600 mile service $$ - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

conrad · 06-28-2005, 10:22 AM

I just scheduled my 600 mile service and found out if will be $208 instead of the $140 quoted when I bought my M50. It seems they didn't realize the valves need to be checked/adjusted therefore the $68 increase. If it wasn't for the valve adjustment, I wouldn't hesitate changing the oil/filter and shaft oil as I have on previous bikes. I don't plan on the dealer seeing much of my bike after the initial 600 mile service aside from any warranty issues. How much has anyone else paid and did the valves actually need adjusting?

farmbone · 06-28-2005, 10:24 AM

I paid $190. they had my bike apart to adjust the valves. They claim one needed to be adjusted. But when I looked backed there, the mechanic was just sitting aroung BS'ing.

conrad · 06-28-2005, 10:38 AM

I wonder if they actually check each valve with a feeler guage or just "listen" and hope they sound OK? Mine are not making much noise now, but I would feel better knowing they are in spec especially after $208.

golftee · 06-28-2005, 02:44 PM

had my valves checked, got them to give me before and after specs.. they tightened the intakes and loosened the exhaust on all but 1.....they could have left them alone they were on the outside limits of specs...

chadrob30 · 06-28-2005, 06:16 PM

It's going to cost me $262 for my first service. It's a scam as far as I'm concerned, and when it's done it's the last service the dealer will do. After that, what is the recommended oil/shaft oil change interval? I know, I know, pull out the manual...that would require getting up....

bluem50 · 06-28-2005, 08:49 PM

I had my 1st service a couple weeks ago and the dealer charged me $180. I asked the mechanic if the valves needed adjusting and he said they were within specs--I question whether they really checked them--probably more of a scam than anything!

The BeatKat · 06-28-2005, 09:10 PM

Crap....they quoted me $140 too.....I'm gonna haggle over this one....cause my valves are ticking quite a bit at 350 miles.....so they definately need adjusting....bluem, can you hear them ticking?....there's no doubt about the sound...I'd take it back and demand that they adjust them...I'm sure it's the #1 thing they're supposed to check..(with a guage!) and adjust..wonder if we could find out what is supposed to be done according to Suzuki......

blitz · 06-29-2005, 01:37 AM

I noticed a ticking, only on rare occasions, the day AFTER my first service. I didn't hear anything before. It goes away and comes back when I ride before warming up the bike for a minute. How much are we supposed to trust the 'authorized suzuki service shops' to do a good job? I paid $180 for the first service.

bluem50 · 06-29-2005, 06:08 PM

Beatkat, I didn't notice any ticking before I took my bike in for the 1st service and haven't since the 1st service. I was saying I think it is more of a scam that the valves even need checking on the first service, but I've got the 4 year extended warranty on the bike and I don't want any reason from suzuki not to honor that. Hey, it's my 1st bike and figure I'm just going to have to pay my dues to figure on what I need to do and don't need to do.

The BeatKat · 06-29-2005, 10:02 PM

Bluem, if you couldn't hear them then they probably were within spec.....did they tell you what cost $180? I really wonder what is recommended by Suzuki for the first service....and why such a descrepancy in what dealers are charging for the service..

conrad · 06-30-2005, 10:36 AM

I figure engine oil, a filter, and rear shaft oil can't cost more than $25-$30....Retorquing some nuts and bolts. Even with a valve check/adjustment, shouldn't be anywhere near $200+. I'll definitely be doing most maintenance in the future.

The BeatKat · 06-30-2005, 10:57 PM

That's what I'm thinking ....what costs so much?......hell.....I KNOW the answer to that .......the labor $, duh.......but still!!

Jayrock1997 · 09-04-2006, 08:45 PM

Ahhhhh! I thought it was just me but I hear ticking in my engine when I am idling at a stop light is that bad? I paid $150 for my first service and the only reason it cost that much was because of the $60 an hour for labor.

RicoChet · 09-04-2006, 09:09 PM

I hear ticking as well at idle... I think its normal, just the valves doing their thing... is it not?

comp142 · 09-04-2006, 09:21 PM

Some ticking is normal for this powerplant when the valves are adjusted properly. Some of us just don't hear it as much with our sweet sounding exhaust!
Seriously though if you are mechanically inclined and patient (thats the tough part) you can adjust the valves yourself and be sure it's been done. Check this site out under "Volusia valve adjustment" in the How To section of the site.

How To's

.pdf format and an excellent guide with great pictures.

hammersfan · 09-04-2006, 09:38 PM

I changed the oil and shaft drive oil myself and the dealer charged my $35 for checking the bike over plus fixing a tapping noise that was something to do with the tank. He said the valves were fine. Now of course he didn't measure the valve clearance for that price but I am presuming they sounded okay and I bleive that that is what most shops do at the 600 mile check up, if they sound okay then they leave them alone.

BudTheGrey · 09-05-2006, 06:18 PM

I have to be honest, sometimes I don't get it.

