Servicing

[Shreeve]

Like the majority of you I do the basics such as chain and brake maintenance.

I'm slowly creeping up to the year anniversary of getting my first big bike after passing my MOD2. I've ridden it almost every day since then and I'm conscious it will need to be put in for a service at some point.

How often do you do this (if at all) and what would a reputable garage generally do? I've got the Haynes manual so if it's a simple case of follow the schedule in there feel free to tell me in the typical BCF fashion!
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Current: Suzuki GSX650F (2010), Suzuki GSXR1000 K7, Suzuki GS250T (1980) currently restoring: Clicky.
Previous: Honda CBF 125 (2011), Suzuki GSXR750 K4

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Man up and service it you complete and utter twat.
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Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Rogerborg]

[Dave70]

I tend to stick to the service intervals that the manufacturer states in the manual.

Although, I do oil changes and chain maintenance myself and a few other small things but, nothing that could be disastrous if I get it wrong because I've no experience with mechanical things at all, so don't trust myself.

I always had services done at a Yamaha dealer because my bike was under warranty but, don't bother now that it just about finished and I know a mechanic I can trust who works from his home, who charges peanuts compared to dealerships.
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There ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk.

2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[Vincent]

Probably the first "service job" that requires any mechanical knowledge worth mentioning is checking and adjusting valve clearances. I think that's usually first checked after about 30K miles. The rest is a cinch and can save you a small fortune if you DIY.
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Space Is Deep

[BigDan1190]

[Shreeve]

Cheers for the responses, opinions seem pretty unanimous.

Looks like I'll have an oily bank holiday Monday
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Current: Suzuki GSX650F (2010), Suzuki GSXR1000 K7, Suzuki GS250T (1980) currently restoring: Clicky.
Previous: Honda CBF 125 (2011), Suzuki GSXR750 K4

[BigDan1190]

[-Matt-]

[Commuter_Tim]

[davebike]

As an independent myself this is what I do the first time I see a bike

Run it until fully hot checking what to runs and sounds like check the fan cuts in

On bench on main stand or ABBA stand
Clean lubricate and adjust chain

Drop oil out and remove oil filter (removing plastics as required
Service brakes callipers off clean and re- lub
Lubricate leaver links and pivots do same for clutch

Fit new oil filter replace drain bolt new washer if required
Fill with oil

If I decided during first running valve clearances needed doing now is the time

If not check and or change plugs and air filter

run engine again

Mot type checks wheel bearing steering and rear suspension bearings light and horn work? etc

General run around with lubricants stands footrest pivots etc etc

Off stands check tyre pressures and depending a test ride

Depending on bike and condition 2 to 5+ hours @ £50 per hour
Parts at RRP
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Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
[email protected]

[Rogerborg]

^^^
Please go corporate and open a franchise near me.

OT, I've just noticed that I accidentally downrated this post of yours with which I actually agree. Sorry, I'll ask for that to be revoked.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Musketeer]

Invest 15 quid in Haynes manual and 50 quid in decent set of tools and do everything yourself. It's really not that difficult.. unless you're another Jivebunny.. but I doubt it.
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Current Bike: Yamaha XSR900 Previous bikes: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja, Aprilia RS125 2-stroke

[davebike]

Yes it an easy job

One of the "services" we offer is to either do it while you watch or to show you how to do it OK on our bench with our pro tools to hand and with me there to hopefully stop any disasters you pay for bench time at the workshop rate

OK sounds a lot but you get to use £25k of kit
and I get to drink coffee and supervise you getting oily :-0
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
[email protected]

[Rogerborg]

What a thoroughly brilliant idea.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Dave70]

[Itchy]

[evoboy]

Most genuine places have no problem with you watching the work being done and are happy to have the owner gets his/her hands dirty.

Alot of people are quite keen to dive in, but prefer to have the supervision of someone who knows how to do the job.

We have quite alot of people in that want to learn. I'm getting good at making tea!
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[davebike]

I am in London SE20

OMC at the Ovel in London do it full time
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
[email protected]

[mentalboy]

I like your style 'davebike'.

[Dave70]

[drbaig]

Halfords are always doing socket tool set on offer. It is a decent set.

Start from small jobs like changing oil and filter. Usually one nut and spanner job. Filters should come off by hand as are mostly hand tightened. Air filter requires the tank off normally, and plugs need awkward angles and baby hands to get into small spaces. Tightening a chain is pretty simple in itself.

All these jobs will be present in a how to section as most bikes have their own dedicated forums these days. Plus there is owners manual, service manual, haynes etc.

Also, youtube is your friend. countless videos on the internet explaining how to do the small service jobs.
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yzf 600r

[CieL]

[Moxey]

[mentalboy]