Maintenance schedule

[T-Rod]

I just brought mine in for the 1200 mile checkup. I was originally told it would be about $300. But after I dropped it off the service guy sent me an invoice for over $1000. I called and asked why the difference in price and what are they doing that would cost so much. He said the normal oil, filter, tranny fluid change, diff oil change but then he said they drain all the coolant/change and drain the brake fluid and change. Is this what you guys are seeing? And is it required to maintain the warranty?

 

[Poohdy]

Ahh no, my ridge is 20 hrs oil filter, tranny and front diff. I had a total of 230.00 and did everything myself. No coolant no brake fluid that doesn't hardly ever need changing until its really old.

 

[T-Rod]

That’s kinda my point. I have 30 year old snowmobiles that have never had their brake fluid changed and brakes work fine. I would say 95% of vehicles made since the model T have never had the brake fluid changed, maybe more often the coolant. But at two years and 1200 miles? Unfortunately one of the reasons I bought the ridge was because of the warranty, and I have been burned by warranties before, so I had them do the maintenance. Although they agreed to not do the brake fluid and coolant. I thought maybe they actually took the VIN and filed a maintenance report with Kawasaki. But I think I would be incorrect with that assumption. Which brings me to another point. Several of the forums say maintenance at certain hour intervals, where as my dealer says mileage. You would think there would be a common consensus from Kawasaki themselves. Anywhoo, I guess I will just not worry about the warranty or sell it and let the next guy worry about it

 

[Poohdy]

I found my dealer can print me a mileage schedule or a hour schedule. They printed both for me, anything engine go by hours. Anything drivetrain/inspection miles for me.
Due to cooler temps here in Minnesota and I use mine mostly our property for forest maintenance the idle time/Hrs is higher.

 

[T-Rod]

Now that makes a lot of sense for a maintenance schedule. I’m also in the state of 10,000 laws, but I would be kind of the opposite. When I’m deer hunting on public land we drive in several miles from where we camp and then out, not a whole lot to see in the dark. Elk hunting last fall we had to drive a whole bunch from the trailhead, and the wife and I might drive the gravel roads 10-15 miles to a restaurant near us on a Friday night to have supper. So definitely more mileage compared to idling. I did just pick it up from the dealer today after work, and it ended up being a positive experience, but I will be doing maintenance from here on out myself. The Garmin unit is still not working correctly so I guess that’s on me for some reason.

 

[Poohdy]

Now that makes a lot of sense for a maintenance schedule. I’m also in the state of 10,000 laws, but I would be kind of the opposite. When I’m deer hunting on public land we drive in several miles from where we camp and then out, not a whole lot to see in the dark. Elk hunting last fall we had to drive a whole bunch from the trailhead, and the wife and I might drive the gravel roads 10-15 miles to a restaurant near us on a Friday night to have supper. So definitely more mileage compared to idling. I did just pick it up from the dealer today after work, and it ended up being a positive experience, but I will be doing maintenance from here on out myself. The Garmin unit is still not working correctly so I guess that’s on me for some reason.

My buddy bought his at the same time, he's got 1000 miles in 2 months and I got 225 mile. He doesn't drive his truck much.

 

[Poohdy]

Park Rapids Kawasaki did me good, even though I didn't buy from them.