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Thank you for your kind comments... lovely bikes with real world engines and ample power where you need it on the road. All the best mate, hope you enjoy lots of great times on your 1250 🏍️👍

Yes I could have shown a bit more detail when fitting the oil filter... Sorry about that.

Thank you for your kind comment

Great for starting a bonfire

Wow... take a bow you clever individual. When your side stand gives way and you shag your bike take another bow too. 😁

@@markhorton7013 yeah if your sidestand is made from aluminum rofl last time I checked they are made from steel. I've pivoted zx14's, busa's and concourses the only bike I haven't been able to pivot is a goldwing because it's stupid heavy. The bandit isn't light but isn't really that heavy, pivoting bikes is a thing and as a motorcycle owner you should know how to do it, just like knowing your service intervals.

I guess the clue is in the title, SIDE STAND, not PIVOT STAND. You go for it keyboard warrior, hats off to you... whoop whoop 🤭👍

Hiya buddy... without checking the manual off the top of my head the 650 is similar to the 1250 and I'm afraid if your valve clearances are out of spec you will need to change the shims to bring it back into the required tolerances. Sadly we are talking camshafts removal and refitting, timing etc which is not a bad job especially as you've come this far, rocker cover off etc. Sorry if you didn't want to hear that mate. All the best Mark

@@markhorton7013 Thank you Mark. Ill get it into the bike shop as I yave looked through the manual and still no wiser.

@@BullyBonanza there is a chart in the manual that explains the correct size shim you need to replace the existing one with given the tolerance range and the thickness of the one in question. There is quite a bit involved and if you're not comfortable I'd certainly recommend leaving it to the mechanics at the shop who have all the equipment etc. All the best my friend 👍

@@markhorton7013 Thank you Mark. It definitely better in the right hands.

Good investment my friend, I still use mine several years on. Not everyone has the luxury of a big area of hardstanding to turn their heavy bikes around comfortably and safely. All the best buddy 👍🏍

Great comment.... you're just too funny Laughing Dog, think you belong on a stage.

@@markhorton7013 maybe.. i love your videos man gives me the confidence to try my own servicing

@@laughingdog1125 Go for it buddy... you never know it may well work for you too. All the best 👍🏍

I use 10 w30 moble one

All the best my friend.... hope your clearances are all in spec and you have peace of mind knowing you checked them (and if need be made the necessary adjustments) rather than not knowing and doing further damage through ignoring the schedule. Kind regards.

No worries Steve, I'm enjoying playing with the Ghost X but not been on the bike much this year to try it out properly. Hoping I'll be good to go in the spring after my op. Hope everything's well with you buddy and you're thoroughly enjoying your retirement. Take care mate.

Cheers Mark been a rough week had the op last Monday 7 October Ouch! But as the week has gone on feeling a dam sight better. Can not drive the car for 3 weeks so I should imagine be 4 weeks before getting back on the bike. I have stock piled some video up so I have been putting it on youtube. Not nice them operations but they are a means to an end so just gotta get them over and done with and out the way. Speak to you shortly Steve.

@@morphyridesagain9270 Glad that's out the way for you Steve, it's the recovery that tests your patience tho eh. Those early days are a bind. I'm not looking forward to mine and being incapacitated too although it will be through the winter going into spring so all being well I should get out some next season ....All the best.

Fingers crossed for you Mark once it is sorted you can put it to bed and get on with your life. I just got to go for staples taking out this Thursday then back to hospital in six weeks.

@@morphyridesagain9270 ...you'll be itching to back to those lovely bikes of yours buddy and as you say it'll all be behind ya and you can get on with life again. All the Best Steve for a speedy recovery mate.

Hi Vadim, Glad my vid helps people like you that also love to take care of their motorbikes. There is no torque setting in my workshop manual so simply tighten the bolts nice and snug without overtightening them and causing damage. As for the grease on the gear shifter pivot point a white lithium based grease or a general purpose grease will suffice and help to keep the shifter changing nice and smoothly. All the best and take care buddy

I guess I'm a bit late but my last bike was a gs500f and now I have the bandit. I'll never go back to a carbureted bike...

Thank you for your kind words... like yourself I just love to tinker with my pride and joy and I can be guilty of neglecting the front sprocket area too so I thought I'd bite the bullet and treat the Versys. My previous bike a Suzuki Bandit 1250 also had the added problem of a Hydraulic clutch and the slave cylinder, pushbar and seal were right there near the front sprocket so it was a task I kept an eye on so as not to build up too much gritty oily paste that could have potentially become a problem.

