Do It Yourself
Harley Dollar StretchersDiscuss Do It Yourself in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; The last quote I got from my local stealer was around $90.00 per hour. I have found the best way to save money is to purchase a service manual for ...
The last quote I got from my local stealer was around $90.00 per hour. I have found the best way to save money is to purchase a service manual for your particular bike & do the work yourself. I have found lots of good new & used parts on Ebay for a fraction of what the dealer charges. I only purchase OEM parts to ensure proper fitment. I am in no way a mechanic, but between the manual & advice from members of this site, you would be suprised what you can do yourself for less money.
I totally agree. Even when you consider the special tools you must buy you still come out ahead, you learn a lot, and can reuse the tools down the road on your ride or that of a fellow rider in need.
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'85 XLX
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You'd be wise to add an HD parts catalog (for your model) to your shopping list. The shop manual IS a must for the DIY'er..but in addition to the instructions,etc.,in the manual the catalog provides excellent "blow-up" diagrams of the components, showing what goes where, in what order, AND the correct part# for what you may need to replace..saving you a lot of grief at the "stealers" parts counter,too.
__________________ "If at first you don't succeed, try again...then swear"
Mark Twain
The last quote I got from my local stealer was around $90.00 per hour. I have found the best way to save money is to purchase a service manual for your particular bike & do the work yourself. I have found lots of good new & used parts on Ebay for a fraction of what the dealer charges. I only purchase OEM parts to ensure proper fitment. I am in no way a mechanic, but between the manual & advice from members of this site, you would be suprised what you can do yourself for less money.
I couldnt agree more! I think the amount saved over the years could buy a new bike. The satisfaction of a job tackled and done right is great. Plus seeing how my life depends on it, gives the right incentive to do the job right.
__________________ RIDE ON!
2007 VRSCDX since
November 28, 2006
The only thing I haven't done myself on my bike is change the tires. Well, that's not completey true. The 1000mi service was done by the dealer. I like working on the bike, it's theraputic. Plus, I know what I've done was done correctly.
__________________ "When I go out for a ride, I'm exactly in the moment. It's like meditation; I'm in the flow." Indian Larry
'Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.' - William Penn
I agree. I enjoy every second spent working on my bike and I had no mechanical experience at all before buying the shop manual and starting with an oil change. I remember being nervouse about that oil change. Now the people here have helped me through a big bore install and cam change.
It's not just about saving money either I find that is just an added bonus. The biggest benefit is how I enjoy riding more because it feels like the bike is a part of me. And thanks EvoKenevo, I had no idea about the parts catalog. Do I just order it at the counter?
Be sure to check e-bay for used parts catalogs or service manuals before buying a new one from HD. It may save you half the cost of the manuals.
Great Idea. Just went online (E BAY) and bought one for my 04 FXDI still in shrink wrap and save after shipping $10.00 over the dealer. Besides it is 100 miles to the nearest dealership.
Do It Yourself 
What THEY said,and.... 
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