P500 A few questions if you don't mind

[M0oseMeat]

Well I bought a brand new P500 last week. Have about 9 hrs on it so far and 87 miles I was reading the owners manual and it says to get first service at 100 miles...recommended or could I let that slide abit? Also has anyone tried using a better quality of gas? Does it preform better at all? Also one more thing I realize that I top out at 41mph once it hits 42+ say going downhill i get an engine brake which pulls me back should i just get use to that?

 

[Admin]

 

[trigger]

Well I bought a brand new P500 last week. Have about 9 hrs on it so far and 87 miles I was reading the owners manual and it says to get first service at 100 miles...recommended or could I let that slide abit? Also has anyone tried using a better quality of gas? Does it preform better at all? Also one more thing I realize that I top out at 41mph once it hits 42+ say going downhill i get an engine brake which pulls me back should i just get use to that?

I wouldn't skip that first service, that's the end of the break in period. It'll sound and shift better after first service.
I read up on different fuels a while back and came to the conclusion that it all depends on what the engine was designed to run. Don't think higher octane will make any difference.
The speed limiter kicks in between 42 and 43. Yeah, if you're hitting that speed frequently, get used to it.

 

[500oneer]

Welcome! I just change the oil at 100 miles then wait till 600 miles to get the valves checked. I just use reg. gas. One thing that shocked me about the p5 is how dirty the air filter gets. 600 miles and it's really bad. Quads can go about 2,000 miles the way I ride. If you love to ride in deep water and mud I would move up the schedule a lot.

 

[HUCK]

The p5 is designed to run a regular gas , higher octane would be a waste of money . I did my 100 mile service and think it's a good idea .
41 is all she wrote . Drive 35 stay alive .....lol

 

[Hondasxs]

Here is my thoughts... Applies to both the 500 and 700.
Both motors are sluggers. They are tested and true and will last forever. Pushing it past 100 miles want be a problem, as you said its "recommended". But I wouldn't push it much past 150. Anyways, its a fairly easy job to do even back at camp on a weekend trip or something.
Here is the oil change guide if you need - Honda Pioneer 500 Oil Change Guide
Just a quick FYI. Dont overtighten the oil filter cover bolts. Don't use a torque wrench, just give a good-n-snug feel.
I also would say dont worry about the valves, unless you hear a tick or something.

Now for the 1000 owners reading this... Stick to the plan. Change it as recommended.
Thanks.

 

[M0oseMeat]

will it void the honda warranty if I did it myself? And i love this forum All of you are so helpful and friendly thank you!

 

[Bad_bowtie]

I changed mine myself around the 100 mile mark. The dealer told me to write down in the owners manual when I serviced it and I wouldn't have any issues with the warranty. I used the diy oil change guide from this website, and had no problems whatsoever.

I didn't check the valves. Motor sounds fine, and my previous Honda Rancher went about 3000 miles without ever checking them before I sold it.

 

[Mudder]

Did my own service but bought Honda oil for record of receipt. Check out ATVTV.com video on YouTube for first maintenance tips and oils. Used Synthetic in diff. For DIY, An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.

 

[NitroxDiver]

Did my own service but bought Honda oil for record of receipt. Check out ATVTV.com video on YouTube for first maintenance tips and oils. Used Synthetic in diff. For DIY, An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.

The magnuson moss act also prevents them from voiding a warranty for not using a certain filter or fluid and if a manufacturer required you to use their filters or fluids they are actually required to supply the parts free of charge.

 

[NitroxDiver]

The magnuson moss act also prevents them from voiding a warranty for not using a certain filter or fluid and if a manufacturer required you to use their filters or fluids they are actually required to supply the parts free of charge.

And to be more clear they can specify the fluid and filter specification but not any brand. Its up to you or the parts supplier to be sure they meet the manufacturers specifications.

 

[Mudder]

Here is my thoughts... Applies to both the 500 and 700.
Both motors are sluggers. They are tested and true and will last forever. Pushing it past 100 miles want be a problem, as you said its "recommended". But I wouldn't push it much past 150. Anyways, its a fairly easy job to do even back at camp on a weekend trip or something.
Here is the oil change guide if you need - Honda Pioneer 500 Oil Change Guide
Just a quick FYI. Dont overtighten the oil filter cover bolts. Don't use a torque wrench, just give a good-n-snug feel.
I also would say dont worry about the valves, unless you hear a tick or something.

Now for the 1000 owners reading this... Stick to the plan. Change it as recommended.
Thanks.

If you change the oil filter, be attentive to the small O ring, it's easy to get lost.

 

[Jshell3]

Yeah... go ahead and grab one while you're getting the oil and filter. You'll need it, eventually. Trust me.

 

[Mudder]

And if you are new to the P500, a pack or two of the plastic body pins is good to have, as they sometimes pop out of the floorboards (or maybe that is just unlucky me).