering today. Lol As always thanks for the videos I'm always pumped to watch!
With respect, I am a Red Seal Motorcycle Mechanic for 25 years and we still use a factory service manual for some jobs. Attitude gets folks turned away all the time.
The very few times (long ago) that I had a shop look at my old Mopar the results were disappointing. If it doesn't have a modern computer to tell them a diagnosis code they are lost. Same with my old XL sporty. "No computer, No Way!" Okay, I'll do it myself. Sorry to say that the old saying 'stealership' is still alive and well. Keep on wrenching!
Bought a new 1981 FLH it's never been in a dealership since I bought it.When it needed something I couldn't fix I took the part to someone who could then I put it back together.
The local dealer will go back to Evos for engine work. General maintenance, they’ll pretty much do about anything. Anything Shovel or earlier gets sent out to an Indy shop.
My local Yamaha shop does great work for a fair rate.they been around for 50yrs and work all makes.plus the turnaround times reasonable for let's say new rubber.takes a few hours as opposed to being held hostage for 2 or 3 days.
I love doing my own work. It’s still expensive. Mostly the cost of tools and parts. When I make costly mistakes I just bite the bullet and move forward. My motorbike is a luxury item. The high cost is to be expected!
It's not just dealers, it's indy's too.. Definitely have to check behind all who wrench on your bike! Took my bike in for something else and someone decided to tune my carburetor, well let's just say I never got that cv40 back into shape, so now I have a mikuni.
Sturgis Thursday 8/2/22. My bone stock 2018 Electra glide ultra-classic with 49k, STILL under warranty. Was 8.2 miles from exit 55 HD when there was a loud explosion and the motor instantly died and was coasting before I could pull the clutch lever in. While coasting to a stop tried hitting the starter/ nothing. Called the shop and this was the recording that came on "only oil/brakes/tires during rally". No one would answer the phone- just this recording. U-Hauldispatcher to
@@qthebikeahaulic dang ; that bites - I did have a speedo sensor go out on my 03. Pretty rare . I was told at one time to carry a spare crankshaft position sensor because they have been known to fail . 🤔
Also, a manufacturer is federally mandated to supply replacement parts for 10 years. That keeps the aftermarket going. Regardless of the various excuses, the main motivation for Harley to turn away service on older bikes is to promote new bike sales, at least that's what a Harley service manager told me.
Glad to see you are better. Good video. My independent shop Rolling Thunder Cycles on Long Island are great with my old bikes. I would love to see a video about you and your bike or bikes. Stay safe bro.
Anyone in NH: SDS Cycles in Hill NH. Ask for Steve or Dave. They’re an independent shop that just does one hell of a good job. Great work at a fair price, and they insist on doing it right!
I hate stealerships. Fortunately I work at a shop. However there is one dealer I will go to if need be. Reason? He is enrolled In the early Model program and is allowed to work on and sell parts for early model HD. If not enrolled in early model they can't work on your sled or sell you parts. It's not that they are assholes they simply aren't allowed to. Buddy Stubbs HD here in Phx is enrolled in early model and in fact has an impressive collection of their own right there.
It will get much worse buddy. Most knowledgeable techs are leaving the industry for better pay and less entitled customers. Sorry man, I love your videos, very well informed.
10 yrs at dealers seems to be the norm now..but from past experiences I'll stick with a Indy shop..me n the kid have Evo's..kinda like those over the twin cams n M8's which I've previously owned..simple n solid!!..hope u feel better..😊
Have you run into a situation where you've needed a shop and been turned away?
Had your back, hope your recovering well.
Keep Living the FUCKING Dream ❗
Safe travels 🙏♥️
💪🇦🇺💪
I have been turned down by a honda and yamaha dealers before because my bike was over 10 years. The bike was like new with only 300 miles but they didn't want to touch it
Like everyone here ,so glad to see you up and about. I missed watching your blogs because I'm stuck in bed after ankle surgery. It SUCKS, especially hearing all the bikes out of my bedroom window. Anyway welcome back your blogs are the best !👍🇬🇧🇺🇸😎
I have a 1999 Euro sidecar outfit for even doing Simple repairs nobody will touch it and so they make me do it and I am not a mechanic but I managed to do it. I am so sick of the I just want to build Choppers attitude of aftermarket shop because I don't need Orange County Chopper and all that crap. When I need to have a top end done or brake service I just want them done. It gives me Pride to do it myself. But like I say everybody loves sex but not everybody wants to be a gynecologist.
