P500 100 mile maintenance: dealer necessary?

[PNWGuy]

The maintenance reminder just flashed on my dash as I just hit 100 miles. I remember the dealer saying they would do the first maintenance check for $245.

By the time I drive the 50 miles to the dealer, drop off the machine for a week, then come back and pick it up, I'm out nearly $300 and I've only owned it a month.

But I suppose it's better to be on the safe side in case any warranty work pops up...

 

[Admin]

 

[Montecresto]

The maintenance reminder just flashed on my dash as I just hit 100 miles. I remember the dealer saying they would do the first maintenance check for $245.

By the time I drive the 50 miles to the dealer, drop off the machine for a week, then come back and pick it up, I'm out nearly $300 and I've only owned it a month.

But I suppose it's better to be on the safe side in case any warranty work pops up...

Most of us performed that maintenance ourselves.

 

[ShotgunClay]

Everything you need to know about basic service is either posted here in detail, or there's someone who can answer your questions. Also I found the Youtube channel Appalachian Mountain Riders helpful.

I've been pleased how easy P500 work is in general, except for the occasional aches and pains from having to contort a bit to get to stuff.

 

[alloutdoors]

I agree with comments above, many here can help talk you through it and/or many great video clips on the subject. Personally, I would find a Honda dealer and get all OEM supplies (oil filter, extra air filter, GN4 oil, etc.) and keep that documentation. Changing the oil filter takes time, patience and DO NOT overtighten the bolts holding the cover on or put the oil filter in backwards. None of this is complicated and know you will get value out of doing it yourself.

A tip and something I tend to do, wash the machine well (under, engine, everything) and after all dry, begin the work as it is pleasant to work on something not dropping dirt, etc., in you're eyes....

 

[HUCK]

The maintenance reminder just flashed on my dash as I just hit 100 miles. I remember the dealer saying they would do the first maintenance check for $245.

By the time I drive the 50 miles to the dealer, drop off the machine for a week, then come back and pick it up, I'm out nearly $300 and I've only owned it a month.

But I suppose it's better to be on the safe side in case any warranty work pops up...

Do it yourself ! It's easy an you will get familiar with your new friend not to mention saving you a few hundred dollars .

 

[PNWGuy]

I do have a concern about my transmission, though. I know everyone has said that it gets smoother with time and the rocks in a washing machine sound when there is no load on it is of no concern, but now I noticed it doesn't shift normally. When in manual mode and accelerating, I shift up and everything is precise as far as it sounding like it's going into the next gear, but now there is a delay. It's like the transmission shifted, but it didn't change gears.

I've had that sort of phenomenon in older car automatic transmissions that were bad.

It's like you move the paddle, the transmission shifts, but it takes a half a second for the actual gear shift to take place.

It didn't do that at first, and it's getting worse. Which doesn't surprise me; I have been cursed with transmission problems with every vehicle I've owned...

 

[Gassygordo]

You need to adjust your clutch. @PistonHonda had posted this video....P500 - Pioneer 500 Clutch Adjustment (Video).

 

[alloutdoors]

I do have a concern about my transmission, though. I know everyone has said that it gets smoother with time and the rocks in a washing machine sound when there is no load on it is of no concern, but now I noticed it doesn't shift normally. When in manual mode and accelerating, I shift up and everything is precise as far as it sounding like it's going into the next gear, but now there is a delay. It's like the transmission shifted, but it didn't change gears. I've had that sort of phenomenon in older car automatic transmissions that were bad. It's like you move the paddle, the transmission shifts, but it takes a half a second for the actual gear shift to take place.
It didn't do that at first, and it's getting worse. Which doesn't surprise me; I have been cursed with transmission problems with every vehicle I've owned...

A couple observations, based on what I think you are communicating. The clutch needs adjusting as stated previously and if it were me, I would go ahead and change the oil, etc., and start with clean/fresh oil with an adjustment.
The wear of a clutch is normal or it may be premature based on riding/driving characteristics. Do you lug the machine, i.e., being in a higher gear than the conditions dictate? When shifting between gears, do you let off the gas slightly then click up? These are just two items to consider....

