There's been a bit of a mish mash of service intervals for my 09 Harley Davidson Road King. The 1500k service was done on time. The 8000k service was done at 5,500k's before my trip across the Nullabor. A mini service after that trip was done at about 12,500k's and about 13,300k's the 103 Big Bore Kit was put in followed by an oil change at 13,800 and the primary oil changed at 17,200 when the compensator nut was sorted. So it's been well serviced but service book interval wise it's confusing.
One thing for sure though, the service schedule says one's due about 16,000k's so today was the day the Harley Guru was going to bring everything back to par before I upset it again by dropping it in for a top up prior to leaving for Mt Isa in August.
Still ringing in my ears was the advice I'd received since blogging about overheating the "hot day in Sydney" recounting the possible benefits of having an Harley Davidson Oil Cooler Kit fitted to the Road King. While we are heading into winter here I was still of the opinion I should organise it sooner rather than later and if some additional fan help might be required next summer I could consider that then. So when booking my bike in with the Guru last week I asked him if he could order the Oil Cooler Kit. Unlike some of the experiences with the local dealer, the Guru said he would try but couldn't guarantee it'd be here on time. When I turned up, he had it.... of course he did!
I didn't ask how much the Genuine Harley Davidson Oil Cooler Kit was for my 09 Tourer, I knew it was around USD$300 on the net, add the local margin, GST and fitting I was prepared for about AUD$600, it cost about $520 fitted (adding an a portion of the labour cost for the whole service). Given the newness of my Harley Davidson I'm not yet ready to explore after market alternatives. I'm also way too time poor to shop around and with the mechanical skill of a rabid ferrett wasn't prepared to even consider the possibility of fitting it myself.
The Guru did what was required for the 16,000k service, bearing in mind the service history he's fully aware of, the total service was $918. This service and the purchase of the oil cooler marked a milestone for the Ownership Costs for my 09 Harley Davidson Road King, the total capital and service costs has passed the $50,000 mark since I bought it 9 months or so ago. Ouch!
I love your blog, and read it regularly with great interest. After owning two Harleys, the current one being a 2005 Deluxe, I long for the day I can ride the "King" also. Air cooled bikes can run very hot as we all know, you did well to pull over!! I have been tempted to trade up, however, might wait until HD bring out a water cooled Tourer, (hopefully soon). I still love my Deluxe though!!
Posted by Anonymous, 20/04/2010 7:44:37 pm