Why isn't the first maintenance for motorcycles free?
4 Answers
Motorcycle first maintenance items are mostly not free. Motorcycle first maintenance: Free replacement of the first engine oil and oil filter, other items are routine inspections without additional charges. The first maintenance for motorcycles is relatively simple, which involves changing the engine lubricating oil and checking the tightening bolts of the frame. The importance of first maintenance: The first maintenance is very important. The initial inspection and maintenance must be completed within 1000 kilometers of driving. The first oil change is required at 500 kilometers for both scooters and cross motorcycles, the second oil change at 1000 kilometers, and thereafter every 2000-3000 kilometers (adjusted appropriately based on driving conditions). Be sure to use JianShe motorcycle-specific engine oil and purchase from authorized outlets to prevent damage to the engine from counterfeit or inferior quality oil.
When I bought a motorcycle before, I thought the first service would be automatically free, but the shop said it would charge. This is quite common because, unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have mandatory free first services. The production costs are high, and brands don’t want to bear additional maintenance expenses. Changing the oil, adjusting the chain, and checking the brakes are all real costs—both labor and parts must be paid for. In some small shops with fewer technicians, the costs are even less economical to spread out. My neighbor bought a branded bike, and their first service even had a discount promotion to attract repeat customers. I recommend that new buyers check the maintenance policy when purchasing—some big manufacturers cover the first service or offer small gifts as compensation. Get used to paying for it yourself; safety is the most important thing—don’t risk damaging your bike to save a little money.
I've been repairing motorcycles for over a decade. The reason first service isn't free mainly comes down to expensive material costs and labor fees. We have to use specialized engine oil, clean the air filter, and inspect engine break-in - these procedures all consume time and resources. Manufacturers don't provide subsidies, so shops must cover all costs themselves. Some owners expect free service and get disappointed when they're charged. During first service, carefully checking chain tension and bolt tightness can prevent major accidents. I recommend new riders don't delay first service - paying to ensure everything's in order saves much hassle in later maintenance. For small shops especially, offering free service isn't economically viable as it would lead to unsustainable losses.
From a business perspective, motorcycle companies typically don't offer free first services to control costs. With slim sales profits, maintenance presents a revenue opportunity. Offering free first services by raising prices or lowering quality is risky. I've seen some brands include first services in promotions but not even provide basic accessories. The market dictates this, and users should understand maintenance is an additional expense. First services involve oil checks and frame adjustments, with materials that aren't cheap. Some imported bikes face high tariffs, making free services even less likely. Consumers should budget for this cost, scrutinize contract details before purchasing, and not just chase low prices.
