End of Honda 'free' first service ?

[davedixon]

Can anybody confirm this that the 'free labour' charge for the first service has been dropped by Honda? Is this the thin end of the wedge and we can expect other manufacturers will be following this lead? I don't think this is the way to attract new customers to a shrinking market or has the government clamp down on bikers hit them that hard that they are struggling to survive? Bad news anyway.

[fat-mal]

Yep that's about the size of it. fat-mal

[ian porter]

I just had a free first service done last week (OK it was on my daughters scooter) but there were no questions asked.

is it just dropped on new purchases or bikes already bought?

[Sharribee]

BMW have been charging for their service for a while

[Farky]

Heard about the possability of this when I bought mine in 08.

Dealers complained about the time required to do a 1st service (600 mile) on the like of the Transalp as Honda insist on the valve clearances being checked. Honda pay on something like 1 hours work where it can actually take 4 hours!

Similar issues with Blade, Vara and Deauville.....new VFR def going to be the same.

My dealer mentioned that if a bike was sold with a service package he would include the 1st service foc - I bought a service pack as he included it in the finance package for me - saved me £150 or so on 3 services which I used within 18 months.

you dont get or even expect an initial service free when you buy a car! Weve been spoilt with this for too long but obviously the dealers that value their business the most will find a way to 'promote' this service as a benefit and not just the norm.

[StumpyFingers]

My mates first service on the Vara cost £100.