Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

Oily Rag - Dedicated to Pat, Greywolf. 26/06/45 - 04/06/18 => Oil/Lubrication => Topic started by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 10:28:07

Title: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 10:28:07
One of our new members, malfos, has just picked up a 2015 Glee and the owners manual has the additional sheet in similar to the new 1000 that shows the new service interval as 7,500.

" One point of interest is that in the service book,there an inserted page that shows the service intervals for the  650 AL5 model, have been increased to 7500 miles"

So they've finally confirmed what we knew all along, they were over servicing it.

Quote taken from the 'What have you done with...' thread.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on November 23, 2014, 10:46:55
About time :thumb: wonder if Suzuki will announce it?
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: tallpaul on November 23, 2014, 10:48:15
I'd be happy to use that schedule for my wee. Other than oil cooler arrangements are the late (K7 on)  wee and glee really that different?
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: user650 on November 23, 2014, 11:21:09
Can I get a refund on my unnecessary service costs bet not
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on November 23, 2014, 11:52:57
I doubt owners older Glees would even be told of the change & they'd happily keep servicing at 3,500 miles for us...
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Frankenstrom on November 23, 2014, 11:56:43
FFS, all I need to find out now is that's there's a way of getting a 10-15% boost in power (for the odd overtake) and I'll not have any excuse to buy to new bike!

Very interested in the confirmation of this as only having to get one service a year is what I'm after (and my only real major gripe with the glee).
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 12:08:57
I've asked malfos to scan the relevant pages for us.

Can always email Suzuki GB for confirmation.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: SimonW on November 23, 2014, 12:12:49
Quote from: "Frankenstrom"
FFS, all I need to find out now is that's there's a way of getting a 10-15% boost in power (for the odd overtake) and I'll not have any excuse to buy to new bike!
Nooooo! You need that new bike, it's perfect for you (whatever it is), it'll make your life complete and you deserve it!  :)
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Frankenstrom on November 23, 2014, 12:21:14
Heheh, the glee has been my first bike. I've loved it, it's been brilliant to learn to properly ride on.

On the odd occasion I have a desire to have a bit bit more poke (for overtaking) and (cost aside) the nearest decent dealer is a 180 mile round trip. I'm seriously pissed off at a 3.5k service interval, that's really what has set me off looking at new bikes. If I go for a euro tour next year I'm looking at either a service beforehand (and not long after I get back) or needing one in the middle.

Can someone advise of who to email at Suzuki GB as my wallet would seriously thank me not spunking £6k on a new bike!
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Frankenstrom on November 23, 2014, 13:03:19
Just spoken with the service department at a Scottish dealer who has confirmed the new 7,500 glee service intervals.

Also asked about cost for a partial Akro exhaust system....  :shy:
Title: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 13:09:07
I'm struggling to find an email address for general enquiries. I've emailed them before though to confirm service requirements for warranty retention.

You've had confirmation, it seems perfectly plausible. I'll be raising my intervals to 7,500 miles starting now, as it's at 11,000 now and was due that service. Happy days.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Petstep on November 23, 2014, 13:32:42
This is great news. I love my strom, but the servicing costs were so excessive I was thinking of going over to a Tiger 800.

Just need to get something in writing from Suzuki now. ...

Would be nice if they made a formal announcement.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: S2Rgar on November 23, 2014, 13:36:45
Great news for a Sunday morning.

My 7.5k service was done at 8800 mls as I was in Germany when it clicked past 7500. I'm now just approaching 12K so I don't think I'll bother with the 11K service at all and just have it done at 14K.

We knew all along 3.5K was ridiculous didn't we  :crazy:
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 15:43:40
I don't think they'll apply the 2015 interval to earlier models, it'll cost the dealers lost revenue. I can't see them successfully arguing warranty claims on the original service intervals though.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Frankenstrom on November 23, 2014, 15:51:24
I spoke to the same dealer again today (on a different but not unrelated matter) and they advised that Suzuki were saying the revised service intervals applied to L5 bikes only....

