12 000 Km SERVICE

[Deon]

Just had my 12 000km's service done ( 7 500 Miles ). Dealer tells me that it is not neccessary to change plugs yet ( although the service manual indicates such ). Any thoughts on this from you guys ???
I have been complaining before about the "harsh" gear change on the GTR but have to tell you that I supplied my own engine and shaft oil for this service ( Liqui-Moly ) and what a difference to the gear change this has made !!!

They also had to replace the screen ( big crack and the 2 black covers had disintegrated to the extent that they "blew" of at about 220Kph). They also replaced the rear TPS ( battery low ). All this was done under warranty though. I notice that the replacement screen has not got the Kawasaki logo on - have read about  this on this forum before though and think someone mentioned that this replacement screen is not so prone to light scratches like the OE one - let's hope that this is the case !!

Would like to know your thoughts on not changing plugs at 7 500 Miles.

Deon

UPDATE : OK guys, no worries !! I found the "search" option 
Looks like the plugs are good for at least 24 000 Km's ( but I will change them at 18 000 anyway ).

Deon

[Winston Smith]

Plugs are probably good for twice that.  I would save the money and do them at 24k or even leave until the next service.

[BigAlan]

My bike will be due the 7500 service soon, prob nearer 8000 miles before it gets there and I will request the plugs are left alone as they will go on for ages, but regards to fluids I want the best even if it costs more, so is it semi synthetic or fully synthetic for the engine, and what do people regard as the best for the rear diff?

Thanks
Alan

[Deon]

Plugs are probably good for twice that.  I would save the money and do them at 24k or even leave until the next service.

Yep, might just do that as I will be doing the next service myself ( bike will be out of warranty by then ).

Deon

[Deon]

My bike will be due the 7500 service soon, prob nearer 8000 miles before it gets there and I will request the plugs are left alone as they will go on for ages, but regards to fluids I want the best even if it costs more, so is it semi synthetic or fully synthetic for the engine, and what do people regard as the best for the rear diff?

Thanks
Alan

Well Alan, I have used Liqui-Moly 10W-40 Semi Synthetic in most of my bikes and I just love the stuff. I don't think it is neccessary to go full synthetic as the semi synthetic oils are just as good in my opinion ( and I change oil and filter every 10 000Km's ). As long as the oil you are using is fit for wet clutches ( API SL/SM/SN and JASO MA rated ).
I've also used the Liqui-Moly gear oil for the shaft ( 75W-90 GL5 ). As you can see, I believe in Liqui-Moly !!!!

Deon

[stued1]

I have just had my 7500mile service ...£380!
Warranty work for gear position sensor and rear shock preload seized so waiting for a new shock ... At 7500 miles ?????
Think I will go back to Honda .. My last blackbird I had for 10 years 75000 miles and no service bills like that and no warranty work ever.. Looks like the gtr has build quality issues.. Not pleased as not a cheap bike ..

[mecki]

I have just had my 7500mile service ...£380!
Warranty work for gear position sensor and rear shock preload seized so waiting for a new shock ... At 7500 miles ?????
Think I will go back to Honda .. My last blackbird I had for 10 years 75000 miles and no service bills like that and no warranty work ever.. Looks like the gtr has build quality issues.. Not pleased as not a cheap bike ..

I guess you didn't tell them not to change the plugs.
Big mistake and a good dealer would have recommended not to change them unless your bike was at least 2 years old.
That's 4 hours labour and £80 for new Iridium plugs for nothing because your plugs were just fine.
My GTR has now 13500 miles on the clock (still the original plugs) and the only thing that has been replaced so far were the front brake pads and the air filter at 13000 miles.
And even my original preload adjuster is still in perfect working condition.

[tapps]

i had my 7.5k service done last friday.
FILTER-ASSY-OIL
ELEMENT-AIR FILTER
SPARK PLUGS
SILKOLENE PRO 4 10W/40 OIL
WASTE DISPOSAL CHARGE
SERVICE CONSUMABLES
WASHER
EP80/90 500ML

LABOUR=£182.75
PARTS   =£126.92
VAT       =£ 61.93

TOTAL      £371.60.

[BigAlan]

i had my 7.5k service done last friday.
FILTER-ASSY-OIL
ELEMENT-AIR FILTER
SPARK PLUGS
SILKOLENE PRO 4 10W/40 OIL
WASTE DISPOSAL CHARGE
SERVICE CONSUMABLES
WASHER
EP80/90 500ML

LABOUR=£182.75
PARTS   =£126.92
VAT       =£ 61.93

TOTAL      £371.60.

Chuffing hell, I will be servicing my bike this Saturday morning and so far, silkolene 10/40W oil and filter has cost £39.99 the new K&N air filer was £35, thismismnot needed you can get a cheaper one but what the hell, rear diff oil is something less than £5, no plugs as not needed in my opinion yet, and my mate loses the waste oil for me.

Bit of a saving I think you will agree, I do also spend time every month going round the bike cleaning and checking calliper and pads etc.

Alan

[Boomer]

Changed my plugs at 25k miles and they looked nearly new.
No erosion to the tips or the tang, insulator was a light tan colour.
Dealer asked me if I wanted the old plugs and when I said no, he said he was going to fit them in his bike.

[nogoslow]

When i  bought my GTR i went to my local dealer for a quote for the 7.5k sevice. They wanted £100 for what is basically a visual inspection. Just look at your handbook for what is required. They wanted more than double that if i wanted the oil changing not including diff oil. To be fair to them though they did say it wouldn't need plugs. but still!!!!!!!

I refuse to pay a dealer to check stuff that i can easily do myself, and i know that if i do it it everything will get checked properly. I worked in a bike shop some years ago and it was pretty standard to get the junior/apprentice mechanic do do the basic service work saving the experienced guys for the bigger jobs. I'm not convinced that the young apprentice on minimum wage is going to do the job that well.

I just did my 15k for around £85. That included semi synth' top quality oil,genuine filter, diff oil and a washable BMC air filter (much better than K&N in my opinion).  You just need to look at the service schedule in the owners manual and work your way down the list for your mileage.

When it comes to the big service at 24k i will be taking it where they look after my race bike. i doubt it will be cheaper than a kawasaki dealer but again i know it will be done right.