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Serk
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« on: March 02, 2017, 05:12:21 PM » |
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I've gotten to where I REALLY hate wrenching. My knees don't like the constant up and down, it's hard to get the time with kiddos everywhere, when I get the crud all over my hands I can't work on my aquarium for several days, I just hate it.
So I paid a previously reputable Honda dealer to replace front and rear tires, front brake pads a few months back.
Everything seemed fine, although the brakes seemed to have lost some oomph, and I'd hear a scraping sound as the tires rolled. I figured it was just new brake pads breaking in and kept on keeping on.
Finally, the sound didn't stop so I decided to look at it.
Hmmm... The left front brake caliper was rubbing against the disc. Not the pads, the caliper arm itself. Took it off, fiddled with it, invented some new cuss words, just couldn't get it to straighten up when I remembered from way back when I enjoyed wrenching on the Valk that the order of tightening the front pinch bolts and axle nut was important.
Loosened the pinch bolts and there was a *POP* as the fork snapped back to where it was supposed to be, the caliper was no longer rubbing against the disc.
Damnit... At least I figured out what the problem was. Dug my repair manual out and followed the proper re-tightening procedure.
Went to change the rear disk pads, and noticed the bottom left shock bolt was about 3 threads from falling out.
Ugh... So yeah, went ahead and did the brake job, bled the brakes, and spent the last 2 hours going over every bolt, nut anything they might have looked at for the last job they did...
I hate wrenching. I really really hate it.
But I like having a safely functional bike too...
(And yeah, the blame is 100% on me, I should have spotted those problems immediately instead of letting it get to this point before doing something about it.)
No real purpose to my rant, just frustrated with the dealer that'd previously done good work, and frustrated with myself for letting it go so long...
Ride safe ya'll...
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Bighead
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« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2017, 05:27:55 PM » |
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Serks to the least I would have a talk with the service manager letting him know the kind of work his supposed mechanics were letting out of the shop  |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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art
Member
Posts: 2737
Grants Pass,Or
Grants Pass,Or
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« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2017, 05:29:41 PM » |
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Better off DIY.Screw the so called expert mechanics.
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oldsmokey
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« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2017, 05:39:49 PM » |
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I've grown to like latex gloves, especially when I decide to put them on BEFORE I get involved with something. Great with chemicals and reduces a lot of splits and cracks.
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Serk
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« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2017, 05:42:46 PM » |
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Serks to the least I would have a talk with the service manager letting him know the kind of work his supposed mechanics were letting out of the shop I probably should, but their work was done back in October... (Embarrassed to admit this but I've gotten less than 300 miles since then. The high price of 5 year old triplets...) Better off DIY.Screw the so called expert mechanics.
Yeah, I just HATE wrenching these days... Used to love it, but just so many things I'd rather be doing now with a few spare minutes... I've grown to like latex gloves, especially when I decide to put them on BEFORE I get involved with something. Great with chemicals and reduces a lot of splits and cracks.
Yup... I use some nitrile gloves for working on guns that I used for working on the bike today, although it kept blowing the finger tips out anyway, but still better than nothing... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Harryc
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« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2017, 05:56:23 PM » |
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Better off DIY.Screw the so called expert mechanics.
^^^^^+1. That and I love spinning wrenches...always did, always will. |
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rocketray
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« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2017, 05:57:38 PM » |
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my recent go round w/Rockwall Honda wasn't very good--wrong brand front tire replacement,brake fluid or fork oil all over front brakes and wheels,charged 2 hours of work for 20 minutes of looking at stuff they didn't fix....but wow was I riding a pig w/crap front forks/leaking seals and a bald front tire,all front lights up and going..it's bad all over again!!
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Serk
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« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2017, 06:00:49 PM » |
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my recent go round w/Rockwall Honda wasn't very good
That was who did this work... Been going to 'em since they first came into existence, but seems they're letting things slide now... Sad...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Alpha Dog
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« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2017, 09:25:53 PM » |
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I hear what you are really saying. With the crew you have their just is not much time to monkey around with a bike. So many guys when kids arrive give up on riding and will not get back into it until they get older. Life is more complicated these days than in the sixties. At least you are ridding so bully for you.
I sometimes fan out work to my friend down the street that owns a Harley repair shop. With all the detailed instructions in Shoptalk I will copy it down or download on a CD and give it to him. Recently did this with valve adjustment as he has feeler gauges and work is slow in the winter. He did complete rear end service 2 years ago and called me 4 hours later done. He always looks and says easy peasy and work is down and quick and always right. Perhaps there is a person or shop like this in your area.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2017, 10:16:16 PM » |
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Serks to the least I would have a talk with the service manager letting him know the kind of work his supposed mechanics were letting out of the shop correct, get your labor money back for sure, I would. |
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2017, 04:41:38 AM » |
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Serks to the least I would have a talk with the service manager letting him know the kind of work his supposed mechanics were letting out of the shop I probably should, but their work was done back in October... (Embarrassed to admit this but I've gotten less than 300 miles since then. The high price of 5 year old triplets...) Better off DIY.Screw the so called expert mechanics.
