I am new to the world of motorcycles but have landed myself an '04 monster 620. It has about 11,800 miles it and am curious as to the maintenance. I called around and the local shop said i should do the belts and valves (oil too but i did that myself) for around $750.
Which brings me to my question, how critical is that maintenance? Could i throw on 500- 1000 miles on it and just do the maintenance at the beginning of next season?
first off welcome to two wheels, and to dmf, well you are close to the 12000 mile service and just as you should with a car you should do with a motorcycle doing routine maintenance will save you money in the long run. the valves are due for adjustment every 6K miles and the belts ever 12k or 2 years what ever comes first, if your handy with wrench, those things are not to hard to do your self. if I was you I would do the belts and the valve adjustment, the price might hurt now but it will keep you happy in the long run.
ride safe
The spec on belts is 12,000 miles or 2 years, if you don't have records of when they were changed then you should do that now. A broken belt will cost you at least bent valves while new ones are around $100 and a few hours time. The valves can wait.
Quote from: Peggy on June 25, 2012, 03:25:00 AM
The spec on belts is 12,000 miles or 2 years, if you don't have records of when they were changed then you should do that now. A broken belt will cost you at least bent valves while new ones are around $100 and a few hours time. The valves can wait.
What he said.
You can probably beat the $100 price for belts thru sponsors here, they are easy to change and tension, one tip is to immobilize the cam pulleys
(single outer pulleys) - I use longer screws in place of the short ones you might find in the belt housing. Good luck and safe riding.
Thanks guys it looks like i should definitely get the belts done promptly before i put too much more stress on them given i don't know their condition.
The valves on the other hand; can they wait?