2021 RTL - Do I need a dealer to sign off the 3000 mile inspection?

[Don60]

I have a 2021 RTL and have done the first service (oil/filter), checked the air filter, installed a LaMonster vibration dampener for the belt and installed Vredestein tires on the front. They balanced out with no weight on one, and the other only an ounce! I have no vibration and no pulling at all, drives straight! I inspected the front pulley when I installed dampener, no issues!
So, I know that there is a place for the dealer to sign off on the first service and perform an inspection, but since I have done the above work already and have given the bike a good inspection myself, do I still need to take it to the dealer (one hundred miles) one way for me, an hours labor ($108.00), probably on a trailer, to have them sign off in the Manuel? Looking for your advice!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a 2021 RTL and have done the first service (oil/filter), checked the air filter, installed a LaMonster vibration dampener for the belt and installed Vredestein tires on the front. They balanced out with no weight on one, and the other only an ounce! I have no vibration and no pulling at all, drives straight! I inspected the front pulley when I installed dampener, no issues!
So, I know that there is a place for the dealer to sign off on the first service and perform an inspection, but since I have done the above work already and have given the bike a good inspection myself, do I still need to take it to the dealer (one hundred miles) one way for me, an hours labor ($108.00), probably on a trailer, to have them sign off in the Manuel? Looking for your advice!

I bought a NEW 2014 RT ..... I never had ANY services done at ANY dealers ( except WARRANTY repairs ).... The Moss-Magnussen Act prevents dealers or manufacturer's forcing you to have them done at a DEALERSHIP ..... keep good records and receipts if possible ..... this is FACT not opinion ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[MONK]

Don,

The dealer doesn't have to sign off on anything but the initial 3k service is much more than just an oil change. One of the many things the dealer tech is supposed to do at that service is to double check the nuts/bolts to ensure nothing has loosened up. Personally, I always have the dealer take care of the initial service then take care of any future services on my own. I think it's worth the $300 cost (for an RT).

 

[Ex-Rocket]

Don,

The dealer doesn't have to sign off on anything but the initial 3k service is much more than just an oil change. One of the many things the dealer tech is supposed to do at that service is to double check the nuts/bolts to ensure nothing has loosened up. Personally, I always have the dealer take care of the initial service then take care of any future services on my own. I think it's worth the $300 cost (for an RT).

I'm glad you said "suppose to do" I just wonder how many actually check every bolt to make sure its tight. I have a 2017 F3 Limited and it has never been to the dealer for service. I feel I will treat my Spyder better than any tech would. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ARtraveler]

Good information from either side of the fence.

I took both my new F3's to different mechanic shops. Spyderpops and Lamonster Garage. Neither are "authorized" dealers, but IMO, both take more care than the dealers. In 14 years of Spyder ownership, and having seven total...I have never been questioned about initial inspections or required to provide paperwork proving that I had the 3000 mile break-in inspection. The 900 and 990's required a 600 mile break-in inspection.

In 10 plus years on the SL site, I cannot recall anyone being refused service, or accused of destroying the engine by not having the break-in service done right. I think you are good to go.

PS. the one incident where a warranty repair was not accepted was a person that put a turbo on an 08 and promptly blew up the engine. That had nothing to do with break-in, although I am guessing that it was driven like he stole it. :bowdown:

 

[Don60]

Thanks for everyone’s response!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I'm glad you said "suppose to do" I just wonder how many actually check every bolt to make sure its tight. I have a 2017 F3 Limited and it has never been to the dealer for service. I feel I will treat my Spyder better than any tech would. Just my 2 cents.

:agree: .... However, if they don't you won't really know. I remember back when BRP said the V-twin engine NEEDED to have the Valves checked every 12-14000 mi. ( an $800.00 service charge ) ... However we soon learned that the Valves didn't actually get " out of adjustment " ( ask ARtraveler His experience ) .... and this was something the dealers also realized. ... I wonder how many folks were charged for the Valve service but the Valves were never checked. .... Back when I had a GS ( in 09 ) I took it in the have the DPS ( $1400.00 ) re-placed under warranty. I took off the body panels and Scratched a big " X " on it, before I brought it in .... WELL the dealer wasn't happy about the " X " ( I wonder why ??? ) and the Tech over-filled the Oil by 2 quarts !!!!! .... true story ..... That's when I decided NEVER to take my Spyder back to that Dealer or trust any dealer ..... good luck ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[RayBJ]

I agree with the "supposed to do" myth. Techs are paid by the job's 'flat rate' and rarely check everything on the list to save time. I've never brought a bike to the dealer for basic services and believe I'm as capable as the dealer in doing the 'once-over' inspections.

 

[Navydad]

Short answer. NO.

I have always performed my own work from oil changes to engine rebuilds and never had anything questioned about warranty, but then to be fair I've only had a couple of issues that occured during warranty periods. I keep a record of work done and materials used and have even taking a few pictures now and then. This not only helps if an issue arises, but helps me when I do service on my bikes. When you have more than one bike plus work on others rides the old rememberer just doesn't keep up.

 

[Don60]

After reading your great responses, I called my local dealer and explained what I had done on my own when I changed oil/filter and the other checks I had done. He stated that other than maybe a few more “tightening” checks, I had covered all of the major things needed and what the dealer would have performed! So after reading all the responses now and from previous posts, cancelled my appointment! Like stated above, we treat out bikes with greater care than a dealer would! Thanks again, stay warm!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

After reading your great responses, I called my local dealer and explained what I had done on my own when I changed oil/filter and the other checks I had done. He stated that other than maybe a few more “tightening” checks, I had covered all of the major things needed and what the dealer would have performed! So after reading all the responses now and from previous posts, cancelled my appointment! Like stated above, we treat out bikes with greater care than a dealer would! Thanks again, stay warm!

Good for you :clap: :clap: :clap: .... you will soon learn that BRP buys more Lok-Tite ( or similar stuff ) than any other company IN THE WORLD :roflblack: :roflblack: ..... One of the preferred methods to UN-DO .. IT ... is to use a soldering iron on the head of the bolt .... be careful not to melt any plastic, .... Mike :thumbup: