Services vs. Warranty

[Hondarider]

Should you service a bike yourself when it is still under warranty or should you take it to a dealer? Also will servicing the bike yourself cause any warranty issues?

[poppygene]

You can save some considerable cash doing the work yourself, but to keep the warranty valid you'd better do it right and keep good records of what you did and when. Otherwise, if a warranty claim arises the manufacturer may try to wiggle out. Make sure you follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual to the letter. Not only for the warranty but for safety, too.

[KingElvis]

What about the first service, I was told it was mandatory to bring it to the dealership to do this otherwise the warranty will be void.

[poppygene]

What about the first service, I was told it was mandatory to bring it to the dealership to do this otherwise the warranty will be void.

Not here in the States, anyway. There have been lawsuits to this effect, where it was determined that the manufacturers can't force you to take your bike to them for service unless that service is provided for free. All you have to do is provide documentation that all the maintenance was performed properly and on schedule. Receipts for lubricants, filters, etc. would help back up your claim. If you don't feel confident doing the work yourself you can still choose to find a reputable, non-affiliated shop to do the work for you - probably save a few $.

[oldnslo]

It may not be mandatory, but having the dealer do the initial service should help if you have a warranty claim down the road. Servicing your bike while the warranty is in force is fine, just follow the owners' manual instructions and keep a record of maintenance with dates and services performed. If you work on your own bike, by all means get a shop manual.