P500 Day 1 maintenance

[dtng]

So I just got a new P-500 and quickly realized that it was struggling to shift from 1st to 2nd. I noticed a number of folks stating similar problems and the fix seemed to be to adjust the clutch. I grabbed a 14mm wrench and short screwdriver and sure enough the problem was solved. So my question, are there any other adjustments I might need to check before I put too many miles on it?

 

[Admin]

 

[AlR]

I didn't have to adjust the clutch until about 500 kms into riding my new P5. Didn't do anything else other than adjust up tire pressure.

 

[BeerMonkey]

add grease to every fitting you can see, check the alignment, all the fluids, bolt check everything you can and give it just a good general look over.

 

[AlR]

add grease to every fitting you can see, check the alignment, all the fluids, bolt check everything you can and give it just a good general look over.

Grease fittings? A P5 has grease zerks? Have I missed something?!!!

 

[Montecresto]

So I just got a new P-500 and quickly realized that it was struggling to shift from 1st to 2nd. I noticed a number of folks stating similar problems and the fix seemed to be to adjust the clutch. I grabbed a 14mm wrench and short screwdriver and sure enough the problem was solved. So my question, are there any other adjustments I might need to check before I put too many miles on it?

It really makes one wonder about the made on Monday rigs, or why Honda’s quality control inspections seem hit and miss. For all the deserved criticism of Polaris, there seems to be a lot of Honda’s coming out of production with loose and missing hardware, front alignments out by inches and things out of adjustment. Supposedly Honda gives some attention to these various Honda forums???? Anyway, I guess mine was made on a Thursday. To your question however, many of the problems that people have encountered have been the result of bad dealer prep. If you’ll do a search, there is a thread or threads discussing the various things to be on the lookout for. Good luck compadre.

 

[Montecresto]

Grease fittings? A P5 has grease zerks? Have I missed something?!!!

Lol, it’s right behind your silver dollar sized spring loaded oil filter.

 

[BeerMonkey]

that is my run down of any new SxS it wasnt P5 specific.

 

[Montecresto]

add grease to every fitting you can see, check the alignment, all the fluids, bolt check everything you can and give it just a good general look over.

I’m with AIR on the grease fittings, hope I don’t have a slew of bone dry zerks.

 

[Montecresto]

that is my run down of any new SxS it wasnt P5 specific.

Gotcha....point!

 

[Mudder]

Welcome. An old topic you may have already seen, but try to take battery /fuse cover off, with EASY torque on bolts as some spin from over tightening by dealer. A frequent issue. There are some pics down in this linked thread about the PITA keeper nut. Enjoy the P500. P500 - Caution on P500 battery cover bolts

 

[dtng]

add grease to every fitting you can see, check the alignment, all the fluids, bolt check everything you can and give it just a good general look over.

Thanks for the response, good points.

 

[dtng]

It really makes one wonder about the made on Monday rigs, or why Honda’s quality control inspections seem hit and miss. For all the deserved criticism of Polaris, there seems to be a lot of Honda’s coming out of production with loose and missing hardware, front alignments out by inches and things out of adjustment. Supposedly Honda gives some attention to these various Honda forums???? Anyway, I guess mine was made on a Thursday. To your question however, many of the problems that people have encountered have been the result of bad dealer prep. If you’ll do a search, there is a thread or threads discussing the various things to be on the lookout for. Good luck compadre.

I don't doubt this was a dealer prep issue, but they were the lowest cost dealer by $500 which I'm using for some aftermarket add-on. So I'm guessing this is where they save money. Thanks.

 

[dtng]

Welcome. An old topic you may have already seen, but try to take battery /fuse cover off, with EASY torque on bolts as some spin from over tightening by dealer. A frequent issue. There are some pics down in this linked thread about the PITA keeper nut. Enjoy the P500. P500 - Caution on P500 battery cover bolts

I was in the battery box the other day to hook up my winch, I had seen some of the comments on the bolts. I was lucky mine came on/off without any issues, I may epoxy the nuts in place. Hope to stay out of there for awhile.

 

[Mudder]

Also the tire pressure can be too high from the dealer.

 

[Montecresto]

I don't doubt this was a dealer prep issue, but they were the lowest cost dealer by $500 which I'm using for some aftermarket add-on. So I'm guessing this is where they save money. Thanks.

Sure, I understand that. Do check the threads that have chronicled the various issues members have had with their new machines, including things like Mudder mentioned a couple posts back and good luck with your Pioneer.

 

[dtng]

Also the tire pressure can be too high from the dealer.

I measured the stock tires at 10 psi, what should they be running.

 

[Mudder]

Might be right, I run 6-8 in larger tires. Try adjusting for best ride.

 

[tomcj2]

The Honda sticker on the fender suggests 10 psi

 

[dtng]

The Honda sticker on the fender suggests 10 psi

Thanks tomcj2, I saw that but wasn't sure if that's their lawyers sticker vs what those that ride actually do.

 

[alloutdoors]

I was in the battery box the other day to hook up my winch, I had seen some of the comments on the bolts. I was lucky mine came on/off without any issues, I may epoxy the nuts in place. Hope to stay out of there for awhile.

If you go into the battery box again, you might consider adding a battery tender to the P500....