Hello ErikK, Ive been checking into this for a while now, Ive owned quite a few sport bikes and I have quite a few freinds that are MC tech´s and that IS a valid question. My feeling is - as per to owners manual states, this is an important service, but I believe that most of the dealers use this as an opportunity to get just a little more money, change your oil and filter, ck. the chain then take your check. Im in the auto service industry,(this kind of stuff would not be tolerated with cars) and I think It is a crock of crap when you buy a brand new motor cycle and then immediately take it back to make sure the factory got it all right and tight!!!! What a joke. My question is, at the dealer here, the 500 mi. service costs $125 so I aked them what exactly do you do at that time? Basically what you pointed out and they check the valve lash, and then I asked them, If it needs a valve adjustment do I have to pay more?- YES!!! like it´s a used bike(with no warrantee). anyhow Im hot over this subject, we should complain to Suzuki about this, I dont think this is fair to have to pay for anything that costs more money other than O.&F. LETS PROTEST.Shouldn´t the factory be responsible for getting the thing ready for use? I think the general mindset is,\