I took the bike to a second Harley dealer, Ventura Harley Davidson, this morning. I was very truthful about buying the bike and having the first service done at Simi H-D.
I explained the head shake problem and how it was described as normal by the service manager at Simi H-D. I also asked them to review the clutch adjustment done by Simi three days ago as I felt binding in the lever when releasing the clutch from a stop.
The technician, Dave, took the bike for a test ride and his words upon his return were " it shakes violently at 43mph and it definitely isn't normal". Dave went through the full diagnosis procedure finding the neck bearings adjusted within range. They called H-D corporate and got authorization to replace the front tire.
Problem gone.... No more shake....Happy new Harley owner...
On a side note, they adjusted the clutch properly and found a number of loose bolts (remember, this bike was in for the 1k service at Simi H-D three days ago). Some of the loose bolts were shock and brake caliper bolts.
I do plan to write corporate about Simi H-D's failure to adequately complete the 1k service, but considering that the salesperson told me they sold 25 new bikes in July, I don't think corporate will care.
I have Simi's write up where the tech signed off on all the services performed and I have Ventura's written warranty invoice stating the clutch out of adjustment and the specific loose bolts.
Ventura H-D would not allow me to pay for the clutch adjustment and bolt tightening. They wouldn't even let me buy lunch for the shop.
If you are looking for a reliable and honest service department in southern / central California, I wholeheartedly recommend Ventura Harley Davidson in Camarillo and their service manager, Tommy.
I explained the head shake problem and how it was described as normal by the service manager at Simi H-D. I also asked them to review the clutch adjustment done by Simi three days ago as I felt binding in the lever when releasing the clutch from a stop.
The technician, Dave, took the bike for a test ride and his words upon his return were " it shakes violently at 43mph and it definitely isn't normal". Dave went through the full diagnosis procedure finding the neck bearings adjusted within range. They called H-D corporate and got authorization to replace the front tire.
Problem gone.... No more shake....Happy new Harley owner...
On a side note, they adjusted the clutch properly and found a number of loose bolts (remember, this bike was in for the 1k service at Simi H-D three days ago). Some of the loose bolts were shock and brake caliper bolts.
I do plan to write corporate about Simi H-D's failure to adequately complete the 1k service, but considering that the salesperson told me they sold 25 new bikes in July, I don't think corporate will care.
I have Simi's write up where the tech signed off on all the services performed and I have Ventura's written warranty invoice stating the clutch out of adjustment and the specific loose bolts.
Ventura H-D would not allow me to pay for the clutch adjustment and bolt tightening. They wouldn't even let me buy lunch for the shop.
If you are looking for a reliable and honest service department in southern / central California, I wholeheartedly recommend Ventura Harley Davidson in Camarillo and their service manager, Tommy.