Thoughts on "600 mile service"?

[BustedFlush]

My dealership gets upwards of $230 for the privilege of doing the initial 600 mile service on my 2012 Shadow Phantom.

Looking over what I get for that premium, it seems to be one heck of an expensive oil change. I remember when I bought the bike the guy told me that the first service would include a "valve job".

From what I have read since then, some folks think there is actual work performed; others think the mechanic starts it, takes a listen, thinks 'sounds good to me', calls it a day and that is your valve job.

If the bike is starting and running great, should I just change the engine oil and filter, shaft oil, check the brakes, and tighten the bolts and save myself $150, or is there real value in this service?

[MudholeMike]

First off, the 600 mile service calls for checking the valve clearances, not doing a valve job. Whether or not the dealer would actually remove the head covers to check the clearances is up for debate. Just listening to the valves won't really tell you anything in my opinion, unless you have a loose valve.
What I would recommend is buy the Honda shop manual, which would probably be around $70.00. It will give you detailed instructions on how to check the valves as well as everything else you need to know to work on your bike. You will recoup the cost of the manual on the first service. That is what I did and my bike runs just as good now as it ever did going on 46,000 miles.

[morepower]

I bought my Spirit new. Now it has around 12,000 miles. I really AM going to get around to checking that valve clearance soon. I promise.

[MudholeMike]

Originally Posted by morepower

I bought my Spirit new. Now it has around 12,000 miles. I really AM going to get around to checking that valve clearance soon. I promise.

There is a good chance that you won't have to adjust them at all. You just never know until you get the head covers off. In the 5 or 6 clearance checks I've done, only minor adjustments have been required. On 3 or 4 of those checks, there has been no adjustment needed at all.

[gmck]

Wouldn't suprise me if on the first check the valve clearance was off a little. But If I ever buy a new bike that will be part of the deal or Ill find something else.

[dbcar]

I just ordered a service manual. I'm doing mine myself.

[Mad Jasper]

I'm due for mine in 150 miles or so. I'll probably take it in for service - just not that mechanical.


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[SnoGhost13]

Would like to check valve clearance on my 08 VT750C2 but manual says the engine has to be removed. Anyone know of a way around removal?

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[Badoshadow]

I took my 2010 RS back to the dealer at 600 miles. The head mechanic started the bike, told me the valves sounded good, then told me how to change the oil and said if i can do it myself, I will save money. Then he said to adjust the chain, and told me to bring it back at 2000 miles and let him listen again. That was that.

[MudholeMike]

Originally Posted by SnoGhost13

Would like to check valve clearance on my 08 VT750C2 but manual says the engine has to be removed. Anyone know of a way around removal?

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You have to be kidding, right? What manual are you referring to? On the Aero you have to remove the seat, gas tank, and head covers to get to the valves. It's about a two hour job, give or take. No way you should have to remove an engine from any motorcycle for a simple valve adjustment.