After some debate on whether to perform the first service on my Rancher or take it to the shop, I decided to let the shop do it. I have the manual and the tools and was going to do it myself but the steering was a little stiff and I wanted it taken care of under warranty. I picked it up on Saturday. It cost me $45 plus parts which ended up being $78. They set the valves, replaced the sparkplug, adjusted the brakes, lubed the cables, changed the oil and filter, cleaned the air filter and greased the steering. I did 30 miles on Sunday and what a difference! It wasn't running that bad before but it sure is nice to have a properly functioning bike. The brakes feel alot better and there is no more noise from the valves. The power seems better. I'm not sure whether that is because of the valve adjustment, new plug or just my imagination. I asked the shop how bad the valves were, he didn't know and the mechanic wasn't there. By the sound, they must have been out. $78 well spent!

 

I to have the service manual. but while the quad is under warrenty, I will let the "experts" to the work. Soon, I will be at the 100 hour / 600 mile tune up. This will problaly be the last time its taken to the dealership. Unless there is a problem I can't fix!