Well, I figured I couldn't put it off any longer, so I dug out the service manual and did some basic stuff on the SWing.

Changed the air filter out. That required removal of the rear plate and right body panel. It was easy. I left the body panel off for better view of the oil drain plug and then did an oil and filter. That also went well...filled it up with Rotella T6, buttoned up the body panels and then started it up to watch for leaks and check oil level. Topped it off, noticed some small leaks, so got underneath and saw that there is a sort of bash plate next to the drain plug which had a puddle of oil on it from when the old oil was drained. Cleaned that out, watched a bit more, saw no more leaks, took the bike around the block. Ran fine...I think it's a bit quieter and smoother with the T6...got back, put it back on the center stand and noticed another little minor drip...found it coming around the oil filter, which I had hand-tightened, as I was taught many years ago. I surmised that on the run around the block, things heated up a bit and expanded. I'll wait for things to cool down, then get back down there and retighten it hand tight...

All in all, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I'm still not trying the valve clearance check, but not so bad to work on for the basics...

Good stuff.
It gives you a feeling of independence not having to rely on paid help to do a job, with no guarantee of competence to boot.
What's next?
Spark plugs, coolant change, brake fluid change, belt air filter cleaning?

Plugs, rear drive lube check. Don't know how tough brake fluid change is...will consult manual...I think the PO changed coolant last year, so probably not due yet.

Incidentally, thanks for providing me the boot in the a$$ I needed... I'm really not convinced that the local Honda dealer (of which there is only ONE!!!) knows much about SWings...I think they sell maybe one or so a year...rarely see one in there. I think a guy or gal who decided to specialize in servicing "scooters" could make a bit of money around here...I'm surely not the only one who has told the dealer to pound sand. I'm not really anti-dealer...just not convinced they know what they're doing.

Well done Jinglebob. That first leap of faith is all that's needed to get that confidence in ones own abilities.

I'm off for a tinker myself after GP qualifying, got an irritating squeak from around the handle bars!

Bob,

There are Pictorials in that section that may help you to do it quicker. Most things are pretty simple though.