Bought my first bike yesterday. Needs a service.

Originally Posted by Nobbylad

And a manual and some feeler gauges.

Spend time reading/re-reading the process and then scout around on here for tips. Don't forget that the dealer doesn't/shouldn't just do the oil/filter/plugs/valve check. They 'should' also check the fluid levels, steering head bearings and give the bike a general look over for loose stuff and anything that looks dodge.

Whether or not they all do is very subjective and dependant on the individual mechanic (and probably their workload/conscience) in most cases.

Some dealers are worth the money for the amount of time/care they will spend on your bike, others are not worth £40, let alone £400.

Thanks Nobbylad.

I'm a bit of a geek - has anybody drawn up a spreadsheet/checklist for a major service? I wouldn't want to miss something.

[Nobbylad]

It's in the Haynes manual - so that's your first buy right there!

I think someone did do something in the past, you could always search here/SVRider.com.

Originally Posted by Nobbylad

It's in the Haynes manual - so that's your first buy right there!

I think someone did do something in the past, you could always search here/SVRider.com.

Bought. Amazon - £16.

[_Stretchie_]

Good on you, you'll be getting used to that book before long

; )

[Nobbylad]

Good work! Don't forget to search on here before doing stuff as well...there are loads of good hints/tips.

[TamSV]

This is a useful link http://www.bluepoof.com/motorcycles/howto/svs_valves/ - but only from the point of view that it has some decent colour pics - DO NOT read the text, it's quite annoying .

The B&W pics in the haynes don't really help sometimes. The pics on the link might help you work out what the manual is telling you to do.

Cheers for the link TamSV.

Will definitely look on here for hints/tips before I start.

I pretty much need to buy all of the tools as well. Any recommendations? (I like the idea of buying one kit, with everything in it, not sure if they exist. I have a bit of OCD...probably, about lots of tools from different manufacturers. Weird, I know!).

[Nobbylad]

Halfords sometimes have 50% their professional range...I picked up a decent set for £50 and they have a lifetime guarantee. I think 6-sided sockets are recommended by most to prevent you rounding the heads on stuck fixings.

Lidl/Aldi (forget which) were doing some great hex key sets that have T-handled hex wrenches (allen keys) in the most useable sizes, with torx wrenches incorporated into the handles.

Apart from decent sockets, hex keys, screwdriver set, stanley knife, pliers/wire cutters, I can't think of much else you'll need. Stuff like grease, 3-in-1 or WD40 is always handy to have, as is a range of empty containers (ice cream tubs/jam jars) and the like to put parts in when you're taking them off the bike/cleaning them or draining fluids.

I'm thinking...I'm setting aside £150 for a small service - might as well use that to buy a good set of tools from Halfords (the professional range, as you say) - and do it myself. Going to start a poll on another thread for when to service...

[Nobbylad]

The Haynes manual tells you when to service.