Pretending for a moment that we live in a world where dealers are fairly competent and honest (honest == they actually do the work they bill you for), why do so many people complain about the cost of getting the valve adjustment done? The valve adjustment is something done once after some break-in, then you don't have to do it again for quite a long while. But if you don't do it, the very real risk is that someday you'll be on the side of the road with little bits of the valve train in your crank case, or worse, with parts of the inside of the motor sticking out.

Good grief, the bike cost between $6K and $7K, depending on how you equip it, but you can't afford $200 for a necessary maintenance visit? I understand the desire to DIY and save the $$ -- I would probably tackle the job if I had some kind of a garage or shop to do it in. But I don't so I had the local shop do it and wrote the $250 check, and smiled while I did it. I fully plan on putting 50K miles on this bike, so maintenance is a must.

Uncle B · 09-05-2006, 09:23 PM

LonghornPowerSports of Weatherford gets $70.00/hr/shopwork.
oil change is parts + $70.00/hr/shopwork.
checking valves is said to be a 4 hour job.

brad_b94 · 09-06-2006, 03:11 AM

My 600 mile service cost me $168. And they adjusted the valves. I watched him. It' worth every penny if you ask me. That's all I have to say about that.

Gator · 09-06-2006, 04:33 AM

My dealer does not recommend va at the 600 miles service, after servicing several hundred bikes for there first service and all valves being in spec he said I was waisting my money, but deffinatley do it at the next service. With 1500 miles now on my bike the valves sound the same as they always have, very slight ticking. And its 100.00 ca for adjusment here in ca. I will probably do it myself before I put it away for the winter. Heck I am a mechanic why not.

06-28-2005, 10:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
conrad In Training Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 M50 Location: CT Posts: 118	600 mile service $$ I just scheduled my 600 mile service and found out if will be $208 instead of the $140 quoted when I bought my M50. It seems they didn't realize the valves need to be checked/adjusted therefore the $68 increase. If it wasn't for the valve adjustment, I wouldn't hesitate changing the oil/filter and shaft oil as I have on previous bikes. I don't plan on the dealer seeing much of my bike after the initial 600 mile service aside from any warranty issues. How much has anyone else paid and did the valves actually need adjusting?

06-28-2005, 09:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
The BeatKat In Training Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: Black M50 Location: Ct, USA Posts: 132	Crap....they quoted me $140 too.....I'm gonna haggle over this one....cause my valves are ticking quite a bit at 350 miles.....so they definately need adjusting....bluem, can you hear them ticking?....there's no doubt about the sound...I'd take it back and demand that they adjust them...I'm sure it's the #1 thing they're supposed to check..(with a guage!) and adjust..wonder if we could find out what is supposed to be done according to Suzuki...... __________________ It's not WHAT you ride...It's THAT you ride.... '05 Black M50, Zuki inspired rear fender mod, LED license plate bolts (blue), Painted wheel weights black, leather lever covers, Low sissy bar and mounts, rear fender rack, partially debadged and dedecal'd

06-29-2005, 10:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
The BeatKat In Training Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: Black M50 Location: Ct, USA Posts: 132	Bluem, if you couldn't hear them then they probably were within spec.....did they tell you what cost $180? I really wonder what is recommended by Suzuki for the first service....and why such a descrepancy in what dealers are charging for the service.. __________________ It's not WHAT you ride...It's THAT you ride.... '05 Black M50, Zuki inspired rear fender mod, LED license plate bolts (blue), Painted wheel weights black, leather lever covers, Low sissy bar and mounts, rear fender rack, partially debadged and dedecal'd

06-30-2005, 10:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
The BeatKat In Training Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: Black M50 Location: Ct, USA Posts: 132	That's what I'm thinking ....what costs so much?......hell.....I KNOW the answer to that .......the labor $, duh.......but still!! __________________ It's not WHAT you ride...It's THAT you ride.... '05 Black M50, Zuki inspired rear fender mod, LED license plate bolts (blue), Painted wheel weights black, leather lever covers, Low sissy bar and mounts, rear fender rack, partially debadged and dedecal'd

09-04-2006, 09:38 PM	#16 (permalink)
hammersfan U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2008 C90 SE Location: Ajax ,Ontario ,Canada Posts: 1,220	I changed the oil and shaft drive oil myself and the dealer charged my $35 for checking the bike over plus fixing a tapping noise that was something to do with the tank. He said the valves were fine. Now of course he didn't measure the valve clearance for that price but I am presuming they sounded okay and I bleive that that is what most shops do at the 600 mile check up, if they sound okay then they leave them alone. __________________ Ride Safe Hammersfan

06-28-2005, 10:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
farmbone Fender Buffer Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Blk Location: South Bend , IN Posts: 429	I paid $190. they had my bike apart to adjust the valves. They claim one needed to be adjusted. But when I looked backed there, the mechanic was just sitting aroung BS'ing.

06-28-2005, 10:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
conrad In Training Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 M50 Location: CT Posts: 118	I wonder if they actually check each valve with a feeler guage or just "listen" and hope they sound OK? Mine are not making much noise now, but I would feel better knowing they are in spec especially after $208.

06-28-2005, 02:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
golftee Ditch Magnet Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Red M50 Location: Renton, Washington Posts: 174	had my valves checked, got them to give me before and after specs.. they tightened the intakes and loosened the exhaust on all but 1.....they could have left them alone they were on the outside limits of specs...

