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Author Topic: Well it finally happened  (Read 1646 times)
DragonRdr
Member
*****
Posts: 171


Gardner, MA


« on: May 19, 2023, 01:44:43 PM »

I don't normally post a lot on the forum but thought I would share this and find out if other members are running into the same situation. I rode the bikes to the local Honda dealer last week to get my State Inspections done, and while I was there I spoke to the service manager about getting the rear brakes done on the 94 Goldwing. He told me that they have a new policy and that they no longer work on bikes over 20 years old.  Huh? He said the main reason was it's getting harder and harder to find parts for them. He said they'll still do basic service like oil changes and tune-ups etc., but he's already booked until mid July. I was a little shocked  Shocked because I've been taking my bikes to them for over 20 years and they are the best in my area. The service manager did offer to give me the name of a mechanic in Keene, New Hampshire (30 miles away), that still works on the older Goldwing's and Valkyries. I guess that leaves me only 2 choices, try to do the work myself or sell the older bikes and buy newer ones. More to come if I choose the former.
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate
1994 Goldwing Interstate
Jess from VA
Member
*****
Posts: 30389


No VA


« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2023, 06:24:11 PM »

I am not a fan of dealers refusing to work on machines made by their own dealer franchise companies based on age. 

However, it is worth noting that these dealers may now only employ techs who are so young they have never actually received any training on working on those older machines (and have no actual experience working on them either).  In such cases, it may be a blessing they refuse to work on them. 

Still, it seems strange that the reward for buying top quality Honda motorcycles that last forever is eventually being refused dealer service on them. 

At 70, I'm kind of glad doctors and hospitals don't have this policy.   
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Ken aka Oil Burner
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Posts: 1127


Mendon, MA


WWW
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2023, 06:35:46 PM »

I guess if you want to look at the bright side, Keene has some nice coffee shops and bakeries. I take a few rides there each season just to sit and have a cup and some sort o' pastry.
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Tony C.
Member
*****
Posts: 2058


Massachusetts


« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2023, 07:30:01 PM »

Sorry to hear. Was the dealer in Philipston or Lunenburg? Maybe there's another dealer who would work on 20+ year old bikes? Heck, all first generation Valkyries are 20+ years old. Based on your location, Keene might be your best option.
« Last Edit: May 19, 2023, 07:31:46 PM by Tony C. » Logged
DragonRdr
Member
*****
Posts: 171


Gardner, MA


« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2023, 05:27:32 AM »

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Tony, the dealership is in Phillipston. Their service manager was the lead mechanic when I started taking my bikes there over 20 years ago and he's the best as far as I'm concerned. I think you're right about the new younger mechanics not having experience and knowledge to work on the older Wings and Valkyries. I tried the dealer in Lunenburg once when the one in Phillipston was booked up and I couldn't get my wife's Rebel in right away for a carb rebuild. They really botched the job and I ended up taking it to Phillipston to have it redone. I'm going to contact the mechanic in Keene and see if I can set up a date for him to do the brakes on the Wing. He worked for the dealership in Phillipston at one time and knows the older Wings and Valkyries.

v/r

Larry
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate
1994 Goldwing Interstate
Tony C.
Member
*****
Posts: 2058


Massachusetts


« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2023, 05:58:43 AM »

I bought my Wing from the Lunenburg dealer because they were the only one who would sell less than MSRP. Regarding maintenance, I bought videos that show me how to do it. I've done it all so far (including the dreaded air filter change), except for the 25K valve check. Intakes are shims, and I didn't feel up to the task. I had a dealer in Auburn, MA do it.

With videos, you could probably do most of the maintenance. Otherwise, the guy in Keene appears to be a great choice.  cooldude
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DragonRdr
Member
*****
Posts: 171


Gardner, MA


« Reply #6 on: May 20, 2023, 07:21:52 AM »

I was looking on the https://goldwingdocs.com/ site this morning and they have a great How-to-articles section. I may try and do the brakes myself but may have to purchase a few tools to do the job right. Thanks again for the advise.

v/r

Larry
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate
1994 Goldwing Interstate
f-Stop
Member
*****
Posts: 1810


'98 Standard named Hildr

Driftwood, Texas


« Reply #7 on: May 20, 2023, 07:26:36 AM »

I've heard of some dealers saying their limit on old bikes is 10 years.  It seems to me that dealers could make good money from their service shops if they were run properly.  But, for some reason they act like having the service department is a burden.  

Maybe the recommended place will work out good for ya.
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Had my blinker on across three states!
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