New member from San Diego

[fed4life]

Just bought my first bike, a 2005 Vegas with 11,600 miles from the original owner for $6000. I actually got it last nite and havent had a chance to ride it yet since im on duty for the next 48 hours.

The bike is all original and stock, the only thing the original owner did was order it with the tach and the little clock on the handlebars. The bike is in great shape with a little bit of pitting on some of the chrome but nothing to bad, you would have to get up close to really see it. The original owner had every single reciept and service record from the day he bought it and luckily he bought and had it serviced from the same dealer i will be using which is about 15 miles away.

I have a steep learning curve, as i said before this is my first bike AND im just learning how to ride. I just took the motorcycle safety course a few weeks ago so its baby steps for me(ride within my limits and exp).

With that said, my first question is:

The previous owner had the 10,000 mile service done on it in 2008, since then hes put 1,600 miles in the past 4 years which was the last time the oil was changed. Should i get a full service done now? or just an oil change now? OR just wait till i hit the 12,500 service and get it done then?

It makes me a little nervous that all the fluids, filters, etc. havent been changed in almost 5 years. I called the local dealer and they said it isnt a problem and that i could wait till i hit the 12,500 service mark.

What are your thoughts???

[CrossRoads]

Originally Posted by fed4life

Just bought my first bike, a 2005 Vegas with 11,600 miles from the original owner for $6000. I actually got it last nite and havent had a chance to ride it yet since im on duty for the next 48 hours.

Congrats and welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by fed4life

What are your thoughts???

Call in sick!

And change all fluids. Also inspect tires closely - they dry out with time - make sure there are fine cracks on them, or you will need new tires even if there's still plenty of thread. Get a new battery too - you're ready for one.

[fed4life]

Originally Posted by CrossRoads

Congrats and welcome to the forum.

Call in sick!

And change all fluids. Also inspect tires closely - they dry out with time - make sure there are fine cracks on them, or you will need new tires even if there's still plenty of thread. Get a new battery too - you're ready for one.

Thanks CrossRoads!

I will inspect the tires when i get home, he did just replace the battery last month but thats the only thing hes done since 2008, including the tires.

[CrossRoads]

Originally Posted by fed4life

Thanks CrossRoads!

I will inspect the tires when i get home, he did just replace the battery last month but thats the only thing hes done since 2008, including the tires.

Then just replace all fluids, replace spark plugs too - they're cheap and you might as well to prevent surprises in the near future. And inspect tires.

[Goatlocker95]

Personally I'd change all the fluids. The oil, and even more importantly the brake fluid, has probably absorbed a lot of moisture from the air, especially that close to the ocean. Also motorcycle oil does more than it does in a car. Besides, lubricating the cylinders, it is also integral in how well the clutch works. IMO it's not that much of a cost for some peace of mind.

Here is a Motorcycle Cruiser magazine article for more information on how a motorcycle clutch works
Or here is a video from Castrol if you don't feel like reading

You Tube

You Tube

Also, tires start to have a dry rot concern 5 years after manufacture. I'd have someone who knows what they're looking for check them out to ensure you don't have a problem.

I assume having weekend duty you are a Jar Head or Squid?

EDIT: I see Crossroads already told you to change the fluids and check the tires. I guess I type to slow But I did add some references too LOL!!!

[fed4life]

Originally Posted by Goatlocker95

I assume having weekend duty you are a Jar Head or Squid?

LOL neither! Im a firefighter....and im in the Army National Guard...and was active duty Coast Guard before that.


Service it is!!! I like peace of mind...it goes a long way in my book!

[Goatlocker95]

Originally Posted by fed4life

LOL neither! Im a firefighter....and im in the Army National Guard...and was active duty Coast Guard before that.


Service it is!!! I like peace of mind...it goes a long way in my book!

Works in my book. Thanks for your service in all three