Wondering how many here performed their own 'first service' at the 600 mile mark and how many took the bike in to a suzuki dealer or other motorcycle service shop?  For those that took theirs in somewhere, do you remember what the cost was?  I was just quoted $275 at the local Suzuki shop.

Ouch! My service cost was $150... It was like 2.27 hours at $60 an hour (and I thought my mechanics $40 an hour was outrageous?!)

I'd check somewhere else. Is this the same dealer you purchased the bike from?

I was quoted about $250 at a $40~ shop.  But I'm sure they didn't know what they were quoting.

Got Clymers?  Take a look at the maitenance section for the work they do.  Retorque the heads means they have to remove the head cover.  In some cases that means remove the engine.  The rest is easy.

I suspect Simon, their didn't quote that.  

The valve adjustment is really a peice of cake.  The 'How To' guide here is invaluable.  I did mine with my laptop sitting on the bench beside me for reference.  You will definately need a couple of specialty tools (10mm offset box wrench .001-.009" tappet feelers and a large screwdriver for the timing inspection plug).  But the whole process is pretty easy and can be done in about an hour and a half.  Just remember that it MUST be done on an ice cold engine.  Preferrably one that has been sitting overnight.

well I just read through the very informative and well written thread in the tech section on adjusting the valves myself.   I can see that I will be paying the $275 because that looks like something I could send straight to FUBAR heaven if I tried to do it myself.  Maybe later on down the road when I have performed some of the other easier maintenance procedures, but not yet.  wow.

Interesting update.  I called a suzuki dealer in the next town over and they quoted me much less - $150.  But they do NOT perform a valve adjustment.  If they test ride it and feel a valve adjustment is necessary then it is an additional $140.  Funny thing is that without the valve adjustment their 600 mile service basically consists of; oil change, brake check, fluid check, tire check, adjust clutch and throttle as necessary and 'check all the nuts and bolts for tightness'.  now THAT is all stuff that I feel 100% I can do.  So, do I pay $275 for what could be an unnecessary valve adjustment (very close to where I work) or do I take it to the next town over for the $150 service with the possibility of them calling me saying it also needs the $140 valve adjustment.  I am seriously leaning towards just changing the oil myself and giving it a good solid 'once over' and calling it a day.  Suggestions would be really great at this point.  Would performing the 600 mile service myself effect my warranty in any way?  I would ask the dealer but you know full well they will say "yes, it will void your warranty" blah blah blah.

WAIT WAIT WAIT!  07S40rider, unless you have vision or fine motor disabilities, you CAN do that valve adjustment yourself.  I would not kid about this.

I was petrified of doing it, but finally bucked up and tried it.  It is a snap.  The article in the tech section makes it look complicated because it covers the process in so much detail.  When you are sitting there looking at the bike with one eye and the write-up with the other (which looks silly, I'll admit) it will all be crystal clear to you.

Also, if I may be so bold, you do not need those specialty tools to do the valve check.  I used a regular box-end/open-end  10mm wrench and a 17mm socket on a ratchet to turn the engine over.  I did it that way twice, and I'll do it that way again unless the wrench fairy leaves some new tools under my pillow.  You will need the feeler guages, which cost about five bucks at Napa.

Try this... go pull the tank off and remove the chrome covers and look at what the write-up describes in person.  At that point, you can say to yourself "Self, I think we can do this." or "Self, that Sandy is a dipstick who should stick to writing outhouse limricks."

You won't have done anything you can't reverse easily, and you will be in a better position to decide whether to spend $200.  It's a great feeling when you tackle it and win.

by the book, every 3500 miles, more or less.
every other oil change.

I like a plain set of feeler gages, and an 90° screwdriver.