I just called the dealer, who wants $159 plus parts, and that's without doing the valves  

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  

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  

At one point I thought about going through the Maintenance Schedule 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  

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

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  

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.  

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  

Perhaps you're looking for the Oil Change Page ... one of the GStwin How To Pages?  

I'll go ahead and say it again:

Who invited stupid (me, again)