20 HR Service question P500

[NCPioneer]

Just wondering how many members would take their machine to the dealer for their first scheduled check up? Looking at the book I think that the valve adjustment would be the biggest thing that I would need them to look at. The rest is just changing the oil and topping off the fluids. I got a price of $225.00 for the 20hr service. Should I just have them adjust the valves and change the oil myself or is this first one a dealer must? Thoughts.... :shock:

 

[Hondasxs]

Well. The valves is the only issue. It can be done at home. Just most people do not have the experience to do it. And messing it up could cause issues. Bad news if you just have the dealer adjust the valves they will still charge $200 so best have them do it all the 1st go around.

 

[mikeyd]

Does anyone have the valve clearance spec?
Might be on page 222 of the service manual.
I'd prefer to do this type of thing myself.

 

[bigc]

its .06 to .09 on a foreman im sure its the same on this pioneer 500

 

[mikeyd]

Thanks bigc
I should have thought the foreman would be the same
I found a good "how to" here http://www.hondaforeman.com/144-how/557 ... 500-a.html
plan on trying to get it done this weekend.

 

[Hondasxs]

its .06 to .09 on a foreman im sure its the same on this pioneer 500

Confirmed, this is correct.

 

[NCPioneer]

I got it done for $217.00 out the door. They said that they adjusted the valves and changed the oil and everything else checked ok. The thing only had 9 hrs on it but the service light was already on.

 

[Snowbird]

I got it done for $217.00 out the door. They said that they adjusted the valves and changed the oil and everything else checked ok. The thing only had 9 hrs on it but the service light was already on.

I recently asked the service manager at my dealer if they check the valve clearance when customers bring
their Honda's in for the first 100mi/20hr service. He said NEVER. If the valves aren't making any noise they
don't check them....and he said he's never heard them clattering on a machine that new. He said it's a lot
of work to get at the valves and customers don't want to pay for all that time.

I don't know if this is typical at most dealers....but I suspect it is. I also have a 1998 Honda Foreman with
3500 miles on it and I know the valve clearance has never been checked or adjusted and they make no noise.
It continues to start and run like new.

I prefer to do my own oil/filter changes and I am going to do my own 100mi/20hr service.

Has anybody here actually had to adjust their valve clearance on their new p500?

 

[mikeyd]

I know were talking P500, but when I bought a new Suzuki Savage 650 about 10 years ago I asked the dealer, local Suzuki service the same thing.
He said, you'll know when the valves need adjusting, it will tap and make noise the same way as a car.
The bike has 12000 plus miles on it, is 10 years old. Never needed the valve adjust.

 

[Neal123]

Well. The valves is the only issue. It can be done at home. Just most people do not have the experience to do it. And messing it up could cause issues. Bad news if you just have the dealer adjust the valves they will still charge $200 so best have them do it all the 1st go around.

i agree with you but i would suggest you to hire any professional and let him do this, spend $200 once and get satisfaction for long time. friendly advice from my side

 

[Tab]

I recently asked the service manager at my dealer if they check the valve clearance when customers bring
their Honda's in for the first 100mi/20hr service. He said NEVER. If the valves aren't making any noise they
don't check them....and he said he's never heard them clattering on a machine that new. He said it's a lot
of work to get at the valves and customers don't want to pay for all that time.

I don't know if this is typical at most dealers....but I suspect it is. I also have a 1998 Honda Foreman with
3500 miles on it and I know the valve clearance has never been checked or adjusted and they make no noise.
It continues to start and run like new.

I prefer to do my own oil/filter changes and I am going to do my own 100mi/20hr service.

Has anybody here actually had to adjust their valve clearance on their new p500?

Just for those who don't understand the importance of valve adjustment: New valves don't get loose and make noise as this post implies. The valves get tighter due to the slamming at the seat interfaces. Without clearance they leak at the seats then burn or warp. The reason for additional clearance on the exhaust valve is heat. The exhaust valve needs a little more clearance due to heat and expansion.

 

[joeymt33]

Mine was .006 too loose on the first inspection. I will check again soon to see if there has been some movement.

Joe