Who services their own bikes?

[sandi]

Just serviced my V Strom 650.Went by the list in the manual accidently changed the oil filter then found out it didnt need it (probably better for it tho)you dont need to remove all the fastners at the front fairing if you take the tank off.You can unbolt the rad and push it forward ,then using a small block of wood wedge it (dont damage the fins)the front plug is easily got out.rear plug is a doddle.so is oil and filter.tickover was fine so did'nt have to do anything there.clutch was adjusted ok then just checking tighness of nuts and stuff,also put some new crash bars on,instructions were clear said only 20 minutes to do but I took 25 just to make sure it was not rushed.I photocopied the service list ticked the bits that where done and stapled it to the service record with the mileage and date.Used my own tools but at a push the bikes tools would let one do most things if your stuck.Cleaned reset the old plugs and are under the seat just in case!

[mark1150]

Just serviced my V Strom 650.Went by the list in the manual accidently changed the oil filter then found out it didnt need it (probably better for it tho)you dont need to remove all the fastners at the front fairing if you take the tank off.You can unbolt the rad and push it forward ,then using a small block of wood wedge it (dont damage the fins)the front plug is easily got out.rear plug is a doddle.so is oil and filter.tickover was fine so did'nt have to do anything there.clutch was adjusted ok then just checking tighness of nuts and stuff,also put some new crash bars on,instructions were clear said only 20 minutes to do but I took 25 just to make sure it was not rushed.I photocopied the service list ticked the bits that where done and stapled it to the service record with the mileage and date.Used my own tools but at a push the bikes tools would let one do most things if your stuck.Cleaned reset the old plugs and are under the seat just in case!

Is this a typo?, as I'd deffo say that the oil filter should be changed with the oil, as you'll be running clean oil through a dirty filter.

[GB]

GB its interesting to hear that Harleys are easy to work on, the dealers charge ridiculous amounts to service them.

Can't agree with you more, but lets break it down with a sportster,

Hydraulic pushrods, no adjustment required
Engine oil,warm the bike up, empty the oil tank, fill the oil tank, done.
Filter, same as any other bike
Gearbox oil, drain and refill.
Spark plugs, easy access.
Fuel injection, no adjustment, no wearing parts in the TPS
Belt, never needs adjusting after first service
Most of the time is checking for loose fasteners due to vibration
Thats it, hour and a bit tops.



More serious stuff, pre 04 bikes, clutch out 20-30mins, gearbox out 1hour, cylinder head and cylinder 2hours, and I'm being generous with these times. Premium brand dealers mindset, "if they can afford to buy one, we can afford to screw them"

[mark1150]

GB its interesting to hear that Harleys are easy to work on, the dealers charge ridiculous amounts to service them.

Can't agree with you more, but lets break it down with a sportster,

Hydraulic pushrods, no adjustment required
Engine oil,warm the bike up, empty the oil tank, fill the oil tank, done.
Filter, same as any other bike
Gearbox oil, drain and refill.
Spark plugs, easy access.
Fuel injection, no adjustment, no wearing parts in the TPS
Belt, never needs adjusting after first service
Most of the time is checking for loose fasteners due to vibration
Thats it, hour and a bit tops.



More serious stuff, pre 04 bikes, clutch out 20-30mins, gearbox out 1hour, cylinder head and cylinder 2hours, and I'm being generous with these times. Premium brand dealers mindset, "if they can afford to buy one, we can afford to screw them"

Where's a clapping smilie when you need one?
Well said that man, Hardly Dangerous are waaaaay over the top and when you consider how basic they are it's ridiculous.

[Zookman]

Just serviced my V Strom 650.Went by the list in the manual accidently changed the oil filter then found out it didnt need it (probably better for it tho)you dont need to remove all the fastners at the front fairing if you take the tank off.You can unbolt the rad and push it forward ,then using a small block of wood wedge it (dont damage the fins)the front plug is easily got out.rear plug is a doddle.so is oil and filter.tickover was fine so did'nt have to do anything there.clutch was adjusted ok then just checking tighness of nuts and stuff,also put some new crash bars on,instructions were clear said only 20 minutes to do but I took 25 just to make sure it was not rushed.I photocopied the service list ticked the bits that where done and stapled it to the service record with the mileage and date.Used my own tools but at a push the bikes tools would let one do most things if your stuck.Cleaned reset the old plugs and are under the seat just in case!

Is this a typo?, as I'd deffo say that the oil filter should be changed with the oil, as you'll be running clean oil through a dirty filter.

I've got a V Strom 650, and Suzuki recommend changing the oil filter only every third service. This also applies to the Bandit 1250 i have as well.
I go slightly over the top and change the oil filters on both bikes every other service.
I've heard all the stuff on forums about how oil filters should be changed with every oil change..... but i would bet that Suzuki knows more about their engines than anyone else.

[GB]

Well I will be honest with you Zookman (please don't take offence), I have never heard of any motor manufacturer who advised not changing the filter when changing the oil on a four stroke petrol engine, especially a high revving motorcycle engine.

[CRAIGREVO]

Its common on four stroke MX bikes to change the filter every other oil change too.

[GB]

Its common on four stroke MX bikes to change the filter every other oil change too.

Well I stand corrected, God have I wasted some money on filters over the years but not on engine rebuilds

[Zookman]

Well I will be honest with you Zookman (please don't take offence), I have never heard of any motor manufacturer who advised not changing the filter when changing the oil on a four stroke petrol engine, especially a high revving motorcycle engine.

The engines on the Strom and the Bandit are two of the most reliable engines you can get. Its not unusual for these engines to hit extremely high mileages and are renouned as being bulletproof.
Suzuki would not recommend these lesser oil filter changes if there was any chance of it causing engine damage..... and i do notice that the oil is always fairly clean when it comes around to each yearly, or by miles, oil change.

[CRAIGREVO]

Its common on four stroke MX bikes to change the filter every other oil change too.

Well I stand corrected, God have I wasted some money on filters over the years but not on engine rebuilds

Its better to be safe than sorry.