So I've been having some issues with the bike since I got it (a year ago) and I THINK its the valves and clearances. I finally gave in to myself and have am pulling the bike apart. I am by no means an expert. I can follow directions, use reasonable logic, have some mechanically inclined people around me for help/ideas, and REALLY want to make this work. I am going to be testing the valve clearances soon, with the expectation that they will be out. I will either adjust them or have the local shop do it, but I'm worried they will go right back out again. Does anyone have any ideas on what is actually CAUSING the valves to go out of spec?? '04 with 15K miles.

What's causing them to go out of spec? About 15k miles of riding. Suzuki recommends you check them every 4,000 miles.