This morning I completed 465 Kms on the odometer. And the spanner symbol started flashing on the LCD console. It was time to take the bike for first service. I was not sure where I should head, but then after some discussions with existing bike owners and trusted friends, decided to go to Royal Enfield Service Station in NS Palya off Bannerghatta road near shoppers stop.
First Free Service - 500 Kms
Why - Routine Service.
When - 465Kms, July 16, 2014
What - Free Service (Engine Oil change, Oil Filter change, inspections and adjustments for brakes and cables etc as per schedule)
Where - RE Service Station (Brand Store), NS Palya Off BG Road
Spent - Rs. 978.00
The bike gobbled 2.5 litre of 15W50 API SL engine oil. The oil filter is for Rs. 93.00
I had been to their service station in the morning around 8.15am. I had told them to do only water wash without any soap or material and just air dry it. No complaints and special things need to be done. Simple enough.
Got a call around 4.30pm that vehicle is ready and so I went to pickup the bike to realise that it was not at all washed. Due to dust and a quick shower in the noon, it was looking ugly :sad. So I had to get it washed. Spoke with the service attendant and a washing boy. They helped me get it faster. Otherwise the people in the service station are very relaxed and not much worried about customer's time. Everything is slow.. just how we like to ride REs
Overall experience was good but there were number of things that could have been way better. No gate pass created, no feedback forms and literally no one cares if everything was done to your needs. In my bill they had added the misc labour of Rs. 112.36! And no one was able to explain me what it was. And if I really wanted to know, I should wait for the service manager to come and help! It wasn't worth spending this time there leaving my important work time. So took the bike and came back!
Things seems to be fine. The thump on the new engine oil is very evident. So now until the next free service (which is at 3000 Kms or 3.5 months from now) no more service station visits hopefully.
I have bought an extra clutch cable based on the recommendations by few fellow riders and got myself a Studds side box (Rs. 850.00). I fitted it myself. I will post pictures this weekend for the same. And the diamond shape crash guard doesn't seem to be woking for me - the bent in portion of the crash guard on the ends is hardly 2 inches away from brake pedal and gear shifter! Should look out for something more practical and elegant design. Thinking about a silver three pipe bent inward crash guard. Instead of buying in online from
www.royalenfieldzone.com, this time I will check it practically in local stores and then buy
Oh and by the way
I have a question - the user manual still tells me to use the bike with less than 3/4th of throttle opened and speed below 80-90 Kmph speed until I reach 2000 Kms on odometer. Is it really to be followed up religiously? I understand that prolonged high speeds and full throttle opening is not good but once in a while?