Is it better to take a bike to a dealer or bike shop to have it serviced or is it just as good to service it ourselves?
I have never thought about doing it myself and wouldn't know where to start, but where funds are limited I am wondering if I should now start to do it myself..
I would have to refer to my owners manual to find everything as have no idea where anything is, well besides the battery..
If anyone could give me some advice and maybe a list of things I should do if I do try and do it myself.
Ask another biker, one who knows what they are doing, (they will probably do it for a lot less money, or for a meal, than a garage mechanic) I'm sure they will be happy to help you and/or show you what to do.
Good luck!
I know from mine whilst it was in warranty it had to be done by a dealer/professional
Even now tho it still goes to our local Suzuki dealer to be done, mainly cos its MOT is due at the same time, but some things need a professional to do, especially when it comes to the real big service where it needs its clearances etc doing.
Shell its an 05 plate so not under warranty... I know what you're saying when it comes to a big service..
I like it to be done properly, just wasn't sure if it was possible to do it ourselves and save money.. I always sent my car to the main dealer for a service and MOT.
Deb,
You've got a fairly complex bike in a VFR800, so as Shell says there are some things probably best left to a professional, either a franchised dealer or an independent you feel you can trust.
Bearing in mind your lack of experience, but willingness to learn, I'd contact a local tech college to see of there are any courses on offer in motorcycle maintainance. Even if you end up handing the bike over to a professional, you'll be better able to understand what he/she (yes, I do know women mechanics!) is talking about.
You have the assurance with a dealer doing it, that if anything they do causes something to go wrong your covered, you do it & a lil mistake can be costly, thats always been my theory, like you the car has always gone for dealer service too.
My advice Deb is do the intermediate services yourself or get a biker mate to do them for you. Wills is right, the VFR is fairly complicated, but only for things like shims etc, which only need checking at major services (every 16k). And you can take it to the dealer for these.
Have a look in your handbook; you'll be surprised how much, apart from oil and filter change (which is dead easy) is just check this, check that etc on the intermediate services.
However, a dealer can easily charge you up to £100 for this, when you could do it yourself for the cost of four litres of oil and a filter (budget £30) and a pair of mucky hands.
The first time you do it, you'll need to buy a couple of specialist tools/oils such as the oil filter tool, some brake cleaner etc. And if you don't have a good quality socket set, get one. Halfords Professional range are pretty good for the home mechanic and not bad value either. Whatever you do, don't try doing things with a budget socket set. All you'll do is round off nuts and/or slip off a bolt and hurt yourself. I'd also recommend getting a workshop manual ... easily worth their weight in gold.
And then, after this first initial outlay, it's just save, save, save!! Even better, find someone who already has a good tool kit (ahem!) and borrow theirs for free!!
Plus, you'll learn loads about bike maintenance and quite possibly one day find yourself with a massive grin as you discover a slight issue with your bike at some biker meet and stun all the fellas standing around when the "girlie" simply takes out her spanners and sorts it there and then.
If you do still decide to hand it over to a dealer, take the lower fairing panels off before you do. No point allowing him to charge you an hour extra labour (at least) for a job you can easily do at home!
I wouldn't give it to a dealer unless it was a major service, unless you've got money to burn. If you don't fancy using the book and trying your hand at the little service yourself first time, perhaps see if someone local off here would help you out and pay close attention so you can have a go at it yourself next time.
Debs. As your bike is relatively new, it is worth keeping up the service history, in the event that you may sell it one day. A full service history inproves your chances of getting a good price. If say your bike hits 10 years old, it is probably more viable to consider doing what ever maintenance you can take on, to reduce running costs.
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