Yes I've been looking and they aren't cheap. Are you sure that you need to change all 4? Have you looked at a motorcycle breakers yard or even ebay for used items.

Hiya Morphy, I do like to keep her clean but sometimes it can't be helped and you get caught in a downpour and you just have to deal with it eh. Great that Sprocket may join you on some of those amazing rides you go on. Once she sees all that beauty from the pillion seat there'll be no turning back my friend. I'll sort a date out soon and Me and Carol will meet up with you both for a day if you're free that week... share some miles, smiles and a few brews eh. Take care buddy.

Thank you Your Lordship... messy but worth it eh. Wish it had Shaft Drive sometimes tho lol.

Hi Bick Mitchum.... I purchased it from a company called EasyTurn in Havant Hampshire. They manufacture 2 sizes I believe and the one I went for is the 50cm turntable. Amazing bit of kit and I still use it 3 years on to turn my bike around safely without the fear of dropping it in my confined parking area where I store my bike. Here's a link to their page on Ebay... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292472058147 and here's a link to their website and contact details if you want to deal with them direct. www.easyturn.co.uk/ Hope that helps my friend.

@@markhorton7013 you are a true gent thanks very much ! Deffo look in to getting one of these

@@BickMitchum ....they can be used in pretty confined areas where turning your bike is so difficult. This video initially set me on the track to finding and buying one and demonstrates how useful they can be... czcams.com/video/e221DXbDIZs/video.html although it is not the one I bought from easyturn it defo brought home to me the value of owning one of these for my situation. RSM8

Thanks for the positive comments.... they are great bikes indeed. The engine is superb with all the power right where you need it most without having to wring its neck. A big hello to y'all down there in South Australia from Lincolnshire, UK.

Good for you... go get 'em my friend

Shamalan On-Time... Thank you for your kind words. The additional Red Wires you refer to are Positive supply feeds to some accessories I had fitted to the Bike. I upgraded the stock horn to a pair of dual tone horns that were far more superior than the original and I also had a pair of heated grips and a USB charger for my mobile phone (Which I used as a Sat Nav in a waterproof case mounted on the handlebars). They were all fed power from a switched live relay under my seat to keep the connections watertight....Hope that helps.

Neatly done Mark !!! I myself have 2 relays ( separately fused ) at the tool kit area. 1 for the twin horn upgrade and the other for an Oxford twin USB charger, looped to a Digital Volt Meter. The relays fit perfectly at the tool storage compartment area and certainly give me the confidence that the original wires are not overloaded beyond intentions of the engineers nor will they arc or be a potential fire hazard. Cheers !!!

You sound like a carbon copy of myself my friend... it's good to care and put the effort in when doing a proper job. I see some efforts on you tube and I shudder to imagine the heartbreak of their beloved machines going up in smoke through poor planning and consideration to wire gauge, fuses and general overloading or potential short circuiting when adding aftermarket extras.

Your bike, your money.... your call. So valve clearances NEVER get smaller only bigger..... hmmm. Just for info of course check out this snippet and decide for yourself www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php?topic=7332.0 .....Different engine but principles are the same.

Hi Richard, To be fair I was following the service schedule and checking the Valve clearances as per the recommended interval purely because I wanted to know how the clearances were doing. Checking is a whole lot less involved than adjusting which does entail camshafts removal to gain access to the shims and of course re-alignment thereafter. I was rather hoping that this was going to be the case so I could have progressed the video further to help others but in this instance I didn't need any further action. I pondered about uploading the footage I'd taken and felt at least it may help others to decide whether or not it was a task they would feel comfortable in doing. You tube is an amazing place to meet new friends as I have discovered and of course share information on any subject... I use it quite a lot and felt I just wanted to give something back.

Mark Horton I am all for following the manufacturer recommendations and really enjoyed the video. If anything, it's worrying that dealers don't follow those recommendations, especially as most customers would probably expect that they did.

my bandit is now 66000km and its in 9th year..never adjusted the tappets before !!. there are problems creeping...1) valve cam cover seal looks gone and the 2 ) sump cover sealing also leaking oil...

Hopefully nothing too serious. These bikes get you spoiled with their dependability, huh? Lol.

