Checking valve clearances

[Gone in 60]

My epiphany on service work came back in the mid 1980’s on my newly purchased ‘83 GS750ED Suzuki. The initial 600 mile service was stressed by the selling dealer as extremely important and vital to keeping the factory warranty in place. I was a poor kid at the time and the cost was rather substantial but I wanted it done right so off to the dealer it went.

Several weeks later I was cleaning the bike and after removing the tank and side panels I noticed several fasteners either loose or altogether missing. Knowing the bike did not come from Suzuki missing fasteners, at that time I committed to getting a factory service manual and doing my own work. No one is ever going to take the time and care doing work on your bike like you would. Take your time, read up on the procedures in advance, ask questions when needed and remember it’s not rocket science.
People are human and we all make mistakes but the tech mentioned above did not make a mistake. He lied and tried to cheat a customer…. big difference and regardless of staffing issues he should have been shown the door on the way out…

My last BMW was subject to numerous recalls which, for the sake of safety, were done at a local dealership with a good customer service record. Still, after each repair, I found numerous missing screws. After the first time, to save the effort of having to go back again, I’d closely inspect my bike when I went to pick it up, count up the missing screws, point them out, and wait while someone in the parts department got some for me.