We need ya man glad your back and doing well I hope
I was at a local HD dealership and saw them turn away a guy with a flat tire because it was over 10 years old and wouldn’t even let the guy work on his bike in the parking lot, a few guys were trying to take his wheel off to help him fix his flat so they pushed it out onto the public road out front and fixed it in no time at all it was just a broken valve stem , everyone that was watching said they wouldn’t come back to that dealership
I was very blessed to find a great shoo by pure chance. It's Ronnie's V-Twin in Willis Texas very close to where I was living last year. I just got back to the area with my 2006 Springer and 2001 Road King which I gave to my son. We took the bikes over there to get hydraulic cam tensioners and upgraded oil pumps installed to make the Twincam motors more bulletproof. They did great work, no take backs for me. My son had a minor carburetor problem which they resolved very quickly. The bikes run great and the owner is extremely knowledgeable. Everything he told me lined up with what I'm seeing on this channel and other channels that discuss the pros and cons of different Harley engines.
Never underestimate the value of a good mechanic.
In my town there are 3 shops an HD dealership an independent shop that's always busy & mine all though I been doing mostly machine work . I still do a bike or two but only bikes older than 07 ! I don't like 07 & up bikes much !LOL ! The HD dealership is now down to one service tech ! I try every winter to find a basket case to put together for someone or to sell ! The independent shop calls me quite often to see if I got time to do one of their customers bike's plus I do all their machine work ! I'm a one man show & I love it !
I wouldnt let anyone but me touch my Shovel...no way. The biggest reason I went to MMI was to be able to take Old School and work on my own stuff...glad Your ok brother.👍
You missed one point . Do not need repair service right before or during the Sturgis Rally . Its another reason you will be put on the back row with getting it repaired.
Went to local H-D back in 2007. Wanted otd price for a new Electra Glide. Would not give me a price without completing a credit check. Didn't want their credit. I left and have never been back to a dealer. Support your local independent tech.
The independent mechanics and shops are what truly keeps the old iron and Harley Davidson legacy alive. About 25yrs ago had to have my beautiful 1968 FLH trailered in when I got a flat rear tire on the PA turnpike far from any other help. On a Sat no less!. My throw-over saddlebags knocked my valve stem off. Luckily(?) we just passed the exit where an HD dealership was. Called them and they asked what make and model. I simply replied "Harley FLH". So the truck w/trailer showed up in about 15min. Young employee looks at my bike🤔, looks at me🤨, and we load it up and took it in. Now the fun starts. Service writer comes out with his clipboard and starts looking around the steering neck. I ask what's up, and he says he needs the VIN. I tell him 68FLH####. He says no, it should be 1HD???????. They seem busy so I offer my help. They say no, I must leave service area. So I go grab a cold drink as my 2 buddies I was riding with roll in. About 10mins later, the service manager comes out and asks me to come back to the service area. There's 3-4 ''technicians'' all milling about my bike up on a lift looking at it oddly. They don't know how to take the rear wheel off! They never saw a Harley with a drum rear brake! My bike was probably older than the oldest ''technician'' there! Probably all recent MMI grads! 🤭 They didn't even have the 7/16 lug wrench! Naturally, I carry the tools I need so I just brushed them aside and removed the rear wheel myself. They never even saw a flip-up rear fender before! So I hand off the rear wheel and go back to my buddies. Here comes the technician. They don't have a side rubber stem tube, but do have a side metal stem. So I dig into my toolkit and hand him a rubber grommet and tell him to put it in the hole of the wheel and between the two metal stem nuts. So while waiting for him to mount the tire, I take off my brake drum and clean it, readjust the brakes, wipe off and relube the chain, etc.
