Additional benefits to servicing ur Alp

[Farky]

Ive had my Alp since April 08 and covered just under 20k miles with dealer servicing covering the first 3 services as bought in a service pack.

This meant I had the 4, 8 and 12k services done for me, including the most expensive services based on time costs.

So - I just done the 16+20k service bar the valve clearances which I dont reckon will need to be done til about 28k.

After all these dealer services, I always reckoned the bike came back with more rattles than it went in with but thought it was just me.

As I serviced my bike with plenty of time to do it, I decided to go over every knut and screw on the fairings to ensure they all where fastened properly.....and plenty werent! Mainly the air ducts attached to the inner side of the side fairings.

Winter proofed all knuts whilst I was there and I know am the proud owner of a rattle free, winter ready Transalp...

If your getting loads of noise/rattles, tackle the fiddly side fairings and under cowl and you wont regret it....but make sure you have time and patience.

[StumpyFingers]

I am in the process of going over my alp checking for rust and loose fittings and will then coat it with scottoiler 365 ready for the winter.

[oggy]

Farky - good for you. I always steer well clear of dealers and their sharp practices - never met a good one yet. If you must give someone else your pride and joy, seek out a good independent.

For the most part, servicing is fairly simple - I'm sure its not beyond most folks' ability to change the oil filter, drain the oil, check the breathers etc and of course gives you a sense of satisfaction and keeps your money in your walllet.

Valve adjustment isn't so much of a bother either. Most of the time is taken up with removing all the bits so as you can gain access. Once you are there, it is quite straightforward. After the initial adjustment, I would agree there should be no need for a further one for a long while.

I am not too bad at the spannering, so chain/sprockets/bearings etc fall under my remit. Tyres I leave to the shop - they can do it much quicker as they have the gear.

I've always felt there is far too much emphasis on "servicing" and have a sneaking suspicion that it is an easy way for the dealer to relieve you of your hard earned. Do it yourself - hey you may even learn something..

[iainnic]

The new alp services certainly seem to need the valves done regularly - seems to be every 8k miles the same as the dullville. An independant told me that from what they have seen of the 700 twin there's no real need to do the valves that often, but it's Honda who recomend it. Seems excessive, or it is emissions and "driving business" that needs this ? Looks like the 8k service from Honda is £200 !!!

Iain

[moon]

I last checked valve clearences on my 600 at 80000km, they didn't need adjusting, I treated her to a shop service (not a dealer) last month for her 100000km & the guy said that he'd wasted his tim getting to them to check them cos they didn't need touching.

[StumpyFingers]

I adjusted mine the first service I did at 24,000 miles, last winter while the bike as in bits for the winter check I decided to check them again, they did not need doing but I made sure the adjusters ere nipped up properly. I will do them again only if they develop a rattle. I am however going to replace the spark plugs as the bike is in bits and I can reach the top two plugs.