Well how about that! Customer service still lives....go figure, Kudo's to Paughco! Thats a positive story compared to all the other rampant customer rogerings I hear about.

Nice to know they stand behind their products!
Now all they have to do is go for some new wrapping, or can you reuse the one you have?

I put my OEM pipes back on the bike with the SE2 slip on's. I have not sent the split pipe back to Paughco yet. I doubt I will go back with them, not sure yet. The OEM pipes and SE2 mufflers are really good quality... comparing the 2. Right now I am just going to enjoy the ride. I was grounded for a week from the pipe split and bald tires... like to have drove me nuts.

I thought for the most part all HD service departments would be charging the same thing for thier parts and service, at least withing 50 miles of my house. I called the dealer I purchased the bike from and set an appointment to get the tires changed, but his price qoute was $617 - two tires/tubes/rimstrips installed. I double checked with a dealer I know in town and they got me out the door for about $480... done in 1.5 hours. They even washed the bike and polished the rims. I wanted to just change my own tires, but I am not setup for it right now.

Too bad about the pipes, I know you were pretty excited about them. You have to give HD credit, their parts are high quality. What tires did you go with? Those "gold plated" ones are kinda pricey...LOL - At least you're on the road again.

I really really really HATE putting out $480 to have someone change my tires. If I had the right tools I could do it myself for half that. I am going to plan to have the right tools on hand to change my next set if at all possible. I may start changing my car tires as well.

Yeah, being on the road and reliable is job #1 for my bike. I went with the OEM Dunlop tires. My front tire was a 80/90 MH21 which is slightly smaller than OEM. I prefer the bigger tire 90 MH21 which is what I went with. I think the rear tire was a D402, but the OEM is D401, which is what they put on it. I have been happy with Dunlops. Not to say that I am not willing to try anything else, I just haven't felt the urge to change from Dunlop yet.

One other slight change I made was switching to Amsoil in all three. I just crossed over 20k so I had to do my 5k oild change. I will not send money to Citgo, which was THE deal breaker for me. All things being equal, I honestly believe Amsoil is better anyway.

The truth is, all you really need is a good jack - maybe some jack stands, you probably already have all the other tools you need. A socket wrench set, some pliers, a screw driver.... you must have the shop manual first tho. Only because it will give you the best way to get any job done on your bike.
After I get the wheels off the bike - I throw them into the trunk of the car and bring them over to the wheel shop - mount and balance is 30 per wheel - spin balance is the best.

I will say one thing for the service you got for your money - nice to know that a good job can still be had.

I got the iron to remove them from the bike, but not the right stuff to change and balance them. I'm trying to get away from relying on the shop to do anything on my bike. Part of the reason is to save money and the other part is it's my hobby as well. I like doing my own work on everything. Mowing, plumbing, wiring, mechanic work, carpentry... whatever.

I am so glad I bought the 2012 Ultra. I like everything about it. 103 is more then enough power. Stock exhaust okay with me as I'm all about MPG and reliability. 6 speed is awsome. 6 gallon tank is a God send. Not doing nothing to it 'cept maybe adding a XM/GPS.

I use SE syn 3 in all 3 holes. I don't mind letting the dealership change my tired when needed. Its a little pricey but worth it and I got it. I suppose once and if I retire that will change. I have everything necessary to do most any small job. I better get the shop manual if only to shelve it until then. Now all I have to do is ride. I do carry a portable air compressor inflator that runs off the cigarett lighter and/or an adapter for the battery tender wire and a flat tire plug repair kit...upgrade from just a can of fix a flat.

I don't miss how everything has become so expensive, even if you do it yourself. I was shocked when I saw how much and complicated exhaust or carb changes had become. Handle bar chages too. And gas tank changes...geez. I basically jumped from 1983 to a 1998 and 2001 in 2007, about a 24 year lapse in technology upgrade...shocking at the expense. I experimented on my 2001 enough so I know what I want and don't want.

I understand and completely agree!!
I like it when things get done right the first time.

Do you think thats realistic with the new technology? By time you purchase all the tools you may as well shift occupations and open up a bike shop? I don't put nothing past you either,lol.