First Maintenance...Can I do most of it myself?

[dale3h]

I talked to the dealer today and they said that I need to bring my car in for the first maintenance. I was wondering what of it that I can do myself.

The bike has 580mi on it now. They said the first maintenance is: oil change, chain lubed and adjusted, valves adjusted, and carb adjusted.

I changed the oil at 330mi, so I know I can do that.

How hard is it to lube and adjust the chain? Can I do this myself?

I don't know anything about adjusting the valves or the carb, so I'll probably let them do that unless someone can explain/show me a link to the process.

Anywho, they said the labor is like 2.5 hours. Oil change should should cut off .5 labor, even though it takes 10 minutes. Like I said, I want to save as much money as possible, but still do it right. PLEASE HELP!

[CORSCO]

What kind of bike are we talking about?

[dale3h]

Sorry, I knew I had forgotten something. It's a 2006 Ninja 260R.

[CORSCO]

Not sure if that model calls for a valve adjustment at the first service or not. If it does then get it done at a dealer if you have not done it before, although it is screw and locknut design. The only other item is the carb synch. which you need synch sticks for (or the almighty Vacuum Mate!).
Everything else you should be able to do. Oil/filter change, adjust/lube chain, adj. cable freeplay (clutch and throttle), tire psi, brakes. No need to check the air cleaner at first service.
I advise doing whatever is called for. The only items I skimp on is re-greasing steering head, swingarm bearings...cause it is more cost effective to replace these items when they wear out...but that comes later in its life.

[CORSCO]

Oh yeah, the 2.5 hr. quote sounds about right. And so does the .5 take off for you changing your own oil. That is how most shops do it. Shops charging .5 for oil changes is the norm.