OK so I just hung up with honda customer service, they say my dealer was correct, they mandate a test drive and confirmation of clutch slippage from the dealer before they will authorize the upgrade.
He went on to say the root cause of this is improper use, namely towing heavy loads in high range and climbing steep hills in high range, I didnt offer a retort, then he said the upgrade will expire in 2019 so if my machine exhibited signs of clutch slippage in that timeframe I would be eligible, after that me and my tranny are on our own.
End of conversation........
Sounds like the CS rep still has the old script...and trust me, Honda CS reps are as full of s*** as anybody.
Go to page 2 of the service bulletin/Campaign files located on this site (
P1000 - VERIFIED - Official Pioneer 1000 Clutch Update! ). At the bottom right of the page it clearly states that the improved cover, ETC are to be installed even with no signs of slipping...
..."IN-SERVICE UNIT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT
Test drive the unit to check for a slipping No. 1 clutch.
If the clutch is slipping during acceleration from a stand-still, call TechLine for further instructions. •
If the clutch does not slip during acceleration from a stand-still, proceed to CLUTCH IMPROVEMENT KIT INSTALLATION"...
This is from Honda, not some minimum wage teen answering the phone at Honda CS. Could be that they are dealing with machines that are slipping 1st, which is understandable...but you still eventually get the update.
I'd find another dealer and try, since the one you visited is lying and can't be trusted. If the new dealer doesn't play ball, try another CS rep. Bring up the SB/update paperwork's wording. Go up the ladder until you get someone who knows what they are talking about.