Costs

[farmerjim]

I'm assumeing that you take your bikes in for regularly scheduled checks so the warranty won't be voided. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on how much these checks cost? I appreciate all the info I can get as I don't have a cash cow in the back yard. Thanks

farmerjim

[SpyderAnn01]

But a money tree would be nice.
:roflblack:

[Dudley]

With our 2008 SE5, I never took it in for all the required work BRP wants done. I had a tune up done about 26K, changed the oil myself every 5K, used Royal Purple 10W40. The Spyder gave us flawless performance for 43K, when we traded for a 2010 RT. I plan on the same with the RT. If one thinks about it, not much else is warranty-effected except the engine. Valves were never checked or adjusted...engine ran better at 43K than it did at 20K.

[DragonLorD]

I'm assumeing that you take your bikes in for regularly scheduled checks so the warranty won't be voided. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on how much these checks cost? I appreciate all the info I can get as I don't have a cash cow in the back yard. Thanks

farmerjim


ahh common, have a look again, to me it looks like a fat cash cow:ohyea:

[Bob Denman]

So if one of us non-mechanically-inclined owners decided to attempt something as intimidating as an oil and filter change on an SE 5 model... how much different is it from an oil change on something with only 1 filter to worry about? Would you then take it back in to a dealer for a checkup once in a while or what?

[Justin]

So if one of us non-mechanically-inclined owners decided to attempt something as intimidating as an oil and filter change on an SE 5 model... how much different is it from an oil change on something with only 1 filter to worry about? Would you then take it back in to a dealer for a checkup once in a while or what?

No difference, just one extra step. It's easy, just take your time.

[canam9]

I'm assumeing that you take your bikes in for regularly scheduled checks so the warranty won't be voided. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on how much these checks cost? I appreciate all the info I can get as I don't have a cash cow in the back yard. Thanks

farmerjim
farmerjim, I think you are looking at a coupel of hundred buck each time you take it in. I would ask you service guy when you get close to the scheduled checks. As a farmer I dont think the oil changes are harder that the old Ford tractor.:roflblack: :ani29:

[Dudley]

So if one of us non-mechanically-inclined owners decided to attempt something as intimidating as an oil and filter change on an SE 5 model... how much different is it from an oil change on something with only 1 filter to worry about? Would you then take it back in to a dealer for a checkup once in a while or what?


Taking your time is the key. I really enjoy changing the oil. That affords me the time to look under the plastics and see how things look. If the engine is all clear of liquids, it's good. If you see no leaks anywhere else, that's good. The filter/filters each have 2 bolts that hold the cap. Mine use Allen sockets with a 3/8 ratchet. The messy one is the SE5 tranny filter. Put a good rag or rags to capture the oil when you loosen it, or you will have to Simply Green it after. The same applies to the engine filter. The oil tank and engine drain plugs are simple enough. Just don't over tighten anything. I use the wrist grip method. Put your thumb on the ratchet head and tighten until your wrist gives you a little bit of pain. I have never had any problems with that method. The manual says to change the "O" rings on the filters and the crush washers on the drain plugs. Some of us don't. That's a personal choice to be made by each rider.
I am far from being a mechanical person, but over the years I have learned simple things about motorcycles. My first oil change on our old SE5 took me five hours. The last one about 1.5 hours. I will do my own break-in service on the RT this weekend. Will probably take over 3 hours, but it will be a joy.
One suggestion: If you have a friend who is mechanically inclined ask him for help and have him show you how to do it.

[clueless]

or buy a cheap but solid torque wrench at Harbor Freight. they go on sale occasionally. then when re-torquing just make sure the engine block is not too hot.

use the torque wrench to make sure you tighten the bolts to spec. :thumbup:

[TicketBait]

I'm assumeing that you take your bikes in for regularly scheduled checks so the warranty won't be voided. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on how much these checks cost? I appreciate all the info I can get as I don't have a cash cow in the back yard. Thanks

farmerjim



I purchased from my dealership a maintenance warranty policy that I can use for up to 3 maintenance's each year,for a total of 9 times in 3 years. The cost wasn't cheap, but I liked the fact of peace of mind if something needed attention and the cost could put me in a bad mood each time. By paying the $2700 up front I help keep my dealership that is 12 miles away afloat and I capped the price of any future labor costs. I also coordinate the addition of modifications when they are doing the major maintenance work. When I took it in for the 600 mile check they installed my Kewl Metal Highway boards. And at the 6K mile I had allot of electrical add ons put on by the shops ace mechanic. They too like this as the bike with all the plastic panels off is already apart so they can get at different things, there by making the install labor costs less for the different aftermarket products. Since they do everything I have never had an issue with minor problems cuz they know I leave it entirely up to them. I have paid out of pocket for the 3K and 9K oil changes which run about $ 150. The 12k is a major check so that will be on their dime. At my 12K I am having installed the oil pressure and voltage gauges on the dash.




I see in your post that you have been in 10 States, so you must do a fair amount of riding. I have only been in one state and have logged 10,500 miles in less than 9 months, so I don't turn wrenches but do all my own car washing and save over $1000 a year on our 3 vehicles, and get exercise and enjoyment. Probably very similar to those that like changing their own oil an a Saturday afternoon. Me , I like ryding on weekends . To each his own. I couldn't tell from your post as to how much experience you had doing your own work, only that you don't have a cash cow in your backyard. I love ryding this Spyder so much that it has been converted to #1 position in regards to work ( I use it daily) and fun. I go to more places now with my wife, mountain resorts or mini vacations up and down the coast. My whole perspective has improved. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/yesnod.gif

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/BigBear-LakeArrowheadtrip2010043.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/C6ZO6-Spyder032.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/Spyder010-3.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/Spyder062.jpg



I have what for some would be a high maintenance dog. I chose to learn how to do all my own grooming. The learning curve was much easier for me, with needing a bath once a week ($35) and grooming once a month ($70). Do the math, that's what I spent for 3 years maintenance coverage on the RT , and believe me that the 5 hours total I spend each month grooming her plus 5 minutes every morning brushing her is to me so much more rewarding, besides she's my best friend.


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/dogs/DooLittleprepostbath017.jpg




Ok Ok I went a little overboard getting her toys, but that was a one time deal.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/20090826_66.jpg

She Loves to Ryde .................

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/P1030325.jpg




Many here are very well equipped and trained at fixing and maintaining their rydes.:2thumbs: The time, knowledge and patience they have to do their own work and repairs is equally rewarding as the examples I used for myself. Best to look at what strengths you have in different areas of your life, so that by having someone else do the work does not show up as a cash cow. Just don't get a Maltese if your not gonna do your own maintenancehttp://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/lol.gif

Please share with us what you decide to do. So often a question is asked here on the forum and we never find out what the original posters final choice and decision was.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/TicketBait/DogsandCars/SPYDER%20RTS/patriot.gif

Oh and welcome farmerjim, Hope ya get a :spyder2: :thumbup:

[MouthPiece]

I bought my RT-S in mid January. I presently have 9,500 miles on it. I am an idiot when it comes to mechanics, engines, etc. I rely entirely on my dealership. I did not purchase the maintenance plan. To date I have paid roughly $1,300.00 for my 600, 3,000, 6,000 and 9,000 maintenance. In addition I paid for installation of my XM radio and GPS.

Hope this helps.

Chris PE # 0004

[farmerjim]

Thanks to all your replys and thanks for your patience answering my semi-stupid questions. You guys are all a great bunch of folk and I can't wait to join the ranks. Again, thanks for your patience.

Farmerjim