[fizzwheel]

I get a dealer to do mine, Whilst I reckon at a stretch I could do stuff like oil change etc etc. I dont really have the tme or the proper tools to do it myself. TBH I like the fact that a proper mechanic does it as they give my bike a proper check over whilst they are at it, and make me aware of worn brake pads, that my clutch was stiff because a seal had gone on the mechanism somewhere and needed replacing. That my chain and sprocket have got about 3000 miles left in them before they need replacing. Whilst I do give my bike regular checks personally I am not mechanically competant enough to spot stuff like this.

Also I get to have a look round the showroom and a cup of tea whilst they are sorting my bike out. If I cant wait I get a loan bike to ride about on which means I can get to try the latest models out, and because I go to that dealer all the time I know damn well that when I buy my next bike I am going to use the fact that I take my bike there for servicing as a lever to get a good deal on what I buy next.

On a new bike I would still get the dealer service as well so the book gets stamped. I look at it like this, you look at two 2nd hand bikes, one has full dealer service history with a stamped book to prove it, the other has been serviced by the owner, he / she has receipts for the parts to prove this. They are both up for sale at the same price.

Which bike are you going to buy ?