But now all the ''technicians'' are back walking around asking what's this? MOUSETRAP! What's that? Cable operated DRUM FRONT BRAKE!?!? How's that work? (It doesn't, much!) I don't mind imparting some of my knowledge and experience. One guy said he "put points in a Shovelhead one time but that's just like an Evo", pointing to the 'cone' that's not there! I said ''no, the points are up here in the distributor!". He just shook his head and walked away.
So after about an hour and a half, my bike is off the lift and I get to pay the bill. Roadside pick-up - $50 - OK, new inner tube - $20 - OK , 2 HOURS SHOP TIME - $150 - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well , it was on a Sat! 😂
So I jokingly said to the service manager that is should be 1hr for my valuable instruction and OJT.👨🎓
Manager NOT jokingly said if I told him on the phone it was a 1968 Harley FLH , I'd still be out on the turnpike! 😠
@The Screaming Chicken That's why I drink beer.
In a way, I can see the service managers point. Many if not most dealership mechanics have zero experience with the older bikes. Plus it is supposedly official HD policy to not work on non-current models. Doubt I could pull into a Chevy dealership and get a '68 big-block vehicle worked on.
But Harley Davidson is supposed to be different. They claim and sell TRADITION. Their ads often show vintage bikes, and many dealerships have some for decoration. I had a dealership owner try to buy my above mentioned '68 back then. Actually offered to trade any new HD I chose for it.
@@pb68slab18 you sound like a very chilled and onto it guy. A lot of guys in that situation would have stressed and turned it to shit. You obviously know how to handle people, not just Harleys.
In my experience if you can understand and acknowledge the dealers concerns they can sometimes be talked around.
I bought a 92 Sportster 883 last year (first Harley) & except for a couple of 'know it all's (who never actually are willing to physically HELP) I thank my lucky stars I found an independent bike shop in St. Clair Shores, Mi. (a bit of a drive) who has already helped my with my bike that I will continue to go to. He's already rebuilt my font forks & he's always ready with advise on something I might do myself and always will take time to explain things. A Win/Win I say ! ! ! (one reason I think he takes it in at all is because it IS in good shape and has Not been all Cobbled up)
GixxerFoo. That's not why dealerships don't work on older bikes.. It's all about warranty and the new technology. Their techs have to keep up tp date with it and so they don't work on the older stuff. All dealerships are like that. You wouldn't take a Model A Ford to a Ford dealership and expect them to work on it. That's what the smaller independent shops are for.
I have a 03 Road King I got in December asked the dealership where I purchased the bike from for a price on checking and changing the Cam chain tensioners if they need it. (Yes, I know I should upgrade but I chose to keep it OEM) Dealership told me $1200+ for the Job ok WOW! I searched around and found an independent shop with great reviews and just about all of the reviews said very fair prices. I called him and $700 and a few days later he calls its done. I then told him to go over the bike and let me know anything that needs fixed. He found nothing else wrong he had an open chance to jump into my wallet and DID NOT... he just got a loyal customer!!
Just cammed and hydro tensioned my camchest in my garage. You may want to research the compensator sprocket nut backing out and causing a problem for you. There's a service bulletin about a different torque sequence. Mine backed out at 20,000mi. Costed me a new stator
otor. Could have been worse. 03 heritage.
👍👍
Had tensioners checked, was told they were OK? A hundred miles later they came apart..... So now gears in and ride is good
@@tattoomiked4612 hell yes, a service manual, you tube, the tools, and being mechanically inclined and you can do just about anything to the ole twin cams, and older...unless you need heads, cylinders etc done...good on ya for hydraulic tensioners, the factory ones were trash.
I have a guy 1 mile from my house who is a great mechanic, honest and reasonably priced. Only problem is, every time I go there he tells me how backed up he is (and he is) but he tells me sitting at his desk with three or four guys hanging out.
His biggest problem is the social club that he's got going on. So, I've procured a shop manual and plenty of tools.
I'll do my own wrenching and the money I save will go into parts and tools.
