need clarification

[smarkum]

Hello all, So PLEASE dont flame me. . . I really did search and research. I bought a new 2009 Buddy 125 in Feb of this year. I had the first service done at the dealer as I read was so important to do. I've now ridden 1,100 miles since that service. So, I understand it is time for another service. I'm thinking I'm doing this one myself. But I'm confused about the "break in " period and if that is done. If it is done then I understand I might want to consider going to Synthetic. (I've read all of the great debates and Phils recommendations so I'm good there!). If I do this second service and break in is done and I switch to synthetic then should I change the oil filter?
And, if break in is not done then I will use the other oil and keep the filter alone . . . right? and then at what interval should I change the oil filter. I've read some folks say with every oil change and I've read that it only needs it every 3 or 4K.
And lastly (for now) when does the air filter get changed?

In the last 200 miles my scoot feels like a totally different bike! I'm having SO much fun . I never felt like this with my Stella which I loved dearly. But the scoot has reached the place where everything is smooth, fast and I feel at one with the bike (I know that is corny, but it's true). I LOVE IT! I had read folks describe the "change" that would happen when the scoot gets "broken in", I just didn't really get it. . . but now I do! And, I'm excited as I've also read folks describe further break in around 2,000 miles! WOO HOO!!!

[Capt_Don]

I would take it to get serviced for the second time at the dealer and then do my oil changes after that, at a minimum. That way they can do a more extensive check of your systems. When it is all said and done I intend to change my own oil, but there is something to be said about letting them have a look every once in a while, there are also warranty issues to be aware of, I think.

[skully93]

Agreed. There are valves and brakes to be examined.

I know it's a pricey add on but 1) it keeps dealers in biz and 2) it ensures a long life for your scoot.

[SYMbionic Duo]

I change mine every 2k miles, so i just waited til 2k on the clock to do change the oil after the 1st service.

Your shop probably used dino on the 1st service, if you wait til 2k you can switch to synth no problem.

i change my oil filter every other oil change, unless i forget when the lat time i changed it was....which is most of the time.

[siobhan]

You can do the second change yourself. I used dino and changed the filter. I switched to synthetic on the third change. I change the oil filter each time, but I don't change the oil every 3 miles like a lot of folks on this board. It's wasteful in time and resources.

I don't get why folks always go to the dealer if they're comfortable doing an oil change. Yes it's nice to give them some money, but if you can do it yourself, you enjoy it, your time is worth less than the dealer's charge, why not?

[gr8dog]

I have over 10,000 miles on Buddy and have always used dino oil. I change every 1000 miles with a new filter. If I used synth I would go 1500 to 2000 between changes. I do my own labor but purchase supplies from my dealer. The only reason I use dino oil is because I have used it in every vehicle I have ever owned and have never had a problem. It might be worth switching to synth and going farther between changes.

[ericalm]

You can switch to synth after "initial" break-in, which is around 600 miles. The engine will continue to break in, but the rings, etc., should be settled by then so you no longer need to observe your break in procedure (not keeping it WOT, varying RPMs, etc.).

Change synth every 2K, with a new filter every time. Change gear oil and check valves every 4K. Unless you're having performance issues, start checking rollers and belt around 6K, then every 2K.

[smarkum]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. . . all of these posts have given me more info and some different things to think about ~ as well as clarification which is what I needed. You guys ROCK!

[michelle_7728]

Inventive positioning in your picture...I like it!

Is that a blue seat on your Buddy?

[smarkum]

Inventive positioning in your picture...I like it!

Is that a blue seat on your Buddy?

Why thank you for noticing the positioning of the pic! I think it turn out well considering I had to stand next to a very smelly dumpster and the summer sun was keeping me from seeing the LCD too well . . .

Yes, blue seat on Buddy. I bought an extra seat here on the board so I could have it to send to get some foam work done. Picked the blue one up for next to nothing and I liked the blue so much that it is the one that went to Mean City Cycles for the double decker treatment. Awesome improvement! And, I really like the blue seat!

[smarkum]

Well CRUD. I got all the oil and gear oil changed, oil filter change and torqued. . . and I was putting the old oil in the appropriate place and I discovered a metal washer. D'OH.
My question is: do I need to un-do what I just did and put that washer back? I don't have any leaking. . . so far . . .

[smarkum]

I drained the engine oil from the usual spot over by the dipstick -- the spot with the little thimble like filter thing (which was totally clean BTW) as well as from the "drivers" side . . . I'm thinking this is from the drivers side one. I also drained the gear oil . . . any thoughts about where this is supposed to go?





Here is the piece in question . . . HELP. I hope it's just fine and only an issue if I have leakage. . .

[michelle_7728]

Maybe under the nut you removed to drain the oil...?

[smarkum]

Maybe under the nut you removed to drain the oil...?

Yup! I found out that is where it belonged and now it is back in place and all is good again with the world. Whew!

[michelle_7728]

LOL! All's well, that ends well, as they say.