Bay Area Mechanic

[Dr Vodka]

Hi,

New to this forum and new owner of a splendid '99 Std. Looking for suggestions around a good mechanic in the bay area who would not break my wallet.

Thanks.

-Dr.

[lordofchaos]

If you're willing to go to a dealer, I would recommend you check out Honda of Milpitas. That's where i bought my Lady back in '99. I always stop by there when I'm back in the Bay Area. I haven't been out there in a couple of years, but they always struck me as good and knowledgeable people. Shop rates were pretty standard but they always seemed more interested in forming a solid relationship with their customers than just moving a bunch of inventory.

(standard disclaimer about not being a paid advertiser)

[gordonv]

I was thinking Fordmana is in San Jose, and might have an idea. But I could be wrong, but I don't recall a post from him in a while.

I also always recommend a wrench party instead. There are other riders in CA, maybe some are close enough for a ride and BBQ and some tinkering on all your bikes. I hate working alone on my vehicles, don't even need the help, just like the company.

[Dr Vodka]

Would never say no to a wrench party! However, I want to get some basic service done soon. You know the whole nine yards after you have bought a new machine. Honda dealership gave me an estimate of $1k on the pretext of 32K factory scheduled maintenance.

-Dr.

[Hook#3287]

Dr Vodka (nice handle)  It would be helpful to post the miles and general condition.   Hopefully, someone near you will speak up.

Opps, I see you posted it at 32K.  Sorry.

The list of checks you should do is long, starting with all fluids. 

[donaldcc]

I was thinking Fordmana is in San Jose, and might have an idea. But I could be wrong, but I don't recall a post from him in a while.

I seem to recall him saying he used and liked Hollister Honda.  Maybe he will chime in.

http://www.hollisterhonda.com/

[fordmano]

If you're willing to go to a dealer, I would recommend you check out Honda of Milpitas. That's where i bought my Lady back in '99. I always stop by there when I'm back in the Bay Area. I haven't been out there in a couple of years, but they always struck me as good and knowledgeable people. Shop rates were pretty standard but they always seemed more interested in forming a solid relationship with their customers than just moving a bunch of inventory.

(standard disclaimer about not being a paid advertiser)

Milpitas Honda is out of business. Must have been gone for 4-5 years now.

[fordmano]

I was thinking Fordmana is in San Jose, and might have an idea. But I could be wrong, but I don't recall a post from him in a while.

I seem to recall him saying he used and liked Hollister Honda.  Maybe he will chime in.

http://www.hollisterhonda.com/

Yep personal friends with the general manager... if a Honda shop is ever gonna touch my bike this is the only one I am familiar with that will get that privealage!

[fordmano]

Ok now that is all over,

I is a chiming in now,

Welcome aboard and welcome to the Insanity this place breeds.

First off I am no mechanic never have been never will be.... although I have had more than my fair share of busted knuckles and bloodied hands sore joints and aching back. I have been working on motorized stuff since I was pre-teen. I will put you in touch with the thread I Posted now some time back of a huge undertaking of maintenance and upgrades that some do and some don't do or don't want to do.

So if you’re willing to drive out and give Hollister Honda a try, I would suggest you also join a local forum if you’re not already a member (NO FINANCIAL AFFILIATION) "SBR" southbayriders.com members of this forum are privy to a 10%-15% off at Hollister Honda The man you want to talk to is Fred Gotelli (Phred) General Manager he will make sure you are taken care of. make Fred your buddy and you'll probably get even better deals.

Shoot me a PM and we can see about a wrench party some time... My schedule is really crappy so it is a challenge for me to arrange anything. I work Stanford University, Tue-Sat very odd modified night shift.

Here is the link to My historic thread 
 http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21439.0.html

The very last page has the link to my photobucket picture album, most have enjoyed browseing.



Let me know if your inclined to catch some wind and eat up some asphalt. 

Matt.

