can anybody recommend a good independant mechanic in the north east to do the 12000 mile service? as the dealers are a rip off, mill ?395, jeffries ?275 when the only main thing they are doing is checking the valve clearances, everything else is no problem.Anyway do you really need the valve...

Hi, I have just completed the bikes first major service. I just wanted to report on the various condition of components etc. I purchased the bike at the end of May, ride it all the time and in all weathers, sometimes solo sometimes 2 up more often than not with luggage. The local dealer put...

A question was posted a while ago about touring on the F. I was at Beaulieu at the weekend for the Motorcycle World show. A couple of us left Coleraine (NI) on Friday at 10:00, got the ferry at Dun-Loaghaire to Holyhead and got back home yesterday (monday) at 17:00. Total 1044 miles and I...

well my yellow GS has had its 600 mile service carried out by Prestige today, dropped it at 8.30am and picked it up at lunchtime...sounding lovely! I did have a loan GS (04 plate) - the lowered version, it really does sit very low, completely different ride...hit the pegs twice round bends!

On another related topic - Would a 300 mile trip on the GS be foolish? I go up to B'ham once a fortnight and thought it might be worth a try....any thoughts? Too uncomfortable or not?

Thought I?d better do a 25 000 mile report on GS Dakar ownership. Servicing etc (miles between changes): Oil and oil filter @ 630, 5557, 4051, 5103, 5278, 4381+ Air filter @ 6187, 6906, 7780, 4127+ Front brake pads @ 12140, 8733, 4127+ Front brake fluid @ 6187, 18813+ Rear brake pads @ 9014...

:shock: Taking the bike in for it's 12000 mile service this saturday (Pidcocks) so if you see someone heading towards Long Eaton, via the a38 at 8am-ish it's probably me,or if you're going there yourself say hi. Just have to wait then and see what the verdict is on what needs doing :think...