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Dodging the Roadkill: Maintenance

Dodging the Roadkill - A Biker's JourneyClarksville, TN – I’ve never been a “grease monkey.”  I’m not one of those guys who’s always working on cars or spending my days in the garage just “tinkering.”

I might need to take an interest.

When I began this journey, my research revealed that it was a fairly expensive venture.  Considering the thousands and thousands of dollars I had spent over the years on the golf course, owning a motorcycle didn’t compare.  I brought my bike to the dealership for all of the routine maintenance checks, and I’ve NEVER had an issue.

Motorcycle Engine
Motorcycle Engine

I’ve developed relationships with the service manager and some of the mechanics.  I trust my Harley dealership to keep my motorcycle in tip top shape.  I’ve never been left stranded anywhere.  She runs like a champ.

So what’s the problem you ask? 

Well, I’m scheduled for my 50,000 mile service check and the cost estimate has just blown me away!  At some point, I have to wonder, “what the hell costs so much, if I’ve been getting this bike serviced every 5,000 miles?”

I’m not happy, but I don’t hold it against my dealership.  They’re hands are tied.  They’re just doing what Harley Davidson tells them to do.

So, do I bite the bullet and realize that as much as I travel, and have never had an issue, do I spend that kind of money, or do I consider other options?

I posed this question on my Facebook page the other day and you guys stepped up with a lot of suggestions.  Many of you work on your own bikes and have that talent, not to mention the tools, to work on your bike.  Plus, you LOVE working on your bike.

Me, not so much.

Many thoughts went through my mind.  Should I just go on and trade instead of paying the hefty service charge, or, do I have someone else perform the service without the pricey Harley labor fee?

It’s really a conundrum, even for those of us who are fortunate enough to have the financial resources to maintain this lifestyle.  At some point you just have to say, “what the hell?”

I love my Harley and the people I’ve met since I began this journey.  I’m not “knocking” anyone, because like I said, these costs are sent down by the company and I knew going in that it wasn’t cheap.

We will see what we will see.  Maybe it’s time for this old goat to start getting his hands dirty and learn his way around this motorcycle. 

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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