Service yourself versus shop service

[11bsoldier]

So i just had my 08 ridge back serviced, all fluids changed to include brake fluids, new oil filter and air filter and a new battery, tire pressure and reset my security system, it cost my $400.47 total with parts and labor, i was curious as to whether or not you seasoned guys would suggest i continue to take it to a shop or start doing this myself, remember im new to bigdogs and have little experience with these machines, that being said im very mechanically inclined and feel somewhat confident, do you think the how to's on here are substantial enough for me to do it myself from now on????

 

[K9Anniv]

There's really only one reason a person would need to take a bike back to the dealer, and that's for "warranty service".

Since that's (sadly) not an issue anymore with Big Dogs, why not do most, if not all the service work yourself at a LOT less cost?

There are lots of people in this forum much more knowledgeable than me who can help you, plus there numerous archived threads on this subject.
Type "service" in the search window on the home page and you'll see what I mean.

Good luck, and have FUN!

 

[11bsoldier]

thanks for the advice i appreciate it, im just scared of screwin up the bike lol

 

[silver09]

Do it yourself if you feel comfortable you have alot of help here. But with that said some people don't need to mess with it it's possiable to screw up more than you can fix . You can do it just take your time and use common sense and if you get stumped we're here to help .

 

[1mndg]

do as much as you can yourself and you'll find lots of helpfull people on this site.

 

[KnotSo]

So i just had my 08 ridge back serviced, all fluids changed to include brake fluids, new oil filter and air filter and a new battery, tire pressure and reset my security system, it cost my $400.47 total with parts and labor, i was curious as to whether or not you seasoned guys would suggest i continue to take it to a shop or start doing this myself, remember im new to bigdogs and have little experience with these machines, that being said im very mechanically inclined and feel somewhat confident, do you think the how to's on here are substantial enough for me to do it myself from now on????

What shop did you use?

 

[Brew]

Do it yourself, it's not hard and since your mechanically inclined it should be no problem for you...:2thumbs:

 

[05 old dog]

its really not that hard...just take your time and read the tips on here...

 

[HMAN]

thanks for the advice i appreciate it, im just scared of screwin up the bike lol

I had the same reservations. Trust me....if you are mechanically inclined you'll be alright. Tons of smart folks here WILLING to help you through whatever you run across.

 

[Macdwn]

Do it yourself. Saves time and money. Only reason I would take mine to the shop is because its in a box of pieces.

 

[11bsoldier]

What shop did you use?

I took it to Puget sound motorcycle, I called tacoma motorsport and they referred me to psm

 

[Devone]

Do it yourself. I was pushed for time and ran by a local shop for a quick oil change while I took care of some other business. All seemed fine until I went to service the dog myself last weekend and couldn't get the drain plug out of the oil tank only to find it completely stripped out. I don't know what they used on it but it sure created a pain for me. Also made me wonder if they even changed the oil. Besides that I can change all the fluids ( not just the oil ) for 1/2 of what they charged me to screw my bike up.

 

[scubaman15]

So i just had my 08 ridge back serviced, all fluids changed to include brake fluids, new oil filter and air filter and a new battery, tire pressure and reset my security system, it cost my $400.47 total with parts and labor, i was curious as to whether or not you seasoned guys would suggest i continue to take it to a shop or start doing this myself, remember im new to bigdogs and have little experience with these machines, that being said im very mechanically inclined and feel somewhat confident, do you think the how to's on here are substantial enough for me to do it myself from now on????

IF the shop truthfully preformed ALL required service changing fork oil ,trans,eng,and primary case ..did the clutch adjust,and final drive belt adjust ,and checked steering fall-away ...cleaned carb float bowl ..I would say you got a pretty good deal $

One more thing ..what kind of oil did they use? a big difference iMHO hell its costing like $36 dollars JUST for the eng oil if you use a prem synthetic IE AMSOIL 60w

It really comes down to trust for me I have not found a shop I trust ! No one will look out for your bike like you will! It really is smart to learn to do it yourself ,hopefully you will spot problems BEFORE they become safety issues and you will have greater appreciation for your ride ! Just my 2cents

 

[K9Anniv]

I'd always find new "scratches" when I'd get bikes back from dealers...not sure if their shop guy was wearing lots of rings or careless with tools or didn't give a hoot or all the above. :loony:

I even found chrome footpegs and the exhaust cover scraped one time after service where their "test rider" was slamming through the corners!

The shop replaced everything, but I'm just sayin'..:angry:

A big concern now is that independent shops are hurting more and more, and money is very tight. My own dealer has laid off all but one mechanic, and he says he's swamped!

Well, you know what that means...corners will be cut to make up for time.

It's become a production line for him, and 'extra care' will go out the window...it's inevitable, or he'll lose his job too! :zzdisappointed:

So do it yourself, in my opinion...then at least you'll know what you've got.

 

[11bsoldier]

Hey thanks for all the input guys, I think ill start doing it myself after reading all the post and looking through the how to threads. No doubt ill b vallin on y'all for a hand tho lol

 

[stryfox]

Read all the how to's . Go look over your bike. You have to decide for yourself. There is nothing wrong with using a good shop for service.
If you get satisfaction out of a job well done by yourself,Like most riders do. Then give it a shot. If you run into trouble people here will try to help out.
Draw your line of what you are comfortable doing and go for it.

 

[pknowles]

Hey thanks for all the input guys, I think ill start doing it myself after reading all the post and looking through the how to threads. No doubt ill b vallin on y'all for a hand tho lol

I started doing mine with the help of the guys on this forum. It's just about impossible finding a shop in southeast, virginia (hampton roads) that you can trust and will treat you right and knows the big dog bikes. This statement will piss off some people but I have looked and can't find anyone to do the regurlar services. There is a ton of help and support on here for any and all parts of these bikes. and some will even step up and give one on one support.Best thing that has happened to me since buying my bulldog.

 

[Bmarchant]

I learned a long time ago, its my bike, and I'm the one who cares if its perfect or not. I take the time to align everything correctly. Someone else is just gonna get it in the ballpark and call it good.

Someone on this forum has a saying, "why pay someone else to f*ck up your bike". Order the service manual, and do a search here, on whatever your gonna work on. Take your time, and it will come out great. Its not rocket science. Trust me, the guys up here are better then most guys I've seen working on my friends bikes.

 

[08mastiff]

11bsoldier I was just like you, mechanically inclined but nervous to mess with the scoot. After looking at gasman's How to service your big dog I said to myself why not try it. It has everything you need to change all major fluids cable lubing, etc. Then with all these other helpful members I tackled changing out my front tire and clutch hub nut issues, cruise mate installation, and more. IMHO you can do it, plus you get to learn your scoot. Go for it.......:2thumbs:

 

[2004BC]

The more you work on your bike the more you'll know your machine and can confidently handle the times when something goes wrong or breaks. Worth the effort!!!