Do I really need the initial service?

[samhkang]

I read some of the old posts on this topic but not sure what to do.
I got my brand new 05'F last October and rode only 100miles before it was put away for winter. The oil was changed after winterization. Now I got 700miles on it (ran 600miles after the first oil change). 
I know that I'm little past due for the initial servie but Do i really need the initial service? or should I just do another oil change and tighten up everything I can following : http://www.gstwin.com/initial_service.htm
My bike seems to run just fine without any problems. The rear brake squeeks little but maybe just dust...
Any suggestions?
also, if I decided to take it in, do I take it to the dealer I got the bike from or any other Suzuki dealer would work? because there is a suzuki dealer that is closer to me than the one I bought it from.
Thanks guys.

[MarkusN]

I'd consider skipping any inspection but the first. Although, with the inital oil change you have done one of the most important parts.

[galahs]

I would take mine in for the initial service for 1 reason!

Warranty!


The Suzuki manual tells you the first service is the most important, so I imagine they would not honour the warranty if you failed to get this service done.


That will at least extend your warranty to 4000 miles (6000 km's) before the next scheduled service is due.

[scratch]

Yes, and at the same time, if there is any service bulliten from the factory about a common problem, they should fix it then.  Also, they (should) check head torque settings, valve clearances, and nuts and bolts all over.

[My Name Is Dave]

I would take mine in for the initial service for 1 reason!

Warranty!


The Suzuki manual tells you the first service is the most important, so I imagine they would not honour the warranty if you failed to get this service done.


That will at least extend your warranty to 4000 miles (6000 km's) before the next scheduled service is due.

No, the warranty will not be voided...assuming you take the proper precautions. I spoke directly to a Suzuki representative who told me that if you retain your receipts and document your work, the factory warranty will remain intact. To make sure, I went as far as to tape myself doing the initial service. Exciting, to say the least.

It all depends on your skills. The initial service isn't much more than checking all the nuts and bolts and changing the oil. A lot is just inspecting parts, all of which were within spec in my case. I decided to save $300 and do it at home. But it's up to you. They do make a good point that you can get this initial one out of the way and by the time you need another, you'll be at 4K miles and, presumably, beyond the warranty coverage anyways. So you can then do whatever you want.

Dave

[annguyen1981]

Another good reason you SHOULD take her in is that with any new machines, vibrations will make some things loose.

[galahs]

I would take mine in for the initial service for 1 reason!

Warranty!


The Suzuki manual tells you the first service is the most important, so I imagine they would not honour the warranty if you failed to get this service done.


That will at least extend your warranty to 4000 miles (6000 km's) before the next scheduled service is due.

No, the warranty will not be voided...assuming you take the proper precautions. I spoke directly to a Suzuki representative who told me that if you retain your receipts and document your work, the factory warranty will remain intact. To make sure, I went as far as to tape myself doing the initial service. Exciting, to say the least.

It all depends on your skills. The initial service isn't much more than checking all the nuts and bolts and changing the oil. A lot is just inspecting parts, all of which were within spec in my case. I decided to save $300 and do it at home. But it's up to you. They do make a good point that you can get this initial one out of the way and by the time you need another, you'll be at 4K miles and, presumably, beyond the warranty coverage anyways. So you can then do whatever you want.

Dave

Just a note of advice to the Aussies out there, In Australia to maintain a warranty, services must be carried out by a qualified bike mechanic. The rule applies for cars too.

[My Name Is Dave]

All 4 Aussies here, pay attention to that post. Wink.

That's probably a good thing. You don't want a bunch of poorly-maintained bikes on the road. Or cars. You guys are smarter than I thought...

[daneilah]

Whether you do the service yourself, or get the shop to do it for you, I think it's far more important to follow your bike's maintenance schedule than your car's.  When your car breaks down you can coast to a stop and lock it at the side of the road.  If your bike breaks down you'll quite possibly crash, and if you leave it at the side of the road, there's no chance it'll still be there when you return.

The GS's engine works pretty hard and runs pretty hot.  Running it in top shape also seems a good idea.

Of course, if you're gonna trade your GS up for an SV650 in one season, you can probably get away with anything.