[TennesseeSmith]

I stopped to see my local dealer at lunch today. I was hoping to schedule the 600 mile service for early next week. It turns out that the earliest he can do it is the 17th. I'll be pushing 2000 miles by then. I hope that doesn't cause any issues with the warranty.

I might just buy the filter and oil and do the service myself. I've never changed oil on a bike without a center stand. I think the last time I changed my own oil was in the early '80s.

I'm not working nearly as many hours as I did last year, so maybe I should be doing my own maintenance anyway.

 

[bob]

Maybe prop up the side stand as Ed mentioned in another post being careful not to pull the bike over... propped side stand on one side wall of garage on the other to keep bike from tipping either way. Can throw an old folded throw rug over the right mirror/handlebar end if concerned about marring. I've done that before with my GoldWing when I had to do some maintenance on the center stand. Kept front wheel straight, and chocked, and let right tip of handlebar catch the bike against the wall in case I pushed it that way. Worked out great with what I had.

Or run out and pick up or order one of the front wheel chocks mentioned in one of the other threads here. The idea being to get the bike at least mostly upright to drain the oil. You'll never get it all but as much as possible. Other maintenance should be no more than checking bolts and stuff for being still tight.

 

[Davetac1]

It's no big deal to do and will save ya money.Of course,it's also a good idea to know what you're doing before attempting to do it,no matter how simple it may be.And then,half of these stealers only do a half assed job at best.So sometimes you're almost better off doin it yourself,if ya want it done right.Over the 52 years I've been riding,I have yet to take any of my bikes in for service as I've always done any and all work on em, myself.But then again,there are guys out there who can't even put air in the tires without screwing somethin up.So if you're one of those guys,then leave it to the stealer to do so you'll atleast have a shot at getting it done correctly. Dave!!!

 

[sleepngbear]

I get the heebies when I think about doing work on a brand new machine, even something as simple as an oil change. Maybe because I just don't do it very often, and I've seen even the supposed 'professionals' screw them up, too. Once I'm past that first one, I'm usually ok. Usually the hardest part is figuring out where/how to position it to get a drain pan under it.

 

[gadgetman]

only 3 things to screw

drian plug
filter
filler cap

Oh wait,
I just looked at the manual I have on loan.
you also need to remove right overhead engine cover to access the filler cap

And even better
on page 100 under step 2...
ARE YOU READY....???
"Place your motorcycle in an upright position on a firm, level surface when checking oil level. " ( which you view in a side window on lower right side just above exhaust pipes is a two person job? and I'd be watching level as I filled).

...and they go on to say overfilling or operating with insufficient oil can damage your engine...

So, weren't they smart in omitting the centerstand for such standard checks and tasks in a safe and secure manner?! W T %$##!

 

[Davetac1]

Ya know Ed,if you lived alittle closer,you could pick up your oil and filter,then drive up to my place and I'd show how and what has to be done.Actually,you're NOT that far away,maybe 140 miles,so it could still be an option.Of course, my labor rate is a reasonable 5,000,000,000,000 per hour,plus tax.lol lol Dave!!!

 

[Davetac1]

The OR will tell ya how much and what type of oil to use,with and or without the filter.I think you'll discover that the filter is the same filter that pretty much ALL motorcycles use.For example,I've been using the same filter on my last,my present,and a number of other bikes,as it fits most other makes and models. As for getting the machine straight,there are always alternatives for doing that.I cheat. I have a lift with a wheel vise which holds the machine perfectly straight. Dave!!!

 

[bob]

Standard oil check port (view window right side), have that on my ST (but have to look through a hole in the lower fairing with a flashlight to see it. I have to remove a maintenance cover on the side fairing on my ST1100 to fill oil and I think the ST1300 also has to remove a cover for that, maybe. Keeping the bike straight up to check is nothing new, but not having the center stand to do so is for me. How do many riders of cruisers do this? I know many cruisers don't have the center stand so that's not so surprising to me. That was one thing I noted on the Vulcan Nomad I looked at many years ago. Considered not a show stopper back then.

