15,000 mile service and battery chargers

Hi,

I'm looking to get the big 15,000 mile service on a 2000 curvy.

The local suzuki dealer is quoting £280 all in. I'm assuming this is expensive (as they are a dealer) but the bikes service history isn't up to date and want to take somewhere i can trust. Is this very expensive? ie what have other people had this service done for?

Also - anyone know a good serviuce outfit in either reading (berkshire) way or south west london (fulham, putney, wimbledon, clapham, richmond) etc

I can't do anything by myself either (apart from oil, brake fluid, pressures etc) - I'm a maintenace buffoon - i just like riding them!

Also (final question) - I've had some problems with battery life (to do with alarms) - I fitted the permanent Optimate III cables on the battery (ie the ones you leave on whilst battery connected to rest of electrics). But a mate who is mechanic (cars) says never charge a battery whilst it's on the bike - are they panicking over nothing - anyone had any problems with these battery top up gadgets or are they safe?

Thanks

Duff

[Viney]

Originally Posted by duffbattye

Hi,

I'm looking to get the big 15,000 mile service on a 2000 curvy.

The local suzuki dealer is quoting £280 all in. I'm assuming this is expensive (as they are a dealer) but the bikes service history isn't up to date and want to take somewhere i can trust. Is this very expensive? ie what have other people had this service done for?

If you do stuff like brakes and suchlike, then it probably wont cost you that, as you would have done all that before it goes in. It will only probably cost £280, if they ahve to replace all bits n bobs likes brakes, and ADJUST the valve clearences, not just checking them. Id get it serviced at 16k, then every 4k there after.

Originally Posted by duffbattye

Also (final question) - I've had some problems with battery life (to do with alarms) - I fitted the permanent Optimate III cables on the battery (ie the ones you leave on whilst battery connected to rest of electrics). But a mate who is mechanic (cars) says never charge a battery whilst it's on the bike - are they panicking over nothing - anyone had any problems with these battery top up gadgets or are they safe?

Designed as a trickle charger and more than safe for bikes. Whacking a bloody great car charger is what they are on about.