Just to stir the pot ....
I would guess there are 4 basic types of motorcycle owners;1. Buy new and sell before bike hits 30,000 miles
(so likely would never have to do any services outside the basics: engine oil, air filter, tires, maybe battery and rear drive spline lube)
2. Buy new and keep the bike for 45,000 or more
(so likely would need all the basic and major services
3. Buy used with low miles and good condition and keep for as long as you are having fun and service is not a PITA
(so likely would due the basic services shortly after you get the bike and do the major services as the mile/age/use dictate)
4. Buy used with high miles and average condition (Beater biker or frugal owner)
(this is the river boat gambler guy would got a good deal and either feels lucky and or plans to do both the basic and major services as needed)
My guess is that #1 and #3 may never have to worry or due a value / throttle body / front fork service unless they have $$ or extra time and skill
Also my guess is that #2 and #4 will need at sometime to undertake or pay for such major services
If the above grouping makes sense it would be interesting to see where most people in this forum fall into
(Given some of the poll result suggest about 50% of owners will do many of the Major Type Services themselves)
I am #3Would be more fun to be Number 6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prisoner