You are right, all they are going to do is change the oil and filter, maybe do a few cold rev bombs, and if you are lucky the tech will take it for a test ride and do some wheelies down the block, making sure to slam the front end down as hard as possible when he hits the limiter in first gear.

Or just do the oil and filter change yourself for around $40 depending on what oil you use.

 

HP17 , I had to laugh as I read your comment. You are so right.....

I bought a brand new leftover Kawasaki Z1000 @ my local dealer here in Myrtle Beach. With $ 5,000 down and paperwork finalized the mechanic took it for a test ride and as he turned in the parking lot he thought he was Evil Knievel and wiped out the right side of the bike.

The manager pulled me aside and said " We wrecked your bike " I smiled and replied No you wrecked your bike, rip up our contract.

Now with the help of my service manuals / YouTube and this forum I'm doing all of my own maintenance and modifications myself. For me wrenching on my three bikes is not only a learning process but rewarding as well knowing everything is torqued to specs. I use Shell Rotella T-6 15 W 40 and Honda oil filters on all of my motorcycles.

 

If the tech does everything "by the book" I believe they're supposed to check that certain components are torqued to spec. When a Honda dealership delivers a bike, there's a laundry list of items on a factory check list they're supposed to go over with the new owner. They rarely do.

 

I do them myself. I think 600 mile services should be free if the purpose is to make sure the factory put the bike together correctly. Even oil changes should not be needed with today’s metallurgy and machining, but I do it. Ever wonder why no cars require 600 mile service?

 

Not many cars have a rev limit over 10K. Speaking of cars, many owners manuals suggest torque be checked on lug nuts after a certain amount of miles after the wheels have been removed.

Do you also follow the recommended oil change of every 8K?

 

We highly recommend having your product serviced at an authorized Honda dealer. If you decide to maintain it yourself or have it maintained by an independent repair facility we recommend using Genuine Honda Parts and keeping all your receipts as we may ask for them should a warranty concern arise.

No, maintenance is not included with the product. These expenses are the consumer's responsibility.

FAQ - Honda Powersports

You have questions, we have answers. Read our FAQs:

powersports.honda.com

 

"By the book" is nearly impossible if a dealer actually cares about making money in the service department.

Back when the new 500's (CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X) came out in 2013? Honda included a valve adjustment as part of the 600 mile initial service. I highly doubt that many dealers actually took the cylinder head cover off at 600 miles to check the valve clearances.

It's a Honda not a Ducati just oil/filter change + retorque the critical bolts, adjust the chain, then ride the wheels off...

 

Honda corporate is just covering their ass via documentation. After the unit is delivered they're done save for any recalls. Anything that happens after that is between the dealer and the bike owner.

It was the 2013 500cc maintenance schedule that recommended valve clearance inspection at 600 miles. That recommendation was dropped for the 2014 year model.

 

If you do it yourself, keep the receipts for parts you buy, and if you're good, staple a sheet of paper to the receipt writing down all you've done.
I would, check chain adjustment, brake rotors, torque on the front and rear axle, coolant level, brake fluid levels, etc. These are very easy to do.
Write them down that you did.
in case there's a warranty issue, you have a receipt for parts and a list of things you did.

 

Yup, and there's also space in the owners manual to record maintenance

 

The motors in these bikes are not exactly comparable those in your average family sedan or truck.

It's good to do the first oil change early to make sure you get any metal bits floating around out of there asap. I did my first at I think 250 miles.

 

It has been many rears since I’ve seen evidence of metal in my oil. I’ve been changing oil in vehicles for over 50 years and have seen the evolution. I have always followed manufacturers “recommendations”, but I still don’t think we should have to pay $300 for a service two weeks after writing a big check for a new vehicle. It just rubs me the wrong way.

 

I do my own oil changes personally even on the first one using expensive motul 300v oil though so my price is generally like 85 bucks.

 

Thats exactly how my mechanic is.

 

100% agree Independent shops over dealerships.

When I was in college I found an awesome mechanic who gave me such sound advice and sometimes helped me fix my bike right there on the spot, no charge. It's great to know someone like that who you can trust.

 

I also had the first service done at the dealership. They noted down what was done. Check out the attached pic.

 

The HESD adjusts according to speed. So that throw from 1st to 2nd is longer than the other shifts. When I'm on a long ride and haven't been in first for an extended period of time, I don't make it all they way to 2nd when pulling away from a stop. Since the upshifts from 2 - 6 are short and effortless, sometime muscle memory forgets about the extra effort needed from 1st to 2nd.

 

Took mine in for service and as above oil and filter.. you see the price of those to buy oem ?
It’s a decent chunk on top of that they checked all items and found issue with high beam relay needs fixing under warranty. It’s all a part of keeping your warranty, adjust brakes, top up fluids etc

 

Do the service your self save money
By a shop manual to help your self how to work on your bike a save money.