500 mile service

[twelve]

I am about to do my 500 mile service and was looking for some advice on fluid levels and gasket replacement. Oil, primary and tranny levels. Also, any gaskets other than inspection cover gasket need to be replaced yet?

I am new to the forum and appreciate everyone's advice. I pinned my location and will post some pics of the scoots tomorrow. I look forward to meeting everybody.

 

[lee]

presumably your dealer doesn't include that in the price? some do i believe. Sounds like you definitely need to get a service manual - see Nelson on this forum under WB Cycles.

go to the "how to" section and take a look at Gas Man's "How to service your big dog"

 

[Mickeetwo]

Welcome Aboard

 

[TCALZ06]

Welcome.

The How to section is great.

 

[Gas Man]

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/10-how-service-your-big-dog.html

Welcome

 

[twelve]

Thanks for the replies! Gas Man those instructions are great! Two questions... Should I go with synthetic now or wait until the next service? Do I need to replace the inspection cover gasket when I do this initial service?

Thanks again.

John

 

[Fibersnake]

twelve,

I take it that you are thinking of doing your own 500 miles service verse having the dealer do it! If so, you can do it, however it involves much more than just changing the fluids and filters.

500 is supposed to have all the bolts torque checks except heads, pivot bolt check, fuel filter cleaned, primary chain and drive belt adjusted, all cables lubed, clutch adjusted and clutch rod greased, idle set, oil tappet screen cleaned, battery post cleaned, all lines inspected, and the most important is getting a down load from EHC and sending to BigDog. This is also a good time for the dealer to check to see if any recalls apply and to get them done as well as Service Bulletin items.

A good amount of us do our own work, however the vast majority I think do have the first at 500 done by dealers. Just IMHO a good safe thing to have them go over it and get any problems identified, resolved and everything documented and establish the base lines.

Not sure what your O & M manual says but in mine, it is BOLD that 500 miles service is critical.

Also would recommend that you pay close attention to the break in recommendation, not only to increase your chance for prolonged life, but also to insure that if you do have a warranty issues, that they do not give you a hassel about posible improper break in.

On the synth, I owuld wait until it has a chance to be broken in good which would be at the 3000 mile range.

Good luck and safe riding.

 

[lee]

would doing your own 500 mile service void the warranty?

also this 3,000 mile break in thing - I know Big Dog say 3,000 miles but surely that is just to protect themselves - 3,000 miles is a lot and S&S say their engines are run in after 1,000 miles

 

[BBChopper]

would doing your own 500 mile service void the warranty?

also this 3,000 mile break in thing - I know Big Dog say 3,000 miles but surely that is just to protect themselves - 3,000 miles is a lot and S&S say their engines are run in after 1,000 miles

I'd agree with that!:2thumbs:

Although in my case I got her used with 3800mi. I figured she had to be broke in but I think the guy pussied it because the more I rode the better she ran. I took it easy for about 500 miles mostly took me that long to get used to it. But it ran better the harder I ran it after that!!
Also it used quite a bit of oil at first:2thumbs:

 

[Gas Man]

Thanks for the replies! Gas Man those instructions are great! Two questions... Should I go with synthetic now or wait until the next service? Do I need to replace the inspection cover gasket when I do this initial service?

Thanks again.

John

Glad it helps. Fiber makes a good point in having a dealership doing the first service. I know its expensive, I paid $30k for my 500 mile service and got the bike for free, so I took mine to the dealership. Then I, at the time being fresh new to v-twins, had the dealership do the 1000 mile service and the owner/mechanic let me help so I could start my learning process.

I wouldn't switch to synth till your 3k service.

You should have new gaskets for the inspection cover and some silver RTV silicone for the outer primary o-ring. Because you need to inspect the primary chain like my how to says. I personally do this EVERYTIME I do the wet primary services because I think its good PM.

 

[Fibersnake]

Gas Man,

I agree with doing the primary chain also when I change out the priamry fluid. The O-ring as we both know, is cheap and it is a hell of allot easier to adjust the primary chain without the outer primary cover on.

Not a bad idea on the grey silicon, though I so far have not used any on either the outer primary cover or inspection cover. Sorta of old school training for me when dealing with preformed o-ring. Also that an amount of luck for no leaks yet, but have a feeling it is more luck (and a good torque wrench and sequence) more than anything.

I see that you have got to know the V-Twin a hell of allot better since you took yours in for the 500.:2thumbs:

 

[Gas Man]

Thanks Fiber... your last comment is a good compliment coming from you. I also use silicone to ensure a good seal... a little effort saves you time later.