[fordmano]

I was thinking Fordmana is in San Jose, and might have an idea. But I could be wrong, but I don't recall a post from him in a while.

I also always recommend a wrench party instead. There are other riders in CA, maybe some are close enough for a ride and BBQ and some tinkering on all your bikes. I hate working alone on my vehicles, don't even need the help, just like the company.

PSSST! it's "fordmano",  come on Gordon your sharper than that.

[Dr Vodka]

Wow, the oracle speaks!
fordmano, I quickly glanced through your marathon thread and before I can complete that bible, I must say - you're the man. Let us definitely catch up sometime soon.

[fordmano]

ha ha ha, that made me chuckle. "ORACLE" that's one I have never been called, been called lots of things but never that.

North San Jose? I am over in what used to be called "East Side San Jo". but now folks like to call my area Evergreen. I guess it's better for housing prices.  I am right in the arm pit of where 101 & 280/680 cross.

Yes, lets get in touch. I am online normally every night at work (all night, unmonitored ) 8pm-4am. leave a message and I will get back at ya...

[fordmano]

BTTT!


Mr. Vodka, have you run away already?

[gordonv]

Sorry Mano, I must have been thinking about D&D and mana....   

[Dr Vodka]

I am just a little tipsy right now

[fordmano]

I am just a little tipsy right now

Oh great and I am stuck at work as usual...

[F6MoRider]

You could check Craigslist for a Honda Certified mechanics who work on their own on off hours for extra cash.  Talk with them, ask them what they know about Valks, moly paste is a good example or the assembly process for the rear axle and why, then ask for references and call them.

I found one that way here in Florida and had him do my fork seals.  Great job, great price (less than half the dealer price) and he already had the special tool needed for the seals.

[Farther]

It is way out of your way but I have never had a bad experience with Medford, OR Honda.

[Dr Vodka]

I would never let a craislister touch my valk unless some forum member recommends it. So far I guess my best bet is Hollister honda. Oh and did I forget fordmano - the Oracle...

[F6MoRider]

I would never let a craislister touch my valk unless some forum member recommends it. So far I guess my best bet is Hollister honda. Oh and did I forget fordmano - the Oracle...

Then by all means, go to your nearest dealer, we know they are honest, through, competent and inexpensive.  Your best experience will be gained at a Honda dealer so run, don't walk, get there quickly and good luck to you.

[Dr Vodka]

Peace bro.

[fordmano]

So what's the status on your maintenance needs? Hope all is well with you and the big girl.

[Dr Vodka]

Not really fordmano. I have been traveling a lot due to my job and therefore not able to attend to her

[fordmano]

Sorry I only check in when I am work normally, (go ahead and tell the boss, he already knows how much a surf the interwebz) missed this response for  couple days.

I will be out of town and mostly non accesible for a bit. I will check in when I can and see how your doing if there is any change in your situation and your Big Girls condition.  I will ping you when I get back and can be a vailable to help you out if you still need help in a few weeks. Sorry Family vacation takes priority over most anything.

[RicCA]

Just took my 2001 standard to Contra Costa Powersports in Concord, They used to be Concord Powersports and had a really bad rep. There are New owners and employees and all seem to be friendly and helpful,  The service manager John owns a Valkyrie (his second) and when I dropped my off there was another one being worked on.  I am having my carbs cleaned and will repost when the work is completed.
Ric

[Dr Vodka]

Look forward to your story...thanks.

[RicCA]

Ok so I picked up my Valk yesterday from Contra Costa Powersports after having the carbs cleaned, oil ,air filter and plugs changed, they also replaced the float valves.  She's seems to be running very smooth and started right up without having to use choke first time and also the few other time while out running around. I only drove back from Concord on freeway Pittsburg and the around Pittsburg for awhile but she is running so much better then she was before, she actually idles.  This did set me back a cool $1000.00.  Will keep posted as time goes on.
Just wanted to let folks know about experience with Contra Costa Power sports in Concord.

Ric