Is Next Service Still Necessary?

[newbert]

Because of an injured back, I only put about 1000-1500 miles on my 2016 F3 in 2020, after getting the F3 serviced (oil change, etc) at the start of the season.

Although the back still hurts, I hope to ryde some this year. Now, I have to get the state inspection done at the dealer anyway - so is it necessary or advisable to get another annual service done this year, given the low mileage since the last service?

Thanks!
Bert.

[bigbadbrucie]

R

Because of an injured back, I only put about 1000-1500 miles on my 2016 F3 in 2020, after getting the F3 serviced (oil change, etc) at the start of the season.

Although the back still hurts, I hope to ryde some this year. Now, I have to get the state inspection done at the dealer anyway - so is it necessary or advisable to get another annual service done this year, given the low mileage since the last service?

Thanks!
Bert.

I may be alone on this thinking, but I always look at the annual service as part of my insurance costs, no mater what mileage I put on. We’re looking at a lot of money spent for this machine, and this certainly is not the time to “cheap out”. This is, of course, only my opinion.

[acdcking12]

I would also go ahead and change oil and oil filter.

[pegasus1300]

The service recommendations in your manual give you mileage and time limit. Of you exceed one without exceeding the other, do it anyway.

[fatboy]

if it was kept in climate controlled garage while you where down i would not worry about it

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

with fatboy. If the miles are low each year I wouldn't hesitate to go 2 or 3 seasons between services.

[2dogs]

with fatboy. If the miles are low each year I wouldn't hesitate to go 2 or 3 seasons between services.

Right on Idaho. The machine doesn't know what year it is. Or even what time it is or what day it is. It only knows how many miles it's been driven since the last service. Well, I guess our spyders do have clocks but we all know they don't keep accurate time.

[Bfromla]

Not “necessary” but wouldn’t hurt either. As mentioned above there is time & mileage intervals. Newer oils might last longer key word “MIGHT”. There are other items that get inspected & or least casually viewed in the process that also deserve attention. Performed by trusted individuals does help peace of mind

[Saluda]

well, i guess our spyders do have clocks but we all know they don't keep accurate time.

[Stache]

Oil degrades over time, as well as with mileage. There’s a reason the manual has both a time and mileage figure in the service schedule.

I think the engineers who designed it understand it’s mechanical needs better than I do, so I see following the maintenance schedule as ‘cheap insurance’. I put a hockey-sock full of money into buying the things. I don’t want to find myself throwing even more money at major repairs because I tried to save a few dollars on maintenance.

In my opinion not worth the risk.

[Steve W.]

My opinion? It depends on how those "few miles" were put on.

If you did one 1000-mile trip, I would not worry about it. However, if you did 100 10-mile trips, the bike never really got up to temperature, so I would recommend changing oil and filter.

.

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Since it has to go in for inspection anyway, I would say go ahead and get the service done. Otherwise, I would probably skip it. Part of that though is what ability you have to work on the Spyder yourself? Do you feel comfortable doing your own service like oil changes, checking and adjusting belt tension and alignment, checking for loose nuts/bolts and lug nut torque? I'm not making any judgement here, just thinking about what would need to be done and you have to judge for yourself your comfort level.

[Rednaxs60]

Oil and filters are inexpensive compared to an engine. Oil sitting in bearings and such can go acidic and eat away at the bearings. Oil change in the fall or spring with the mileage you put on is good insurance. I change the oil in my car once a year because I do not put a lot of Kms on it. Use full synthetic that helps a bit as well. Like going to the dentist once a year for annual checkup and cleaning, don't want to but a necessary evil.

Another issue is the brake fluid, every two years should be changed. Brake fluid absorbs a lot of moisture. Here's a picture of what happens after a while when you don't change the brake fluid - the clutch slave from my '85 Honda Goldwing GL1200 Limited Edition. We don't generally pay attention to this with our cars, we should, but old habits die hard.

As an aside, should you decide to get out of riding and decide to sell your Spyder, a prospective buyer might ask the maintenance question, and you would be able to tell him that you rode very few miles each year, but it was serviced once a year at the dealer that included an annual oil/filter change. Always a good selling feature.

[tibadoe]

Yes. I would go ahead and change out the oil & filter. As manual states: miles or time.

[2dogs]

If it will help you and your back to feel better, do it. But if you really want to know for sure, suck a little oil out and have it tested. Go to Napa and buy the test kit and mail it off. Much, much less expensive than an overpriced unneeded service.

[LongIsland]

I would perform the annual service as stated in the owners manual, especially if you still are under warranty:

EVERY 15 000 KM (9,300 MI) OR 1 YEAR (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST)
Perform all items indicated in the PRE-RIDE INSPECTION.
Replace engine oil and oil filter.
Check clutch fluid level (SM6 model only).
Check brake fluid level. Replace every 2 years.
Check brake hoses
Check reverse mechanism operation.
Check radiator, hoses and water pump.
Check engine coolant level.
Perform a pressure test of cooling system.
Check operation of control switches and passenger switches.
Check condition of fuel hoses, fuel evaporation lines and canister.
Check battery connections tightening.
Check the drive belt condition and its tension
Check and retighten exhaust pipe, clamping rings, joints, and gaskets condition.
Check steering for abnormal play.
Check tie-rods condition.
Check shock absorbers for leaks or other damages.
Check tightening torque of the rear wheel axle nut.
Check ball joints condition.
Check front and rear wheel bearings condition.
Check brake pads and discs condition.
Check passenger handholds looseness.
Check footrests looseness.
Check body panels looseness.
Check operation of storage compartment latches, hinges and key barrels.
Remove front grill and clear all debris from radiator air duct.

[Tango]

Do the service. Peace of mind. Tom