| Author | Message | ||
     Kcfirebolt |
It is time for my 10,000 mile service on the XB9R. I also need new brake pads on the front. Dealer quoted $750.00. Seems high for a one year old bike. He said that they have to check the primary chain. If I ask them to skip the primary chain, will I save money or void my warranty? This is the first bike I have ever owned and I am not very mechanical. I just want to do the right thing and get back on the road. Gotta get to 15,000 miles quick! Thanks for the help and feedback. | ||
| Court |
Charlie: Call Bruce Zimmerman at 785-234-6174. You'll get the best up to date advise you can on servicing your Firebolt. Court | ||
| Crusty |
cough*snowjob*cough | ||
| Chainsaw |
$750 buys a jack, service manual and a $600 bucks worth of tools. Adjusting the primary chain is easy, but the 10,000 mile service calls for inspecting the primary shoe also, which requires taking off the shifter and primary cover, which is more involved. If you don't feel up to doing it yourself, I would get a second quote from another dealer. You might consider trying a local "chopper" shop. The XB's tranny setup is very similar to a Sportsters', and most competent Harley mechanics should be able to handle it. | ||
| Jim_witt |
Wow, is the cost of living that much where you live. That's total bull-shit! There's no way in hell I'd pay $750.00 of my hard earned greenbacks for a 10,000 mile service check. I live in Phoenix Arizona and the going rate here is $435.00 for the XB and the Vrod. Hell I thought $435.00 was freaking outrageous. It's supposed to be about a 5-hour job, so YOU do the math. Do YOU make anything remotely NEAR (note the remotely near) that much per hour? I'd take Chainsaws advice and (like in addition too) get mechanically inclined real quick. -JW:>  | ||
| Usapitbullz |
Did "Worthless" South HD/Buell quote you that price? I can believe it if they did. Everytime someone goes into a Worth HD/Buell dealership the first thing they do is give you a table and expect you to bendover! They even expect you to bring your own lube! Sorry, but some of these dealerships need to have there HD affiliation yanked for poor customer svc!   edited by usapitbullz on May 31, 2003 | ||
| Tripper |
Charles; congrats on racking up the miles. Now that it's broke in properly can I ride it again? Around $400 should be about right. If your not technically inclined it's money well spent. Get your bike to Topeka HD/Buell. I would'nt trust anyone else, well maybe Frank if you can get them to promise you he will be the person that works on it. The problem there is that Central does not stock any Buell parts yet. | ||
| Blake |
You gotta inspect the tensioner shoe? Would a dentist's mirror and a penlight get that done without having to remove the primary cover? If removing the primary cover is now part of the required 10K maintenance task, I'll have to think hard about bragging on the superior "low maintenance" aspects of the new Buells. Would an inspection cover be too tough to implement? I consider having to remove any cover that results in spilling oil on the ground a huge no-no when it comes to required maintenance. | ||
| Budo |
Someone said the 15k service required the drive belt to be replaced. Can anyone confirm this and what it costs? | ||
| Blake |
That is the "recommended" service life of the belt. Way too short. | ||
| Dynarider |
It is as Blake pointed out the recommended life, but to be honest I dont think too many folks have gottne that much out of it. For the folks that are putting miles on it seems like 12,500 is a number that keeps popping up. maybe those are folks who have removed all of the belt guards so it see's more crud? The belt is ez enough to change, but it would be nice to have one like the Harleys have that can go 50,000-60,000-75,000+. Course replacing one on a Harley is also a pain in the ass. Gotta pull the whole primary off to access it. | ||
| Bykergeek |
Hasn't H-D/Buell since upped the original XB9 belt change interval to 25k miles. Apparently, their 15k initial number was way too conservative. Other than tires, new wheel bearings and new sidestand, I plan on doing ALL my own normal maintenance. Almost 6k miles now and there has been no need for a TPS/ECM re-zero yet. | ||
| Daves |
KCFirebolt, Bring your bike up to Waterloo. I don't have the prices with me at home today but I'm sure it isn't 750.00 Plus I have actual "Buell" techs that will do it right. Just call me and I'll set up an appt for you with our service dept and give you a price. I think it would be worth the trip in $$ saved and get it done right. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Ia When it comes to Buell, We kick ASS! dave@iowaharley.com 10800-342-7539 ext 14 | ||
