Valve Service Cost

[mrklunk]

So, I got my 2 annual service at Suzuki yesterday at 11k Miles.

They are saying it's due for a valve service at 15K which will cost £700! A lot of money for a bike worth £5K. So, do I stay with Suzuki for this (and maintain warranty) or shop around for an indy? I'm not mechanical and can't do it myself. TIA.

[UK_Vstrom650]

Is that a V or P-Twin?

If V-twin, £700 seems steep for a check. If they need adjustment then it might be closer to the mark - am saying this as Landsurfer74 just paid £550 for adjustments at an independent garage https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=43789.msg456136#msg456136

(I thought P-Twins were supposed to be easier to check so would expect them to be cheaper)

[nigel s]

As in the other thread posted above, the first check is the important one.
 In your situation you are basically paying £150 for a years warranty if done at the Suzuki dealer. Me... I am fine with that, you will have to make your own call on it .  I have kept my warranty past the second check (now at 35k) and the mid service at 37.5k will probably be the last to keep the warranty. If it was going to go pop it would have by now
 When you take it in to whoever you chose , ask them to record the size of the clearances ( on a sheet for reference) and not give you a simple go/no go. With that information you are better placed to make an informed decision on the mileage of the next check.

[porter]

It's really up to you if you want to maintain the warranty or not, only a Suzuki dealer service will do that.
 If it was my bike I'd change the oil and filter and ride it another year or to 20k miles where there might be some adjustment needed. Very few need any valve adjustments at 15k so at 11 you'll be fine.
 But that's just me, I'm the sort that gets the first service and never goes back. That 7 year warranty is a good deal for Suzuki dealers, three minors and three major service's, money in the bank!

[Upt North]

Brockett posted yesterday about main dealer service prices, they ain't cheap but to maintain the warranty they're essential.
You could always part ex it for another 650 prior to the 15k limit and let it be the dealers problem, I don't think you'd take the full £700.00 hit that way.
But it would cost a lot more than £700.00 to change.
The choice is yours and I would respectfully suggest it comes down to what will help you sleep at night.
I would also suggest saving 200 quid will be fairly unimportant in 6 months.
Good luck.
Upt.

[Landsurfer74]

As per my other valve post …. 25-30k seems best then leave it for another 50k + …. A number of our American cousins have gone to 80-90k after the initial valve checks, so they say on Stromtrooper  …. Mine ? 24k, all inlets tight ….now sorted, £550 inc new air filter, cables and throttle body assembly service …

[mrklunk]

Thanks, folks! I'm mulling it over and will see how I feel in spring. Will probably stick with the main dealer or may even trade-in. Cheers

[vstroman]

If you do trade it in I wonder if the dealer will do a valve service before selling it to the next owner?
I'd suspect not but then I am bit of a doubting Thomas anyway!

[Bobmc]

Mine was fine at 35000 The engine is fairly bulletproof

[Landsurfer74]

Have to say there is a noticeable difference in the engine after the valves were done … (all inlets tight) … feels free’er to rev, smoother ….