600 mile service

[bfancett]

I was told by the dealership that just like any other bike, I should service my new Nomad at 600 miles, thank God the initial break-in period is almost over. They also told me that it would cost about $500 to do the service.

They said they check all fluids, change oil, adjust the clutch, etc., so I am wondering what really needs to be done and can I do it myself?

Thanks,

Brian

[damark115]

Seriously, you have asked the right group. I bought mine second hand so never had the service but because of this site I never let anyone else touch my bike. I ask and the help is plentiful.
Did my own tire change/ swingarm service. u-joint change, clutch spring change. Plus a bunch of little things.
I am sure with a little mechanical ability you will be fine without paying the dealer.
Just my two cents.

[lonewolf]

wow ! $500??? when i bought mine 07 holdover i negotiated the first service in the price. got them down to what i was willing to pay, then told them if they throw in the first service , you got a deal.

[cnc]

That seems pricey to me. Dealer did first inspection about a month back on my 2008. About two hours work, Generally checking the bike over. Checking fluid levels, fasteners, tire pressure, change final drive oil, change oil and filter using synthetic oil. Cost me $202cnd parts and tax included

[macmac]

You can and should do it all yourself.. To find out how send me $175.00 (such a deal huh)

This leaves you with money left over for tools and some beers!

No really screw the dammned dealer, because he screwed you already just getting the bike out the door.

If you didn't cut the deal to get the workshop manual go get that and be happy!

They can do and say anything they want just like me... They can't blow off your warrenty because you didn't pay them to do simple chit for you...

Any fool can do what they do, ya just gotta do it, and while you do it you will learn alot about your new bike.

You NEED to know all about your new bike too because most dealer techs just got done learning how to pick their nose for the first time.

I bet I can prove that statement too, as I bet your radiator drain plug is less than finger tight!, That your wind screen is way over tightened and some bolts are stripped, and you just haven't found that out yet!~

Go get that book!

Then tell us what sort of shade tree tech you are and if you have any tools.

I am a sort of fool, but some of these guys will read anything I say because I 'get it' most of the time sight unseen... mac

[Yellow Jacket]

Like Mac said, get the service manual.

By the way, if the dealer said that they "adjust" the clutch during the 600 mile service I definitely wouldn't let them touch my bike. There is no adjustment.

[Cajunrider]

I let the dealership do the 600 mile service on my bike. I asked the service manager if they cleaned the oil screen and he assured me that they did. When I changed my oil at 4,000 miles, I pulled the screen and it contained some gasket material and other stuff that shouldn't have been there if it had been pulled and cleaned at 600 miles. They haven't seen my Nomad since. My pinion seal started leaking at Custer so I suppose I will let them replace it. It should be covered by the warranty so I will let them change it.

[bfancett]

Wow, thanks for all the input. Sounds like I will definately be doing my own work on the bike. I am pretty mechanically inclined, and have never had a problem doing my own work. I know people who wont even put on thier own sissy bars, and I think...what a waste of money.

Any ideas where I can find a copy of the service manual for a 2008 VN 1600? I've started looking online, but idea's would be great.

thank again!

Brian

[bfancett]

I just found a manual http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/de...can_1600_Nomad.

Is this what I need to get, is this a good price?

[Yellow Jacket]

Originally Posted by Brian ("Itinerant Man")

I just found a manual http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/de...can_1600_Nomad.

Is this what I need to get, is this a good price?

That sounds like it's the actual Kawasaki Service Manual. That is a good price. I paid about $70 for the one I ordered directly from the Kawasaki web site.

[ndbigfish]

Repairmanual.com has a good reputation.

[cactusjack]

$500 seems steep for the break-in service. Mine was covered by the service plan, but it would have been about $190 otherwise. Maybe find another dealer - I think this one's trying to screw you.

[Cajunrider]

My $600 mile service was $126. I'm bringing it to the dealership this evening for the pinion seal replacement. Should have her back Friday.

[macmac]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

Like Mac said, get the service manual.

By the way, if the dealer said that they "adjust" the clutch during the 600 mile service I definitely wouldn't let them touch my bike. There is no adjustment.

LOL But I can adjust the lifters for the low sum of $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.00 or 3 Brazilain dollars!

THE BOOK... The price is about wht the dealer gets. What I can't tell is if it is a home work book or the factory book.

Another point is ALL books no matter who wrote them contain errors. Not once in working on anything related to cars, bikes and trucks have I ever once found any book with out errors.

Mitchel Manuals are the very best, but even they contain errors.

So with the book in hand it is still a good idea to check by asking around and or right here.

I don't know if Clymers has a manual out for say 05/06 yet, but if they do it might be worth it 'IF' they have a in color wiring diagram. That is in addition to the factory book.

The wiring in the factory book SUCKS! It isn't as bad as some other books, but it is still grade D for poor. Mainly it is too small, and all in black and white, making it difficult to track the system.

[bfancett]

Alright, so one of the great members of this group has assisted me with getting the service manual, and I am going to start tackleing much the the maintenance myself. I will have to pick up some tools that I don't have, but in the long run I know I will save a boat load of money.

Some questions....what's the best way of keeping the Nomad level during maintenance. I haven't been able to find any stands, and have seen several home made methods using wood blocks, etc.

Also, does anyone know if there is a way to lower the seat a little?