Triumphrat

Bookfool

I've got a friend willing to teach me how to change the oil for my 500 mile oil changeover...but as a new rider and a newcomer to bike maintenance, I'm wondering how much a dealer checks out if I were to take it in.

Bike is running great. I'd like to be self-sufficient working on it, but I also want to be safe.

Any suggestions?

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Are you breathing just a little bit and calling it a life?
--Mary Oliver

Geoff

I'd buy a Haynes manual, and go for it. What a dealer should do at the 500 mile mark, in addition to oil change, is basically go over the whole bike to check for anything loose, check chain tension, check free play in brakes and clutch, check wheels for loose spokes, and then a test ride to see that all is well. This is all easy stuff you should get used to doing your self, maybe once a month, and your wheels wont fall off, or other embarrasing and potentially dangerous situations wont bite you
Geoff

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I never wanted to lead, and I never wanted to follow.
I just wanted to ride

sweatmachine

Dive right in! Especially if you have friend willing to help you/teach you.

It will make riding twice as rewarding, and save you thousands of dollars. Taking it to the dealer for basic stuff is for the birds.

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Macgruber!


Click for a picture of my slightly modified Bonnie

mecscc

Yep. Get a Haynes Manual and have at it. Do keep receipts on the oil and filter, etc. and follow the mfgrs requirements for oil grade, viscosity, etc.

Monte

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Monte

"The Old Ohio Preacher Man"

cobra935o

I think the little book that comes with the bike tells ya all of what to check on the 500 mile dont it (anyone with even just a little mechanical inclination can figure this stuff out)? Good luck, and have fun, save the money that you woulda just wasted at the dealers service dept, and use it at the dealers parts dept where you can get all the new toys you have been wanting, speaking of that, off to get those new handlebars.

Nathan

bgaz

I never take anything to be fixed or serviced, cars, bikes, electronics, etc.

I just got my bike (used), and during the 500 mile service and the tor/rejet, the shop managed to leave the carb clamps loose, the crankcase vent hose was off the airbox, and a vacuum cable running to the left carb was off.

The PO likely paid the shop good money to screw up the bike.


Some service!

Brett

Normandy

All great advice above. You never mentioned if you are tech minded at all. That should be your guide to the right decision.Above all, ride safe.