I truly wonder how necessary that 12k miles "valve clearance check" is if the bike runs fine and has been used under normal conditions. I bet 99% of cases are: "Your valves are fine" but also: "You owe us $400 for looking." BTW, just checking yourself is not that complicated. And if one side is good, the other one should be too, no? Anyone have different experience (rather than my suspicions and expectations)?

 

All valves need checking. This is because anywhere between valve seat to camshaft can have an imperfection (material faulty) so one valve gap can become smaller while the others can be fine and never change. This type of design (shim) is much better than previous type (tappets) and much more reliable.

Faults do rarely happen & if not checked will lead to expensive repairs. Checking all valve gaps is pretty straight forward & well covered in maintenance manuals.

Getting feeler gauges which include 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 mm feelers is much better to gauge the actual gap rather than 0.05 mm being the minimum and also to note any change subsequently.

When done once it's easier the next time. Just take your time until you are happy with what you've done.

 

No bike is not to technical to do your own maintenance. Several forum members do all the required maintenance and never see a dealer because they chose to. I stick to changing all the fluids and filters and still visit my local dealer just to show support for them.

Lots of how to thread on this forum if you do the search. Also lots of members will talk you along/give advice in difficult areas.
Why is dealer iffy about making an appointment too?

 

No bike is not to technical to do your own maintenance. Several forum members do all the required maintenance and never see a dealer because they chose to. I stick to changing all the fluids and filters and still visit my local dealer just to show support for them.

Lots of how to thread on this forum if you do the search. Also lots of members will talk you along/give advice in difficult areas.
Why is dealer iffy about making an appointment too?

I believe in dealer support totally but part of the enjoyment of motorcycling to me is the maintenance and detailing the bike. As far as appointment it seems they are behind on service at this time and did not or could not be specific on scheduling me.

 

The brake caliper recall is because some will seep small amounts of brake fluid. If yours look good and are dry, I wouldn't worry about it. The brake light recall I have not heard about. I do all my own service except for 12,000 mile valve clearance services.

If you get or share a GS-911 device you can do the brake fluid and ABS service yourself as well.

 

I was told valve maintenance was at 15K on this one.

 

Not too technical at all, like others have said. My '23 GSA just had its 600 mile service. I always like to have this first service done at the dealership. I do like my dealership and I support them with other purchases including Klim gear. But they won't see my bike again unless it's for warranty or recall work. Not even for valves.

 

Two year old thread?

 

I do my own maintenance, haven’t done the valves yet and need the shift cam tool to do it. As far as the recalls go, that has to be done at the dealer. I would call and talk to the service manager, they certainly can schedule the service while you wait, my dealer did. The brake recall takes about an hour, they also did the driveshaft bulletin including replacing the drive shaft all while I waited for 4 hours and gave me a demo bike, Ducati Desert X to ride; I’ll keep my R1250GS….