Tips Needed: Do-It-Yourself Service

[MtnHippy]

So when I got my Italia last August, the dealer told to change the oil when it hits 500 miles, and then every 1,000 miles after that. The problem is that it's not practical for me to take the scooter back to the dealer for service, as the closest Genuine dealer is almost two hours away via a major interstate highway.

That said, I'm going to try to change the oil myself. Thanks to this thread (viewtopic.php?t=76&highlight=changing+oil ) I'm fairly confident that I can pull off the oil change. However, I've noticed a few people mention that it's important to have the dealer do this first oil change, because they can check other things and make sure that everything is tight and working as it should.

Can anyone offer a sort of "break-in-period first maintenance" checklist? As someone who doesn't know much about engine work I'm feeling just a bit overwhelmed that I might not give the proper attention to something that's important. Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.

[Capt. Spaulding]

I think your owners manual lists items to be checked at each check point. More than that, I can't say as I had the dealer do my first oil change.

[sunshinen]

I have heard the dealer has to do the first one in order to maintain your warranty, as there may be some critical tweaks and adjustments needed as things break in.

[Dibber]

I believe the first oil change/service is up to the dealer. My dealer is over 80 miles away and they told me to do it myself. I bought the oil and gear oil and some meteric suringes for the rear end and a measuring cup. I checked all of the bolts and screws I could get at for tightness. The manual will tell you what to do. You may want to call your dealer to verify your first service. Also there is some good info on oil changes in our technical part of this forum. It is quite easy just be careful to not overfill anything. The engine oil, I only put in 700cc first then check you dip stick and add if need be a little at a time. It should take 900cc with filter change, but take it in baby steps and you will be surpirsed at how well you will do. Good Luck and enjoy your scoot.

[Dooglas]

Among other things, the valves are supposed to be checked and adjusted as needed at the first service. If your dealer told you to just go ahead and change the oil yourself at first service, I'd make darned sure that you have him sign the service page in the owners manual to make sure your warranty is still in effect.

[ericalm]

I had little mechanical experience before changing the oil on our scoots and though I made a couple of messes, I've become pretty confident in doing it. My problem the first couple times: wrong tools for the job.

However, there are a few services which are very important and which should be done at the dealer. The first is one of these. Not only does it include an oil change, but also a number of checks (detailed in the service manual) to ensure all the parts are working right, nothing got messed up during shipping, no faulty gaskets, and so on.

And, as has been mentioned, Genuine requires that a dealer do the first service to keep your warranty valid.

The other important services are the ones every 4K (I think) miles. These include valve checks, and your rollers, belt, tires, etc. should be checked out at this point.

[echochamber]

Just get the oil filter on TIGHT. Waaay more than hand tight.

Mine came loose, lost 1/2 litre of oil. Fortunately the rear wheel slipping around alerted me before I fried the motor.

Pity there is no oil light on that bike.

\e

[MtnHippy]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the tips.

[JettaKnight]

Just get the oil filter on TIGHT. Waaay more than hand tight.

Mine came loose, lost 1/2 litre of oil. Fortunately the rear wheel slipping around alerted me before I fried the motor.

Pity there is no oil light on that bike.

\e

When mine lost oil this way it alerted me by seizing up!