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Tourer
Posts: 575
Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | What is the going dealer rate for 10,000 mile service check and an oil change? I've been doing my own service since I live 1.5 hrs away from closest dealer. I want to be "on record" as having them service in case of any issues in future. My fear is that he will try to make it all up on this service. I want to be armed with reasonable data.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | According to my owners manual, your next check should be @ 12000 mi not 10-I adopted a policy several vehicles ago that pises off the service department but keeps the bill down. I tell the service writer that I will not authorize nor pay for any operation they perform that is not specifically called out in the owners manual. Dealers create thoings they call 'packages' where they screw you out of extra money by performing unnecessary maintenance services. If you get blow back about this, ask them 'so, who A) wrote the maintenance schedules and B) who besides the factory would know what's really required and whats just cash drawer stuffing rip offs?'
It's like the dealer trying to sell you a 'rustproofing package' when you buy a new car, 99+% of all new cars are built with rust resistant steels or plastics, so unless you plan on parking it on the beach every night, you are just getting screwed. Same with 'fabric protection' go spend $3 @ the sporting goods store for a spray can of waterproofer and save $50! Become a professional skeptic and save some money-
Edited by SYNSTR 2011-05-10 8:59 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | There is nothing that says you have to be "on record" for doing the service at the dealer unless it is a specific dealer only service. The dependency on the dealer has its good and bad. For me, I want to know my bike, so taking it to the dealer all the time only keeps a mystery to those things that are not that complicated to execute. Since I've become more familiar with my bike, and can perform most everything that is required of the service, I can pick and choose what I want them to do. This may be for instances, the fork oil change. Pull your forks, take them to the dealer have them do it, if you choose. You can be inspecting, changing oil, and whatever else is required. For me, the Vision is relatively maintenance free since the most complicated thing to do is change the belt. |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | Do you like only having to ride an hour and half to get factory authorized service?
How far is it to the next closest dealership?
Dealerships pay their bills with the money they earn in the shop.
I don't begrudge them that.
If they can't make a profit, they close their doors.
Do what I did, find a dealership you trust, talk the owner, talk to the service tech.
My dealer will allow me to watch the entire service being performed, how could you possibly be more assured that you are getting your money's worth?
My dealer allows me to schedule all my services to be done while I wait, maybe because he knows that I travel past other dealerships to get to his.
I buy my helmets (4 so far), oil kits, sunglasses, hats, T-Shirts and riding gloves from him with a hefty discount.
The last couple of years have been tough on his business, and I am glad he didn't give up.
I've been with him for 5 years now, and I will continue to trust him with my service needs.
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Cruiser
Posts: 160
Camas Washington | I did this with my 08 KP and now doing it with my 2011 VV. At the service requirement miles prior to taking the bike in I change the oil myself which saves $$$. I agree the dealers make profit from servicing the bikes which I have no problem supporting plus I know the work will be done right. At the 500 1st service I did the oil and called the service dept. The mgr told me to wait till around 1000 then bring it in for the rest to be checked. Did that the other day and he only charged be $50. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | When I bought my bike, they offered me a 3 yr service package for $1500. I've used it 4 times in 7 months, so I think I'm going to make out ok on this deal. I'm sure they expect people to only ride about 4k a year, I don't think they counted on Vision riders doing that every couple months. It's really a win-win. They know I'm going to need a new bike a lot sooner than the 4k/year rider. |
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Tourer
Posts: 348
Sturbridge, Mass | I just had the 10K service done- I got chraged 2.5 hours labor and got a full page lsit of what was done during that service.
My dealer is great and takes care of me, well worth it in my book.
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Tourer
Posts: 575
Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | Get this, the actual factory is 4 miles from my house. Closest Victory dealer is 1.5 HR ride. Next closest is a little over 2. A guy tried to make a dealership work here, but they couldn't make any money since most of the locals get a killer deal on purchasing the bike and parts.
I too like to do most of my own service, but IMO, it doesn't hurt to throw the dealer a bone now and then. Helps keep the lights on for when I really need him. |
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Going rates for . . .