06-28-2005, 06:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
chadrob30 Fourth gear and illegal Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2008 B-King Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas Posts: 788	It's going to cost me $262 for my first service. It's a scam as far as I'm concerned, and when it's done it's the last service the dealer will do. After that, what is the recommended oil/shaft oil change interval? I know, I know, pull out the manual...that would require getting up....

06-28-2005, 08:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
bluem50 Where Am I ? Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: m50 Location: Hockessin, Delaware Posts: 27	I had my 1st service a couple weeks ago and the dealer charged me $180. I asked the mechanic if the valves needed adjusting and he said they were within specs--I question whether they really checked them--probably more of a scam than anything!

06-29-2005, 01:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
blitz Clunked into first gear Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 233	I noticed a ticking, only on rare occasions, the day AFTER my first service. I didn't hear anything before. It goes away and comes back when I ride before warming up the bike for a minute. How much are we supposed to trust the 'authorized suzuki service shops' to do a good job? I paid $180 for the first service.

06-29-2005, 06:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
bluem50 Where Am I ? Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: m50 Location: Hockessin, Delaware Posts: 27	Beatkat, I didn't notice any ticking before I took my bike in for the 1st service and haven't since the 1st service. I was saying I think it is more of a scam that the valves even need checking on the first service, but I've got the 4 year extended warranty on the bike and I don't want any reason from suzuki not to honor that. Hey, it's my 1st bike and figure I'm just going to have to pay my dues to figure on what I need to do and don't need to do.

06-30-2005, 10:36 AM	#11 (permalink)
conrad In Training Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 M50 Location: CT Posts: 118	I figure engine oil, a filter, and rear shaft oil can't cost more than $25-$30....Retorquing some nuts and bolts. Even with a valve check/adjustment, shouldn't be anywhere near $200+. I'll definitely be doing most maintenance in the future.

09-04-2006, 08:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jayrock1997 Where Am I ? Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: Kathleen, Georgia Posts: 26	Ahhhhh! I thought it was just me but I hear ticking in my engine when I am idling at a stop light is that bad? I paid $150 for my first service and the only reason it cost that much was because of the $60 an hour for labor.

09-04-2006, 09:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
RicoChet Fender Buffer Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2005 Black M50 Location: Thornhill, Ontario Posts: 436	I hear ticking as well at idle... I think its normal, just the valves doing their thing... is it not?

09-05-2006, 09:23 PM	#18 (permalink)
Uncle B Want's A New Title Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 06 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Location: Gordon Texas Latitude: 32.54833 Longitude: -98.36889 Posts: 4,328	LonghornPowerSports of Weatherford gets $70.00/hr/shopwork. oil change is parts + $70.00/hr/shopwork. checking valves is said to be a 4 hour job. __________________ Ride Safe, Ride Long, & Have Fun Benjamin Franklin> They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. http://www.gordontexas.net/ http://www.gordonvfd.com/

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09-04-2006, 09:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
comp142 Newbie Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: M50 Black Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 19	Some ticking is normal for this powerplant when the valves are adjusted properly. Some of us just don't hear it as much with our sweet sounding exhaust! Seriously though if you are mechanically inclined and patient (thats the tough part) you can adjust the valves yourself and be sure it's been done. Check this site out under "Volusia valve adjustment" in the How To section of the site. How To's .pdf format and an excellent guide with great pictures.

09-05-2006, 06:18 PM	#17 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 476	I have to be honest, sometimes I don't get it. Pretending for a moment that we live in a world where dealers are fairly competent and honest (honest == they actually do the work they bill you for), why do so many people complain about the cost of getting the valve adjustment done? The valve adjustment is something done once after some break-in, then you don't have to do it again for quite a long while. But if you don't do it, the very real risk is that someday you'll be on the side of the road with little bits of the valve train in your crank case, or worse, with parts of the inside of the motor sticking out. Good grief, the bike cost between $6K and $7K, depending on how you equip it, but you can't afford $200 for a necessary maintenance visit? I understand the desire to DIY and save the $$ -- I would probably tackle the job if I had some kind of a garage or shop to do it in. But I don't so I had the local shop do it and wrote the $250 check, and smiled while I did it. I fully plan on putting 50K miles on this bike, so maintenance is a must. __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

09-06-2006, 03:11 AM	#19 (permalink)
brad_b94 Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: '06 Boulevard M50 Black, '03 GSXR 1000 Silver Location: Indiana Posts: 76	My 600 mile service cost me $168. And they adjusted the valves. I watched him. It' worth every penny if you ask me. That's all I have to say about that. __________________

09-06-2006, 04:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
Gator Newbie Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: 2006 M50 Location: milford ontario Posts: 16	My dealer does not recommend va at the 600 miles service, after servicing several hundred bikes for there first service and all valves being in spec he said I was waisting my money, but deffinatley do it at the next service. With 1500 miles now on my bike the valves sound the same as they always have, very slight ticking. And its 100.00 ca for adjusment here in ca. I will probably do it myself before I put it away for the winter. Heck I am a mechanic why not.