Initial 500 mile check

[flyingmoose]

I don't want to sound cheap (I don't think any Rocket owner should; it ain't a cheap bike), but I was preparing to return my bike to the dealer where I purchased the bike for the initial 500 mile check-up. I presumed that this was a provided service as it was explained to me at purchase that they would go over the bike and make sure all connections were to specs, and check the computer along with changing the oil at 500 miles after the break-in. These clowns wanted $300 to do this check. I have no problem paying for an oil change, but $300!

I'll be fair and say I had a pleasant purchase experience, but am I the only one who feels that making sure a brand new bike has stayed together and is running to factory specs should be covered under the warranty period, especially at 500 miles, and should be provided by a factory dealer! This is not my first bike and I have never had the dealer not provide these checks.

The other kicker is they are supposed to do a recall replacement on the final drive and repair a nick in the front fender found during purchase. Also the oil pressure sender just behind the kickstand has been leaking oil since I got the bike (they said they'd take care of that WHEN I get the service). I called a different local dealer and they were shocked that the bike was sold without the recall being completed. I guess I'll let the dealer do the recall, fix the fender, and repair the leaking sender under warranty, and then take it somewhere else for servicing.

I purchased this thing from my local dealer because of all the talk about supporting your local shop and establishing a good service relationship. Now I'm wondering when that is supposed to start.

BTW, how much do Triumph mechanics/dealers charge per hour; $300 to plug a computer into a port on a brand new bike with no malfunction lights (doesn't this thing adjust itself), run a torque wrench around the bolts, and change the bolts. I need that kind of hourly rate pay!

Maybe I'm out of line or out of touch with current dealer practices, but this is not what I expected. I'm curious to know others experience. Thanks.

BTW, AWESOME BIKE! Even though I'm pissed I'm still smiling from my last ride.

[IceT]

hey fly....what was the recall for?....the 2004 model had a seal recall in the final drive, what model is yours?.....and 300 bucks US is to much i paid 260 AU for my first service

[TRI-AL]

Change the oil & filter yourself & save the receipts! Go over all nuts & bolts tightening any loose? ones. You just did your 500 mi. service!

[tbsrider2000]

"Change the oil & filter yourself & save the receipts! Go over all nuts & bolts tightening any loose? ones. You just did your 500 mi. service!"

That's what I did and what the dealer I bought my bike from recommended also. He said no Rocket he has sold as needed more than an oil change at the 500 mile service, so told me to save myself the money and change the oil myself, and do a "once over" on the bike, checking for loose nuts, bolts, fittings, etc. The same as you should do on a regular basis anyway. He also threw in the oil filter.. lol.

I'm coming up on 6,000 miles now and haven't had a problem at all..

[TallRocket]

Based on my experience with new cars where at least the initial service was free - I also was a bit shocked at the price of oil and service at my 500 check up.

I also question if doing the initial check up on your own is a good idea, because it allows the dealer to blame you should something else happen. Not saying you would mess anything up, the check ups are benchmarks that demonstrate you are in good faith following the warranty contract. Skipping one or all, sure appears to give them an easy out should something else happen.

[baggage1]

Flyingmoose appreciate the heads up as I'm going in tomorrow for my initial service.Like Tallrocket said,I'm a bit apprehensive of doing it myself,I don't have the electronic equipment,stand,bucket.etc.yet.From looking,it's a 3bolt process on the pan alone,then the tank.I'll do it later on but feel thier experience is worth it.