So, pretty much as we guessed...
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: greywolf on November 23, 2014, 15:57:35
Nothing has changed except the published interval. The bikes have not changed. It's about sales. One of the things a prospective buyer looks at when comparing bikes is the cost of service. Shorter intervals than other makes can hurt sales of new bikes.
Title: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 16:32:17
It's a bit of a joke really, how they front that up with a straight face is beyond me. As I said, my Glee is moving to 7,500 intervals.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on November 23, 2014, 16:54:30
Unless there is a mechanical change to the bike, which there isn't, I don't think Suzuki could argue that any warranty issues were due to longer service intervals on older Glees... my bike will be going to 7,500 intervals too (it was going to once the warranty expired next year anyway)
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: macamx on November 23, 2014, 18:35:25
I have just sent the following email to Suzuki Customer Services. I will post response.

Good morning. As you will see from your records I own a 2014 DL650 and I could not be more pleased with it. I now note that the service intervals for the 2015 model is set at 7,500 miles. As I believe my machine to be mechanically identical to the 2015 model can you please confirm that I may now also observe the 7,500 intervals.

Geoff.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 23, 2014, 18:51:52
That's a hot email, I bet they pass it around a bit before you get an answer. Good work.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on November 23, 2014, 19:17:28
I also emailed Suzuki Customer Services earlier too asking the same question of my L2... I'll post their reply here :thumb:
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: S2Rgar on November 23, 2014, 19:20:49
Yes nice one Geoff..... I'm really keen to hear their response too.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Frankenstrom on November 23, 2014, 19:23:08
I shall await your updates with interest...  :)
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: macamx on November 24, 2014, 18:53:11
Nothing back from Suzuki yet but in fairness I would imagine that most if not all of thier customer service staff are involved with the NEC.

Geoff.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: greywolf on November 24, 2014, 18:58:45
The big issue would be finding the right canned response to adjust so they can reply without actually saying anything new.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 24, 2014, 19:51:08
We know the answer, they just need to either confirm it or lie. It's a warranty issue only now.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Frankenstrom on November 27, 2014, 17:32:22
Sooooooo, nobody got a reply from Suzuki yet then?
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on November 27, 2014, 18:10:47
No reply to my query yet. Could be slow response with NEC being on...?
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Brockett on November 27, 2014, 19:23:44
Hmmm if service interval is 7,500 then will the valve clearance be checked at 15,000?
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Jacko on November 27, 2014, 19:40:08
I would think so, makes sense.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: mr_diver on November 27, 2014, 19:47:25
60k miles on a K6 and no valve clearance required yet  :shrug:
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Petstep on November 28, 2014, 23:23:34
Finally heard back from Suzuki after questioning this on their website:


"Thank you for your recent email. 

Having checked with our Technical Department we can confirm that the service intervals are as followed,
 600 miles or 2 months
4,000 miles or 12 months
7,500 miles or 24 months
11,000 miles or 36 months
14,500 miles or 48 months 

We apologise that you believe our service intervals are too premature and that the prices are expensive.  We continue to monitor our prices and try to make any of our products and services as affordable as we can for our customers. 

Blah blah blah bollocks bollocks bollocks. Frankly Mr Petstep, we don't give a sh1t"

* note: I may have edited the last bit a little.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: greywolf on November 28, 2014, 23:45:44
I would have been shocked if they made the change retroactive. My only surprise is they made a change at all. Is a competitor advertising longer intervals?
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on November 29, 2014, 07:55:46
That doesn't make sense, we've got a member and dealers confirming longer service intervals but Suzuki claiming it's still 3,500 miles. Did I read Suzuki @ NEC say it was longer too?? Did they mention the intervals for the 2015 have increased or skirt the issue? And was the slip supposed to go in the Veek manual only and been given to the Glee owner by mistake?

