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12000 mile service gitters

6K views 15 replies 13 participants last post by  norton74 
#1 ·
Having reached 12,000 miles my Bonnie is running really nicely and feels like it is finally fully run in so now I am nervous about taking it in and getting the 12,000 mile service done. If it ain't broke don't fix it, right? I'll do the oil change myself but valve adjustment, fluid change etc is not something I want to do due to lack of time, energy and space .Does it need all this attention when the bike's running great, should I skip the service? Who will be working on it? It's a risk, right?
Anyone else having these thoughts keeping you up at night??
 
#2 ·
Just because the bike is running great, doesn't mean you should skip a valve check or perform routine periodic service. As far as who is working on your bike, try to talk to others in your area who use the dealer or shop that you intend to take your bike to. Do you skip cleaning and lubing your chain just because it seems to run quiet and perform okay? It's only a risk if the mechanic is inept.
 
#4 ·
I went a good bit over the 12K mile mark before I had my service done. The dealer wasn't worried. You can specify, of course, that they do the valve adjustment for you and nothing else, if you're able to do the rest of the maintenance (which is what I did). When I had mine done, most of the valves were out of adjustment (not severely, of course). It felt a little more sprightly afterward.
 
#5 · (Edited)
There have been many posts where guys have done the 12,000 mile service themselves, including the valve lash check/adjustment. Most of the time, they say that the valves were well within tolerances and didn't need adjusting. Once in a while, someone reports that at least one valve was way out of adjustment and they're glad they took the time and did the service.

The services recommended at 12,000 miles need to be done, and will greatly extend the bike's reliable service life, but it's always your choice.

And that's "jitters".
 
#9 ·
What I've done over the years is a rolling service, so each week/month do a part of the service and so on.
Its quite easy to break down all the jobs and do one thing at a time.
Truthfully I would not miss a part of the service, this may sound a bit weird but you have a relationship with your bike you trust it to work when you need it to. Well all relationships require sacrifice, either do the work yourself or pay to have it done. You'll feel better because you've kept you're part of the relationship bargain.
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance is a good read because it helps you to "feel" how to fix/service your bike.

Sent from my GT-I9100P using Motorcycle.com Free App
 
#13 ·
When you read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", did you ever figure out what kind of bike Persig was riding?

The clues are all there...
 
#12 ·
At 13,000 miles, I had to swap out five shims. Don't go into it thinking you won't have to change some of them. If not, so much the better.
 
#16 ·
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