Note: I have put 600 miles on the GS500F from the 19th to the 24th. As I type this it has about 700 miles. Scheduled to go in the shop on the 29th.

I know that the first service on a motorcycle is very important, but is it important enough to have a shop do it? I looked at everything in my manual that would be looked at/tightened/changed/checked/etc in my manual, and I can do everything except I am not positive on checking valve clearance. Now, I can take ALL day on Saturday to do this, and I read online how to basically do it, but the question is.. should I attempt it? I believe that I would be able to, but the thing that sucks is that the work would not be documented.

Shop says 2.5hrs of work = $200ish.

I say 5-6hours of work = $30ish (oil and filter).

Here is what the manual says for first service (600mile checkup):

Tighten Exhaust Pipe and Muffler Bolts x
Inspect Valve Clearance
Inspect Fuel Line x
Replace Engine Oil and Filter x
Inspect Idle Speed x
Inspect Throttle Cable Play x
Inspect Clutch Cable Play x
Inspect Drive chain x
Inspect Brakes x
Inspect Brake Hose x
Inspect Tires x
Inspect Steering x
Inspect Front Forks x
Inspect Rear Suspension x
Tighten Chassis Bolts and Nuts x

I have put an X by what I know how to do. Almost everything is in the manual in case I am unsure of something.

 

Well I did everything minus the oil change and valve clearance check, both of which I am saving for Saturday.

Bike looks like crap without the fairings

 

pictures while being naked?

 

Was not worthy of having pictures taken (okay okay, I was being lazy, but it seriously looked like crap)