Valkcurious
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Posts: 47
1999 Valkyrie Interstate
Petaluma, California
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« on: March 09, 2013, 09:09:42 AM » |
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I'm getting set to have some maintenance done on my 99 Interstate at 16,500 miles ( bought her at 14,500 K with no service records. The only shop I have access to recently fixed a rear flat for me ( was just a faulty valve stem) and charged me $185. 1.7 hours labor. Sound about right? Don't want to get hosed on the upcoming maintenance job... But they are friendly and have had another I/S Valk owner as a regular customer (they Re a Honda+ dealer). Engine runs smooth as silk right now. Any thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated!
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Michvalk
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« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2013, 09:32:45 AM » |
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There would be no way in h3$$ I would pay that much for a valve stem replace. Having said that, most shops get around 80 to 100 an hour plus parts, so sounds about right. If it were me, I'd see if I could find someone near me would like to have a wrench party, and learn how to do regular maintance myself. Just my opinion 
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olddog1946
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« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2013, 09:37:07 AM » |
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That would appear to be about $100 an hour plus tax...NO WAY...
There are plenty of fellas out there from CA and some may even be close by to help you out with maintenance items and give you the help you need to learn about doing your own stuff..You'll be far more comfortable knowing things are done correctly. Just because they charge big bucks doesn't mean they actually do the work you pay for. Many here have found out the hard way that doing it yourself is the best way to go.
There really isn't anything difficult about working on a Valk, get a manual or CD. Dag's site has free downloads of the manual.. do a search and you'll be able to find his site.
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VRCC # 32473 US AIR FORCE E7, Retired 1965-1988 01 Valk Std. 02 BMW k1200LTE 65 Chevelle coupe, 1986 Mazda RX-7 with 350/5spd, 1983 Mazda RX-7 with FOMOCO 302/AOD project, 95 Mustang GT Convertible 5.0, 5 spd Moses Lake, Wa. 509-760-6382 if you need help
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old2soon
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« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2013, 09:40:31 AM » |
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$185.00 for a valve stem replacement?? Was that all that was done?? I realize things are a tad more spendy on the left coast BUT $185.00 valve stem replacement and 1.7 Hours?? REALLY?? A H/F yellow lift is like $80.00 $90.00 and some hand tools and get yer hands a little dirty and if you can read and follow directions D I Y.  $185.00 valve stem replacement.  Down here where i live just to give you an idea. I removed the front wheel from my I/S took the wheel with the old mounted tire and new tire down to my local friendly chopper shop and 45 minutes later and a $20.00 bill i was on my way with the new tire mounted and the shop diposed of the old tire for me.  $185.00 valve stem replacement.  If you have that kind of money to throw around-have at it.  I'm not making fun of you-well maybe a little bit-but-DAMN. I don't care where you are $185.00 buys a LOT of gasoline. Couple of big C-clamps and some wood to break the tire bead and install that valve stem yerself for some SUBSTANSIAL savings. The C-clamps would have been WAY less than $185.00 and you would have C-clamps for other projects. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam. VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Patrick
Member
    
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2013, 09:42:52 AM » |
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I recently replaced valve stems. Even removing the wheels [not really required] it shouldn't cost that much. The tires don't need to be removed, just break the bead. So, it sounds to me like the wheels were removed, tires removed, valves replaced, tires mounted [rebalanced?] and wheels installed. Thats a lot of needless work for $10 worth of stems.
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Valker
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Posts: 3010
Wahoo!!!!
Texas Panhandle
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« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2013, 10:11:28 AM » |
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Last valve stem I replaced on my Valk took a total of 20 minutes in my driveway. Maintenance question? At 16,000 miles, nothing is needed.
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
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9Ball
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« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2013, 10:13:03 AM » |
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If you have the money, then this sounds about right for a typical dealer. They are charging full rates and not doing any favors.
This bike is pretty easy to do most maintenance on using a good set of metric tools and a Honda service manual. Like others have said, there is most likely a fellow member near you for guidance and help when needed.
Good luck.
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VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000
1999 Standard 2007 Rocket 3 2005 VTX 1300S
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Valkcurious
Member
    
Posts: 47
1999 Valkyrie Interstate
Petaluma, California
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« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2013, 10:27:25 AM » |
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Good points all ( ouch.... Hehehe). I thought it was a bit high... As far as the service-- they were going to change rear fluid , change clutch fluid , check valves, sync carbs, and change air filter.... . According to the maintenance schedule in the manual-- all due . Would love to find a local Valk owner for advice and guidance / help ... The fluids and air cleaner I can handle probably .
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Hoser
Member
    
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
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« Reply #8 on: March 09, 2013, 12:19:51 PM » |
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You can spend your money if you like, biggest problem is finding a dealer that knows how to do maintenance on a Valkyrie. Most don't. Hoser 
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/
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whitestroke
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« Reply #9 on: March 09, 2013, 12:33:07 PM » |
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Minibike Honda S90 Yamaha YL100 Bultaco 250 Matador Bultaco 250 Pursang Yamaha 250 YZ Triumph 650 Bonni Honda ATC 200
2 Kids 25 year break. Suzuki GS 500 2003 VTX 1300S, 1998 Valk standard 2008 Goldwing
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Valkcurious
Member
    
Posts: 47
1999 Valkyrie Interstate
Petaluma, California
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« Reply #10 on: March 09, 2013, 12:44:21 PM » |
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They took the tire off. Also good to inspect and grease rear splines... They reported good condition.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2013, 12:48:35 PM » |
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Good points all ( ouch.... Hehehe). I thought it was a bit high... As far as the service-- they were going to change rear fluid , change clutch fluid , check valves, sync carbs, and change air filter.... . According to the maintenance schedule in the manual-- all due . Would love to find a local Valk owner for advice and guidance / help ... The fluids and air cleaner I can handle probably .
None of that work is worth paying a shop to do. If the thing is running so smooth why do you want some dickering with the carbs, leave them alone. Fluids, thats easy and air cleaner is easy too........But, they will charge you $300-$400 to do that stuff and its $25 worth of parts and supplies.
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Denny47
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Posts: 307
#34898
Grove, Ok.
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« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2013, 04:21:48 PM » |
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Sounds high to me. I am between Joplin Pwr. Spts, Joplin, Mo. and Heartland Honda in Springdale, Ar. Joplin will remove wheel & tire, replace tire and reinstall for $85 if tire bought there. Heartland Honda charges $45 for the same deal. 1.7 hrs is way to much labor. Joplin charges 75-80 / hr. labor. Should not be any more for replacing the stem than the tire IMO
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1997 Green/Cream Tourer w/ Cobra 6/6 exhaust, 2012 Pearl White Goldwing USAF 66-70, F-105 AWCS
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sandy
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« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2013, 04:50:51 PM » |
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My local shop charges $75/hr and gets about an hr to R&R a rear wheel plus $10 for a new stem. You got hosed. Tell them to take a hike.
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alph
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« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2013, 06:48:36 PM » |
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just wondering, did they replace the valve stem with another OEM valve stem? if so, why? you might want to replace that stem with one that won't "rot" over time......
just a thought.
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Promote world peace, ban all religion. Ride Safe, Ride Often!!  
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Russell Rice
Member
    
Posts: 253
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
Owasso, Oklahoma
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« Reply #15 on: March 09, 2013, 06:50:50 PM » |
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I was in Co. on a road trip. Front valve stem went south and sour on me. Only place in town was a Bridal shop/video rental/equipment rental center. Owner sent his wife out to get a replacement valve stem, installed new stem and only charged $35. I would of handed them $185 for the job and left happy if that is what it took for me to get back on the road.
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