Is dealer service a must?

[turbo311]

Long story short, bike is a 2007 that I bought new. It's now at 1600 miles just came out of storage. I did the oil and filter for the second time, cleaned and lubed the chain, and put in new coolant since it said change after 24 months in the manual even though it was probably fine. It looked clean and new when it drained so I didn't bother with a flush. I know there could always be gunk somewhere in the pipes even if the fluid is clean, but with such low mileage I don't think so.

That's about all I know how to do I guess. I could change the air filter if I had to but I'm sure that is in no need of a change yet. I browsed the service intervals and I'm wondering... Is the consensus around here to buy the service manual and learn how to do everything, including the big jobs like valve adjustments etc? Or is there stuff you should pay a Yamaha mechanic to do?

 

[FZ1inNH]

I am of the mindset that, if you are mechanically inclined, learn the bike yourself and do all of it using the service manual. It seems I don't have an issue trusting my car to a mechanic but I have a big issue trusting my bike to one. I just feel more comfortable performing the work myself and having the piece of mind that the job was done thoroughly.

While this might work for some, it won't for others. A lot of people are not adept with wrenching nor do they have the tools to perform the work. Some do not have a space to work on the bike. Others cannot afford the tools.

If you can and are willing, I'd not bring the bike to a mechanic.

 

[turbo311]

I am of the mindset that, if you are mechanically inclined, learn the bike yourself and do all of it using the service manual. It seems I don't have an issue trusting my car to a mechanic but I have a big issue trusting my bike to one. I just feel more comfortable performing the work myself and having the piece of mind that the job was done thoroughly.

While this might work for some, it won't for others. A lot of people are not adept with wrenching nor do they have the tools to perform the work. Some do not have a space to work on the bike. Others cannot afford the tools.

If you can and are willing, I'd not bring the bike to a mechanic.

Tools are a problem. The most sophisticated one I have is a torque wrench. But maybe by the time I need service I'll have tools?

I can see what you mean about bike vs car, hard to explain, but understood.

 

[Red Wazp]

Sounds like your just fine. What that bikes needs is to be ridden - hard. She will like it
(they always do) Hey I'm talking about the bike!
Really= do ride it, a few tanks of fresh gas is good for it. And take it up to 12K rpm or more while your at it. The bike is made for running!
But first check the air pressure and those tires first they are getting long in the tooth with only 1,600 miles on a 07. Have fun!

I do what I can and pay a shop I trust to do what I can't.

 

[FZ1inNH]

Tools are a problem. The most sophisticated one I have is a torque wrench. But maybe by the time I need service I'll have tools?

I can see what you mean about bike vs car, hard to explain, but understood.

Get your hands on the service manual and then, following the service intervals, check out the sections that apply and the tools needed. There are some specialty tools for jobs that are needed but most can be done with your basic metric sets that can be bought without too much money. A torque wrench is a big player so kudos for having that!

Sometimes you can rent a tool. Sometimes, borrow a tool. Get to be good friends with a local shop and they might let you come over and use some tools for a small fee or even free.

 

[agp]

I don't particularly trust dealers. I think if your somewhat mechanically inclined you can learn to do most things on your bike. Shop manuals can found for pretty reasonable prices on ebay.

You can always make friends with other riders that do their own work. I help my buddy do all his maintenance on his bike. Some peope really like to wrench on bikes and enjoy teaching others how. Buy them lunch for the help and it will go a long way!

Some of them stuff I don't have the tools for I have my Brother's dirt bike mechanic do. The guy is one man shop, likes the extra work and much cheaper than a dealer. I'm sure you can find a small dirt bike shop that would be happy to change tires, spark plugs and whatnot for you.

 

[Kazza]

My opinion - a dealer service for the BIG services is a must.

Changing the oil, filters and brake pads is something you can do at home, BUT when you get a dealer service they might pick up something you would not have found.

 

[Red Wazp]

Don't know where you bought your bike but Roseville Yamaha has a really good service dept.

 

[Wavex]

My answer would be no.

If you feel mechanically inclined (or have a friend you trust that does) you can do about anything yourself with proper tools and the service manual.

However, if a valve adjustment or steering head bearing swap, or fork oil change etc intimidate you (understandable) or you don't have the proper tools, you have an option to use a local moto mechanic shop before going to the Dealer as well... they'll most likely be much cheaper than the official Yamaha dealership. I like to support the local "smaller" guys and often times you can even shoot the sh*t with them and witness the job being done, which usually won't happen in the official Yam dealership... (also a good way to make sure they are conscientious and professional).

 

[sublime0713]

I've always done all my own work, except for the big jobs that require specialized knowledge. Doing all your own work is very rewarding. I agree that you should avoid the stealership and support the smaller shops if you need their help with something. I've always taken all my bikes to my buddy who fixes out of his home garage.