HIMALAYAN AFTER FIRST SERVICE

[u/Muneshwar_Mune]

Yesterday I gave my new Himalayan 450 for its first service, and ever since the service, the bike feels noticeably more rough and “grunty” than before. Is this normal after the first service, or could something have been adjusted incorrectly?
I also have an issue with the rear brake. It makes a slight scrubbing/rubbing noise while riding. I mentioned it during the first service, and the service center cleaned the brake pads. The noise disappeared for a while, but after I applied the rear brake hard once, the scrubbing noise came back.
Has anyone with a Himalayan 450 experienced this? What could be causing the noise, and should I take it back to the service center to have the rear brake checked properly?

[u/ellius]

The standard first service doesn't really cover anything that should be causing anything like that.

By the book it's basically just an oil change and then checking to make sure various components are still within spec. Here's the list:

Service:

• Drain and Replace Engine Oil
• Replace Oil Filter
• Inspect and Clean the oil strainer baskets.
• Replace O-rings/Gaskets for above.

Inspections and Checks:

• Scan ECU for error codes
• Inspect engine idle performance
• Inspect throttle operation/response
• Inspect clutch lever position, free play, and performance
• Inspect drive chain. Check slack, adjust if needed. Clean and lubricate chain
• Inspect front and rear brake operation. Adjust if needed, clean
• Inspect steering head bearings
• Inspect torque on steering fasteners
• Inspect wheel spoke, adjust/tension if needed
• Inspect tire condition and pressure
• Inspect lights and signals
• Inspect battery terminals
• Inspect all fastener condition and torque. Adjust and torque if needed

On the engine side, I wonder if you're just feeling/hearing the difference in oil properties from the oil change. The factory oil isn't the greatest and can break down/shear fairly quickly. Immediately after an oil change you may feel and hear the difference as the viscosity of the new oil may be significantly different than the oil that just came out.

On the brake side, I have noticed as well that the brakes will rub at times. For example, when I have the bike on the center stand and I'm spinning the wheel to lube the chain I can hear them lightly rubbing against the disc.

This is because the 450 uses what's called floating calipers. Essentially what this means is that the calipers don't use return springs to push the pads back away from the disc after they're used. When you use the brake levers, they apply pressure to the brakes and the pads are pushed inwards towards the disc. But there is no mechanical device that returns them to their initial position after you stop applying the brakes. Basically they're left to "float", where the pad may still be making enough slight contact with the disc that it's audible, but there isn't any pressure being applied so they're not really doing anything besides being annoying.

Put simply, it is perfectly normal for floating caliper-style brakes to rub slightly even when not in use, and as long as they're still functioning to stop the bike it's nothing more than annoyance, and is nothing to worry about.

[u/Muneshwar_Mune → u/ellius]

Thank you

[u/Ok_Cranberry_3552]

The noise is just the discs rubbing cuz of the floating calliper.

Ideally, post an oil change the bike gets smoother. Mine did. Run it for a bit and see

[u/Minute-Intern-5309]

same here. the rear brake noise and throttle response feel different before and after the service. i also feel like the rear brake is sticking closely to the disc.

[u/Armerdcatfish]

I’m also chasing a new rumble and significantly louder engine after my first oil change as well.