600 mile service, is it worth it?

[TheBeast]

Or do most dealers just change the oil, and say they checked everything over?

[cruznut6]

You'll probably get several opinions on that, but when I purchase a new bike, I always take it back to the dealer for the first 600 mile service. The first 600 to 1000 miles are critical for the life-expectancy of the engine. I want the dealer to take responsibility for that time period, so that if a problem occurs, they can contact Ma Kawi directly and have records of the service. You can do all service yourself, and plenty here do that. Just make sure your keeping records for scheduled maintenence and qualified to do the work. It's expensive if you ignore them and something major goes wrong. After the 600 mile service, I do my own. JM2C

[adcoleman]

Originally Posted by cruznut6

You'll probably get several opinions on that, but when I purchase a new bike, I always take it back to the dealer for the first 600 mile service. The first 600 to 1000 miles are critical for the life-expectancy of the engine. I want the dealer to take responsibility for that time period, so that if a problem occurs, they can contact Ma Kawi directly and have records of the service. You can do all service yourself, and plenty here do that. Just make sure your keeping records for scheduled maintenence and qualified to do the work. It's expensive if you ignore them and something major goes wrong. After the 600 mile service, I do my own. JM2C

+1...if you ever have a warranty issue in the first year it is best to have the 600 mile service done by the dealer.

[Mr_Martini]

I did my 600 mile service myself but I also agree it would be a good idea to let the dealer do it. If I had, I'd still be sure to go through the checklist in your manual and check every nut and bolt myself. It's important to make sure everything is still tight after 600 miles as the bike parts are still 'settling' and could loosen up.

[Alf]

Do it yourself document evrything including receipts for the parts.....

[Sick Tom]

I did my own, just finished up this evening only thing I did not do was check drive belt tension, I have the tension gauge, but didn't feel like jacking the bike up its getting late,save that for the weekend.

I did not find any loose fasteners. All in all I feel the bike was put together well.

[CStoneman]

The title isn't detailed enough for me to understand the real question.

The 600 mile service is very important. But it doesn't matter if a dealer does it or not.

If you are going to spend $300, then do it yourself anyway because you think it is a warranty issue, save your money.

In the USA, they can't void the warranty because the 600 wasn't done by a dealer. That is the law, PERIOD. You should document and keep receipts, but the only thing necessary, is that the maintenance is done. Now if you don't know what you are doing, and screw something up, you will have a problem. Otherwise, the rules are simple.

The oil and filter need to be changed, and you REALLY need to check the fasteners. Do the steps in the service manual.

My '08 900LT had the 600 mile service done at the dealer, only because the original owner had a mishap with a big rock at 570 miles, and his wife made him sell it.

Guess what? At 2000 miles, I can feel the front-end clunking on bumps, and it is obvious that the neck bearings need adjusted. That should have been done a month ago, but it wasn't. Welcome to dealer reality.

If you search the forums, you will find that most folks that ride high miles, have found that the neck bearings are low on grease. Mine wil get a repack, then adjusted, and I won't have to think about it until 60,000+ miles.

If you aren't a wrench, that's fine, but after the warranty is up, you can do yourself a favor, and find a "real" motorcycle shop with "real" mechanics.

Probably not your dealer.

[TheBeast]

Originally Posted by CStoneman

The title isn't detailed enough for me to understand the real question.

My question has pretty much been answered. However for some clarification I wanted to know if this is something I should do myself, or pay 200-300 bucks for an oil change. I am no mechanic, but I am very mechanic inclined and do not really have any concerns of my ability to do the service myself. Just trying to get a feel for what people recommend as this is my first bike. Thanks for all the replies.

[accord_guy]

It's a rip-off. So if getting ripped-off makes you feel good, do it.

[Musgofasa]

I can't say it's a rip off in my case. I know the mechanic at the dealership where my 600 mile service was done. They actually checked every little bitty thing on the bike and went over the whole list with me. They even adjusted the suspension and are going to make more adjustments tomorrow for me at no charge. Maybe I am just being treated well, but for the $150 bucks I shelled out, I feel better knowing a qualified guy checked my chain 9and adjusted) all fluids and fasteners, adjusted my clutch (lever was not exactly right) and the myriad of other things he checked out. I could have done it myself, but it would have taken me all day and I don't have some of the right tools (A bike stand would be nice actually).

I would say it's worth it if you know you aren't being ripped off. One of the other dealerships here in town scares me now. I think they pop oil and a filter in and charge something like $250 so no way would I have them do it.

My $0.02 and my thoughts are only worth a penny so you should get change, Of course YMMV ya know?

Take care,
Robert

[lilduec]

In my opinion its not worth it. My dealer said even if I do my first service and put on pipes it WILL NOT void my warranty!

[rosslato]

major ripoff. w/the $300 your saving go out and buy a good torque wrench and go to sears and buy a case of tools w/metric and sae tools and while your there buy a bike jack, then go buy your oil n filter and do it yourself and you'll still have $ leftover so go buy a manual for your bike!

[caddman11]

I did my own 600 mile check up, ordered the oil and filters and keep the receipts with my extended warranty info to prove that those items were purchased. I also bought the shop service manual and followed instructions. Personally, why would you ever let someone touch your bike who really doesn't care about it unless you have to? (I did work for a Honda dealership for many summers so that my also contribute to my attitude, but sorry, I don't think they are as smart or as caring.)

[accord_guy]

Originally Posted by caddman11

I did my own 600 mile check up, ordered the oil and filters and keep the receipts with my extended warranty info to prove that those items were purchased. I also bought the shop service manual and followed instructions. Personally, why would you ever let someone touch your bike who really doesn't care about it unless you have to? (I did work for a Honda dealership for many summers so that my also contribute to my attitude, but sorry, I don't think they are as smart or as caring.)

That's my take. I can change my own oil for $15. I don't trust any shop no matter how nice the 'act like my friend' guys are.

[junkiefred]

Originally Posted by accord_guy

That's my take. I can change my own oil for $15. I don't trust any shop no matter how nice the 'act like my friend' guys are.

$15 I think those days are long gone. I just did an oil change this weekend, and the oil alone cost me $20 for 4 quarts!

Still the 600 mi service is a total rip off at many dealerships. I agree with CStoneman and find yourself a qualified bike mechanic. It will save you in the long run.

[accord_guy]

Originally Posted by junkiefred

$15 I think those days are long gone. I just did an oil change this weekend, and the oil alone cost me $20 for 4 quarts!

Still the 600 mi service is a total rip off at many dealerships. I agree with CStoneman and find yourself a qualified bike mechanic. It will save you in the long run.

5qt Jug of Valvoline 10w40 at Walmart = $12
ST6607 filter at Walmart = $3


I never count sales tax and I can surely tighten bolts.
Come on guys, they're stealing the money right out of your pockets and you're thanking them.

[Aelwulf]

I did for the 600 & the 4000, now I'll be doing my own oil and little stuff. I figure a little extra cash is worth the potential piece of mind if something does go wrong so they can't say I didn't follow the maintenance initially or anything. I've got a log book now as well to keep track of everything I do. Plus the dealership I bought it from covers tire replacements for new cruisers bought from 'em, provided you don't just buy & disappear. Tires aren't worth them doing every service, but it's a cool extra thing for 'em to do. They know me pretty well just from bike night and other things so if I drop off on using their srvice department now I doubt they'd notice much and I'd still get free tires.