Glad you’re doing well, welcome back. After several dicey situations with dealers and independents, I decided to try all my repairs and mods myself. Never been happier, got what I wanted and only paid for parts. Barked a few knuckles and squashed some fingers but it’s all good.
lol hell yeah...I'm almost there now.
Harley dealership had my bike for 8 months before they had it "ready for pick up". Rode it to an independent shop and left it with them for a few hours to torque everything. There was one thread on the nut holding the forks in.
Glad to see you back on your feet brother. I started a policy years ago after a few bad experiences with Harley dealers. Since I'm at least as good as any dealer mechanic out there, I spend my money on whatever specialty tools I need for the job at hand. I've been a mechanic of everything from bicycles to huge HVAC units for many decades and (so far) haven't found anything I couldn't figure out or fix. A nuclear reactor might be a little over my head, but I won't know until I try. But yeah, I have a few friends that have independent shops and would definitely recommend them over a dealer, for the reasons you mentioned. And I agree that word of mouth is the best way to find a good shop in your area. Stay safe brother!
Same here after having marginal to piss-poor shop service. I have taught myself how to pretty much fix anything on a Harley and nearly everything on a GoldWing. I do have the tools needed.
"A nuclear reactor might be a little over my head, but I won't know until I try." 🤣🤣🤣
OK she's ready hit the start button lol...
@@youfritter …. I think there’s a shop manual somewhere for that
Welcome back! We missed you, but your health comes first! Glad your recovery is going well!
I find with the Indy guys you have to keep the time of year in mind when asking for them to do work. Ask them to do a valve adjustment on a bike that requires two hours of work just to get to them and they will ask you to come back in the fall when they aren’t so busy. I own on average 5 to 6 running bikes at a time. I’ve invested a lot of money in my home shop to avoid going to anyone for work.
Aside from inspecting cam chain tensioners, my 2003 road king has not had 1 issue, but I would stay clear of a dealership for service. Glad you are back on your feet. Thanks for posting.
Have you considered upgrading to hydraulic tensioners? I ride a 2000 RK and that was the FIRST thing I did after I bought it. Been going strong for 8-9 years now without incident.
@@im2yys4u81 when I need to make the change, I may do that. For the last few years, due to work, my riding time has been limited
Same here ; my 03-
Welcome back Gixx! Glad your doing well. I've had my present HD 90 XL since 2005. I bought the HD service manual, a Chilton &Hayes book, and the good old "red" Harbor Freight full motorcycle lift and a scissor jack. Bike has broke down many times. I've always got it going. ( not to mention many You Tube " how to's). But, I enjoy wrenching it as much as riding it. Old Harley's rule!
You said it in the first half of your video - "a whole new set of technicians". What they need to have on staff is "mechanics".
I like a lot of your content, this one particularly. I'm hearing a lot of my buddies being turned away for their old bikes and not being able to do their own work they are asking me to do some of their services. I'm about to pull the trigger and be one of those Indy shops working out of my own garage. Keep overhead minimal to pass on savings to friends and buddies. Just keeping the old iron on the road so to speak. keep up the great videos.
Sorry, I had no idea you were in the hospital. I really enjoyed your videos and being new to Harley Davidson. They are super informative and give me a much better understanding of these machines at what needs to be done to keep them running in proper order. Quick recovery.
Your comment about the toolbox was spot on....the service writer at Frontier HD in Lincoln,NE told me "those toolboxes don't pay for themselves" as he pushed my bill across the desk. Never been back since.
Good to see you're back. So. Can I bring my 74 shovel over?
Glad you are back at it and feeling better! Could not agree with you more as far as independent vs. dealer. I have been riding a 1980 fxb sturgis for 22 years, it is an impeccable machine! Purchased a 2014 ultra limited with 11k miles on it last year, also a very sweet bike. Was fortunate to find a GREAT independent shop here in Corona, CA. That will work on either bike, no problems. The local dealer would not look at my shovel 22 years ago. So yes, finding that independent shop us the way to go. Sure enjoy your channel!!🤙
Thank you for the video! You are right on with your comments. Glad you're feeling better and back!