If Suzuki ever reply to my email I'll go back to them on it. But looks like my next bike will be another brand as they all have intervals at 6k+ miles
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: srtomman on December 29, 2014, 12:28:06
Hi! I'm new on this forum. I bought my Glee in November. When I was ordering it, the salesman at dealers told me about 7500 mi service intervals for L5 revision. Some time after I've picked up my Glee, Suzuki sent me email with survey form. I've filled it in and as personal comments I asked about L5 service intervals and how it affects L4 as they are identical. The response was:
Quote
We can confirm that the service requirements for your motorcycle feature in your owners manual. We can confirm that the revisions made to the service schedule for the L5 model do not affect your machine and therefore and you will need to adhere to the information featured in your owners manual. We offer our apologies for any disappointment caused as a result of this.
:-x So as long as I want to keep my warranty I need to stick to 3500 mi service. After that we on our own anyway. Happy riding!
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: MartinW on December 29, 2014, 14:22:54
So thank them for their reply, then go and ask them exactly what on your L4 is different to the L5.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: tallpaul on December 29, 2014, 14:28:29
L5 onwards are sprinkled internally with unicorn dandruff from new. It's the only difference...allegedly...possibly.

Putting my serious head on for a moment but greywolf is correct in that legally they will never admit that the service intervals have been erm...cautious, as it has been a cash cow for dealers. Market forces are the only driver for this change in interval. Competitors are quoting longer service intervals so they fall in line or risk losing sales. Let's face it, the engine is well proven as durable (bar the odd documented issue) so Suzuki know it won't be a warranty nightmare by extending the service intervals.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: srtomman on December 30, 2014, 14:47:22
Does anyone know where to obtain some unicorn dandruff? I'd do some DIY on my L4. :grin:
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Brockett on December 30, 2014, 17:12:30
I am not a chemist but I think the chemical make up of Unicorn Dandruff is identical to ordinary unpasteurised bullshit.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: Mr Nick on December 30, 2014, 18:30:04
Quote from: "Brockett"
I am not a chemist but I think the chemical make up of Unicorn Dandruff is identical to ordinary unpasteurised bullshit.

It's the white fluffy stuff that looks like it's growing on top....
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: EvilRacer329 on December 25, 2015, 18:56:04
Sounds like we need to do a few oil analyses and confirm that after 3,500 miles the oil is still in good condition. I always thought those intervals were a scam when I had my 650 Bandit, but I was a little more believing when I saw that the 'strom engine only holds 2.2 litres of oil. Hondas all seem to hold 4.0 litres, which in my mind explained why they could get away with longer intervals - it would take longer to chemically break down more oil, or so I reasoned.

I've also heard plenty of stories of car manufacturers basically competing to see who can offer the longest service intervals, with some overdoing it and pushing engines beyond their limits. Have Suzuki really done any testing, or are they just pushing their luck? I don't really want my engine to eat itself given that I've no warranty...

Decisions, decisions!
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: user650 on December 25, 2015, 20:34:42
Just checked and my Glee handbook says about 2400 ml will be needed when only changing the oil and 2750 ml for  oil and filter  :shrug:
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on December 25, 2015, 20:52:03
Stock filter holds 350ml then. I always change both together given filters don't cost that much, and put 2750 in. I also do service intervals at 7,500 miles without issue.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: mr_diver on December 25, 2015, 21:08:28
What you don't tend to hear without owning a Honda, is that most owners of models that have an 8k service interval change the oil every 4k.
That rule applies to the various incantations of the transalp, deauville, pan euro, vtr, vfr, varadero and CBF that I'm aware of.
You are considered reckless if you change at 8k, though most owners change the oil filter every other change.

The transalp/deauville engines have oil capacity/performance comparable to the V-Strom, but the others on my little list are around 4lt or more.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: greywolf on December 25, 2015, 21:09:28
I've seen enough oil analyses from Wees, Glees and Vees to be convinced synthetic oil is good for over 10,000 miles as long as it is less than one year old. 7,500 miles on conventional oil should also be good as long as shifting doesn;t get harder.
Title: Re: New Glee service interval.
Post by: mrp192 on January 02, 2016, 11:08:07
When I ordered my L5 Glee recently the 7500 service intervals were a major factor in my decision. The 3750 intervals for my 2008 650 Bandit became an issue last year when my commute went from 3 miles to 70 miles a day and a service every 2 1/2 months!
Not relevant now I've retired and the Glee will mainly see leisure riding but once the warranty has expired I hope to be able to learn some service skills to do the basic stuff myself.