Service by the book

[rebls]

Just checking who goes by the owners manual for scheduled services. Been reading alot about the distance between oil changes recommended by Honda. I currently and sticking with the manual but at only 6500 miles can change that policy. Been reading oil and it's components break down far short of the 4,000 mile oil change intervel. I guess some of it has to do with how you ride (long or short trips). Looking for opinions, or facts to help me out with this.

[NC Hammer]

Just checking who goes by the owners manual for scheduled services. Been reading alot about the distance between oil changes recommended by Honda. I currently and sticking with the manual but at only 6500 miles can change that policy. Been reading oil and it's components break down far short of the 4,000 mile oil change intervel. I guess some of it has to do with how you ride (long or short trips). Looking for opinions, or facts to help me out with this.
I have been following the book. I have 20,000+ and going in for service Monday. I did my first oil change at 300 miles, then went in fot my "600" mile service at 1200. This first service was important because they adjust the valves. After that, it's been every 4000 miles. I haven't heard that the oil breaks down before 4000. If that were true, I would probably use Amsoil or some synthetic oil instead of the reccommended Honda oil.

[rebls]

This is from "another board" but very interesting. Hope it's ok to post this in here.

http://tech.vtxoa.com/index.php?sid=13346&lang=en&action=artikel&cat=39&id=32&artlang=en

[NC Hammer]

Wow!! That was informative! Great article!

[blkxride]

I read that article some time ago and have been using syn (Amsoil) since the 2nd oil change. I believe that the syn lets the motor run cooler and shift a bit quieter. I haven't let the change interval go beyond 5k just to be on the safe side. I do know that different kinds of riding will work differently on your oil. Highway miles are always best on your engine and the oil, so if you do lots of in town riding, stop & go type stuff change your oil sooner (no more than 2500-3000 miles) no matter what type of oil you use.

[Retro Rocket]

I have been following the book. I have 20,000+ and going in for service Monday. I did my first oil change at 300 miles, then went in fot my "600" mile service at 1200. This first service was important because they adjust the valves. After that, it's been every 4000 miles. I haven't heard that the oil breaks down before 4000. If that were true, I would probably use Amsoil or some synthetic oil instead of the recommended Honda oil.

They did your valve adjustment @ 1200 miles ?????? According to my manual there not supposed to be done until 8000 miles ! Of course I have close to 20000 on my bike and still haven't had them adjusted. Being that my dealer keeps telling me they don't really need adjusting. That's the other reason I haven't had them done because the stealer here doesn't know his arse for a hole in the ground. :p

[blkxride]

They did your valve adjustment @ 1200 miles ?????? According to my manual there not supposed to be done until 8000 miles ! Of course I have close to 20000 on my bike and still haven't had them adjusted. Being that my dealer keeps telling me they don't really need adjusting. That's the other reason I haven't had them done because the stealer here doesn't know his arse for a hole in the ground. :p


Could be that because you have an 1800 and NC Hammer and myself are both 1300 riders, maybe there is a difference in valve adjustment intervals??

[Retro Rocket]

Could be that because you have an 1800 and NC Hammer and myself are both 1300 riders, maybe there is a difference in valve adjustment intervals??

I don't think there is a difference between the 1300 and the 1800 when it comes to valve adjustment intervals. I am researching it now to make sure.

[blkxride]

I don't think there is a difference between the 1300 and the 1800 when it comes to valve adjustment intervals. I am researching it now to make sure.

I know that on the 1300 the intervals are as follows: 600; 8k; 16k; 24k etc.

[NC Hammer]

I know that on the 1300 the intervals are as follows: 600; 8k; 16k; 24k etc.

At 1000 miles, the valves has broken in and stretched. It sounded like a can of rocks going down the road. Once adjusted, it's been great since.

I have 20,250 on it and just dropped her off for the 20K service this morning.

I know the fuel injected bikes are different. I'm just not technical enough to explain the difference.

[chazb458]

Just got my 1300 last month. I'm putting in for the 3000k mile oil change. It runs great but I have noticed it's a bit louder. The only real noise that's bothering me is a vibrating sound that appears to be coming from the backend of the pipes. Maybe it's the licence plate.

[gadgetman]

Being no wrench of any kind, I bought the Priority Maintenance plan from my dealer that prepaid all scheduled maintenance (parts and labor) for 3 years. I just had my 8000 mile service done (would have been $337:icon_yike) and it seems to run a tad smoother. I haven't yet developed a disdain for my dealer, so I'll go with the thought that mine is different from all the others. :icon_pape

[Mer]

I follow the service intervals that Honda recommends. I just had my bike in for it's 12,000 service and it's still running great! Man I love my bike! :choppersm