Me again So, as most of you already know I have acquired a 996 with 10,500 miles, 2002 model. The only service history I have is 1 service 400 miles ago in September 2013 which covered: 2xbelts clutch slave cylinder oil filter oil (I know, we agreed I should go for a high millage one with LOADS of history but I got impatient and now it is in broken after 1 day! I have chastised myself plenty already.) So, I'm thinking do I "hope" it had the valves/rockers checked at 6k miles and aim to run it to 12k miles and get them done then? Can you tell from the sound? or does she need to come apart? I will be sorting a new cush drive holder on and sorting the rectifier issue over winter. As I only do about 1k miles a year I was thinking of putting in some quality fresh oil in early spring and then running her over the summer/autumn and then next March (2016) giving her a big service with all new filters, belts, check valves and rocker heads and check the alternator nut torque then.
I'd pay for a good service by a recognised dealer. If anything was amiss theyd find it. Try WM Snells in Alton or Louigi Moto nr Bristol. There are others but those 2 Ive experience of and both are 1st class. It useful to start off on an even keel knowing that your bike is fine.
George don't use a main dealer you'll pay a fortune. I'd highly recommend Baines Racing over at Silverstone when you get to do a full service, and you'll get to ride over the back roads for a bit of fun
I spoke to Baines racing before buying this bike about a different one I had seen. They sounded like they really new there stuff, were really helpful and even sold me on the Sunday morning ride-outs in the summer. I shall be using them for the first service at least. Once she is back on the road and the weather improves I think I will take her there for a pre-spring inspection at least.
Get it serviced over the winter to baseline it. Then it'll be all fresh and ready for spring. Where are you located? That may help people to recommend a suitable place to take it.
I bought my 996 in Feb last year from a dealer. It was, for me, a reckless purchase as I had it shipped up without even seeing it in the flesh, but it was the best decision I made last year. It had had new belts and oil/filter the previous August and valve clearances had been checked a few k miles earlier, so I rode it and bonded with it without worrying too much. Last winter I decided to check the valves myself, and while in there the rockers, as I kept reading horror stories about premature rocker wear. It was a pleasure to work on, mostly. But I did find two badly worn closers, once I'd pulled the cams (dead easy). I sent both to Newmans Cams to get reconditioned, rather than buying another pair of OEM ones. Newmans did a great job, though it took a few weeks (I shouldn't have left it 'til spring). Put it back together, with a few shim tweaks, threw on some new belts, gave it 4 armfuls of fresh blood, and it's been running like a dream all year. The price? Three more points on my licence. What I'm saying is, if you've got the time and inclination, do the service yourself. It'll put a big smug smile on yer face, even if you do find a few issues.
I think I will let Baines racing have the first crack at her then build up over the next few years. Would rather not jump straight in at the rocker heads. Having a GSXRSRAD the last decade and only doing 500 miles a year I have not touched much as I've not needed to and its a nightmare to get into. I need to start learning again.
