Online: Jenko

Scheduled servicing - caution mentions oil

  • Carizo
    Carizo
    2 years ago
    Easy keyboard warriors I post infrequently (but 2 today). I know I run the risk of attracting a Fatwa because this post mentions 'oil' (which I know has been done to death) but please read on...

    I put my SG into the local dealer for its 2 year service. Two things came up which I thought I would share:

    No 1. Oil - I have been using Penrite 20W-50 V-twin full synthetic in all 3x holes and change all 3 every 4000km (yeah I know I'm probably wasting money, synthetic oil technology, etc but it keeps me happy and Doc Harley has no complaints). I supplied my own oil as I have on previous occasions but this time the 'master technician' says don't put it in transmission and primary. So they put in Formula Plus. 

    I didn't get into this discussion with the dealer but why is Screamin Eagle 20W-50 okay for all three holes but Penrite not? No dramas I'll change out the Formula Plus and go back to the Penrite which I am very happy with - smooth gear changes and no cold clunk into first.

    No 2. Brake and clutch fluid - the Owner's Manual says to replace brake and clutch fluid every 2 years or sooner if moisture content 3% or more. The bike is 2.5 years old since I bought it new and I figure the brake and clutch fluid is at least that old as well. I know BMW had problems with ABS units on the 1200GS some years ago because the fluid was not completely flushed from the ABS modulator. I also think brakes are important and the fluid should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer. I'm sure most - car or bike - say every 2 years. 

    Anyway I expected the brake and clutch fluid to be changed as stated in the Owner's Manual but nope they didn't do it - just 'inspect'. I rang the dealer to voice my disappointment. Didn't seem too concerned when I said next time my bike is due for a service the fluid may be around 3.5 years old. I'm Googling how to 'flush' the complete ABS unit. Any advice welcome.

    I don't intend going back to the dealer in future now the warranty period is over. I try to do most things myself (recent hip surgery has made it a bit difficult) but I'd be grateful for any recommendations for an independent mechanic in Canberra.

    Thanks Carizo  
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    That’s ok Carizo. Oil threads are ok. Thank goodness at least your bike is black!  Otherwise we’d be having that conversation again!
  • Carizo
    Carizo
    2 years ago
    Thanks Steelo. I knew the risks. By the way it is not black its Barracuda Silver.
  • steelo
    steelo
    2 years ago
    It... It....It's NOT black?
    That's.... OK
  • fatbat
    fatbat
    2 years ago
    Two independent harley service shops in Canberra are your options. One north and one south. 

    Bestway customs in Conder. One man shop in his workshop attached to his house. He’s a perfectionist and does everything himself. Only a bit cheaper than dealer but better. 

    There’s another one man shop working out of his workshop attached to his house in McKellar. I haven’t met or used him but heard good things. Kev’s custom cycle. 

    Pulfords in mitchell closed up a few years ago 
  • Carizo
    Carizo
    2 years ago
    Cheers FB. Much appreciated.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    No 2. Brake and clutch fluid - the Owner's Manual says to replace brake and clutch fluid every 2 years or sooner if moisture content 3% or more. The bike is 2.5 years old since I bought it new and I figure the brake and clutch fluid is at least that old as well. I know BMW had problems with ABS units on the 1200GS some years ago because the fluid was not completely flushed from the ABS modulator. I also think brakes are important and the fluid should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer. I'm sure most - car or bike - say every 2 years.

    Interesting one this. My 2012 Street Glide had the fluid changed twice by my self. One day mid ride i grabbed the front brake after starting the bike and the lever was rock solid jammed. No matter how hard i squeezed it it wouldn't budge. Switched the bike off, seconds later lever returned to normal. Started the bike while holding the lever in and no issue. Went home and re bled the front but decided to let HD have a look.......well the ABS unit was seized due to moisture build up. They hooked up their machine double flushed the system and it was fine. My BMW does get the fluid done every 2yrs.  Hd did note the brake flush on the invoice as does BMW for their records.



  • Smokey61
    Smokey61
    2 years ago
    Brake fluid flush through ABS system cost me $90 at the dealer just over a year ago. Had it done after a mobile tyre fitter left me without a back brake after he decided to adjust the rear brake fluid level. 
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting Smokey61 on 20 Jul 2021 12:17 AM

    Brake fluid flush through ABS system cost me $90 at the dealer just over a year ago. Had it done after a mobile tyre fitter left me without a back brake after he decided to adjust the rear brake fluid level. 

