20K Maintenance turns into 2K job

[RAD]

I have a 2005 RK Custom that I purchased in Nov 2011 with 3500 miles and I usually to my own 5K Oil changes but at the 20K mark I decided to take it to the dealership and get it looked over by someone that knows what they were doing. I am OK with basic but I’m no mechanic.

Turns out I had some serious issues going on.

Original work I wanted:

20K service: $311.92, not too bad for what they are doing.

New hand grips $90 – Installed for $20, an easy job but for $20 let them do the work

Dealer found I was missing Anti-Rattle Clutch Clip - $3 for the clip installed for free.

Front Tire - $175 installed for free since I was doing the service.

Brake Flush – Bikes 10 years old and I bet it has never been done - $83

Total original work I wanted done around $700, not a small sum but I think it was time to show the bike some love.

Now I get the call. Jack from the HD dealership. We have some issues, he starts going over what they found and I will admit at first I was thinking what we all start thinking, really? Are they trying to take me? But as we start talking he goes over everything then he says, look I know this is a lot of money, you need to talk with your wife and I want you guys to come done so I can show you everything before you make any decisions.

So, I call my wife and asked if she could get off work early and after I told her what was going on she said you bet.

This what he shows us:

Rear Brakes and Break Rotor. I just had the rear tire and breaks replaced about a year ago (at a different place) and the brakes were worn down almost to the metal and the rotor is pitted and warped. $275

Primary Leak. He also showed us where the leaks were coming from. $438

Rocker Box Leak. Again, he took the time and showed us where the leeks were. $250
Throttle/Idle Cables. They pulled them to lube them and man, were they fraying. $221.

Now total is around 2K but what are you going to do? My wife said it was worth it because she knows I love to ride and she was more concerned about safety and the longevity of the bike.

Just wanted to share.

[TentHunteR]

Ray, that is well worth the money, considering you get a lot  of pleasure out of that bike.  That alone makes it worth it.   But, throw in the fact that your safety is priceless, it's even more worth the money spent!

[muebe]

Harley's hold and even gain in value as time goes on so IMHO it is a good investment.

[Ka Honu]

You forgot to add in the (not inconsiderable) cost of the "official gear" (t-shirts, etc.) you'll have to buy to pass the time while waiting for the service. It's all part of the HD ownership obligation/mystique. Them folks ain't stupid.  Expensive, but not stupid.

[hikerman]

RAD you know as well as anyone,  if you're going to ride and live long, you gotta be safe! That money for repairs is a good investment on your life and Mrs RAD's life too!

[TMB]

Yep owned a few bikes and yes they are not cheap to keep up.   But safety is and always will be the number one for spending time and money on a bike   

[RAD]

Thanks everyone and yes it wasn't a happy decision but an easy one. After seeing everything we told him to start the work. I should have it back sometime this week. That $$$ could have gone for a couple of nice grills 

[Sailor1]

On the bright side......at least you didn't have to buy wiper blades 

[Iceman1955]

On the bright side......at least you didn't have to buy wiper blades 

Wiper blades.... Maybe not, but extra tooth paste to clean the bugs out from grinning to much as he rides down the road, yes!