I did this to my baby:

-19 000 Km normal service they put the oil, sparks, air filter
-got new fork springs* .90 sonics by the way their oil 10wt
-radiator and oil protector*
-new front brake pads*
-new front brake cables* (longer ones) with their dot4
-new Tourances

They said it took 3/4 of a day to complete

* items with * means I bought myself before

HAVE I BEEN RIPPED OFF?

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K9 ABS 650 BLACK

V-Strom: "The bulletproof machine"

http://v-strom123456789.blogspot.com/

will scan the bill later everything is detailed there

Also where do you guys service your bike?

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K9 ABS 650 BLACK

V-Strom: "The bulletproof machine"

http://v-strom123456789.blogspot.com/

In my garage out of the weather.

If it was at a dealership, you probably didn’t get ripped, you are paying a premium hourly rate for a guarantee of work. If it was a small local mechanic with fewer overheads, check the rates. The average service described is roughly $500 give or take $$$ and depending on the interval (the 24000km service is more due to extra checks and adjustments and possible radiator fluid change as well)
Most of my servicing is done in my shed however I take it to a professional at 24000km intervals where valve clearances are checked and carbies are synced, (sync your own at the 12000km intervals)
BEFORE arriving at the dealership I change the oils, filters, plugs, pads, fluids etc myself as they are easy jobs and I remove the fairings + bash plate (and any accessories that will take time to remove) to reduce the time taken by the dealership which is where most of your cost will be, as any extra time on the workshop floor will cost you $$$$.

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2010 DL650A - black

Tyres alone would be 450+
Fitting brake pads can take a bit if time. It's the diddly stuff you are paying for.
Half a service bill is ALWAYS labour!
Still, that's a few dollars.

Cam

If you learn to do these things yourself (and they really are not that difficult to do)... could have saved youself $600 or so... It's worth it to learn in my opinion...

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'12 DL650 Glee in White

Never argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Sometimes the piece of mind coming from have a good shop do the work is worth it. Especially if the owner is not a mechanical type.
How many threads have you seen, I just worked on the bike. Now it won't run.
If you are happy with the work, don't worry about it.
I always find stuff on sale or cheaper after I've spent the money.

I don't have a garage that's why I can't service myself although is not an excuse, I did somethings myself like installing the pro tapers, brake and clutch levers but for big things I don't really trust myself. Peace of mind is priceless.

But I've got really good suggestions like striping the bike before taking it to the dealership.

If you change the oil yourself what do you do with the old oil? can't put it on the drain isn't? can you cook with it?


I didn't service in the dealership I service at a shop that does more MTX. But the good thing is that the owner races road bikes. There are probably 3 work stations so is like 4 mechanics plus the owner who is a mechanic as well.

I checked the bill and said 6 hours labour at $99 per hour

I would say

-2 hours for the fork springs change
-2 for service
-2 for the rest (change brake lines, brake pads, install radiator and oil guard) including striping the bike and installing the new Tourances


by the way part of the plan was to install rox raisers to mix with my pro tapers that's why I bought new front brake lines but the guy said that some cables wouldn't reach and had to be extended and it would have been like 3 more hours.

...

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K9 ABS 650 BLACK

V-Strom: "The bulletproof machine"

http://v-strom123456789.blogspot.com/

assuming fork spring changes incl fork oil change too then,

the hours do not seem outrageous "by dealer standard" - but i am betting they did hem in about 5 or less at a very leisure rate. I change fork oil incl changing springs in less than 2 hours including a 20mins wait time for oil to drain thoroughly - which i doubt they do. Once your front is off the bike - pads and brake line changes are easy and will probably take less than 2 hours. A competent mechanic who does this day in and day out and are familiar with vstrom has got to be a lot faster than me.

In relation to "piece of mind" - i find it generally it's far from the truth - while our mechanical "know-hows" will not be as good as a good mechanic, most mechanics in this country have a dont care attitude and have limited pride in their job (to put it politely)- you are likely to find extra care that you would give, have not been exercised when servicing your bike.

I understand of your lack of garage dilemma, but know that only you can give the extra care to your bike.

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Finally a bike like Strom i could have as a concubine and my wife doesnt object!

You can use it in an auto chain oiler.

I get tip passes with my rates and the local tip will take small amounts of oil with the rest of my rubbish. It may not help you, but it is what I do.

I also take my tyres in one at a time, off the bike. I know this is also hard for you with no garage, but a thought for later on.