Does a first service/oil change at 500 miles sound "normal" for a 2024 RTL

[Bob from Florida]

Just purchased a leftover 2024 RTL and getting used to riding it, 340 miles so far. The dealer is not my local - 70 miles away with a $3000 savings. That dealer told us that the first service was at 500 miles because they put in “break-in” oil initially and they would be checking all sorts of things. Book says 3000 miles and nothing about a “break-in” oil. I believe the selling dealer is “making it up” about the “break-in” oil, but I may be mistaken. Local dealer says they do the first oil change at 600 miles and check a few things for $345. Oil change kits are $119 from SlingMods and the local dealer charges $160 for the kit with the balance of the $345 being labor. Their labor rate is $150/hr so they can’t be doing much more than an oil change. I normally do all my own service, BMW’s and Goldwing most recently, but wonder if its worth it for the first 2 - 600 and 3000, for them to do it. Does this sound “normal” to anyone?

 

[Woodaddict]

Good for you being able to do your own service. Yes you can do your own service, just keep records, doesn't void your warranty. As you DID read your manual about first oil change, its not 600 miles, you are correct 3,000 miles. Now its up to you if you want to change at an earlier time of miles. The V-twin first oil change was at 600 miles, so they might be confusing 1330cc triple. They DON'T use "break in oil" either. You can use the oil change kit, its semi-synthetic. I use full synthetic 10W-40 motorcycle wet clutch oil. Just read your manual on HOW to check your oil level. The Spyder 1330cc engine is a dry sump engine, don't check it cold, you will get a wrong reading and likely overfill.

 

[troop]

The price is normal, but not the interval. You do not need to change your oil/filter until close to the 3K mile mark. Break in oil is a myth. Your Spyder has the same partial syn 5w40 oil that they sell with the kit. Newer kits seem to come with 5w40 full synthetic. When the time comes for your oil change kit, get (5) quarts of quality 5w40 or 10w40 motorcycle full synthetic, a Baja Ron oil filter kit and some Show Chrome magnetic oil bolts that have hex heads. It might be a little messy the first time, but well worth the cost savings

 

[Grouchy]

I'm wondering the same thing. I just purchased a 2024 S2S with 375 miles on it. I just came in from a ride and turned over 1000 miles.
3000 miles seems a lot for the first oil change so I'm considering having the dealer do one soon. Mostly because I don't have the jacks and stands for it yet.
I'll be interested to hear input from the forum on this. Is 3000 miles really a reasonable mileage?

 

[Woodaddict]

Yes, 3,000 miles (or 1 year) or an interval of your choice (read your manual). That is the first oil change #, next interval is 9,300 miles (with 10W-40 full syn) recommended, and that's what I do.

 

[Mrmikey]

I'd be doing the first oil change well under 1K. Not because of the break in oil (if these use it or not) but to get any manufacturing junk that was missed when it was assembled as well as the initial wear from new parts.
My Ram when I bought it new, I did the first oil change at 2000kms I believe it was. The oil analysis showed a bunch of high numbers for various metals which is to be expected. It dropped down to normal after the third or fourth change.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Just about all modern engines, and I believe this includes Rotax engines, are actually filled with oil and test run at the factory in the final stages of their manufacture, just to make sure everything has been done properly et al, before being drained of oil etc and sent on their way.

So No, you really don't need to do another oil change before the manufacturer's scheduled first oil change at 3000 miles, but there's nothing to stop you spending that money/time/effort if you want to.

And all those 'various metals' detected in the first oil analysis mentioned above are just what happens when things start being used and actually bedding in - regardless of how often/many extra oil changes you might do, it generally takes about 3 or 4 normal/scheduled oil change intervals for all that to settle down as all the mating/wearing surfaces wear to match each other at their tolerance levels; levels which, on the 1330 motors especially, are pretty close.

 

[Dansy]

I'd be doing the first oil change well under 1K. Not because of the break in oil (if these use it or not) but to get any manufacturing junk that was missed when it was assembled as well as the initial wear from new parts.
My Ram when I bought it new, I did the first oil change at 2000kms I believe it was. The oil analysis showed a bunch of high numbers for various metals which is to be expected. It dropped down to normal after the third or fourth change.

But it was a RAM (sorry couldn’t resist)

I do my own oil change, and there was nothing in the first at almost 3000k

 

[JayBros]

Do Not get suckered into wasting your money on an oil and filter change at less than 3,000 miles. A dealership that would tell you such horse you know what is simply trying to get into your wallet.

 

[Cobranut]

I'm a big fan of an early initial oil change, but I do all my own work.
In the first 500-1000 miles there WILL be higher wear levels, with a corresponding increase in oil contamination. Getting that stuff out of your motor may not be "necessary" as far as warranty is concerned, but it only costs a few bucks, and it makes ME feel better.

 

[happyspyder2039]

The only thing the dealer dose at the 1st service is a tire/belt adjustment & warranty anything they find or you mention as issues. So it’s best to wait until the 3k miles to determine what those issues are.