| Court |
Actually a pretty smart and doable alternative. Dave, throw lunch in and see if he takes the bait. Buell people will go anywhere for food. Court | ||
| Chainsaw |
Blake: The primary shoe has to be physically removed and tolerances as small as .040 measured. I wish that could happen with a mirror and flashlight! | ||
| Daves |
How about lunch and a T shirt? Now that's an offer no Bueller could refuse! Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Iowa | ||
| Crusty |
Damn, Dave. I wish your shop was closer to New England. | ||
| Dynarider |
Even if you have to remove the primary cover..big deal. Its not that difficult to remove..sure its a little messy..but it sure as hell shouldnt cause the price to skyrocket to $750. | ||
| Daves |
OK, it's more than I thought it would be but still less than the "other" deal is telling you. I had my service manager figure it up. 492.35 plus tax for a 10,000 mile service on a XB. It is a pretty extensive list of stuff to do. It lists everything required in the owners manual. Sooo you can save 257.65 by driving to Waterloo and having it done. Plus the free lunch and t shirt, what do you say? Ride to the edge! Dave | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Hi folks, Just got back from vacation in sunny Florida. Thanks for all of your thoughts and suggestions. I'm still turning everything over in my head. The $750 I quoted included the front brakes, but if the 10K service is around $500 (okay, it is Worth South $600) then is $150 for the brakes out of line? Seems high. Part of my problem is that I like the folks (the personalities) at Worth South and I see value in a good relationship with my local dealer, particularly if warranty issues come up. They have taken great care of me this past year. For example, they picked up the bike and returned it to my garage for me when I got a nail in the tire. All I had to do was swing by a couple of days later to sign the bill. I know that costs them more and I know that I will have to pay more. Still, I don't want to be taken for a fool. So, here i am overthinking things again. Do I support the local dealer that I like, that likes me, and provides (what I perceive to be) great customer service even though I know I am overpaying? Do I trust my mechanically-declined self to learn how to do some wrenching? Do I shop my work around? (Keef, thanks for the offer of help. Dave, thanks for the lunch and t-shirt offer. It sounds great and as you can see, I'm considering all possibilities.) By taking either of the latter two directions, will I damage the good/friendly relationship I have with the folks at my home dealership? And do I risk losing their help if and when I really need someone to represent my interests to Buell? Thanks again for your ears. Charles | ||
| Jim_witt |
Humm, First of all when you post shit like you've done, post the freaking facts. Oh yea, the quote included the front brakes ... duh. What the fuck ... over. Sounds like you've already made your mind up dude, so why ask for advise. Support you local stealership and take it in the crack of your ass (better get some butt-spakle too). -JW:> | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Sorry to waste your time Jim. | ||
| Daves |
KC, It is almost always my advise to support your local dealer. Without all the facts it seemed as though they were ripping you off. So I advised to come here. Now it looks like you should give them a shot at it. PS, I'll still buy you lunch if you want to just ride up here and check us out, maybe for the July 20th BattleTrax? Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle center Waterloo Ia | ||
| Sarodude |
KC- I'll echo DaveS's comments. A good relationship with a (good) dealership is WAY important. It seems you've already recognized that. Get your bike maintained, then go take Dave up on that lunch! -Saro | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Dave, thanks for the kind thoughts and advice. In re-reading the intitial post, I can see how it might not have been clear that I was including the brake pads in the $750. I apologize if I misled anyone in this. Your quote of $500 for the 10K service suggests that while Worth HD is probably higher, their quote may not be totally out of line (for them anyway) when one includes the brake pads. My intent on the longer post was to get thoughts from others and perhaps start a discussion of the importance of working with a specific dealer throughout the life of the motorcycle. Is the importance of the relationship relevant in a time when we have so many choices? Do dealers notice or care that you consistantly come to them? Does it increase the likelyhood that they will work harder for you when you need it? Jim had a point. I want to take it to the dealer, but I also want to conduct all due diligence to make sure I am doing the right thing in the long run. This is the first bike I have ever owned, so I haven't had to make these decisions before. The Bad Web has been a valuable source of guidance from those who have been down the road before, and I am grateful for everyone's input and guidance. Thanks to all of you for your help. | ||