Get a shop manual, buy a basic set of tools, get familiar with the machine that has YOUR life on the line. With the amount of resources and videos on youtube, anyone refusing to actually work on their own bike deserves to eat the cost of every dollar the stealership charges and has noone to blame but themselves when their moronic "techs" destroy your ride on your dime. Bought my first tc88 3 years ago and have since done an entire 95" big bore kit and camchest without a table lift in my garage, and 20k miles later still going strong. Appreciate the simplicity of these engines and feel good knowing the job was done correctly. Glad you're back on your feet too brother!
Glad yo got better from Australia 🇦🇺
Glad to see your up and about. I came down with a case of lyme disease 2 months ago & thank God I'm back in the saddle.
I may have mentioned one of my rides is an all original 1996 Dyna Low Rider Convertible.
Schaeffer's Harley Davidson in Orwigsburg, Pa. WILL work on it, in fact the service manager has been there over 30 years, still young but I see him working on Panheads, Shovelheads & Ironheads. Also, a young fellow, a technician is capable of tackling the older bikes as well.
Anyway, great topic & take care of yourself.
Grandfather John
Pennsylvania
Livin The Dream
It's hilarious to me hearing "old bike" in reference to a 96" twin cam. I ride a 77 FXE and also a 80 XLH. Hell, my "new" bike is an 02 Super Glide
Same ; 1974 fxe and my new is 03 fxst.
My newest almost 20 years old now - 😁
Thank God you feel better, and to have you back. We missed you
Glad to see you back And not with tubes hanging out of you, I've been fortunate enough that I've never been turned away but I'm also quite mechanical and able to fix pretty much everything that I need to fix I did take my 08FLH in for a clutch cable Because I just didn't have time to change it out myself because of work and we were getting ready to go on a 3000 mile ride as it was leaking pretty bad at the case It was an independent shop that did it and and 400 miles into it I got on the bike pulled the clutch in and the handle went right to the grip Had to re adjust it all In a hotel parking lot but lesson learned Needless to say that bikes not going back to that indie shop Once again glad you're doing better and will look forward to the next video Cheers from the Great White North
I've got a 98 Evo FLSTC. Took it to dealership to have a carb kit installed and forked out $250. While they had the bike there, they looked at cam and said I needed new tappets and pushrods. I said replace them and they did. Two weeks later, while prepping to go to Sturgis ralley, I decided to load the bike with gear and do a 100 mile shakedown run. Ninety seven miles later my bike was spewing oil from the rear tappet block. Upon arriving at the garage I looked at what was wrong with it. The rear tappet block screws were falling out and the front was so loose I could twist them out with my fingers. Needless to say it has completely destroyed the drive train. Thanks Harley. I guess the dealer decided I needed a new bike and let an untrained monkey work on my ride. Not Happy. From now on I'll fix my own engine and tranny...after I rebuild it.
Yes my friend I can relate, have my own tech shop manual & parts catalog I found on eBay for my 91 flhs. I just replaced the belt n primary seals n shaft bearing about month ago n knowing what it needed n was done right (BY ME). Unfortunately we trust someone else, instead ourselves.
Sorry for your bad luck Mikal. Out of curiosity what was the end result? Surely they owe you a new motor but none are available through the "REMAN" program anymore. If that happened to me I'd be going in there with a quote for a brand new S&S motor and say...."Here's what I want and oh by the way its getting installed by a reputable shop" and present that quote also. If they fail to honor your request you need to speak to an attorney!
@@kennethwise7108 this just happened a few weeks ago in mid July. Right now the motor is in my garage torn apart on 2 workbenches. It will be Spring or early summer before I can afford all the parts it needs so it's covered with a white bed sheet that has "do not touch" in red paint on it. I'll be adding parts as I can through the Winter. The bike had 25k miles on it and was running strong before this happened. I bought it with 5k miles on it four years ago.
