I'm finally getting up around 500 miles on my Vulcan S and starting to think about having my first service. There probably aren't many weekends left before the weather gets too cold for me to be riding though. So with the temperature dropping and being really busy at work and the nearest dealer being about an hour away, I'm wondering if I should just wait until spring to have my first service.
If I do wait, should I change the oil and winterize it, or leave it alone and let them do it with the service in the spring?
I would go ahead and either have the 600 mile service done or do it yourself. Then when spring arrives you can ride right away without being concerned about having to have your bike serviced. With the new oil in the bike you can prepare your bike for winter without changing it. There is a myth that one must automatically change the oil before putting a motorcycle away for winter, which is not necessary unless the oil otherwise would need to be changed because of the service schedule (miles or time wise). But if one is putting their bike to rest for winter the winterizing procedures outlined in the owner's manual should be followed.
I am with Hot Cruiser on this one. If the manual calls for a change at 600 miles change it. If you are putting it up for the winter ie many months, change the oil and filter anyway. Oil and filters are cheap compared to a failure at worst, increase in wear and tear at best.
I agree...if you run out of available time to make the trek to the dealer change it yourself...and document your work (receipts and notes on when you did the work).
In addition to the peace-of-mind that it's done, you preserve your warranty. The 600-mile (first) oil change is the most important oil change for the engine.
I checked with Kawasaki Customer Service - provided you have the tools, skills and parts they have no problem with you doing such work yourself and documenting it; this is in keeping with the (here in the United States) Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal law).
Also - keep in mind you do NOT have to use 'genuine' Kawasaki parts...ones that meet or exceed OEM specs are just as good, usually cost less and still comply with the warranty requirements.
Besides...for many of us wrenching is a big part of motorcycling as it brings us closer to our machines, giving us a better understanding of how they work.
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