Just passed 18000 miles now and enjoying every time I go out on her....

my 2006-1200 air cooled bandit is approaching 65000km...havent adjusted these yet, not really noisy so i didnt, it should be slightly easier cos theres no radiator hose to play with, i also thought of blocking off the PAIR system completely, to get rid of that ''sputterring'' whenever you open or close the throttle

If you have any worries mate don't hesitate to ask... changing the spark plugs was ok using the tools provided in the standard toolkit that came with the bike. There are cutouts on either side of the frame just at the place where you pass the spark plug tool down into the cylinder head for pots 1 & 4 which really helps too. It'll all come clear as you do it : )

Matthew Jackson... thx. Lovely bikes and I'm sure you'll get lots of pleasure from yours too. According to the service schedule in my workshop manual they recommend 'Check The Spark Plugs' Every 4000 miles (6000km) and Replace The Spark Plugs With New Ones' Every 7500 miles (12000km). I do an Annual service where I change all the basics using a full service kit I get from CJ Accessories on ebay. (This includes 4 NGK CR7E Spark Plugs, Gen. Suzuki Air & Oil Filters and Putoline Sport4 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil along with a Sump Plug Washer) They are helpful, reliable and I save a few quid over my local Suzuki Main dealer - let alone of course the labour charge. (They will make up a part specific kit for you if you ask too.) My Bandit is 7 years old this month and well out of the need for warranty stamps in the service book - however that doesn't stop me taking care of the job and recording the details in the service book for future reference. I've only had her 18 months and I only average approx 3k miles per year and what I do is well over and above what is necessary - however I do get peace of mind knowing they're all done and in one go and I have reliability on all my journeys thus far. She rides so smooth and cleanly and I also enjoy maintaining her myself. Naturally it's a choice thing and you have to weigh up the pros and cons of cost, reliability, spare time etc. So in answer to your comment.... Some of the questions that spring to mind are: Do you know when they were last changed? What condition are they in? What sort of history/Bills/Receipts did you get with your GSX FA? Is it still in warranty and do you want to preserve that? (ie: entrust the bike to your local dealer and continue with a fully stamped up service record) Hope all goes well - Ride Safe ....regards Mark

I would do it anyway, then you have a starting point for your maintenance schedule.

cagekicker78.... afraid not my friend you do need a centre stand for this particular turntable. There are plenty of alternatives/options for you though if a side stand is all you have. There are rear paddock stands with a set of dolly wheels that enable you to move the bike easily in confined spaces. There are also ramps that have a side support that protrudes out from the main ramp and accommodates the bike on the side stand. It too allows easy 180 degree turns and more movement options. Take your time before ordering and invest a bit of time in researching and looking at the different choices. I personally couldn't be without a motorcycle turntable now... I've nearly dropped the Bandit once thru turning my bike to face the opposite direction and not using such a device and I can vouch for it being a worthwhile investment if space is tight where you store your bike. Good luck and if you need any further help don't hesitate : )

Mark Horton hi. Check out my turntables on Facebook or CZcams

Nigel Sales, you still making the turntables for bikes?

WAGWAN CITY... Hi glad the vid may help people like you looking to embark on the task of checking. The workshop manual calls for a check at 14,500 miles or 24000km. There is lots of info regarding changing the shims to bring the valve clearances back into spec available on youtube. The principles are pretty straightforward however make sure you have a decent workshop manual and a good toolkit, including torque wrenches etc. Cheers Mark

Mark Horton ah right, mines at nearlly 24000 miles, at the end of the year i may do a major service whiles it winter

Do you know if they've been checked previously? How long have you had the bike miles etc. Oil & filter changes are key to looking after your engine. I have already put up a video showing the essential routine service like oil filters and plugs etc if it helps. May I also add the valve clearances are generally pretty good on these engines depending on how you ride and use them overall of course. I don't abuse mine and at nearly 17k she sounds and runs beautifully. The cost to check the clearances is minimal really... rising a bit more for changing any shims. You will save lots by doing it yourself and of course the peace of mind knowing you've seen and recorded the measurements (even after change of shims) for future reference. Good luck and take your time : )

Mark Horton my neighbour had owned the bike for about 4 years and i dont think theyve been done and theres no receipt to say so either, over the last 4 years or so its done around 2000 miles a year, its had a coolant change, engine and filter change.