@@mikaldene7146 I would've taken it to them and shown it to them. It's a little too late to do that now
@@kennethwise7108 the dealership is in North Dakota and I live in Montana. I sent them pictures and made a call but they claimed I should have had my cam bearing replaced as well. I checked runout on the cam and it was still in spec but roasted from lack of oil. The bearing wasn't the cause as they tried to claim. I lost all respect for them as they denied it was their doing. It would cost more for the lawyer than the parts so I'm stacking pennies to fix it myself...
Hey man. I really do appreciate your knowledge and delivery. You have been a pool of info and helping me really get to know my bike that my wife and I saved for for 7 years. Keep doing what you are doing we appreciate it and God bless you and your family
I've been lucky. I've got my own "Evo guy" here in SW Oklahoma. He used to work for H-D too and I've never had to take mine to a dealership.
I am a new tech at an indie shop. We take in many Harleys. I myself bought one because I love them and I want to learn them. I take a lot of pride and passion in my work…but sometimes it means I take longer to make sure it’s done RIGHT. Im paid a hybrid model so I’m not rushed stressing out over whether or not I can afford food. Sometimes it means you don’t get your ride back when you were planning a trip with your buddies that weekend. I appreciate your patience!
Glad you are out of the hospital and feeling well! I like your videos! Learn something new every time.
Dealers are too busy doing the bling thing. As well as being too busy from doing warranty work because today's Harley is a piece of shit which is why they have to have a 25-year warranty I remember when Harley's had a 6-month warranty. When I was checking into the MMI course thirty years ago I called up motorcycle shops and they said we don't need people to work on engines we don't need people to take them apart we just need people to do service work add to put chrome parts onto new bike. Bring your bike in for a valve job heaven forbid. Their illustrious technician might break a nail and ruin his mani-pedi.
Glad to see you're back in the garage.. 👍👍
Iron head here, SU carb and Morris Magneto....ah the simple life...roadside repairs? bring it on.
Been techn’ my own bikes because Harley won’t. Explain why I should buy a new Harley 😂. If I need help I know of a guy who is good and is known to fix what the dealership messes up. Glad your doing well.
Wow! So glad you doing good. Glad to have you back. We all miss you. Stay well
A technician diagnoses, and replaces parts.
A mechanic looks for the root of the problem, and fixes things (not necessarily replaces).
Funny side-note; the last time I had my septic tank pumped out they referred to the guy as a "technician". 💩
take care Gixxer, we are always in need of your knowledge
I had a nightmare trying to find a shop, Harley Dealership was terrible communication and new person working on the bike every time. Then independent shop sold me on top end rebuild that didn’t fix the issue and they had a bike in the shop over a year.
I had to take it home as is with bunch of bolts missing and other stuff.
Torn down the engine and rebuild heads myself, find out there were not touch at all during the rebuild. Also found out that pinion nut was lose, but sure if they even took cam cover off.
Also found a local guys who’s mobile mechanic helping me with advice and tuning.
Never going to the shop again.
Glad to see your doing better. Love watching your videos, you’ve taught me a lot.
Glad you are doing well and back home. Continued good health for you!
Great video Gixx, "a complete and total train wreck mess" I think that perfectly describes my last bike,, loved that pos.
Good to see you are back on deck mate and running on both cylinders.
Great to see you again, dude. I had to take my bike to an H-D dealer a few weeks ago for a GPS tracker. They couldn't start my bike from the parking lot because they didn't recognize that it has an S&S enrichener. I give the guy pass though as he looked about 25 years old and my bike is an '86.
Oh how that made me laugh hahaha!
Welcome back, yes it does, needed a tire on a road trip, I running a 1987 Electra glide stock expec t for a cam, after two dealers turned me down, Cheyenne Wyoming dealer put one on for me
Glad to see you're back home and on the mend! Don't push yourself to hard just to provide us videos.
My shop did all of the Shovel and older engine rebuilds for the local dealer, sometimes it pays to be old.
Always used independant shops even when I had brand spanking new bikes. Now all I have is old used bikes that dealers don't want to work on. Luckily I have used one shop for the past 19 years. The owner won't turn down anyone no matter what kind of bike you ride. You don't find many like him anywhere. Great video! Ride and stay safe!
