First service...(How many People)?
First service...(How many People)?
I am just curious, how many people have done the first service themselves? and what problems did you run into if any?? ie; special tools, inspection that was above experience level, lack of any help (if even needed). Would you recommend anyone else do it after your experience?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 668
Likes: 34
From: New Jersey
I think I read in the MOM that for warranty reasons the first service has to be done by an authorized dealer. I'm gonna double check when I get home now. I'm sure there are plenty of folks that do it themselves though.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 175
Likes: 14
From: New Jersey
I just completed mine and it was literally a piece of cake. However, I have been an auto tech and mechanic for over 40 years. I have all of the tools that anyone could possibly need. That said, the only thing that was slightly troublesome was getting the oil filter off and getting it tight enough by hand. I will definitely be picking up an oil filter socket with a cut out to clear the sensor on the crank case. Try to replace your oil filter with one that has a nut welded to the end and you won't need that wrench.
I found the service to be very easy but I know that there are guys out there that can't even operate a can opener (manual or electric) . "Got 'er done! Only stripped two drain plugs!"
WF
I found the service to be very easy but I know that there are guys out there that can't even operate a can opener (manual or electric) . "Got 'er done! Only stripped two drain plugs!"
WF
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: el paso
I despise my local stealership. Did it myself. Get the manual, filter wrench and a few beers. Easy flo cheesy. about the only thing I wouldn't do is spoked wheels. Been around cars my whole adult life and have a stocked garage.
I've been wrenching on cars since I was a kid. I was paid to it for 6 years too. I'm no genius, but I get by. I am the only person who has ever changed fluids on my bike. I have it inspected when I get new tires put on for peace of mind. I've got 25,xxx miles on mine. And I'm with Scoobydann, I don't mess with spoked wheels. Same goes for my truck and my wifes car. I am the only one to work on them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 88
From: USA
Do the service yourself. It has no affect on warranty whatsoever and you save yourself money and have the satisfaction of doing the job yourself.
The only time I don't wrench on any of my own vehicles is when there is largely expensive specialized equipment I just cannot afford, or the cost is so large that I'd rather have my extended warranty pay for it.
The only time I don't wrench on any of my own vehicles is when there is largely expensive specialized equipment I just cannot afford, or the cost is so large that I'd rather have my extended warranty pay for it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 30
From: Ashburn, VA
Nothing gonna go wrong with your bike in the 2 years you have a full warranty anyway. I bought my 2010 brand new and have never had an issue and I am the only one to ever do any work/service on my bike.
Just get the service manual from Ebay and do your own work and learn something new. These bikes are easy to work on.
Just get the service manual from Ebay and do your own work and learn something new. These bikes are easy to work on.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
From: OHIO
I had a friend help me do mine. Couldn't bare to spend 300+ for a dealer to do it. The only way it could void your warranty is if the moco could prove the reason your bike is messed up is something you did wrong. Aka (if you forget to put oil in and blew up your motor etc etc)
We didn't have any problems completing it. I didn't touch the spokes though, was too worried to get them out of wack. Other than that it was simple and self satisfying knowing you did it yourself, well in my case with the help of a good friend.
We didn't have any problems completing it. I didn't touch the spokes though, was too worried to get them out of wack. Other than that it was simple and self satisfying knowing you did it yourself, well in my case with the help of a good friend.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
I'm one of those who wouldn't let the dealer near my bike whatsoever, I've been at this a long time and I have zero trust in the here today, gone the next service techs at the dealership. I dropped all three holes and replaced the filter the same day it came home off the dealer's floor, over the next day I went through the bike top to bottom and checked everything... It's my butt on the bike 
I make checking her over and performing maintenance and adjustments a rainy day habit, she's always ready to roll out.
Do the work yourself, save your receipts, take a picture or two as you're doing the work and print them off for your records; the knowledge you'll gain is priceless
I make checking her over and performing maintenance and adjustments a rainy day habit, she's always ready to roll out.Do the work yourself, save your receipts, take a picture or two as you're doing the work and print them off for your records; the knowledge you'll gain is priceless
Last edited by TinCupChalice; Jun 18, 2015 at 04:30 PM. Reason: Added...