[Anonymous]

My new motorcycle is getting near the time for its first oil change but I have no idea where to do it. Should I take it to a dealer or go to a quicky place like ‘Jiffy Lube’ but for bikes? Are there even such places that do quick service jobs like that that deal with motorcycles?

[Anonymous]

Take it to the “service desk” of your local dealer (preferably those selling that brand of bike), or if none nearby, to any motorcycle dealer. Call them first to book an appointment.

Alternatively, you might have a motorcycle mechanic nearby who could do it (see local motorcycle newspaper if you have one). Maybe even in Yellow Pages.

BTW: Bikes generally need more than an oil change at service intervals; even if it’s only inspection.

[Anonymous]

What kind of price on average am I looking at for the service/oil change?

[Budd]

You could always change it yourself. But the economy does need stimulation, so. . .

“I am the best there is at what I do, and what I do ain’t nice.”-Wolverine

[Rab]

Service costs vary by bike, complexity of service (e.g. 600 mile, 4000 mile, etc.) and geographical location.

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area (a very expensive area), you can expect to pay a dealer’s service department ~$110/hour for labour, plus parts (oil, filter, etc.).

In this area, you’d be unlikely to get much change out of $200 for a simple first service (oil and filter change, chain adjustment/lube and general inspection).

[sarc]

If it is a new bike and you are going for the 600 (I think thats it) oil change, you probably want to do it at a dealer. There are a few other maintenance items that they are going to have to check over as well as doing the oil. More importantly, I believe its necessary to maintain your warranty and keeping those mandatory service records will help your resale value a lot.

After the required dealer service intervals, I would recommend changing it yourself if money is any kind of an issue. Youtube or bike specific forums are great sources of pics and videos on how to change your specific bike, in addition to the owners manual / shop manual.

Sarc

[Jiriki]

I am taking my bike to dealer for the regular service intervals… but I change the oil myself between those visits

you should never take any vehicle to jiffy lube type of place to get oil changed… their purpose is to get as many cars through as possible. When you change your oil, you want it to drain for 30-50 minutes… go grab a beer and play a bit of NHL 08.

The reason you do this is because some of your oil will have thickened due to heat/use… you really want to give this gunky stuff some time to drain…

btw, it is super easy to do yourself. I did it on my sidestand the first time, but I have a swingarm stand now.

what bike? if it is a ‘beginner bike’ one of us has probably already changed the oil on it and can give you some tips…

[Author]

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