    Mine was around the same
  • Carizo
    Carizo
    2 years ago
    Thanks for the comments. I know it's important. Can't understand why an authorized HD dealer doesn't follow the advice of the manufacturer of the products that they are authorized to sell and service. 

    Might write to HD Australia yet. See what happens.
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting Carizo on 20 Jul 2021 07:26 AM

    Thanks for the comments. I know it's important. Can't understand why an authorized HD dealer doesn't follow the advice of the manufacturer of the products that they are authorized to sell and service. 


    Might write to HD Australia yet. See what happens.

    You may as well scribble it on the footpath in my experience, biggest bunch of soft cock accountants  run the show. I am convinced the first thought they have is .."How much will this cost us" rather than "Lets help old mate out here, hes going to love us and buy a Harley in the future".
    Hyundia has shown Australia how to look after its customers  and look at their sales and market share compared to 10 yrs ago. Look after the people who look after you! Simple
     
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    A mildly left detour here...i have added a BMW 1200GS  to the fold and experiencing a clutch problem. BMW had recognized the issue and updated a part that cures the issue yet surprise.....BMW Australia have never heard of the problem! Literally hundreds of pages of the issue and the part number for the upgraded part...
    Anyway the service manager tells me there's a software update for the ECU that might help???? Not sure how a software update can cure a mechanical problem. Anyway were playing the game and Thursday its getting its computer re flashed.
  • STROPP
    STROPP
    2 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Jul 2021 10:42 AM

    A mildly left detour here...i have added a BMW 1200GS  to the fold and experiencing a clutch problem. BMW had recognized the issue and updated a part that cures the issue yet surprise.....BMW Australia have never heard of the problem! Literally hundreds of pages of the issue and the part number for the upgraded part...
    Anyway the service manager tells me there's a software update for the ECU that might help???? Not sure how a software update can cure a mechanical problem. Anyway were playing the game and Thursday its getting its computer re flashed.

    I would put money on that they change the part and tell you they just reflashed the ecu 😉
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Jul 2021 10:42 AM

    A mildly left detour here...i have added a BMW 1200GS  to the fold and experiencing a clutch problem. BMW had recognized the issue and updated a part that cures the issue yet surprise.....BMW Australia have never heard of the problem! Literally hundreds of pages of the issue and the part number for the upgraded part...
    Anyway the service manager tells me there's a software update for the ECU that might help???? Not sure how a software update can cure a mechanical problem. Anyway were playing the game and Thursday its getting its computer re flashed.

    Quoting STROPP on 21 Jul 2021 12:17 AM

    I would put money on that they change the part and tell you they just reflashed the ecu 😉

    Ha Ha wishfull thinking indeed. The job quote number does tally up with a computer download
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Jul 2021 10:42 AM

    A mildly left detour here...i have added a BMW 1200GS  to the fold and experiencing a clutch problem. BMW had recognized the issue and updated a part that cures the issue yet surprise.....BMW Australia have never heard of the problem! Literally hundreds of pages of the issue and the part number for the upgraded part...
    Anyway the service manager tells me there's a software update for the ECU that might help???? Not sure how a software update can cure a mechanical problem. Anyway were playing the game and Thursday its getting its computer re flashed.

    Quoting STROPP on 21 Jul 2021 12:17 AM

    I would put money on that they change the part and tell you they just reflashed the ecu 😉

    Quoting paulybronco on 21 Jul 2021 07:45 AM

    Ha Ha wishfull thinking indeed. The job quote number does tally up with a computer download

    Well a quick update...no pun intended...picked the bike up today after the software update for the dealer to tell me there's nothing wrong with the clutch on the road test BUT after doing the test ride, with the motor off they couldn't move the bike as the back brake was stuck on! They bled the system and asked me to monitor........10klm down the road the bike suddenly started to slow dramatically, i glanced down and saw a slight smoking from the rear of the bike. Pulled over and the disc was lightly smoking and brake pedal was rock hard. Got a spanner and backed the brake adjuster right off, the bike could now be moved freely. Not sure if the software download did something to the ABS but will get to the bottom of it. And the clutch is still Foooked!
    Fuck me if you want things done.....learn how to do it and do it yourself!