[Anonymous]

I was just wondering how essential a break in service on a new bike is. I bought a 08 ninja 250 and its at its service mark now, I have followed the break in rules in the manual and its running fine so far. I have been told that the service isnt needed and if i change my oil I will be all set. So is it worth it for the 200-250$ the dealer wants to charge me, or is it just an overpriced oil change and cable check?

[Jim]

My dealer only charged me $100 for my 500 mile service for my Kawa Ninja a couple weeks ago. They changed the oil and filter, lubed and adjusted all the cables and lubed the chain and checked out everything else.

[Rab]

I’ve just recently had the first (600 mile) service done on my Suzuki GSX650F (my third motorcycle BTW) and I strongly suspect that it’s “just an overpriced oil change and cable check” as you say; especially as I had accumulated the 600 miles about 10 days after leaving the dealership (I commute).

I would say that the oil and filter change are essential, and the chain lube and adjustment (if necessary) should also be done. You could also make sure all fasteners are tight and lube cables/check free-play too. Other than that, in my opinion, it depends how long it takes you to accumulate the miles. That said, you are the arbiter of your own safety in this regard.

For peace of mind, if you can afford it, get the service done at the dealership. If not, then at very least do what I’ve outlined above.

I would say that the subsequent services (every 3K or 4K or whatever) are essential for safety.

In between times, clean and lubricate your chain every 500 miles, check and adjust the chain tension (if necessary) at the same time and regularly inspect your tires, brake pads and fluid levels.

My recent first service (S.F. Bay Area) cost $229 and that was with their 10% off labor “deal” (normally $110 an hour).

[megaspaz]

That’s pretty close to what I paid for first service at the dealer where I got my bike at. For the second service, I went to santa clara cycles and while they don’t do official “Suzuki” service per se, I just gave doug the service table from the manual and he looked over what was supposed to be done and said, he could do it. Turned out to be much cheaper than the first service… and I know where doug works and lives so i wasn’t worried about getting hosed… muhahahaha…

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[kirk]

Damn! 250?!?!? For that much I would expect dinner and a movie at least. I paid $89 for my first service. Oil change, filter, adjustments, chain lube, and a few other knick knacks. I got the service done at the dealer and the bike has run great.
On a side note. The dealer told me that for about the first 500 miles I should not run above 5000 RPMs. What is the reason for this? What sort of damage may I incur if I do run my bike above 5000 RPMs?

[Rab]

I guess the difference is due to geographical location? The S.F. Bay Area is expensive.

The reason for the 500 mile “running-in” period, is that the new engine components don’t fit each other exactly, so have to wear into each other to “mate” for a close fit.

The manuals say that if you over-rev a new engine, it’s possible that the friction created in the new parts could cause the engine to overheat and sieze (and that could really spoil your day).

Modern engine parts are built to much higher tolerances than in the past so it’s not quite as necessary nowadays as it once was, but follow the advice (varying engine speed by changing gear) for safety and engine longevity.

[parad0x177]

Modern engines benefit from vastly improved lubrication, metallurgy, and manufacturing technologies. However, this means they are typically built to much *closer* tolerances than engines of the past. This means that they will tend to run hotter (from increased friction) until all the surfaces mate. (This is also why fuel economy generally improves a bit after break-in) So, subjecting the engine to too great a load (higher engine speed = more power = more stress = more heat) too early in its life can cause premature wear.

Granted, there is very little chance that you will notice any ill effects if you don’t follow the break-in procedures and you certainly shouldn’t have a problem if you “over-rev” it a little “accidently” during break-in. However, following the prescribed procedures will give your new scooter the best chance of a long and trouble-free life.

As for the original question, depending on how mechanically adept you are, you might want to consider allowing the dealer to do the first service. That way, if anything serious goes wrong early on, the ball is clearly in their court when it comes to fixing it.

However, they legally cannot deny you warranty coverage if you decide to perform your own routine servicing. So, while I might let them do the first service, I’d consider doing the subsequent ones yourself assuming you have the knowhow and tools. You can save a lot of money, it’s not really hard (particularly if you pick up a service manual), and you will get to know your scooter much better. Just make sure you follow the service schedule (for warranty purposes) and keep good records.

Good luck!

[Author]

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