Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi again (hope I'm not using up my lives with these questions! ),

Not only am I a newbie, I'm also a mechanical nong, so working on my newly acquired F4 (I like the nickname) isn't an option. I'm wondering for those that have their bikes professionally serviced, does it really matter where it's done, as long as the guarantees of work are in place? Is there much that can go wrong?

Prices vary between AU$220 and $380 and generally around the $310 mark for the 6000km service. I'm told it's a basic service.

Cheers again and thanks in advance,
Matt Blain

Unless it's still in warranty it doesn't really matter, and even then any licensed repairer can sign your service book.
Avoid Peter Stevens like the plague...

Only time I go to the dealer if there is some thing wrong ,like the recall.
Go to any licenced bike mechanic and just make sure they sign the warrenty book and keep the receipt.
Dealers can charge $100 a hour for a basic service ,which the apprentice does the basic services and he's got 2 weeks on the job skills.
A independent mechanic is $60+ an hour ...I pay about $230 for a basic and he's the EX head mechanic from my local dealer.

If I remember right, the 6000km or 3750 mile service is basically just an oil change, check for loose bolts, and check the chain tension. That's something you can do yourself easily. Plenty of threads on this site to help you. When I checked here for having that done the price was $50 US. The parts and oil alone here was about $30 of that price. Australian dollars are pretty close to 1 to 1 to the US if I remember right. So, isn't AU$230 a bit steep? For that much you can invest in some basic tools to do the work yourself. Be sure to check the bikes tool kit as it has most of what you need.

Our dollar is one for one ,but we pay more for every thing ..remember the bike is $5000 today new in the USA and $10,000 here.
$230 is good. When your a {mechanical nong} in matt words, and they{ me also} shouldn't play with bikes.

Everyone should know how to replace oil/air filters and plugs on their own bikes.
If you haven't already, download the manuals from 650F's googledocs links and use those.
Both filters, plugs and new oil should set you back about $150 and you local Suzuki dealer should have them in stock.

Nitecreep,

$150 for parts, so that's $80 for labour?

I added a twelve-square second-storey with own hands a couple years back (two teenagers, third on the way); punched every nail, laid every brick, moved a tonne of I-beams with block and tackle - I even ran all the wires for the sparky. But no way I'd hook up a single power point or switch. The physical stuff's not a problem, but stuff that moves, like electric current, makes me a little nervous.

Sure I'm happy to remove bits and pieces, and have a few tools to do so, and most likely I'd get it right. However for $80, I'd rather not take the chance. Have the same attitude toward the two cars as well and have had the same local mechanic for years.

Cheers, Matt

It's less about cost, and more about getting to know your machine intimately.
Your safety and enjoyment rely a lot more on it than the cars...

Don't get me wrong, Nite, I fully agree I should be making an effort with the basic stuff and I promise to investigate further (my guru builder mate rides dirt and does his own maintenance - there's a start, I guess).

But I'll still be nervous about it!

Cheers

You have the perfect solution right there - buy a carton and some parts, and invite your mate around.
Easy.

i agree with 'THE Nitster" i finished drive chain replacement and i know it is better job than my local shop could do.

Plus did a lot of cleaning and waxing INcluding Nitsers fav thing on my 650 the drive chain cover.

U can do the work plus do added value, that's one thing most dealers will not do, in aviation oh yes wax on wax off as u inspect.

Do give it a try.

Cheeers

Speaking of recalls I hope we all have returned to our suzuki dealerships and had that adhesive checked on surrounding recifier casing....