That's the best kind of shop right there! Much higher quality of work than you can get at any dealership! I appreciate your support!
Thanks for the great content! Glad that you have recovered from your stint in the hospital👍
I got turned down at a Harley Davidson Shop with my Shovelhead. I did the work myself, just replacing a Delorto pumper with a Mikuni VM. After I saw a throttle cable for Delorto and Mikuni VM! Still used my Jack Hammer grip!
Glad you're back and doing better! Good video. Didn't know about the 10 year thing, kind of figured there was a cut-off somewhere but wasn't sure. Will check next time I'm in. Thanks!!
Hey didn't know you were down n out ! Welcome back and will have good thoughts for a even faster healing
Happy to have you back!
Glad to see you back! I remember a few years ago when some dealerships refused to work on Evo's. Even a simple oil change was turned away. Once the twin cam's arrived you needed special tools and digital code readers to service them. I remember having to ohm test crank position sensors, cam sensors, Tps, air temp sensors. It was nuts. Now you just buy a reader to plug in to diagnose the problem. Anyway it's good to have you back. Always enjoy the videos even when it's on a Milwaukee 8 which I don't have, Yet!!
I have 4 Harley’s and 2 of them are 2003 Dyna wide glide and a 2003 VRCSA my Harley dealer in tampa florida have done work on them and replaced parts that are impossible to find.
They have never turned me away, they are great over there, I purchased 2 Harley’s from them.
I guess that would be Burts Harley Davidson ? Ps , im in Australia . I just watch shadetree videos . Cheers n beers mate .
I wondered where my weekly GF video was? Don’t know what happened but it’s sure good to see and hear you again. Take care.
In our dealership we don’t work on or sale anything 2007 or older. Keeping this bikes here for months trying to locate a part is not good for the dealership or the customers. Trade ins 2007 or older are taken straight to auction.
Glad u back .. 👍✌️🙏Local shop here in northern Indiana and we have a couple if it's 10 years old or older don't even take it there they won't even work on it. Unless you buy tires from them and pay their markup don't even take tires there to have them mounted even the small shops same way you think they would actually want the work but maybe they just don't have the technicians. That's why I build a tire changer it's pretty basic but as long as I still have strength I will do my own and other people's but they help me they have to help me. We will do it together. I remember I went to one of the shops local in 04 and I had a 93 they said it was too old. I just don't think they understood or didn't have anybody any more that could work on the evolution motor they were now hell-bent for the new twin cam. Years before I had a shovelhead again the same thing now what they did tell me that there could be multiple things wrong with it and they would have to fix every item before it could leave the shop otherwise they could be sued by the customer if anything happened. I said that's fine you know I always understood a business is a business if you don't want to do something for a customer that's their prerogative. And I don't think suing them because they won't make you a cake is going to do any difference or make any difference. That's why you have to learn to do it yourself get a couple of your friends together more people have more ideas and you will hash it out and you will get it done.
And several one in particular shop here in town if you didn't buy a new bike there you're a second class citizen. It's pretty sad because they are still a family business the mom and dad are well not in the picture anymore sadly but it's the kids and they just want the money. The I sell a new bike money. 😡
Glad to see your ok! I just got back from Sturgis did 934 miles yesterday so I'm recovering today. Lol As always thanks for the videos I'm always pumped to watch!
With respect, I am a Red Seal Motorcycle Mechanic for 25 years and we still use a factory service manual for some jobs. Attitude gets folks turned away all the time.
The very few times (long ago) that I had a shop look at my old Mopar the results were disappointing. If it doesn't have a modern computer to tell them a diagnosis code they are lost. Same with my old XL sporty. "No computer, No Way!" Okay, I'll do it myself. Sorry to say that the old saying 'stealership' is still alive and well. Keep on wrenching!
Glad you're back. Hope you're feeling better!
Glad you are back and feeling good brother. Love the videos. Thanks again for all you do.
You’re looking good bruddah glad you’re doing well! Just as always love your videos!! Prayers out for you!
Bought a new 1981 FLH it's never been in a dealership since I bought it.When it needed something I couldn't fix I took the part to someone who could then I put it back together.
