Did most do this themselves or ?????
I was looking at the book and its says oil change and adjust the throttle but everything else looks like a easy no brainer as in check for leaks and such,
Reason I am asking is my Stealer wants $180 for first service . thats a bit steep for a oil change and I check for leaks myself as in nothing visable and no puddles. I dont think they will check for more than that as the idels is a bit high but I will be looking into adjusting that my self. I was just looking for advice as I am not a mechanic but can change oli on most things and I am not stupid . What else is really important?
Yes I am cheap but more than that I dont want to just give money to the dealer.

Honestly there really isnt much to do in my opinion. Change the oil, check chain, hoses and fluid levels. If all looks good and the bike is running the way it should then do the above and have some fun.

Pretty much checkoff your intervals in the Owner's Manual, sign and date it. You are still under warranty. Keep oil/filter receipts until the warranty expires. You held your end of deal, 'Which ever comes first" as the contract says.

I agree its running so swet and I can do a oil change . all looks good no leaks no rattles. I do need to adjust the throttle but that is about all I can find that I would change at this point .
I have been riding the ST1300 for two days as it was a bit nippy at night . The ST helps me really love the ZX even more but the ZX helps me love the St as in the yare two grat bikes but both serve a purpose and they both do it so well

Are there any pictures of the cable adjustment as that would help
Thanks

^^the Owners Manual has a good step by step but if you need more info, PM me. I was able to adjust my throttle to 0 play which I feel is safer and better for any riding situation.

You will need a 10" extension and U-joint adaptor for your 1/4" drive ratchet to check all of the header bolts and the come loose on everyone.

Chain tension is important and it usually loosens up in the first 1000 miles unless you are riding pretty soft. Ask for tips if you're not sure. A little loose is good. Tight can lead to a disaster.

Any screw that goes into a rubber wellnut shouldn't be tight. Especially not that big one on the top back of the forman. All screws that thread into the exhaust should be checked often. The lower fairing screws go into brackets on the exhaust and I have lost two of them.

I think if you are seeing no drips, you are safe on the fuel line/ cooling system check. No way is the shop going to take all your fairings off to check that. I did after 6000 miles and all was good. just tightened up a few rad hose clamps a touch.

No way I'd pay $180 for 500 mile service. Most touchy thing is chain tension. If you need to tighten, it's probabley less than 1/8 notch on the swingarm hatch marks. You really don't have to pull the sprocket back far to put a good amount of tension back in the chain. You will need a 24" breaker bar for the rear axle nut on the chain adjusting. Also, a good idea to have an axle nut socket (free for a returnable deposit at Advance Auto) instead of a regular socket. Should torque the axle nut back but if you don't, just take careful note by feel of how tight it was when removing. It is about 90lbs of torque I think.

I probabley could go on but just feel free to PM if you need to.

Rook

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/2/2009 @ 7:46 PM *

You can do it!Just for piece of mind,I'd let the dealer do your first one at the least.If something "goes wrong"down the road,you can run er back and you know you weren't responsible for it!Things happen,stuff fails.They'd have to fix it at no charge to you.After that,you can decide how much you want to do with your "checks" on your bike.I haven't taken mine in except for the first one,and now for my 15,000 mile(actually 18,500).I'm gonna let them do the valve check and such.I had a zx12 for a few years before this baby,so learning about quirks of these rides pretty much happened while I had my 12.They're so close in maintenance issues.I've had ZERO issues with my 14 so far.All the adjustments and such are fairly straightforward and simple enough for a "non-mechanic"like me to be able to do.If I ever have any questions about something with my bike,I call em and ask about it-they are really good about helping me out with anything I might be concerned about-they're honest people.Always treat me first class.I've never had to wait for a scheduling appointment-they always take care of stuff right now.Fastoys Rocks!!

Just got my bike back from the dealer for a valve adjustment @ 16300 mi. all were in spec ($450) and now with 120 miles on her I have a HUGE OIL LEAK ! from the valve cover gasket. Man am I pissed ! this bike was always leak free in the past - I had heard of some of the '06s leaking in the past and thought I was lucky and got a good one (it may still be, but a victem of ham fisted mechanics) anyway the fur is going to fly on Monday morning! grrrrrrr! their fur is going to come off in huge handfuls if they try and charge me for it. I will keep everyone posted - grrrrrr!!! grrrr! #@*@&^@~!

* Last updated by: Paladin on 4/25/2009 @ 1:59 PM *

I know when I took mine in for the valve adjustment, they told me the gasket tore upon removal. Things happen and I understand. Only problem was it took over a month for the gasket set to come in!! I sure hope that's not the case for you!! It was right around this time last year. About killed me waiting.

I did take mine in-my mechanic said "we'll check the valves at 24,000".Sounds okay to me.Other than that,everything was okay and got er serviced fine.She runs like a thoroughbred!Just great.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 4/26/2009 @ 11:22 AM *

paladin, big mistake letting the dealer handle your precious. always find a local bike shop mechanic that everyone in your area trusts. do your research in the area (word of mouth around here). but there are very, very few people i would trust my bike to when the time comes and none of them work at dealerships (anymore).