 

[Mudder]

Doing maintenance yourself will not void warranty by law (see link). Like said above, good way to get to know your machine by doing it yourself. Most tasks are covered somewhere on this forum. And some shift delay may be the electronic engine retard feature.
Auto Warranties & Routine Maintenance

 

[trigger]

Don't trust anyone working on my machine more than me. The only way a dealer will ever see it again is if it is flat out broken and something I can't figure out, the hundreds of dollars would then be justified.

 

[Russ989]

Just change the oil yourself. I too had the same reservations about not taking it to the dealer, of course I overcame that when I found out the initial service was $500+ dollars. I bet they just change the oil and listen for valve clatter and send you down the road with it. Amazon has the oil change kit for the p5 at a very reasonable price FYI.

 

[rtn001]

Just change the oil yourself. I too had the same reservations about not taking it to the dealer, of course I overcame that when I found out the initial service was $500+ dollars. I bet they just change the oil and listen for valve clatter and send you down the road with it. Amazon has the oil change kit for the p5 at a very reasonable price FYI.

The dealer I bought mine from only charged $200 for the first service if you bought it there. If not it is $400. I had them do my first service. Hopefully it would be done correctly and any problems would fall back on them. If they did all they claim they do I feel I got my moneys worth. I will do my service from now own. After the service I did check the cluch lock nut, both ditterential filler nuts and the oil drain nut. All had tool marks in the side of the nut as should be. Not that I feel they might take advantage of me. Lol

 

[Russ989]

The dealer I bought mine from only charged $200 for the first service if you bought it there. If not it is $400. I had them do my first service. Hopefully it would be done correctly and any problems would fall back on them. If they do all they claim they do I feel I got my moneys worth. I will do my service from now own. After the service I did check the cluch lock nut, both ditterential filler nuts and the oil drain nut. All had tool marks in the side of the nut as should be. Not that I feel they might take advantage of me. Lol

Sounds like you have an honest dealer, and that’s not a bad price. When I called it was $500+ for the initial service. Enjoy your p5, it’s a great machine. As much as I like my new 700-4, I miss my p5.

 

[Buford]

We never check valve clearance on the first service. Highly doubtful that they need to be checked until they are well broke in which probably isn't going to be in 20 hours or 100 miles.
I've got a '94 XR 250 R that I bought new, I've never checked the valve clearance on it. In fact I've never checked them on any machine I've ever had. If they don't start hard and aren't noisy, not going to matter much.

 

[Janeen]

Can I ask a question? We just bought Honda Pioneer 1000- the problem is we are heading to New Mexico on an elk hunt for 10 days and may go over the 100 mile 20 hour checkup. What will happen if we get 500 miles on it before we get back for the shop to do the initial service. I’m nervous we’re going to ruin it help??

 

[Russ989]

Can I ask a question? We just bought Honda Pioneer 1000- the problem is we are heading to New Mexico on an elk hunt for 10 days and may go over the 100 mile 20 hour checkup. What will happen if we get 500 miles on it before we get back for the shop to do the initial service. I’m nervous we’re going to ruin it help??

You better take oil and a filter with you, 500 miles on break in oil would be stretching it.

 

[Janeen]

You better take oil and a filter with you, 500 miles on break in oil would be stretching it.

Thank you Russ989. I'm going to try and find those items today, otherwise we have to take our two rubicon's instead. I just know we'll like the side x side better so trying to make it work.

 

[Russ989]

Thank you Russ989. I'm going to try and find those items today, otherwise we have to take our two rubicon's instead. I just know we'll like the side x side better so trying to make it work.

You could take a road trip and put your 100 miles on before you go and then service it as well. Just an idea.

 

[alloutdoors]

Thank you Russ989. I'm going to try and find those items today, otherwise we have to take our two rubicon's instead. I just know we'll like the side x side better so trying to make it work.

An option possibly, would be to order it on Amazon and have it mailed to whatever outfitter you are using, assuming you are using an outfitter or at the hotel, etc. Don't forget the wrenches and good luck Elk hunting, post pictures....

 

[Tflynn]

@PNWGuy I suggest you do the break in service yourself. All the resources you need are right here on this very site, AND, you have the best resource of all, our members! If you have questions you know these guys are here to help.

Now I don’t know your level of mechanical abilities so ultimately you have to decide if you’re up for it. But at least read/watch the how tos, and go from there. Remember no one cares about your ride as much as you do! Good luck