Maintenance FAQ
- Isn't the 1000 mile service just an oil change?
- What gets performed during a factory scheduled
maintenance?
- So how do I know it's getting done by the book?
- What are the factory recommended service intervals
for my bike?
- How often should I change my oil?
- 5000 miles seems like a long time between oil
changes?
- Aren't maintenances covered by the warranty?
- I've heard some talk about a prepaid maintenance
plan, what's that all about?
Isn't the 1000 mile service just an oil change?
Not exactly. Harley-Davidson® recommends that factory scheduled
maintenance be performed according to the service manual. The first and
most important service is the 1000 mile maintenance (500 for Springer®
models). During the first 1000 miles is what most people would consider
as break-in. During this period is when the internal and external components
receive their most initial wear.
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What gets performed during a factory scheduled
maintenance?
Here's just a sample of what gets performed.
Belts and chains will stretch during the first 1000 miles and require
adjustment. Clutch and throttle cables need to be lubricated and readjusted.
Wheels inspected, and if applicable, spokes tightened. Fluids changed,
electrical systems checked, fasteners checked and retorqued. The list
goes on...it's much more than just an oil change!
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So how do I know it's getting done by the book?
Good Question! First, all our technicians are Factory Trained
and have received the training needed to get the job done right the first
time! Secondly, we use only Harley-Davidson® lubricants and parts
when performing any maintenance. Lastly, every maintenance performed follows
it's own specific task sheet that's unique to the vehicle, model and year
according to Harley-Davidson's regular maintenance inteval. We use a web-based
company Servicesheet.com to
generate the service sheets specific to your motorcycle, for that service
interval.
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What are the factory recommended service intervals
for my bike?
The 1000 mile service, or 500 mile for Springer's are the first service.The
Factory recommends servicing every 5000 miles on all 2004 and later models.
Earlier model years prior to 2004 had an service interval of 2500 miles.
The 10k maintenance intervals include more extensive maintenance to the
chassis than the 1k and 5k and require additional parts and labor. The
1k and the 10k are the most important maintenance intervals for
your motorcycle.
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How often should I change my oil?
With recent improvements in engine design, oil manufacturing and filter
technology, Harley-Davidson recommends that the oil and filter be changed
at 5000 mile intervals provided the motorcycle is being operated under
normal driving conditions. It is also recommended to change all the engines
lubricants prior to storage of your motorcycle.
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5000 miles seems like a long time between oil
changes?
If you ride your motorcycle with great enthusiasm, ride in dusty, or in
extreme hot or cold weather conditions, you should change the engine oil
and filter more frequently. Even though Harley-Davidson has done extensive
testing on their Genuine Harley-Davidson H-D 360 and Screamin'
Eagle SYN3 full synthetic, we recommend changing the engine oil and
filter @ 2500 mile intervals.
For piece of mind and extended service, Illinois Harley-Davidson/Buell
offers a maintenance at the 2500 mile interval. Although these intervals
are no longer required by the factory service manual, they offer additional
maintenance and protection for your motorcycle. We always recommend using
only Genuine Harley-Davidson Lubricants and Oil Filters.
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Aren't maintenances covered by the warranty?
Unfortunately no, vehicle maintenance costs are responsibility of the
owner. Performing the scheduled maintenances are not only important, but
are also the customer's responsibility to keep the vehicle maintained
while it is under Harley-Davidson's 24 month unlimited mileage warranty.
It's your end of the bargain in keeping the warranty coverage in effect!
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I've heard some talk about a prepaid maintenance
plan, what's that all about?
Illinois Harley-Davidson/Buell offers a Preferred
Lifetime Maintenance Program that covers all the factory scheduled
maintenances for as long as you own the motorcycle.* Included in the plan
are all necessary parts and labor needed to perform unlimited factory
maintenance intervals...for LIFE! You'll receive Priority Status
which means you never need to make an appointment for a maintenance. In
addition to factory scheduled interval maintenances, we will change your
engine oil and filter and perform a vehicle safety inspection at the 2500
mile intervals as well! Wait there's more...we'll even DETAIL your motorcycle
at all the factory scheduled maintenances. We'll even guarantee that your
bike will be completed within 48 hrs!
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Welcome to the Illinois Harley-Davidson/Buell Service Department!
