First Service

When the 600 mile first service is completed by the dealer what has been your cost for this? I would assume that since the dealer may have to take the body panels apart to get at the engine there might be some higher cost of a first service than with a motorcyle. With my dealer a first service can run $200-$300 for bikes I've had in the past. I haven't checked the owner's manual but if there is a valve clearance check this would be extra cost I would expect. Are valve adjustments difficult on an Swing? Aren't they shim under bucket vs adjuster nut type valve adjusters. Not sure but I think the shim under bucket is more time consuming.

Thanks for your input.

Hi Jay,
According to the maintenance manual, the oil and filter changes are the main items to pay attention to. Other items: brake system, brake lock, idle speed, steering head bearings, and nuts, bolts, and fasteners in general, are mainly "inspect-for-defect" type items. Valve clearance isn't normally checked until 16000 miles.

As for cost, I don't know; never had mine to a dealer; bought mine used and double checked everything myself, including doing my own oil/filter (which, if you're able, is the cheapest way to go). There are "some" dealers who do a fair job of all that if you are so inclined but there are also "many" who charge quite an inordinate amount for simple maintenance. So double check it all.

Dick, I certainly can change the oil and filter. Have done this part on all my bikes. I think that on some bikes which require valve adjustments they do check them after the initial breakin. But, maybe not with the Swing. Like I said I haven't look at the OM to see if this was one of the recommendations.

Just came back from the dealer's. My first service cost $87.23 and took about an hour. The nice thing--they had two more Swings sitting in the showroom, and their reputation is for being a dressed out Goldwing dealer. I'm pleased because they were on time and appeared to know what they were doing.

Hello Church Lady this is David V. from Missouri. I noticed that your address is old fort N.C. I have ben there many times and have kin folks there or at least I use to. I spent my summers at Ridgecrest and they were some of the best times of my life. I was raised just north of Bristol. Which dealership are you using?

I have 1-week old SW but I already have inquired about oil change from local dealers. There is really nothing else other then idling RPM adjustment (really easy procedure - see owner's manual) that needs to be done at 600 ml. I really don't understand why oil costs $6 a quart and filter costs $13. Along with a labor the simple oil change comes to be around $60-80. Hmm, my friendly Honda dealer charges me only $19 for an oil change on Acura MDX!!! I am definetely changing oil myself.

Miro,

I have a "Pictorial" on this site about changing the oil. I would just do it yourself and save a lot of money. It is really very simple. If you have any questions just ask away. Good luck.

The OM doesn't require any valve clearence check at the 600 mile service. I'll change the oil and filter myself and let them do the rest. Sounds like it should be way less than $100. Pretty economical. Per the OM the only other items are to inspect idle speed, brake system, brake lock operation, nuts and bolts and steering head bearings.

I am not sure either there is a difference in model years but my '08 SW Owner's manual does NOT call for valve clearance adjustment at first service. In fact, it only specify "I" which means "inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate, and replace if necessary" at 16,000 ml. Thanks.

JeffR: I stumbled upon a few pictorials on this forum. Is there an an easy to find them here? Could they possibly be located in "sticky" in the maintenace section?

Thank you. Miro.

Miro wrote:

I am not sure either there is a difference in model years but my '08 SW Owner's manual does NOT call for valve clearance adjustment at first service. In fact, it only specify "I" which means "inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate, and replace if necessary" at 16,000 ml. Thanks.

JeffR: I stumbled upon a few pictorials on this forum. Is there an an easy to find them here? Could they possibly be located in "sticky" in the maintenace section?

Thank you. Miro.

Miro, I typoed. I meant doesn't. Edited the post.

Miro,

I guess I could 'sticky" them, I just never thought about it. Let me work on them so keep checking. That is a good idea though. Thanks.

I just changed the oil myself and left it at that. Nothing is rattling. Everything works. No need to mess with it, I say.

I just visited my friendly Honda dealership Yesterday so they could take a look at my seat latch which I am still having problems with. They will order parts and call me once they get them. I suppose this is why we have a factory warranty in the first place, right? I mentioned it in one of my other posts, the seat seems to be misalligned and I think this is a reason why latch doesn't work properly. But I am defenitely going to do 600ml service myself (oil change really).
Miro.

Took my Swing last night for first service. I did the oil and filter. The remainder of the first service will be $37.50. I can do that. Pretty cheap ride these Swings.

I agree that this is a good deal. It sounds like they will pull it in a service bay and silently stare at it for about 0.4 hours. Seriously, since the oil change is done, I think they'll just check fluid levels, ait pressure in tires and hopefully all the nuts and bolts. Thanks.