maintenence question

[boxer04]

Just racked up about 700 miles on my 2004 gs500f.  Dealer said he was going to charge me $180 for the initial 600 mile tune up (I was a tard and didn't get it thrown in with the bike for free.)  I'm pretty good with a wrench, but this is my first bike.  The only thing I really had a question with was checking the Tappet clearances.  Can someone walk me through how to do this.

One more thing.  Is it a must to take the bike to the dealer and have the initial 600 mile tune up done?  I'm not all into paying someone $180 to tighten a couple bolts and change my oil.

[scratch]

Only for warranty reasons.

[Kerry]

The only thing I really had a question with was checking the Tappet clearances.  Can someone walk me through how to do this.

Well, yes, but .... that's a lot of work to go through without knowing how much you know, etc.

Tell you what.  Your fellow GStwin member TheMasterRat just went through this process for the first time.  Walk through it with him and learn from his experiences in the threads

Valve Clearances....

and

Valve Adjustments[/list:u]Fair enough?

[proudlom]

I know how you feel, boxer04.  After I got my first tune up and valve adjustment I was so shocked to see $259.70 on the invoice.     It sure was worth it though, to be able to use that brand-new engine to its full capability without worrying about the break-in anymore!   :mrgreen: