Initial Service

djdiscman · 10-21-2009, 07:21 AM

I've attached the pages from the service manual for the valves and oil change.

Don't ignore the valves! You may be tempted to try to save time/money by only doing the oil change for the 600 mile service. Don't do it! When I did mine, two of my valves needed adjusting. One intake valve was super tight.

It's up to you whether you want to do the valves yourself or have the dealer do them for you. But you should know that the dealer will charge you a ridiculously high amount for a relatively cheap and easy job. A feeler gauge only costs a couple bucks at an auto-parts store.

I adjusted my valves at 500 miles and changed the oil at 600 miles. In case you are wondering why I didn't do the oil change at the same time as the valves... Particles may have got into the engine during the valve adjustment. I wanted to let any possible particles work their way to the oil filter before the oil change. If you have the dealership do the work, doing it this way and bringing your bike in twice may cost you some extra cash. If you aren't confident enough to do your own valves, consider at least changing the oil yourself.

djdiscman · 10-21-2009, 07:23 AM

Below is the service manual page for changing the oil filter.

Hayne3000 · 10-21-2009, 02:02 PM

This is some good stuff to know here. Thank you for sharing this!

DeadSpider · 08-04-2010, 09:52 AM

Ok.... I do not have an oil filter wrench. The normal "grip of death" was no match for whoever welded the damn filter in place *wipes brow* I tried to double up on some rope like I have done in the past for auto and marine filter removal, that did not work either.

Any ideas... or do I need to drive another hour+ to a cycle shop to get a proper oil filter wrench?

Deanohh · 08-04-2010, 10:10 AM

I used a plumbers strap wrench

DeadSpider · 08-04-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deanohh

I used a plumbers strap wrench

Had to google that.... we have those at work! To bad there too damn big for this application and i'm also on my week off

I'll see if they have them at the local hardware and are not marked up 3 times fold :/

The rope wrap I tried is basically the same idea, but with out the leverage bar. Thanks for the tip/info

woodenhorse · 08-04-2010, 10:28 AM

Do it redneck style and ram a screwdriver in the filter and turn it.

RedspawnSilver · 08-04-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadSpider

Had to google that.... we have those at work! To bad there too damn big for this application and i'm also on my week off

I'll see if they have them at the local hardware and are not marked up 3 times fold :/

The rope wrap I tried is basically the same idea, but with out the leverage bar. Thanks for the tip/info

Here's another strap wrench you can use for those interested, this is the one I use and is small enough to fit underneath the carriage of the bike without having to lift it. The 1/2" is sufficient enough to do the job. Added this post to the FAQ too....

http://www.dmctools.com/catalog/strap_wrenches.htm

BarFury · 08-04-2010, 11:35 AM

Ya, strap wrench or filter-pliers; Harbor Freight sells both.

Cheers

RedspawnSilver · 08-04-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Señor Gar

If they use this wrong, or don't know how to use it correctly (putting it over the actual filter), they can crush the filter... saw a beginner do this when I turned my back when we were changing his oil...

Maybe pointing out to them the best way to use this would be the best way to explain the use of this tool. Some are beginners at changing out their oil.