Good to see you back and on your way to recovery
Welcome back! Great to see that your all better! 👊🏼
The local dealer will go back to Evos for engine work. General maintenance, they’ll pretty much do about anything. Anything Shovel or earlier gets sent out to an Indy shop.
Glad you are better. Health issues suck! Always support your local independant motorcycle and aircraft shops. We keep things running!
Glad to see your back and getting better
Glad to see you up on your feet again. Great video as usual.
Welcome back. Hope you are feeling better
Glad you are feeling better.
My local Yamaha shop does great work for a fair rate.they been around for 50yrs and work all makes.plus the turnaround times reasonable for let's say new rubber.takes a few hours as opposed to being held hostage for 2 or 3 days.
My local dealer has always worked on my 01 Sportster. I explain the problem and always tell them to do whatever it takes.
I love doing my own work. It’s still expensive. Mostly the cost of tools and parts. When I make costly mistakes I just bite the bullet and move forward. My motorbike is a luxury item. The high cost is to be expected!
🛑🛑 Missed You Bud👍.
I’m glad to see you back in the saddle again 😀👍.
Yup. Service advisor at a Dodge dealership..... "my A/C worked just fine before you flashed my radio." Sucks
Well, you're back! Hope you are feeling better, and thanks for the video!
Glad your back. Stay well..
It's not just dealers, it's indy's too.. Definitely have to check behind all who wrench on your bike! Took my bike in for something else and someone decided to tune my carburetor, well let's just say I never got that cv40 back into shape, so now I have a mikuni.
wow welcome back. glad all went well. stay healthy.
Sturgis Thursday 8/2/22. My bone stock 2018 Electra glide ultra-classic with 49k, STILL under warranty. Was 8.2 miles from exit 55 HD when there was a loud explosion and the motor instantly died and was coasting before I could pull the clutch lever in. While coasting to a stop tried hitting the starter/ nothing. Called the shop and this was the recording that came on "only oil/brakes/tires during rally". No one would answer the phone- just this recording.
U-Hauldispatcher to
Last part of that got cut off. Had to tow it to uhaul, rent a cube van n trailer and tow it home to my local shop.
@@qthebikeahaulic dang ; that bites - I did have a speedo sensor go out on my 03. Pretty rare . I was told at one time to carry a spare crankshaft position sensor because they have been known to fail . 🤔
glad to see your doing better..
Also, a manufacturer is federally mandated to supply replacement parts for 10 years. That keeps the aftermarket going. Regardless of the various excuses, the main motivation for Harley to turn away service on older bikes is to promote new bike sales, at least that's what a Harley service manager told me.
Glad to see you are better. Good video. My independent shop Rolling Thunder Cycles on Long Island are great with my old bikes. I would love to see a video about you and your bike or bikes. Stay safe bro.
Anyone in NH: SDS Cycles in Hill NH. Ask for Steve or Dave. They’re an independent shop that just does one hell of a good job. Great work at a fair price, and they insist on doing it right!
I hate stealerships. Fortunately I work at a shop. However there is one dealer I will go to if need be. Reason? He is enrolled In the early Model program and is allowed to work on and sell parts for early model HD. If not enrolled in early model they can't work on your sled or sell you parts. It's not that they are assholes they simply aren't allowed to. Buddy Stubbs HD here in Phx is enrolled in early model and in fact has an impressive collection of their own right there.
It will get much worse buddy. Most knowledgeable techs are leaving the industry for better pay and less entitled customers. Sorry man, I love your videos, very well informed.
10 yrs at dealers seems to be the norm now..but from past experiences I'll stick with a Indy shop..me n the kid have Evo's..kinda like those over the twin cams n M8's which I've previously owned..simple n solid!!..hope u feel better..😊
here on long island where I live the indy shops have closed that I've used over the years gaskets in stock 60 weight oil etc
Glad you're well brother my bike is in it's 4 th shop in the last 2yrs from original build hopping these guys can get it right 🙏✌️
Glad to see you are on the mend. Really enjoy your vids you were missed. Stay healthy brother.