Newbie question - servicing bike

[Silverspring]

I got my bike a couple of months ago, was MOT'd back in February and has no service history. I've been told by my instructor I should get the clutch adjusted so there is more play in it (currently it's pretty much in or out which makes manoeuvres a bit more difficult as there is very little clutch control) also the chain is a bit slack and the brake fluid reservoir is held on by a worm clamp! So I feel a proper service is required, will keep the receipt (no service book!) and hopefully it will help towards getting a bit more money when I sell it next spring.

I'm thinking about taking it to a Suzuki dealership but been quote £170 - £200 for a full service. Now my car costs £230(ish) for a service at a Mercedes garage, so I'm thinking £170 - £200 is bit steep? but I don't know much about bikes so I though I'd ask on here

Anyone else know other garages in the Edinburgh/Stirling type area that can be trusted, don't want ripped off as I will sound like a complete newbie at any garage I go to (hence why I take my car to Mercedes rather than the local garage!)

[GazW]

Depends on what you are getting for that service.... Did you find out exactly what they are going to do?

If they are going to be doing valve clearences, plus plug, filter, oil change, and the extras you pointed out it seems steep but not excessively so... If its just a plug + filter + oil change then do it yourself and keep the recipts. Whats the value of the bike? I don't think a service will get you 170 quid on the value of the bike. 125's hold their value pretty well. Have you tried a local independant bike mechanic?

Edit; clutch adjusting, how is the clutch on the handlebar adjustment? If it cant be done there, follow it down to the engine casing where the arm is, just before that should be a threaded section of the cable with two nuts, pretty straightforward to adjust. Just need a spanner...

[iiisecondcreep]

Hello

I am near Stirling and have the same problem of not knowing any good garages!

My oh got his speed four at Two Wheels in Edinburgh and will continue to get it serviced there as it has a full triumph service history. He recently had it MOT'd and new chain and sprockets fitted at Honda Phoenix in Grangemouth. I just had brakes fitted at a wee local garage in Bonnybridge and will be getting my bike MOT'd there this week. So far these places seem good!

With regards to the chain and clutch needing adjusted, could you do these things yourself? Still get it serviced at a garage but means they'd check it and it'd be ok rather than having to pay them to adjust it as well. Also its pretty useful being able to do these things yourself for regular maintenance.

Having never done it before, my OH and I have replaced the clutch cable and replaced the chain and sprockets on my bike using the Haynes manual (and advice from interwebby peoples!).

[Stu]

What bike and miles are on the clock?

[Silverspring]

Did you find out exactly what they are going to do? That's for everything but valve clearances (the guy said they recommend that on bikes with 10k to 15k on the clock which my bike doesn't have yet)

Whats the value of the bike? I paid £800 for it but the guy wanted about £950.

how is the clutch on the handlebar adjustment? No idea, I think I'd want to see someone do it first time encase I totally screwed it up!

What bike and miles are on the clock? It's a Suzuki En 125 (basically the GN only slightly more sporty ) It's got 9K on the clock, runs perfectly though it does like the choke out for a good 5 mins on a cold morning!

I might just try a local garage to get the clutch fixed and check the chain, as it has been pointed out it probably wouldn't add much to the value of the bike!

[Stu]

to me thats the right price at a dealer

try and find a independent mechanic they will probably do it cheaper

valve clearances wont need checking at that mileage providing the miles are correct