 

[sleepngbear]

Appreciate the offer, Dave, but I am NOT riding 280 miles for an oil change!

 

[Davetac1]

That Nomad,as well as the newer Nomads,and the Triumphs,all use the same filters, and I suspect yours will too. Dave!!!

 

[sleepngbear]

"Place your motorcycle in an upright position on a firm, level surface when checking oil level. " ( which you view in a side window on lower right side just above exhaust pipes is a two person job? and I'd be watching level as I filled).
...

So, weren't they smart in omitting the centerstand for such standard checks and tasks in a safe and secure manner?! W T %$##!

Actually, that's the case with any bike, at least every one I've had, and most have not had a center stand. Oil usually needs to be checked with the bike upright and level, whether it's with a dipstick or through a check port. And I always wondered how that was expected to be done without a lift or chock. Or a second person.

 

[Davetac1]

It's not just the oil change part of it,it's the enjoyable ride,not to mention,the break in period.Dave!!!

 

[Davetac1]

Checking the oil level on any bike is EASY without a center stand,once ya know how. Dave!!

 

[bob]

Dave!!!
I see some would have issue with the oil change part but what's any issue with the enjoyable ride or break in? Not having taken one down the road yet I still think it would be an enjoyable ride. And the break in - shouldn't be any issues there unless you prefer to always rip up the pavement any time you're on 2 wheels. (not my style so no issue for me but I guess it might be for some).

 

[Davetac1]

I never said anything about poundin the piss out of it "IF" you drove up here.It is an enjoyable ride.I've been down my daughters place now 4 or 5 times and it's pretty much easy driven,varying your speed on back roads as well as on the highway.Now just because the nuts wanna travel at MarkIII,doesn't mean that you have to do it too. Dave!!!

 

[CEETEEX]

Ken,
I would recommend getting the oil and filter from the dealer and documenting the change. It should not be hard to do. I had to do the CTX700 when my wife and I were a long way from home heading to the BRP. Not the best of conditions, it was dark, cold, light rain, and in the Walmart parking lot.

Guess who forgot to change the oil before we left? She had about 700 miles on it when I changed it, I did not want to wait til 1600 miles rolled up before we were home.

It is easy, hardest part may be a tight filter.

 

[gadgetman]

I have yet had any of my to date (bought new) 6 bikes get any oil changes by dealer. I mearly ensured it was OK with them for me to do and buy the filters from them to have record of such. I will buy some filters when I take delivery. Not as sure about oil yet. I also always did all the valve adjustments when called for on my 4 Wings and Sabre.
As for the comment on the when upright & level being normal... that is a given assumed (cars too of course). I was just venting that they put in writing for what to do but don't build in the tool to do easily, properly, and safely most anywhere including away from home that is. I'm figuring when I get mine I'll get a 2x4 , find the right spot below (hopefully available w/o impacting exhaust) and jack to level for oil check and fills.. until I get the (*^&^$%#@ center stand it should have from the factory. Sorry, but this just bugs me... but not as much as the suspension issue of no spanner and bag removal. We all have different needs and desires and they cut too many corners this time (for me anyway). Don't get me wrong, I expect to love the bike regardless of minor short comings). It's just such attention to details like theses which get me going. Once I have it and have some miles on it, maybe I'll calm down a bit. Or maybe get worse.
In viewing manual it seems like Canadian ones get center stand and heated grips as part of the deluxpe package. Go figure.

 

[sleepngbear]

Gadgetman, that's Honda feeling sorry for 'em up there cos they can only ride about 2 weeks out of the year.

 

[gadgetman]

Gadgetman, that's Honda feeling sorry for 'em up there cos they can only ride about 2 weeks out of the year.

Good point!
At least we get a little more... Not sure about this year though