I am just trying to work out if I have been ripped off or not. I have taken my new GS500 for its initial service and the list of replacements surprised me a little. For example

O ring x 4
Gasket, Breather cover
Gasket, Cyl Head Cover
another gasket with dimentions 14.1x18x1.5 (i guess they are european measurements)
Shim, Tappet
and a couple more O rings

I have been treating the bike nicely during the run in, can anyone tell me is all that normal??

Normally the first service is only an oil change and make sure everything is still tight.  They may or may not do the valve shims, depending on the shop.  A lot of shops will not break open an engine on a brand new bike to check them if they don't hear anything from the outside.  At least that's what I was told by all of the local shops when mine was ready for it's first service.  I just saved the money and did the oil change myself.

*  tighten cylinder nuts and exhaust pipe bolts
   * Inspect valve clearance, adjust if necessary
   * Inspect all fuel lines for leakage
   * (California models) Inspect evaporation canister and vapor lines
   * Change engine oil and replace filter
   * Check engine idle speed; adjust to 1200 rpm if necessary
   * Check clutch adjustment; adjust if necessary
   * Check drive chain tension; adjust if necessary
   * Inspect all brake hoses for leakage
   * Check brake fluid levels in both master cylinders; add fluid if necessary
   * Check brake pad wear
   * Inspect tire condition and air pressure
   * Check steering operation; adjust if necessary
   * Check operation of front forks
   * Check rear suspension operation
   * Check all chassis bolts and nuts for tightness; tighten if necessary

From this site....I know the shop I got mine done did these things....as it was on the invoice......cost was a steep $160.  Since this puppy is 5 yr warrantee on the engine..I figure I will get most done at the shop....as not to void it.

mine was like $52. my shop's really honest, and doesn't do anything that doesn't need to be done. but, he won't work with any aftermarket stuff that wasn't purchased from his shop. liability issues. fair trade, i think.

Quote from: powrful1*  tighten cylinder nuts and exhaust pipe bolts
   * Inspect valve clearance, adjust if necessary
   * Inspect all fuel lines for leakage
   * (California models) Inspect evaporation canister and vapor lines
   * Change engine oil and replace filter
   * Check engine idle speed; adjust to 1200 rpm if necessary
   * Check clutch adjustment; adjust if necessary
   * Check drive chain tension; adjust if necessary
   * Inspect all brake hoses for leakage
   * Check brake fluid levels in both master cylinders; add fluid if necessary
   * Check brake pad wear
   * Inspect tire condition and air pressure
   * Check steering operation; adjust if necessary
   * Check operation of front forks
   * Check rear suspension operation
   * Check all chassis bolts and nuts for tightness; tighten if necessary

From this site....I know the shop I got mine done did these things....as it was on the invoice......cost was a steep $160.  Since this puppy is 5 yr warrantee on the engine..I figure I will get most done at the shop....as not to void it.

OK Crash course in Math and economics.... a $160 bill for service on the bike is sorta over priced when you can buy a whole motor for it for $200. OK so you skip the service... and say your motor goes... you acn always get the motor for the price of the service... anyway just random crap that flies through my head... Of course the non motor stuff could give up... but then again you can do (well assuming that) most of it in your driveway. Anyway this bike is easy to work on... un scrupulous mechanics charge the same for a valve adjustment whether its a R6 or a GS... or a virago... (everything is external in that... easier than the GS) I guess when the GS shows up at the shop they just go .... whooooohoooo easy money...
Cool.
Srinath.