service

[poppy1066]

hi guys and girls i'm new to biking at the ripe old age of 43 did my cbt last year and just brought a 97 xv125 virago my question is how often would you do a service on your bike ie oil, filter, plugs etc etc

[Borris]

Everything when you first get the bike, then whatever it says in the service manual
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Suzuki EN 125-2
Honda CB 500

[sidewinder]

Hi poppy welcome to bcf

If i remember the oil should be changed every 4000 mls.
This owners manual should help you out
owners manual

sw

[FerretFing]

Hi & welcome to the forum ....I agree with Borris....I'd do it all straight away if you have no service history & Sidewinder's helpful link to the service manual should keep you going for a while

[numpty2]

Yes, unless you are completely sure about the history, fully service it ASAP.
Oil changes are the most important thing for engine life.

I'd be tempted to change the oil every 3000 miles, maybe even every 2500 miles depending on your journey type. The service intervals in the manuals are often a bit optimistic, and UK commuting puts a lot of strain on the oil.

So how about an oil change every 3000 miles, and a filter change at every other oil change (so 6000 miles).

Spark plugs maybe once per year.
Air filter as directed in the manual.
Valve clearances once per year should be enough.

Regular oil changes are the most important thing. You don't need to get the most expensive oil, but some oils are suspiciously cheap and are best avoided. Some people use car oils, but these can sometimes mess up the clutch plates and I've never risked it myself.