I finally got a good forecast and decided to ride to work this morning. The PDX-to-Vancouver commute is about 20 miles each way, and I passed 500 miles when I got on the freeway! :thumb: So I have 515 upon hitting the office and will have a little over 530 when i get home. I have been dying to get past the intial break-in so I can give it a little more juice. I have to admit though that the first month of riding at 5K and under really helped me get familiar with the bike and how it rides. And like everyone here, I couldn't be happier with the bike. :mrgreen: I think it's time to call the dealer and get an appointment set up, don't you agree? 8)
Dave :cheers:
Congratz, and hope more days of fair weather to follow. :cheers:
I think I did 38,888.8 on my nitehawk today ...
Cool.
Srinath.
I hit 500 a couple days ago, but just changed the oil yesterday. I figure its actually, 1000km which is like 631 miles, so I'm fine. I'll finish the initial tune up this weekend. Thought about taking it to a shop, but for $200, I can do it myself.
The reason I'm taking it in is to keep the warranty valid. Once this first year is up, I'll become a wrencher ;)
Dave :cheers:
:) I looked down at a red light today and I was @ exactly 777.7 :thumb:
Quote from: scottpeel:) I looked down at a red light today and I was @ exactly 777.7 :thumb:
Nice. How in the hell did you get that bike with only 180 on it? Did someone get it and just let it sit for the past 5 years? That is such a sweet deal for you.
Dave :cheers:
Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDXThe reason I'm taking it in is to keep the warranty valid. Once this first year is up, I'll become a wrencher ;)
Dave :cheers:
Yea me too ... :lol: - on my 83 nitehawk ... That's really important ya know ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDXThe reason I'm taking it in is to keep the warranty valid. Once this first year is up, I'll become a wrencher ;)
Are you just worried about missing something or will performing your own services void it? I couldn't imagine it voiding he warranty (but haven't gone through it with a fined tooth comb). IIRC, on a car you can even do things such as replace suspension parts (that are street legal) without affecting the warranty. Of course, they wont cover your new stuff..
But, IANAL. In fact, IREKWITA (I rarely even know what I'm talking about).
yes, without the dealer performing the initial service the warranty will be voided.
Damn, now I got to drive to OC. How far over the 1000km till it's voided?
I just ticked over 2,100 miles. :thumb: Signed the papers and brought the bike home the end of April. I have done all my maintenance. The dealer said if you choose to do your own keep a record and ALL reciepts for you purchases (oil, filters, etc.) On my warranty contract it states: "The blanks on the reverse side of this form should be completed each time the Approved Vehicld is serviced. If service is not performed by a repair facility, retain receipts for evidence of work performed".
Quote from: cobalt135On my warranty contract it states:
So that is included in the paperwork I got when I purchased it? Not to sound like an idiot, but I put all those papers together in my desk and didn't read over the warranty. I still may take it in, just because it's so new to me and I have never done maintenance on a bike before. I think I could handle it, but we'll see. I would like to save the money though and do it myself. :dunno:
IS it possibly easy enough to do it right the first time and not screw it up?
Dave :cheers:
:)
The people I bought the bike from got it new in 95 and rode it for 4 days 180 miles.. and that was it.. It sat in their temp. controled garage for 10 years! I dont know why and I dont care.. I bought it off e-bay for $1000.00 And drove to Arkansas and piked it up. It needed one hell of a cleaning, but it was well worth it.. Its mint ! :)
So I have been thinking, and I'd like your opinions. I am debating the options of doing the initial maintenance myself or taking it to the dealer. If it is true that doing it myself would not void the warranty (of course I would keep all the proper documentation), I could save over $100. But I would like to know that it is 100% right and I did all the important things.
So is anyone completely FOR taking it in for the first tune-up?
And how about completely AGAINST taking it in but rather doing it yourself?
I am pretty handy with a wrench, but I have been only working on cars so far.
Thanks everybody,
Dave :cheers:
So update, I'm at 590 after the afternoon ride through the country roads outside of PDX :)
So I am for sure ready for the initial maintenance, which brings me back to the question I posed above:
So is anyone completely FOR taking it in for the first tune-up?
And how about completely AGAINST taking it in but rather doing it yourself?
I really do want to make sure everything is done right and any problems are caught. So that makes me want to go to the dealer. But I would love to do it for cheap, assuming it's going to be no sweat on my own.
Thanks all,
Dave :cheers:
You said "Done right" ... OK must do it yourself ...
Cool.
Srinath.
I agree...
If you are comfortable.. Do it your self. In most of my experience the dealer isnt worth it. You will be more scrupulous? picky.. you know. I cant spell.. :)
Very cool. I'll go over the warranty again just to be sure, and then it sounds like I will be having a little project for the holiday weekend :)
Does anyone here mind if I PM and/or email them with questions that come up during the process? Things like what type of oil and filter they recommend, how do I get (blank) to (blank), etc. I actually would like to get a list of everything I need to begin: tools, lubes, oils, etc. If somebody could shoot me an email or PM with that list I would be forever grateful. And if someone here is cool with the idea of me summoning their help via email, please reply and let me know.
Hands down, this is the BEST forum I have ever used. Nothing but helpful and educational. Cheers
Dave :cheers:
go right ahead, if I remember right, there should be a pretty complete list of what you need in the owners manual. but feel free to ask any questions you may have.
