Can't believe the price...

[Barracuda]

Just got my bike back from the dealer where I was having the '600-mile' checkup done. A couple of things hit me about this.

First, their explanation was that this was to make sure that the 'metal shavings' from the engine would get cleaned out of the oil and such so that there wouldn't be a problem later. Why would this be a problem with motorcycle engines? I have had several 'brand new' cars and never had such a checkup and early oil change specified to protect those engines -- and they are much larger and have many more moving parts than a motorcycle.

Second, why would this checkup cost over $200 to get performed? And it seems that a regular scheduled maintenance costs over $100 (those performed at the 8000 mile mark). Why does it cost so much to have this kind of work done when we take our cars next door to the 'quick lube' places and get oil changes, lubes, and liquid checks for $45 (sometimes less)?

I believe I'm definitely going to have to learn to be a bit more of a gear-head with the bike. It's actually something that I'm kind of looking forward to a bit.

[weracerc]

that is part of the reason they are called stealerships.....yes learn to love to wrench, it will save you a lot of money.

[adlowe]

The shavings talk is all BS. Yeah, there might be shavings but that has little to do with the cost. An oil change is an oil change no matter how much metal is drained out.

The "extra" cost of the first maintenance should come from all the inspections that are done. Fastener torques are on the list. But usually it comes because the dealer can get it. many do not do any extra work at all.

[justinmahn]

Among other things, they are supposed to check valve clearances. Cars have break-in periods too, and they have more frequent oil changes to begin with. Any initial break-in shavings should be taken care of by the oil filter, but maybe the oil filter we get fills up faster that full size cars do during the break-in?

All I know for sure, is that the warranty requires it, and that's worth it to me.

[jpr1968]

Originally Posted by justinmahn

Among other things, they are supposed to check valve clearances. Cars have break-in periods too, and they have more frequent oil changes to begin with. Any initial break-in shavings should be taken care of by the oil filter, but maybe the oil filter we get fills up faster that full size cars do during the break-in?

All I know for sure, is that the warranty requires it, and that's worth it to me.

Absolutely NOT true. The warranty does not require ANY work to be done at the dealership at all! Cars not require any more frequent oil changes then a motorcycle. If an oil filter filles up with shavings whether it's the first change or the hundreth, you some serious engine damage.

[John Hopkins]

Shavings in the sump are usually magnetic and they are not shavings they are dust..that is what the magnetic plug in the sump plug..(drain bolt) is for..

John.

[justinmahn]

Easy there. I never said it had to be done at the dealership. But the maintainence schedule DOES specify 600 miles, and then 4k and every 4k after that. That's a longer interval than the 3k for my Mazda6.

[tgelphman]

I agree with the others, learn to do basic maintenance things on your own. When you do need a mechanic find another dealer as that one doesn't seem very honest.

[1996shadow]

Actually, the first oil change is to remove the trash from the manufacturing process. There are metal grindings and such that doesnot get washed out and off of the parts before it is run. That will be removed during the first oil change. The first service should also include checking for nissing or loose fasteners and other possible problems.

[DRVMN]

I performed the 600-mile valve clearance check myself. Although it was time consuming (I work slow and carefully so it took a couple hours, plus I also like to clean everything before reinstalling) it wasn't difficult at all. There are some step-by-step YouTube videos detailing how to adjust the valves. I feel better when I do my own work because I know I'm going to take my time and do the job right . . . I'm not trying to work as fast as possible so I can get to the next bike and make more money in labor like some dealerships do.