When I got my Goldwing in October 2025, I bought it used. The previous owner mentioned he had it serviced at TriCounty Powersports in Moorpark, CA. However, for my own peace of mind, I wanted to perform some essential services, starting with an oil change. I decided to blog about this experience, inspired by a coworker who mentioned that this kind of hands-on maintenance is part of being a true motorcycle rider.
After calling TriCounty Powersports, I inquired about an oil change service for a Goldwing. They confirmed they offered one, which included not only an oil change but also a final drive oil change. I also requested they change the air filter and spark plugs. I had watched some YouTube videos on changing the air filter myself and quickly realized it was an absurdly time-consuming process (estimated at two hours!). Given that the bike was already going in for service, I decided it was best to have them handle it. I knew the costs would add up and I budgeted for this service. I will tally them up at the end.
My girlfriend and I decided to make a day of it. Downtown Ventura (DTVA) had two events happening that day: Chopperfest and the Love and Friends lowrider show. So, I decided she should come with me so we’d find parking later (initial idea was she going to drive her car).
We arrived at TriCounty for the 8:15 AM appointment. After dropping off the motorcycle, we took a Lyft to Meera’s Coffee in Simi Valley Town Center. I enjoyed a Spanish latte with 2% milk, and she had a rose latte, also with 2% milk. While sipping our coffees, we made plans to visit the Getty in two weeks and discovered that Moorpark College’s America’s Teaching Zoo was open on weekends.
From the coffee shop, we took another Lyft to the zoo. It’s a small zoo, but it’s a fantastic learning environment for the students where the students gain hands-on experience caring for animals and managing the facility.
Later, we took an Uber back to TriCounty to pick up the motorcycle. They had completed the oil change, final drive oil change, spark plugs, and air filter replacement. The total charge came to $870. Yes, that’s a significant amount! But, as with any hobby, motorcycling can be expensive.
By this time, we were starving and headed to Green Acres in Simi Valley for some BBQ. I ordered a tri-tip sandwich, and my girlfriend got a tri-tip Philly sandwich. We both enjoyed our meals, though we found the BBQ sauce a bit on the sweet side.
Finally, we made our way back to DTVA. The area was bustling with motorcycles from the Chopperfest. Despite the crowded parking lots, we managed to find a spot. Overall, it was a great day. We had gone with no fixed plans and simply winged it, even walking to Best Buy and brainstorming future events. It was a perfect spontaneous adventure.
Later, we took an Uber back to TriCounty to pick up the motorcycle. They had completed the oil change, final drive oil change, spark plugs, and air filter replacement. The total charge came to $870. Yes, that’s a significant amount! But, as with any hobby, motorcycling can be expensive.
By this time, we were starving and headed to Green Acres in Simi Valley for some BBQ. I ordered a tri-tip sandwich, and my girlfriend got a tri-tip Philly sandwich. We both enjoyed our meals, though we found the BBQ sauce a bit on the sweet side.
Finally, we made our way back to DTVA. The area was bustling with motorcycles from the Chopperfest. Despite the crowded parking lots, we managed to find a spot. Overall, it was a great day. We had gone with no fixed plans and simply winged it, even walking to Best Buy and brainstorming future events. It was a perfect spontaneous adventure.
