By Andre Mazerolle, motorcycle sales at Durham Harley-Davidson

1. Take-off parts

Did you buy a new or used Harley-Davidson? Cool and congratulations. Did you change your pipe, bars or maybe suspension? Awesome. Did you know that most dealerships only hold your OEM parts for a pre-determined number of days and then they dispose of them. Ask your salesperson about the Service Department’s policy on “take-off” parts. Drop by after you’ve got your bike home and pick up your take-off parts. They can be great spares for you or a riding buddy. Or you can sell them online. Hey, they are yours. You paid for them. 

At Durham Harley-Davidson we keep take-off parts for 21 days and then we dispose of them. In fact, there is a huge sign on our Service door so there should be no misunderstanding.

2. Orientation on controls, infotainment and shocks, etc.

When I started working for our dealership in February 2021 I was blown away by the professionalism of our new and used motorcycle Orientation. 

Sales people were responsible for a Delivery Checklist of the bike before the customer picked up the bike or it was delivered. Part of that Checklist is a full orientation on the controls, infotainment, shocks and a host of other features of their particular motorcycle (many of the rest are the other items in this article).

It always surprised me when we gave an Orientation that the customers remarked that at other dealers they were handed the keys, the manual and the bike pushed out front. That’s it.

Kudos to now retired salesperson Chris Hull for his attention to detail, knowledge and professionalism for developing our Orientation process. 

If nothing else, ensure your sales person shows you how to start and stop your engine, the basics of the infotainment system, handlebar controls, and reviews how to set the suspension on your particular bike.

3. Set “Home” on GPS

Did you buy a touring bike with GPS? Did you know there are considerable differences from Harley-Davidson bikes GPS from 2014 to 2018 and from 2019 to 2023. The new Boom!™ Box GTS on 2019 and up touring bikes are considerably easier and faster than the 2014-2018 Boom!™ Box 6.5 GT Infotainment system. There are some great videos out there on YouTube on both. H-D also maintains some cool content like this 6.5 GT Quick Start Guide. Check it out if you own 2014 to 2018 touring H-D bikes.

4. Service intervals and break-in period

Ready to ride your new Harley-Davidson? Ensure your sales person (or someone in Service) discusses with you the break-in period and service intervals of your bike. By the way, they are laid out in your Owner’s Manual, which of course you will read from front to back, right?

Essentially, take it easy for the first 800 km (500 miles). For the first 80 km (50 miles) keep the engine speed below 3000 rpm in any gear. Do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at a very low rpm, or by running at high rpm longer than needed for shifting or passing.

Take it easy on those new brakes too. Avoid hard braking. Break-in new brakes with moderate use for the first 160 km (100 miles).

There’s more. Ask your sales person or refer to your Owner’s Manual.

As for Service Intervals for new motorcycles, book your Initial Service for 1600 km (1000 miles). Harley’s Owner’s Manual states: The performance of your new motorcycle initial service is required to keep your new motorcycle warranty in force and for proper emissions system operation.

Whether new or used, H-D service intervals are every 8000 km (5000 miles). Refer to the Regular Service Intervals section at the back of your manual for what each 8000 km Service entails.

5. Transport mode

Need to trailer your bike home? No worries. Harley’s have Transport Mode, otherwise the alarm activated by the motion detection can discharge the battery. 

Your sales person should be able to show you Transport Mode. If not, check with the Service Department or your Owner’s Manual.

6. Security system and five-digit PIN

Ask your Harley-Davidson sales person if your motorcycle has a security system, and is it audible or not? Do you have one or two key fobs? Do they recommend a second key fob? When should you change your key fob battery (by the way, at the beginning of every riding season is the answer)?

All new H-D motorcycles have a security system PIN (personal identification number), a number that can be used to disarm the security system and start your motorcycle in the absence of the key fob. 

If you are purchasing a used Harley-Davidson, ask your salesperson if that bike has a five-digit PIN. If not, ensure that is part of your deal. Takes about 30 minutes but you’ll thank me later.

7. H-D app

Did you know there is a Harley-Davidson App for Android and Apple devices? Connect remotely to your motorcycle and view key vehicle health information (on select bikes), security notifications, and service reminders–all from your H-D App.

One of the features that I discuss during an Orientation, especially with used H-D new owners are the online Owner’s Manual available via the App. Check with your local Parts & Service team and you’ll see that Owner’s Manuals are not inexpensive and take a while to arrive. Instantaneously, you can have an electronic version of your Manual on the App.

From local weather forecasts, ride planning, ride challenges, H-D recommended rides, and specific information on dealers across North America.

Do me a favour and download the App, add your motorcycle, and your H.O.G. (Harley Owner’s Group) information. You’ll thank me later.

8. Warranties and Extended Service Plan options

All North American new Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a 24-month/unlimited kilometers (miles) warranty. Your Business Manager at the dealership should have reviewed this with you. If not, speak to your sales person. Details of the H-D Warranty are in your Owner’s Manual.

If you are purchasing a used motorcycle, ask your salesperson about any warranties or guarantees on your bike. Remember, the difference between a warranty and a guarantee is their legal standing. Guarantees are more or less verbal promises whereas most warranties are written contractual agreements that are more legally binding to protect both parties.

Some provinces or states will have warranties in place on purchases of vehicles like motorcycles. It’s up to you to understand your rights after you’ve left the dealership.

For example, did you know that a H-D dealership is not required to pick up your bike, new or used, if there is an issue with it? Many dealers offer this service but none are required. 

However, if you purchase the H-D ESP (Extended Service Plan), you’ll be pleased to know that the Expense Reimbursement Package covers money for a rental vehicle, meals and lodging, and towing to a H-D dealership. There are a multitude of other coverages. Please speak with a representative from your dealer for full details and qualifications.

9. Suspension settings

Ensure your sales person provides you with the necessary tools and explanation how to set your suspension for you as a rider, your passenger, and any gear you might want to carry.

Suspension settings vary from year-to-year and from Sportster to Softail to Touring to three-wheeler. Ask if there are the appropriate pump or wrench included? And definitely ask your salesperson how to remove your saddle bags safely to check suspension settings on touring bikes.

10. Communication options

Do you ride solo but with a group? Do you ride with a passenger? Do you prefer your tunes through the fairing speaker or do you want to use a headset? There are quite a few options out from year to year and bike to bike.

Does your bike have WHIM (Wireless Headset Interface Module)? Do you need it? Does your bike instead have a plug for a wired headset? How many headsets come with your bike? Do you know how to enable them and adjust volume?

Your sales person should be able to answer all these questions. If not, they will introduce you to a Parts & Service representative who will be able to answer your questions and get you geared up correctly.