DL650AL3 recall question

[Old Biker]

Hi All
The previous owner of the bike took it for a valve gear recall in April 2016 when the mileage was circa 13k. All this was done at the supplying dealer who is now telling me that I need the valves checking as part of the next service, mileage now only 18k. My question for you learned gents is this, if the valve gear was the subject of a recall surely the valves would have been checked/set at the time? Given the dealer is looking for £600 for a service with valve work is this me being taken for the proverbial - any pointers greatly appreciated!

[kwackboy]

Generally if the cams were removed the valve clearances should have been checked and adjusted accordingly.
However, if the recall was just an Inspection to see if all was well then I suggest the dealership would have left them be .
Think about it , why go any further if you don't have to ..? Dealerships are paid very little for recalls.
Regarding your valve clearance check, You don't have to go to a dealership. Find a good independent garage, will be alot cheaper .

[UK_Vstrom650]

+1
If you think they do need checking, I'd find an independent garage and get them to do a valve check for you. Is the dealer quoting for a service and a valve check only, or service and valve adjustment (assuming they're out of spec?). Adjusting usually costs more... I paid my dealer c.£120 for valve check and spark plug change (I think £48 was the price of the plugs) at around 30,000 miles and all were in spec.

[Old Biker]

Thanks for the info, the dealer cost included adjusting however there was no mention of a reduction in cost if the clearances were in tolerance! I think that I will take the advice you both kindly gave and see if I can find a good independent garage somewhere down this neck of the woods. 

[bigpie]

I had mine checked during the recall at around 14k if I recall. I've no intention on checking them myself until around 30k. Maybe a local member could show you how it's done.

I'd be suspicious of a dealer quoting to adjust when in all likelihood they'll still be in spec, but I'm suspicious of dealers in general.

[mr_diver]

I worked in a dealer when this recall was released and the Stator recall.
Every L1 or newer 650 had a new stator without looking at the original... it was just a replacement program.
The valve clearances were checked but only one bike we worked on with 50k miles needed the valves adjusted.
As far as recall work is concerned you should not be charged for it.
A Suzuki dealer will be able to check on Suzuki's system if a recall is outstanding on the VIN number of the bike. The recall can then be booked, conducted and the dealer will invoice Suzuki GB for the parts and labour.
You would only pay for any work/parts outside of the recall.
YOU DO NOT PAY FOR RECALL WORK!

[Dark-Strom]

My cams were replaced during this recall / 2012 model.
From memory dealer stated
Less than 2500 miles = new cams and oil change
Over 2500 miles was a valve check and oil change
apparently to do with cam hardening issues and oil contamination?

[Mark Shelley]

Quote removed

This is correct. The theory was that if the bike had done more than 2.5K, any manufacturing fault with the parts would be evident and the parts would be replaced. If no faults were evident they would leave as is. Any bike with less than 2.5K miles would have the cams changed as a matter of course.

[bigpie]

Don't think the oil was changed when the cams were checked during the recall. I could be wrong. It should have been changed during the stator change.

[mr_diver]

Oil would not have been changed for the valve check.
It would have been changed for the Stator recall but not the oil filter unless you specify you wanted it changed and pay for the filter.
Some dealers didn't mention this fact.