General service advice for a newbie please!

[Flatbadger]

I got myself a Suzuki DR 125 in the past week, and there's nothing wrong with it; I'm just keen on staying that way! It was registered in March 2010.

I've checked the service history, and it has had no work or servicing according to the book. I thought of asking the trader/seller and may do - he's a nice guy, but I'm writing to the single previous owner to get any info from the horse's mouth. I'm told previous owners of vehicles are obliged to answer questions about a vehicle's history, but he might take his time for whatever reason. Would there be any tell-tale things to look for in order to spot that work has been been done?

The rear tyre is in a state which requires attention although still legal, and I'm thinking of taking it to be changed in a proper place and having a proper inspection/service done. Just having bought the bike however, I'm wondering how much I'm likely to be stung for (I feel poor now!) for the tyre change, and for an inspection/service.

The place I'm thinking of is reputable enough. There will be those DIYers out there who will likely howl, but I'm new to this game and would rather do it this way to start and wean myself on to the DIY.

[Budgetboy]

Could not tell you the cost mate.. last time i went to a garage to have something fixed was when i was 18 (now 35).Id buy the tyre and change & balance it myself, but thats me.

Someone on here might shed some light.
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www.Mailorderrepairs.co.uk We service your Carburetor's, Calipers & Suspension for less Also Bike repairs undertaken.

[Werny]

Hopefully you've got the owner's manual with the bike being that new. That will tell you at what intervals Suzuki recommend the services, and should tell you what needs checking/changing in those services.

Compare that to your current mileage, and assume nothing's been done if it's not in the service book. If that's empty and the owner provided no receipts for parts then it's an easy bet nothing's been done. What's your current milage? Some services are more expensive than others, due to more work needing doing.

Most of the stuff in services is very easy to do, but if you do want a dealer to do it, it will cost, mainly due to labour charges. Suzuki main dealer may well charge £150+ depending on which service is due, an independent (but recommended or respected) workshop should be cheaper.

Ring a few, tell them your model and mileage and ask for a price for the relevant service.

[Bezzer]

[Flatbadger]

Thanks for your responses. I've seen the owner's manual which I have Werney, and also the recommendations but it's daunting! The bike's approaching 7500 miles so way past some of these in terms of time and mileage. The cost of work seems high, but I will get on the phone, it can't do any harm.

Another issue is a service manual, I have been looking but find it hard to spot one for a 2009 model (though it was regged in March 2010) - I've checked through the sticky at the top and looked on Ebay/Amazon to no avail, I may as well stick a request for a pointer in here while I'm about it.

[Werny]