Put off job

[stedor]

Just finished the job of changing air filter and plugs on my 2012 650 Glee. Been putting it off
for past 2 years but have a few extra days off from work so thought right I am going to give this a go. So many people on different forums say its a pig of a job, with all the plastics to remove, tank off, radiator moved slightly forward and very inaccessible spaces to work. Took me around 4 hours to complete the task, quite chuffed with myself as dealers want megabucks (can see why) to do the work. I purchased the parts kit from Padgetts over 2 years ago, £55 think I paid. So the moral of the story is give these jobs a go yourself, it's very rewarding and you can save yourself a heap load of cash. Also the bike was a joy to work on. Had her 5 years now and love it!

[chris1200]

Same here. I could never understand the "it's a nightmare" thing. You can just pull the rad forward for the one they say is a pain.

[buzzkirk007]

It may not be that hard, I have done it on mine. However I was a Suzuki mechanic in the late 1970's, GT185 2 minutes to replace the plugs, 10 minutes to remove clean and replace air filter. GS1000, tappet shims removable with depressor, V Strom you have to remove the cam. Progress?????????? Don't get me wrong I far prefer to ride new bikes to the old ones.

[greywolf]

Despite what Suzuki say, the plugs are good for 50,000 miles. The first thing the radiator needs to come off for is the 14,500 mile valve clearance check and air filter service.

[vstroman]

Despite what Suzuki say, the plugs are good for 50,000 miles. The first thing the radiator needs to come off for is the 14,500 mile valve clearance check and air filter service.

How necessary is the 14,500 mile service valve check?  just asking because any mechanic I speak to says its a waste of time and money, no harm changing the air filter though, just wish they'd made it easier to get to.