| Dynarider |
$150 for front brake pads????? Does a new rotor come with this deal as well?? Either way it still sounds high. I know some dealers are reputable & will actually do whats on the 10,000 mile list. Others will change the oil & lean the bike against the wall for 5 hrs & thats it. Everything on the list can be done by a person at home with a manual. But hey since you have $$$ to blow, have at it. | ||
| Blake |
KC, Never be shy about confronting a dealer who you feel is overcharging. Tell them you think the price may be too high and ask for a detailed accounting of what is involved that justifies the high price. Tell them you are thinking of doing the work yourself as you are aware of its relative simplicity. If they get offended by that, you don't want to be doing business with them. Chances are they may not have tabulated an accurate estimate and just threw out the $750 figure based upon the 10K service of prior Buell twin models. Prior Buell twins required regreasing of the steering head and swingarm bearings, two significantly time consuming ordeals. Your XB9R should not require either as it uses sealed bearings in those locations (way to go Buell!!!). Anyway, you might be sly about it and ask them what they would charge to perform the 10K service on a 2000 Cyclone. If it is the same, you've likely caught them in a mistake. Please forgive Jim, he's got some serious tool envy that is making him even more grouchy than usual. edited by blake on June 09, 2003 | ||
| Jim_witt |
KC, I was just yanking on your chain and there's no need to apologize to anyone ... I should. Anyway, if you telling us they're charging you $150.00 greenbacks to install brake pads on the front, then you'd better go buy some butt-spakle after all. Changing the brake pads is extremely simple! Probably a 15 minute job for the non-mechanical type (which includes cleanup and washing your hands). BTW, the relationship between you and your Buell dealership is the most important part of owning a Buell (unless you do the work yourself). Finding a good dealership is rare, there's not many around. Oh, do you remember what they charged you to pick up your bike (don't tell me it was $100.00 now). -JW:> | ||
| Kcbill |
KC aren't you forgetting Frank at Central? He will most certainly have your Buell short and long term interest at heart. | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Thanks Jim. I picked up the butt spakle last night from Home Depot just in case. Here's what I think I am going to do. I asked the dealership for the 10k service price only. If it is close to where Dave says it should be, then I'll go ahead and get it done. I've talked with my friend Bill, who is very mechanical, and he says that he'll help me with the brake pads. We're going to take a close look at them tonight when we take off the rear wheel for the new tire. Thanks for your help and guidance . I let you know what I find out. | ||
| Darthane |
I'll be doing my 10K serive myself over the next few days...I'll be glad to let you know what I though of how difficult/time consuming it was. BTW, I recently WAS charged $150 for front brake pads, but was too damned incensed about various other things at the time to give a shit. Basically the high cost was because they put 1.5 hrs of labor on there that should have been warranteed time. Let me just say that Triple S H-D in Morgantown, WV sucks, just like 99% of all H-D dealers out there. Bryan | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Thanks Bryan, Let me know how it goes. | ||
| Bykergeek |
$150 for brake pads?  (somone got ripped). EBC has a sintered pad set that is going for $30 online. Part Number for XB models is FA345HH | ||
| 2k4xb12 |
I was just on the EBC website and checked out their catalog. The catalog seems to be in need of an update -- they only list up to an '03 (and therefore do not list an XB12). Should the 9 and 12 use the same pads? Steve. |
