I've been told that the first 500 miles on a new bike are the "break-in period" and that the bike should be brought in for service/maintenance checks. Is this really necessary when the required maintenance schedule has the first one at 1000 miles or is this a way for the stealer to make extra $$$$? All advice welcome.

 

Just because you've been "told" something doesn't make it true.
Why wouldn't you simply follow the maintenance schedule for the bike?
I follow the maintenance schedule, I figure the factory knows more about what is required than I do.

Some of this may be a hold over from decades past where machining and metals were less advanced and possibly was more of a need for changing the fluids sooner.

 

Unless you are having an issue of some sort, I wouldn't take it in until first scheduled service at 1K. I know a few guys who change their engine oil only at 500. But that is overkill for most folks.

 

To me, absolutely. They're supposed to go over it from top to bottom.

 

I did on my Springer because I thought that, based on what I had to pay for my bike, that it was cheap insurance to make sure that everything was breaking in properly. Besides, they know a hell of alot more about how things should be than I do.

 

That first fluid(s) change, always makes the bike ride better. Shifting is smooth, neutral easier to find (lol) and runs cooler as well. They also have a checklist of things they check to make sure everything is tight and where it needs to be. I would not recommend skipping the 500mi checkup.

My dealer throws it in free if you buy a bike - they just charge the difference if you get synthetic oil.

 

We've had 4 new Touring bikes since 2009 and the only things I did before the 1,000 service was break them in like the manual say's and check oil level in the engine and tranny.

 

I followed the Owner's Manual, break-in procedure until 500 miles and then first service at 1000. I actually went over to about 1250 miles, oh the horror! It's fine all the oils, plugs and filter looked good so I'm going to 5000 miles now.

 

This shouldn't be a decision by committee. If the owner's manual calls for a 500 mile check, have the dealer do it or do it yourself.

 

The owner's manual says 1000 miles, not 500. They're just trying to get more money out of you.