First service questions.

**Blossom** · 11th April 2008, 21:09

So my intruder is due for its first service in 50ks or so. I have a couple of questions. Firstly I got the bike from a dealership in Akl and whilst they have offered to do the first service, my understanding is that it is at standard price. I get no discount or anything so was wondering if staying local might be better so the girl wont be far away, easier to pickup and drop off etc.
We have a Suzuki dealership in Pukekohe but I have never used them so no idea if they are good etc. (no offense meant to anyone) How do you find out if a workshop is reliable etc? Just wondering what peoples thoughts are.
Also what can I reasonably expect to get in a first service and what is an average price? All advice gratefully accepted. Forgive the noob here but neither me or the husband have ever owned a new bike so this is all virgin territory

**Jantar** · 11th April 2008, 21:15

Normally I would suggest that you use your local dealer. However, why did you buy the bike in Auckland rather than locally? If the same reasons still apply then get the bike serviced in Auckland.

**Blossom** · 11th April 2008, 21:22

I got the bike in Akl cause the salesman in the local shop didnt take me seriously and I dont think he thought I was actually a genuine buyer, he didn't even offer to sell me the bike and I have a thing for customer service so when I went to Colemans and the salesman took me seriously.. I brought the bike.
But the local guy was just the sales guy and so I am not making any assumptions about their workshop skills based on that guys lack of customer service.

**Jantar** · 11th April 2008, 21:43

That's a fair enough reason. In that case try your shop for the first service, and make it clear that you were not happy with the salesman's attitude wen you were looking for a bike, but you hope the service department will be better. You'll probably find that they'll go out of their way to impress you and keep you as a customer. Win - win all around.

**Blossom** · 11th April 2008, 21:48

Great point there. Will probably try the local guys.
Think I will do that. How much is a first service normally? Can I expect they will also do a full oil change?

**Jantar** · 11th April 2008, 22:08

A first service will include an oil change. It will also be a thorough going over including a check that all adjustments are correct, chain is properly tensioned and lubed, all nuts and bolts are tight etc. Expect around 1 1/2 hours labour and the cost of oil. Down here in Otago that would be around $120 - $180, but I don't know what price to expect in your area.

**T.W.R** · 11th April 2008, 22:15

Originally Posted by Jantar

A first service will include an oil change. It will also be a thorough going over including a check that all adjustments are correct, chain is properly tensioned and lubed, all nuts and bolts are tight etc. Expect around 1 1/2 hours labour and the cost of oil. Down here in Otago that would be around $120 - $180, but I don't know what price to expect in your area.

1st service should be free

Our 1st services on the bikes we sell are always free

.

The bike should be checked top to bottom, front to back; everything looked over & checked to make sure it's doing what it's supposed too.

**Blossom** · 12th April 2008, 00:09

When I brought the bike I did ask for the first service to be thrown in but no luck. I did get wof, reg, full tank of gas and a great service though so thats cool but when I asked about the price for the first service I am sure the guy said around the $300 mark? Does this seem a little steep to anyone else?

**T.W.R** · 12th April 2008, 00:24

Originally Posted by Blossom

When I brought the bike I did ask for the first service to be thrown in but no luck. I did get wof, reg, full tank of gas and a great service though so thats cool but when I asked about the price for the first service I am sure the guy said around the $300 mark? Does this seem a little steep to anyone else?

Sounds like they're a tight assed bunch

$300 is way steep for a 1st service (seeing they're charging you for it) 2hrs labour at most likely $60/hr ($120) and $180 worth of consumables

Only the engine oil & oil filter will be replaced everything should checked, adjusted, & set. The bike should be groomed and road tested.

FWIW: When we sell bikes new they're assembled then PD'd (pre delivery checked) fuelled up and run & tested (no matter whether it's a road bike, farm bike/ATV, or MX off roader/race bike) if it's a road bike we also WOF & Rego (6mths) for the new owner and when they collect the bike or we deliver it, we go over the running in of the bike & the service schedule.
The 1st service is always free & the bike is groomed for the owner.

**klyong82** · 12th April 2008, 06:50

My mate bought a Hornet new and the 1st service was only oil and filter change plus all the usual checks. It was not free and they charge an hours labour of $70. $300 is alot and for that kind of money usually means engine work or stripping forks spark plugs etc...call a few suzuki dealers and ask how much it cost.

**ipod1098** · 12th April 2008, 08:50

Find someone from here that is local to show you how to do it yourself.. you know for in the future, and also to learn something new.
TWR seems like the one if he/she is reasonably local.

**T.W.R** · 12th April 2008, 09:01

Originally Posted by ipod1098

Find someone from here that is local to show you how to do it yourself.. you know for in the future, and also to learn something new.
TWR seems like the one if he/she is reasonably local.

I'm far from being local to Blossom at Pukekohe

I work at Chapman's Kawasaki in Rakaia (middle of the Canterbury plains

)

Scott411 would be the best bet

I'm sure he's wrapped up with MrMotorcycles in Pukekohe

**Jantar** · 12th April 2008, 09:13

Originally Posted by ipod1098

Find someone from here that is local to show you how to do it yourself.. you know for in the future, and also to learn something new.
TWR seems like the one if he/she is reasonably local.

If it is a first service, DO NOT "Find someone from here that is local to show you how to do it yourself.. " Unless you want to void the warranty.

I would never expect to pay $300 for a service, unless it was a special one for some reason. On my VStrom its usually around $180 - $250, and for that the mechanic has to remove the tank and unbolt the radiator to change the spark plugs.

The most expensive service I've ever had was the one imediately prior to the last Southern Cross Rally where it was a normal 18000 km service, but I also requested new air cleaner, spark plugs, tyres, chain and sprockets, a TBS and ECU check, valve clearances adjusted to perfect spec etc. That service took 5 hours and cost me just under $900. I considered that chaeap for all that was done.