[The CyberPoet]

KNOW THIS:
If you buy all the tools you could possibly need (list on KR here somewhere), including a full set of Craftsman tools (lifetime warrantee), the tappet tool, feeler gauges, carb sync tool, and a torque wrench suitable for the job, plus the oil, oil filter and spark plugs, you're still a little under or right at the same price... And the next time you do the service, it will only cost you oil + plugs -- plus you'll have decent tools for life

Tool List on my website for General Kat maint & valve adjustments (may not be 100% complete, but ought to be): http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/Kata...tool_list.html

IMHO: although it's time-consuming to learn to do the process the first time (right way to use feeler gauges, right way to get the fairings off, caution with the retightening of bolts), it's a great learning experience and a good way to get into wrenching your own stuff.

If you decide to go that route, shoot me a PM and I'll get you set up with the specialty OEM tools & supplies you should have (Tappet Tool - $6, Oil Filter Wrench - $4.50, Oil Filter - $8.50, see http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58596 for details).

For an example of what you're facing in terms of work (complete with pictures), see this page on my website (note -- applies only to all years of Kat 750's, 88-90 Kat 600, plus 98-06 Kat 600's):

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/katana/trinc/valve.htm

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

__________________________________________________ ________
CyberPoet's Katana Maintence and Upgrade Parts Offerings
The Best Metal Steel Aluminum Motorcycle Tire Valves in the World, plus lots of motorcycle & Katana (GSX600F / GSX750F) specific help files.

[FASHER]

I can handle the oil and removing the fairings no problem. Whether it goes to the stealership to the "shade tree mechanic" it's going nekked.

I appreciate the links and offer, but for the sake of my Kat, I just don't think I need to tinker around on the engine. I'll probably just hit the shop that gave me the $275 quote.

[The CyberPoet]

I appreciate the links and offer, but for the sake of my Kat, I just don't think I need to tinker around on the engine. I'll probably just hit the shop that gave me the $275 quote.

If you do, make sure they give you in writing what they are going to do for you in advance of the work, and that the list specifically says valve adjustment, carb sync. I know mom-n-pop places that will do the work for that price (because they're hungry and want the business), but they're few and far inbetween.
Would also suggest you bring them a copy of the Suzuki Service Manual on CD (or better yet, a print-out of the specific section in chapter 1 with the how-to for the valve adjustment & other items of the 7500 mile service + the bolt-torque charts) when you take the bike in -- that way, if they miss something or don't torque something correctly, it's not for a lack of knowledge.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

__________________________________________________ ________
CyberPoet's Katana Maintence and Upgrade Parts Offerings
The Best Metal Steel Aluminum Motorcycle Tire Valves in the World, plus lots of motorcycle & Katana (GSX600F / GSX750F) specific help files.