Few basic/maintenance questions

[spikebites]

At approximately what mileage would be best to take the bike into for its first "major" service?  I plan on changing my own oil up to the first 3000 miles, but that's pretty much all I can do with my limited tools.  Should I bring the bike into a dealer at 3k? or 6k?  or 9k to do the other inspections/replacements?

Also, how many miles can I expect out of the stock tires?  Just rough ballpark estimate?

And also, in the seat compartment, I noticed a rubber thing that says "V I N" on it.  I lift it up, but I don't really see any VIN or anything there.  What is it for?  I was hoping to put my registration paper in there, but there's no bottom lol.  So that wouldn't really work.

[beermak]

Congrats on your downtown.. such a great scoot uve got!!

I did the first inspection 600mi on the dealer. Imo thats the first and most important. Then.. stick to thr schedule and do your own. Just get the right tools and enjoy.

[moparkid]

Congrats on the DT300...Great scooter! You can do all your maintenance with a small metric tool kit, including valve adjustment, but unless it's running bad or backfiring the valves needn't be adjusted until then. There is a place on the underside of the seat where you can keep your reg and ins. papers. No idea why that plug says "VIN" but your vin # is located on the left side down by the kickstand on a plate. My original tires lasted about 4000 on the back and about 6500 on the front. Replaced them with Metzler's and the difference was incredible. Always check the oil and air pressure for each ride. Enjoy it!

[CROSSBOLT]

Congrats on a super fine bike! I am prejudiced since I have one, too! I experienced almost 17000 miles on the Maxxis OEM front tire and 8900 miles on the back. Replaced the original rear with a Pirelli Diablo which got 8000 miles. Just yesterday changed to Metzeler FeelFree front and rear mainly because of the several on this forum that rave about them.

I am really biased against dealer service because, in my opinion, they have proven incompetent. YOU learn how to do your own maintenance and inspection because you are more reliable than any dealer tech. You can learn most of what you need to know on this forum.

Karl

[spikebites]

Congrats on the DT300...Great scooter! You can do all your maintenance with a small metric tool kit, including valve adjustment, but unless it's running bad or backfiring the valves needn't be adjusted until then. There is a place on the underside of the seat where you can keep your reg and ins. papers. No idea why that plug says "VIN" but your vin # is located on the left side down by the kickstand on a plate. My original tires lasted about 4000 on the back and about 6500 on the front. Replaced them with Metzler's and the difference was incredible. Always check the oil and air pressure for each ride. Enjoy it!

4000 Miles seem VERY low for tires.  Now I am worried, since I am about 3000 miles currently.  Should I be proactive and just have them changed before anything happens?  I don't want them to blow out on me during a trip.  That's my biggest concern is getting stranded with a flat in the middle of nowhere, more than 50 miles away from a service center.

[Stig / Major Tom]

4000 Miles seem VERY low for tires.  Now I am worried, since I am about 3000 miles currently.  Should I be proactive and just have them changed before anything happens?  I don't want them to blow out on me during a trip.  That's my biggest concern is getting stranded with a flat in the middle of nowhere, more than 50 miles away from a service center.

Your riding style might dictate your tire mileage, too.
But tire wear won't sneak up on you...just keep an eye on the tread groves....if they're still pretty deep then they will shed the water for you. If they're getting very shallow - might be time to shop tires.
For my LIKE200i - the installation cost more than the pair of great Michelins! ($109 for the 2 tires - $135 to have them put on)
Stig

[ktienation]

As for the VIN numer, here in Europe each Downtown has its VIN numer engraved on the frame under that cover. Probably in US there is no such requirement and the parts are the same for all markets to cut costs.
Peter