I just called the dealer, who wants $159 plus parts, and that's without doing the valves :o
No way, Jose. I am for sure doin it myself. I think for that much I could buy every tool I ever need and the lube and chain cleaner, all of which are overhead costs (there's my accounting degree talking ;) ) and will not need to be purchased again. Everyone, get ready for a barrage of PMs this weekend!!!
Thanks again (not to the dealer :nana: ; but to you)
Dave :cheers:
Might it be a good idea to actually have a thread that documents common questions with services? (I'm a computer geek, we document how to scratch ourselves...)
That is a really good idea. Where are the masters at, and could we please get one of those started, possibly in the FAQ? I searched and didn't find one. Just a thread with the title "Common Service Q&A" or something would be very helpful and would give the pros a rest from catering to the requests of all us noobs ;)
Dave :cheers:
At one point I thought about going through the Maintenance Schedule (http://www.gstwin.com/maintenance_info.htm) and documenting each process.
That could turn into a BIG job, worthy of a BUNCH of web pages and/or a DVD or two (or three, or...).
It might be better to concentrate on those processes that aren't "self-evident" or already well-covered in the Haynes / Clymer / Suzuki manuals. Especially those that have a number of associated tips and tricks.
Now, who's going to create the list? :dunno: Hopefully someone who is already familiar with the maintenance schedule and the manuals. Volunteers?
I say it should be a joint effort between pantablo, JeffD, Kerry, and seshadri_srinath ;) :) ;)
Dave :cheers:
ahhh, quit being a noob and trying to pass off the opportunity. all you need is a digital cam and a puter. we already know you have the latter. hey you may even earn yourself a custom title.
I do have the tripod and digi video camera ready at home. I suppose I could film it and send the results into one of the moderators to see if I did it right and did it well enough for others to learn from. Set, of course, to the smooth sounds of Air Supply :lol:
Dave :cheers:
I might be able to do some "how-to's". I have a high quality digital camera and could photograph the steps etc. I would also be willing to take photos for someone else to do the write up. Understanding that there are sometimes different ways people accomplish the same things I would need to know what that person needed photos of specifically. I have '05 faired model so there might be some things to touch on that were not on the pre 2004 models. I could do "fairing removal", headlight adjustment and replacement for starters. I am pretty good with a wrench so I am willing to photograph anything, even if it requires some disassembly. Not really into taking the engine apart unless I need to other than the ignition advancer cover or sprocket cover, although I will need to check valves within a few weeks or so. I have not done valves on the GS before so I dont want to be the one documenting that, but I will take pics.
Not sure if this will go anywhere but I am willing to get shutter happy.
:) I am in support of the direction this thread is going. I very much like to do my own maintainance. I've only had the GS about a month and I love it, but recently we've had a bunch of all-day rains so that's cramped my style a bit.
A question for the gurus, please. Can someone please post the complete list of the services, adjustments, and checks done at the 600 mile serviceing for a new bike. I am one of those fortunate folks that got an ultra low milage GS, a 2001 with 220 miles on it. Now I've got it up to 600 and something.
The GS was very clean and straight and smooth running when I got it, no probs at all, yay! I very much want to keep it that way. ;)
For anyone who is interested, I got a copy of the printed warranty from Suzuki and would be willing to scan it into PDF format and email it or post it. I would love if one of the lawers-in-training or practicing attorneys could take a look and see if it says what I think (not that I can't read, but you never know with the wording if it is what it is ;) )
That was in reference to the question of doing the 600-mile maintenance yourself or taking it in. It looks like as long as you document it, you are straight.
And regarding the way the post is going with talks of a FAQ on servicing the bike and possibly a video and pics, let's get it going! It sounds perfect.
Dave :cheers:
Quote from: jaybee333Can someone please post the complete list of the services, adjustments, and checks done at the 600 mile serviceing for a new bike.
Ummm ... click on the link in my previous post. :roll:
Exhaust pipe and muffler bolts: Check tightness
Valve Clearance: Inspect
Fuel lines and hoses: Inspect
Engine oil and filter: Replace
Idle Speed: Adjust (1100 - 1300 engine warm)
Throttle cable play: Inspect (2-4mm/.08-.16in.)
Clutch cable play: Inspect (10-15mm/.4-.6in)
Drive chain: Inspect (20-30mm/.8-1.2in.)
Brakes, hoses and fluid: Inspect
Tires: Inspect
Steering: Inspect
Forks: Inspect
Rear Suspension: Inspect
Chassis nuts and bolts: Tighten
You should be careful when checking the bolt tightness. There are a fair amount of bolts that are secured into aluminum. These holes are VERY EASILY stripped or bolts broken if overtightened! Remember the smaller the fastener generally the less snug it needs to be. The smaller nuts and bolts, say 10mm should be plenty tight if you only used two fingers pushing the ratchet or wrench. I like to use a small 1/4" drive ratchet on the small stuff since it gives a better "feel". Checking the torque specs and using a quality torque wrench in the proper size is always a good idea if you are unsure on how tight something should be. You might already know this but I am just adding this because there might be some that want to do some wrenching but do not have much experience.
Who remembers the thread that was posted a while ago that had pics and details of an oil change? I remember seeing it, but searching is giving me nothing. It was a really good detail of what to do and what NOT to do, and it would go well with our service FAQ.
Dave :cheers:
Perhaps you're looking for the Oil Change Page (http://www.gstwin.com/oil_change.htm) ... one of the GStwin How To Pages (http://www.gstwin.com/how_to_pages.htm)? :roll:
I'll go ahead and say it again:
Who invited stupid (me, again) :roll: