wheelwatcher
03-01-2006, 05:05 AM
The following has been posted in the Wee-Strom and the Service and Maintenance section:
I have 700 miles on my 650 V-Strom and am due for the 600 mile first service. I asked my local Suzuki dealer how much is would cost and was told it is a 3 hour procedure and would cost $207 (3X69/hour) plus parts. The dealership where I bought the bike, which is in another state from where I live, told me that it takes 2 hours and would cost $140 (2X70/hour) plus parts. I called back the shop near by me and questioned the service manager why they are charging more than the dealer I bought it from. He told me that they do things above and beyond what my owner's manual mentions for the 600 mile interval, including new spark plugs. NEW SPARK PLUGS?? The manual says they need to be inspected at 4000 miles with no mention of checking them at 600 miles. Am I being scammed by my local dealer who's trying to convince me that I need new spark plugs? He told me that Suzuki reps train the dealer mechanics to perform certain procedures are needed that aren't necessarily required by the Maintenance Chart in the owner's manual. He also said that his shop is much more thorough than required, thus justifying the extra hour of service. What gives? How long did you go before changing the spark plugs on your Wee-Strom? I'd like to hear back from you all before I take it in to be worked on and before I might be swindled out of an extra $69 plus parts. Thanks
I have 700 miles on my 650 V-Strom and am due for the 600 mile first service. I asked my local Suzuki dealer how much is would cost and was told it is a 3 hour procedure and would cost $207 (3X69/hour) plus parts. The dealership where I bought the bike, which is in another state from where I live, told me that it takes 2 hours and would cost $140 (2X70/hour) plus parts. I called back the shop near by me and questioned the service manager why they are charging more than the dealer I bought it from. He told me that they do things above and beyond what my owner's manual mentions for the 600 mile interval, including new spark plugs. NEW SPARK PLUGS?? The manual says they need to be inspected at 4000 miles with no mention of checking them at 600 miles. Am I being scammed by my local dealer who's trying to convince me that I need new spark plugs? He told me that Suzuki reps train the dealer mechanics to perform certain procedures are needed that aren't necessarily required by the Maintenance Chart in the owner's manual. He also said that his shop is much more thorough than required, thus justifying the extra hour of service. What gives? How long did you go before changing the spark plugs on your Wee-Strom? I'd like to hear back from you all before I take it in to be worked on and before I might be swindled out of an extra $69 plus parts. Thanks