It's peace of mind to check and know the clearances certainly at 15k intervals. Approx cost for DIY is not huge and as I have said before, I believe worthwhile. There are some people will argue that you can ignore and leave for several miles more than the recommended interval. That's down to the individual in the end... I know when i come to sell my bike on I can show evidence receipts, data recorded and video footage photos etc. that it was carried out and as i said worthwhile. I wouldn't purchase a bike that has been neglected and not maintained at the intervals required. It's a big enough investment buying a bike in the 1st place without bringing on financial headaches for yourself at a later date. On the topic of Valve Clearances you would notice a strong tap tap tapping noise coming from the valve cover area when the engine is running if any of the valve clearances are excessive... This in the long run left unrectified will wear your camshaft lobes unnecessarily. On the other hand if they were too tight then you would see poor engine performance caused by lack of compression and the potential for damaging valve seats and valves which throws up other costs and factors to consider. I enjoy looking after my Suzuki Bandit and the pleasure it gives me... I also recognize not everybody wants that responsibility and that's what the dealers are for. Good luck my friend if you decide to tackle it yourself... research, obtain the facts and ensure you have the right tools knowledge and equipment to complete the task. Take your time and work cleanly and methodically. Make notes/take photos as you go if it helps..... Cheers Mark

That's cool my friend....each to their own. Very hard to generalise such a topic... Do I bother/Don't I bother with so many factors to consider. If you've owned the bike from new then only you know how hard you've pushed that engine and that's fair to make that call if you choose. On the other hand If she's had a few owners and you're down the road of ownership and they've not been checked you just don't know. The vids are there if people want to see what's involved in simply checking the clearances. Personally for the small cost in gaskets I'd rather be safe and sure that I seen them clearances with my own eyes. Motorbike workshops will charge you a hefty fee just to look at the recommended service interval and of course an even bigger fee should there be any adjustments required. (There's also the charge for the adjustment that was 'carried out' that 'wasn't carried out' if you get my drift lol) That's fine cos after all they got a business and overheads to cover. However if you like to look after your own 'out of warranty' motorbike and keep some of that money for other mods/accessories there's nowt wrong with a bit of diy provided you tackle the job properly. Personally I'm happier to continue riding without the question mark hanging in my mind safe in the knowledge I'm good to go.... i certainly wouldn't want the bill associated with neglecting the valve clearances and the damage/costs that ensue. How many recalls have there been with Suzuki regarding Valve clearances on their Vstrom 650 just as an example? Freedom of choice for all concerned - I still like to help tho. Ride safe Motor City Man - Regards Mark : )

Ok, just a FYI for you though. I've talked to many owners of the Bandit 1250 and not a single one had to adjust the valves when checked at 14,500 like the manual says or even at 25,000 or 30,000 miles.

455Transam like I've said before. .. the vid is there if anyone wants to know what's involved. I choose to follow the schedule for peace of mind and I'm pleased I do for the record. When I sell my bike it's service history and info is what the buyer is interested in. I could say nah they've never been checked mate... they're good to go forever lol. I'm gonna retire on this subject and say.... It's up to each individual whether or not to check... at the end of the day it's their call. Ride safe my friend

Who would want to push a bike like the bandit on track day unless you've made some serious mods - it was never built for that... if you're in that sort of league get a race machine like everyone else. R1, S1000RR etc. and then enjoy the track. Might I add you gain nowt from revving the Bo**ocks out of these brilliant bikes - the power delivery is much lower down and suited to the road where the majority of owners enjoy them. If you're racing the Cr*p out of them on a track then you should already know about routine maintenance sir... this video is not aimed at people like yourself and others who clearly know what to do - it's there to help those that want to tackle their own routine maintenance and show them that it's not rocket science. There are some dealers that will have you shi**ng your pants over such a project and stinging your wallet too - although I do respect the fact that there are people happy to entrust their local dealer which is also absolutely fine. There are people that want to explore the pleasure of looking after their own machines - especially when they are long since out of warranty - and why not? I don't get ripped off and I know my bike really well because I take care of my own machine and derive an immense pleasure from doing so, I also like to help other people where I can. It's just a shame I didn't need to change the shims this time 'cos that would have been helpful to a lot of people... but then again there is a lot of info posted on youtube on the general theme that will help the inexperienced gain confidence to tackle such projects. Ride safe My friend : )

I was just making a point....if you use the bike for track days and ride fast it would be worth checking the valves...but if your just a average road rider I wouldn't bother checking them valves till 30thou...your just wasting your time and money.

Fair point my friend... still worth checking at the recommended intervals to be safe. That way you can nip any necessary adjustment in the bud before it becomes a more expensive headache. Take care. Regards Mark