600 mile initial maintenance - how much should this cost?

[KC_Virago_Rider]

Hello.

This is my first post here. I am new to the motorcycle world. I recently completed my MSF Basic Rider Course and bought a new 2005 Yamaha Virago 250. I have just hit my 600 mile point and asked my dealer how much the 600 mile initial maintenance would cost. I was told around $250!!! Is this normal? Maybe its just me, but that sounds pretty steep. Please let me know if this sounds right or am I getting a bad deal?

Thanks.

[CNF2002]

What does your manual say it involves? Most of it is probably just 'checks' that takes them a few minutes, maybe some simple adjustments.

Then again if you just plunked down cash for a brand new bike, it might be worth it to have the dealer do it.

[Psycluded]

The 600 mile maintenance is usually nothing but an oil & filter change. You can do this yourself if you have your MOM handy. (Motorcycle Owner's Manual)

[KC_Virago_Rider]

Mostly just change the oil and filter, checks on other various items. Talking to a guy I work with the most involved (ie. expensive) part is checking the valve clearance which tends to run about $100 per cylinder. So perhaps that coupled with the rest of the checks and oil/filter change, $250 is the norm.

[Loonette]

The price is absolutely normal. Whether or not you should have the dealership do the work is a different story. I like letting the dealership do the first service on a new bike, and then I do my own oil changes afterward. Since new bikes are partially assembled at the dealership, it's nice to have them go over everything to make sure that all fasteners, bolts, cables, and fluids are exactly where they need to be. Oh, and hopefully you are keeping an eye on tire pressure. Some bikes require a valve adjustment at the 600-mile check up. Not sure if yours does, but you need to check your owner's manual to find out. Actually, being a new rider with a new bike, you should have read the entire manual before even putting on those 600 miles. Another reason to let them do the work is for warranty reasons. Again... a new bike - they might catch something that needs adjusting that you might have missed.

If you decide to do the work yourself, know exactly what you're doing and document all the parts and labor that you put into it for warrantly purposes. If your only concern is the price that they want to charge, it happens to be about the norm. Good luck, and take good care of your ride!

Cheers,
Loonette

[Scott58]

My Rebel was $123 for first service and the S50 was $225.

[KC_Virago_Rider]

Thanks for the replies. How difficult is this to do on your own (as well as the rest of the periodic maintenance)? I've already decided to let the dealer do it the first time, but since it is a bit more costly than I had anticipated, I'm seriously considering buying the maintenence manual and doing it myself in the future. Also, where can I find a maintenence manual? Thanks again.

[CNF2002]

I'd do all the maintenance yourself if you are already mechanically inclined...it really helps though when you have forums like this to help you out if you get in a snag. Look for a forum dedicated to owners of your bike, often they will have a wealth of experience and information for you to help you through the learning process.

Definately get a factory service manual, the owner's manual doesn't cut it. Try ebay, search the forums for links, or do a googlesearch, or order it directly from the manufacterer.

[Mustang]

I understand what KC_Virago_Rider is going through. The local Harley davidosn dealership chareges $220 for oil changes as well as that first inspection they had to do.

I let them do the inital inspection and following oil change but the last one I took to well known Harley guy who only charges $68!!! Just to keep everyone happy though, I'm going to take my bike back to the dealership every other oil change....just to keep documentation and the warranty iron-clad (as much as it can be anyway).

Along these lines....If I have anyone other than an authorized dealer put on new pipes would that void the warranty??? Iknow you have to recalibrate the engine with new pipes, so it got me wondering.....

[Crydee]

600 miles dosn't seem like a short amount before having to have matience, especially if it's every 600 and $250 everytime..