Got my 2011 back from 16,000 mile dealer service, which is the BIG ONE with valve clearances and the works. Needed plugs and air filter. The air filter must have been original - it seemed to have swallowed half of the West Midlands insect population and digested a couple of autumn leaves as dessert. I used to do ALL my own work, but with today's electronics and every part relying on another I'm just too nervous about stuffing something up. As I've mentioned before, the last bike I serviced (CB750 K1) I pulled the tank from two rubber grommets and the only thing underneath was a triangular section of tube frame and a set of coils. Easy access to filters, tappets and points. Now, you guys are talking about ECUs, flashing, Power Commanders, ABS, etc. Frig me, I'm only just getting used to LOCKING petrol caps..
The plugs on these bikes Nigel are good for 32k you only have to inspect them at 16k, maybe worth asking why they thought they needed changing at so low mileage? Pretty sure dealer would charge close to 100 quid a set?
Interesting point, Raphael. £74 plus VAT. They did show me, and the centre (electrode?) looked 'cooked' perhaps from running too lean. You raised enough curiosity for me to check the manual and sure enough, 'inspect at 16,000 and replace if necessary.' I do trust this dealer implicitly. I am very regular and don't believe they'd shaft me. The bike runs well now, and I have the knowledge that it will be great until Prince William is crowned King of England. Cheers for once again proving what a valuable aid this forum is!
First rule of comedy Spike If they take money off you, you can't trust them. I have returned to servicing my own bike. I had it dealer serviced for warranty purposes, but now I'm back to DIY. Yes DIY servicing these days is a bit daunting but needs must. Gone are the days of getting a can of Duckhams Q from Charlie Browns for £4.99. But then again Honda don't insist I change the oil every 1500 mile like Suzuki used to do back in the 80's. And, taking the fairing off and putting it back on is a pain in the arse, mucho patience needed. My bike is now 5 years old and I think an air filter replacement is due too. So it's off to Youtube for a tutorial from some mexican guy. Decide if I wanna do it, then out with the spanners. If you've done it before, you can do it again. If in doubt take plenty of pictures before disassembly.
Yes, Kevin. Very true. The other benefit of course is that we know the job's done properly. That might well be our main criteria over saving money. I know I've got the aptitude; I mean, if I can take the pillion pegs off a 2011, surely I can do anything?
Nigelrb, I agree with everything Kevin1 said! I got a lot of problems with my previous Suzuki dealers (on GSXR600) too. Now, I do everything by my own. The few things I can't do by myself, I know a very talented independant mecanic, who is a passionate guy, and not just a business man, who do it for me And what I love in doing everything by myself, is that I can clean everything I disassemble I changed a chain kit yesterday on a ZX6R for a friend, who know nothing about mecanic, and let the bike at the dealer for every operations. Damn, it was so dirty............................. Dealers don't clean the bike when they work, they just do what they have to do. What a pain to work on a dirty bike...
Did it need any shims Nigel? Mines not far away on miles and will be tackling this in the next few weeks.
No, Dave. And I specifically asked. All were within spec - which to me is good because it shows no (or negligible) sign of wear. Be prepared to fork out 38 quid + VAT for a rocker cover gasket!
What is the average cost for the 16k service? Ive just gone over 10k and will most likely be near or over 16 by the end of the year.
Dealer price is 239.19 (don't ask me about the 19p) Plus parts and VAT. With my 4 plugs, air filter, rocker cover gasket and coolant, price came to 475. Didn't have oil and filter because that was done last November. I have no doubt that smaller 'independent' workshop would do a lot cheaper, but I am hesitant to try one without referral. As previously stated, I am more than pleased with Blade Honda so am not disgruntled about paying a bit extra.
So that price was including the valve clearance then Nigel? I'm only asking because when I nipped into Honda the other day to discuss the abs issue, I asked out of curiosity what they charged just for valve clearance & they said £500!!! And that was only for the check...if it needed adjusting or shims then it was extra!!
Hey, how come you get nice shiny BLUE bolts. Looks really trick!! Edited to say: What's with the black wheels? Option or painted?
So so beautiful, the whole thing is amazing, I've been looking at SP'S in this WSBk colour scheme and I have to say it's the best!!! Want one!!! In fact the magnitude of the pictures is so great that every time I try and open this thread it crashes......has been doing all day since you put these pics up @Chris330
It's on the mobile site, normally only come on here on my phone unless I'm at the office, no doubt it'd be fine on the laptop top but I don' have time to sit around on my laptop all day do I? I'm out riding or buying stuff! Anyway you best get spending some money on upgrades as your SP is clearly under blinged compared to this one........oh god, it might even be faster Nigel
