Need advice about initial service--please help (600mi/1000km)

[B kizzle]

I just rolled over 600 miles on my new bike and I have heard the initial service is very important. I will be doing any basic maintenence (oil changes, etc) but I noticed the initial service will be checking/adjusting valve clearance. Would you suggest I find a service shop for this initial service or is it something I could handle? I would feel best to have a shop do it but I sometimes get parinoid that I am paying out the ass for nothing. Do I need it serviced professionally for the warranty to be honored?

I went to my local dealer and they want $250 for the service. OUCH. I plan to shop around...I just wanted advice from everyone here first. Thanks

[the mole]

Checking the valves is relatively easy and needs no special tools other than feeler gauge. The valves probably won't need adjusting, but if they do you will need to buy/swap shims and get a valve shim removing tool. If they're OK, you can save your money until they do need it.

[nikitaa]

One thing to note - in the manual Suzuki indicates that if you fail to have the service performed by an "authorized" Suzuki tech, you may void your warranty.    (I'm coming up on mine as well, and have a number of warranty items that they will be addressing at the same time).

[Chokstick]

I did mine last year.  didn't want to take any chances, and the bike seemed to run better after.  Maybe just my imagination, but it sure felt better.

[philward]

I would be taking the bike to the dealer for it's initial service - especially if doing so is a warranty condition.  That way if there are any issues uncovered during its first service they can fix them at their expense.

[B kizzle]

I would be taking the bike to the dealer for it's initial service - especially if doing so is a warranty condition.  That way if there are any issues uncovered during its first service they can fix them at their expense.

Ok, thanks! It looks like I will take it to a dealer just to be safe.  I would also like to get to know the bike better before wrenching on it myself.

[beRto]

I would be taking the bike to the dealer for it's initial service - especially if doing so is a warranty condition.  That way if there are any issues uncovered during its first service they can fix them at their expense.

If it is a warranty condition, I would also take the bike to a dealer; however, I've heard more than once that performing work yourself will not void the warranty. Mind you, I've never owned a new bike, so I don't know for sure. My point is, if you're keen to do the work yourself, I would check into the conditions of the warranty before committing to the dealer service.