[JtownJJA]

I’ve had my used GS500F for about a month. I would like to get it into the shop to have it checked out. I want to get a professional opinion on the condition of the tires, breaks, chain, etc. Not to mention, I not only want to ride safe, but have a safe bike to ride. The bike has a little over 4,000 miles on it, and is due a valve adjustment as well. I’ve got two verbal quotes at around $250.00 for a first full service, and valve adjustment. Does that sould like a fair price? Also, any good questions I should be asking when I get it into the shop?

[Munch]

detailed billing is a must, that away you know what you’re paying for. Ask any and all kinds of questions, maintenance intervals, known issues of that model such as TSB’s and recalls.

[JtownJJA]

I hope this is not a dumb question, but what is a TSB?

[Munch]

Technical Service Bulletin. Basically it’s a report that service techs usually have access to that are known problems with common fixes. The problems are numerous but not a safety issue therefore NHTSB will not report it, or force a recall. If there’s enough customer complaints manu’s can do a voluntary recall which leaves them legally un obligated to repair, but if the NHTSB gets it and forces a recall by law they have to fix the problem and is without time and mileage constraints.

[Gary856]

A few months ago I had a private shop (non-dealer) did an oil change plus minor tune-up (changed spark plugs, topped off fluids, lubed things, blew clean air filter, etc.) and that cost about $180 for my ’01 GS500 here in San Jose, CA. I didn’t do valve adjustment, but they told me it would be 2 hr labor + parts (valve shims) = about $200. So, if you’re first service for $250 includes valve inspection/adjustment, that sounds like a good deal to me. If you like your existing clutch friction zone engagement point, tell the shop not to mess with it; I had to adjust the clutch cable back to where I liked it after the shop adjusted it during their service.

[JtownJJA]

I know this thread is an old one, but I finally got the bike in the shop a week ago, and it is ready for me to go pick up.  Turns out this was a good week to do it because we’ve had a lot of rain and I was out of town all weekend anyway.  The price estimate was still the same as it was in July when I dropped it off.  I’ll break out a list of services and costs when I get it back later today.  I’m excited to get back on and get to riding again.  The temperatures are dropping and who knows how many more good riding days there will be before winter arrives.  There is a bit of of a wind advisory today, so I plan to take the slower roads home from the shop.

[JtownJJA]

OK.  The good news first…  My bike is in great condition.  Through all the inspections done, very little needed to be done to it.  The bad news, it still costed me around $250.00.  I will admit, though, it gives me a lot of peace-of-mind knowing that it has been completely reviewed by a professional.  I don’t have the list of things they looked at here beside me, but it is quite an extensive list.  I can share more details another time if anyone would like. 
Also, the best and worse part of it all was the ride home.  It was wonderful to get to ride again after missing it for over a week, even if the weather was very fall-like with lots of dreary clouds, and brisk wind blowing the whole time.  However, before I got all the way back home, a few light rain showers started falling.  This was my first real experience riding in the rain, and it did help having read about the experiences of so many others here on BBM.  Luckily my vision stayed pretty clear through the face shield, and I took the curves a little slower so that I wouldn’t have to lean very much, and made it safely home. 
All in all, a good experience for my first time to the mechanic.  No one made me feel like I didn’t know what I was talking about or anything like that.  They were friendly, and they charged me what they estimated.  Of couse one of the perks is getting to go look at the shiny new bikes on the sales floor, but I can do that anytime for free.   

[Author]

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