Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech routine maintenance questions

Hey All:
I have about 2500 miles on my '07 TBA. After the 500 mile dealer maintenance I put about 1k maybe 1200 miles, on a long weekend trip from Denver to Sturgis. Since then, I have just tooled around Denver and this past weekend took a trip up to Breckenridge and back. She has been parked in the garage since Sunday morning, only because its been raining quite a bit.
Anywho, I took it out this evening for a short ride, maybe 15 miles and it sounds pretty much like its falling apart. lotsa noise from the chain, really noisy shifting, lots of clicking in neutral, hesitation out of first, (I am assuming the chain needs to be tightened and given the oil level is reading at the lower line, needs some oil too)? I bought the Priority Service maintenance plan upon purchase from the dealer because I am not much of a gear head, (but want to learn!). My next service is at 3000 miles.
My questions are: Is it normal for chain adjustment and refilling the oil between services at the dealer? Could these two issues be causing all the noise and generally rough riding? Maybe the long trip demands maintenance between service at the dealer? Will I have to take it upon myself to do these kinds of tasks, (add oil, adjust chain), on my own between services after longer trips?
Guess I was kinda hoping that during the time I have the service agrement with the dealer, they would keep my bike tight and I could learn how to do basic maintenance on her over the next year... The dealer agreed with this plan upon purchase, saying all I would have to do is "get out and ride it like I stole it!" Maybe this isnt the case?
Any body want to share their thoughts and help a brother out?

Thank you so much.

John if your checking your oil by yourself its hard to tell how much is in there. Have someone else sit on the bike and then check the sight glass. You shouldent need more oil.As for the chain depending how tight they set it to begin with it may be loose. If you ride it hard it will stretch faster so be sure to keep it waxed or oiled and pay attention to its tension.

all the info you need is located in the tech vault.

And if you do need to add more oil make sure it's Suzuki oil

Before I take delivery of a new bike I always check & adjust chain tension and correct rear wheel alignment also oil And brake fluid levels & brakes - dealers get pretty pissed but what the ****** I've just shelled out lotsa money and after all It' my ride and my safety, not theirs.
Hoffo

Wise guy!

Would you expect anything less?

It may be that you need to change dealers. First off, have you been spraying the chain with one of the many available chain lubricants every 200 miles or so? The chain and sprockets should be cleaned as often as practical too. If not, chain and sprockets will wear quickly and need frequent adjustment.
As for the oil, these bikes don't usually use significant amounts unless there is a leak or the engine has lots of miles on it. I would be willing to bet that if you don't see any signs of a leak, the dealer mechanic filled the crankcase when they changed the oil, then forgot to refill it after starting the engine and filling the oil filter. Now, that is just unforgivable.

Nope. dealer tells me that with their maintenance / service program that i dont have to do anything but ride.