My 250Rs 500 mile service

[xeon]

Well... picked up my bike today from its 500 mile service. I was pretty sure checking the valves at the 500 service should be done and adjusted if necessary. The Owners Manual has it noted to check and adjust if necessary in addition to seeing it noted from other sources(net). I thought the $129 + parts number I was quoted sounded great since it was supposed to include valve check/adjustment.

The guy I spoke with on the phone before dropping my bike said the checkup contained checking/adjusting valves. The guy behind the desk also stated the same thing when I dropped it off. The guy who took my bike from the front of the store to the service area also confirmed it when I asked him. Yes I asked all of them the same question among other things... the valve part was the "biggie" for me.

When I picked up my bike and asked about the valve clearances... I was told the mechanic said it did not need to be done until 1700 miles or something... who knows where that number came from. The manual says 500 and 6K. I had to walk out... at the moment I was really irritated. Did I really pay $159 for them to check the bike over, adjust throttle play and change the oil?

I am 99.99% sure they need to check the valves... looking for a backup here. I might even call Kawasaki and see if I can get them to fax me something to take back to the dealer. I have had a horrible string of luck lately with customer service. God only knows what people do with your stuff when you leave it in someone else's hands. At this point I even hate the idea of the shop doing the service "correctly"... the old cook spitting in my sandwich type of thing.

[Ninjeff]

uhg. you just had to post THIS huh? Man. My service is next week. Now im paranoid. Dont think it'll be a big issue, though. Ive riden with 3 guys that work there a few times. And my bass player's brother works there and is pretty straight up. Plus ive spent a butt load of cash, they know me by name...and seem like all around good people. So.....here is hoping.......

How does the bike run now? Better? The same since they didnt do the job well?

Good luck my friend. Let us know how it turns out.

[xeon]

Sorry man... but I just had to share. Honestly, it runs the same. I guess there is a little less play in the throttle... YaYYYYYY!!!!

[xeon]

OK.... I feel paranoid now. The guy who sits behind the counter took my call. He said the mechanic "did" check the valves and they were all within Kawasaki spec. The claim is a miscommunication between the guy who gave me the answer yesterday and the mechanic who stays downstairs in the shop. Errr, sounds the king daddy of brain farts to me.

My BS meter is going off... the specific question was "what was the outcome the valve check" and the answer was they do not need to be checked (yesterday). Either the guy who brought my bike to me really butchered the pooch or I'm being fed a line. To add on to that, it seems from reading on the 250 forums no adjustments at 500 is rare.

I may just check the valves myself since this will be the last time I take my bike to have work done. At this point I think I just paid for a very expensive oil change and inspection. Ooopss, they also adjusted some throttle play out. :sarcasm:

[Ninjeff]

ouch dude. That one burns. Yea...i would say your BS meter should be hitting red line. Thats why i took the day off and am gonna kick aroudn the shop that day (when i get my service done) Im the only bike scedualed so it shoudnt take TOO long (right?) and i know some guys there so i will have someone to talk too.

[pester]

when i went to the shop to get my inspection sticker done,, my left turn signal was broken

it costed me 6.50 plus 12.50 for sticker almost 20 bucks and they did changed the light for me

now maybe next time they will try to murder me he he

[Ninjeff]

"God told john. come forth and u will get eternal life, instead john came fifth... and won a toaster"





thats the funniest thing ive ever seen. Im still laughing...nonono...im crying......oh jeez.....i love it/

[nevin]

*sigh* its time for my 500 to get its 500 mile service...gosh now i to am a little paraniod...

[pester]

lmao what was funny what i said or the signature? ha ha

[Tweek]

I just crossed the 400 mark today so next weekend will be time for my bike. Guess I'll ask lots of questions. I'm a decent wrench but I would prefer to have somebody else bust their nuckles.

Guess I need to go look up what is supposed to be done. Especially sense I was a sucker and prepaid my services.

[Ninjeff]

Originally Posted by pester

lmao what was funny what i said or the signature? ha ha

the sig....its classic.

[Jonchilds]

Valve clearances are really easy to *check* yourself, provided you have some tools and possibly a spare gasket laying around.

A set of feeler gauges will cost you less than $10 (can get cheaper), and you simply bolt the valve cover off most bikes and check the clearance between the cam lobe and the top of the valve assembly when the valves are closed (eg, TDC crank position).

If you're in doubt, do the check yourself and see if they do actually need shimming. (IIRC, clearance should be ~0.002-0.004in, ~0.05mm) for most bikes...