After paying dealer prices for too long, I found an independent H-D outfit I'm really happy with. Costs are usually around 10%-15% less and (knowing the highly reputable mechanic* personally) I am much more confident of any work being done properly. My last straw with the dealership came when they screwed up my 10,000 mile service by letting a new guy do it, since it was routine. I ended up with leaks and eventually had my tranny pulled apart and rebuilt by the independent shop. It still cost less than H-D wanted to charge to repair their own F-up.
I guess key here is trusting your guy. I might have to wait a bit now, but I usually can schedule, order parts, and 'reserve' my spot, keeping the dry spells to a minimum.

As far as the dull chrome in your other post, try to find 'SIMICHROME POLISH' made by Happich. It's made in Germany; http://simichrome.factoryoutletstore.com/?cid=44378&chid...
Stuff is amazing! Order the small tube, it'll probably be all you need.


ten

*my mechanic is H-D trained, got disgusted with H-D dealership BS and went 'rogue'. ;-) He builds his own bikes, races at local tracks and does some hill-climbing too. L-O-O-O-V-E-S Harleys and knows 'em inside out. Sports a 'F--- the factory' logo on his racing bike tranny cover. :-)

other anecdotal evidence; a rider decided to wait while the 5,000 service was done on his new Heritage. This normally is a 5 hour (according to H-D manual) deal while if everything is done properly. He had it back in a little over two hours. Maybe everything got done, maybe there were more than one crew on it (doubtful), but it's just (to me) indicative of dealership cost-cutting. Dunno if everything worked out OK, I hope so, but that crap ended up costing me extra $$ and cost that dealership a customer. It's only 10 miles from me, but I'd rather travel 100 miles than give them any more opportunities to screw up my bike.