Yeah, I just HATE wrenching these days... Used to love it, but just so many things I'd rather be doing now with a few spare minutes... I've grown to like latex gloves, especially when I decide to put them on BEFORE I get involved with something. Great with chemicals and reduces a lot of splits and cracks.
Yup... I use some nitrile gloves for working on guns that I used for working on the bike today, although it kept blowing the finger tips out anyway, but still better than nothing... Agree on the nitrile gloves for firearms and bike work. Since opening the gunshop my fingernails were getting kind of "strange". Noticed the same thing on a video by Bob Dunlap (a true master gunsmith) and realized it had to be the gun oil and solvents. Now I wear nitrile for most gun work, not just refinishing. |
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2017, 04:50:30 AM » |
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I can relate to not enjoying wrenching all that much any longer. While I still enjoy the challenge and process, as the body wears out, all that becomes something that isn't nearly as much fun. Yes, I can relate.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10629
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2017, 05:01:06 AM » |
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I just bought a lift table to eliminate the ups and downs. As for the gloves, I been wearing them for 20 yrs at work and all the time at home. I go thru a box or 2 a yr at home.
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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baldo
Member
Posts: 6961
Youbetcha
Cape Cod, MA
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« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2017, 05:27:34 AM » |
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I love wrenching, whether it's the bike, car or plane. It always gives me an excuse to buy another tool...  I only wish I could do the car work in a garage. Dragging a floor jack around in the gravel sucks. Especially when I have a 30x40 garage behind me.....  As far as the planes, the Blue Sky Hangar.....  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2017, 05:43:04 AM » |
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I love wrenching, whether it's the bike, car or plane. It always gives me an excuse to buy another tool... I only wish I could do the car work in a garage. Dragging a floor jack around in the gravel sucks. Especially when I have a 30x40 garage behind me..... As far as the planes, the Blue Sky Hangar..... Well Bob, You're always welcome to bring that wrenching project over to my shop. I've got most of the tools needed for an average project. Big air compressor, air tools, two post lift, motorcycle lift, etc....... There now, your only challenge is to get that project to my shop. I'll hold a spot open for ya. |
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« Last Edit: March 03, 2017, 07:41:14 AM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Hooter
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« Reply #15 on: March 03, 2017, 05:48:00 AM » |
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Mechanics hurried to get work out by managers. Turn out half assed work. Not to mention the service depts are home to kids with ear buds in or a cell phone in their hand. Managers want the work out but won't manage their people or the finished product. No one should have to go over work done at a dealership! If you do, might as well do the work yourself. A good work ethic may be a thing of the past?
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« Last Edit: March 03, 2017, 05:55:08 AM by Hooter »
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You are never lost if you don't care where you are!
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baldo
Member
Posts: 6961
Youbetcha
Cape Cod, MA
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« Reply #16 on: March 03, 2017, 05:55:54 AM » |
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I love wrenching, whether it's the bike, car or plane. It always gives me an excuse to buy another tool... I only wish I could do the car work in a garage. Dragging a floor jack around in the gravel sucks. Especially when I have a 30x40 garage behind me..... As far as the planes, the Blue Sky Hangar..... Well Bob, You're always welcome to bring that wrenching project over to my shop. I've got most of the tools needed for an average project. Big air compressor, air tools, two post lift, motorcycle lift, etc....... There now, you're only challenge is to get that project to my shop. I'll hold a spot open for ya. Lol....you had me at two post lift....  My commuter, an '02 Honda Accord, is under tarp waiting for warmer weather to get some TLC. It needs a new engine (extreme oil burner), complete front end replacement, and body work from an accident in September. I've got a rebuilt engine and the sheet metal, pre-painted, in the shop just waiting for the appropriate sunshine and accompanying temps. Luckily I have another vehicle to drive, my wife's '05 Ford Freestar, the chick magnet to end all chick magnets. I've got boxes of parts ready and waiting to get installed. I know, it's an '02, why? Just like our bikes, I enjoy the older vehicles. Easier to work on, easier to afford. I don't like car payments. |
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Alberta Patriot
Member
Posts: 1438
Say What You mean Mean What You Say
Rockyview County, Alberta 2001 Interstate
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« Reply #17 on: March 03, 2017, 06:03:36 AM » |
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There is a Dealer here in Calgary, Bow Cycle, where I bought a new Kawi Vulcan 900 back in 2006. Whenever I would bring it back for warrany check-ins I noticed that the reception guy at the service counter wore another hat as well...working on the bikes...so what could possibly go wrong with that!!...anyway, one of the guys I ride with brought his Honda VTX 1800 in for 2 new tires before heading South into the US for an extended ride. About 3/4 of the way through the ride, one of the fellows following him had him pull over, as he noticed that the rear axle shaft was about half way out
First off I switched dealers after that, and also started bringing in the wheels only for tire changes...last spring I extensively modified a HF car tire changer to mount my bike tires.
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« Last Edit: March 03, 2017, 06:05:51 AM by 7th_son »
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Say what you mean, Mean what you say.
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Firefighter
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« Reply #18 on: March 03, 2017, 06:05:49 AM » |
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I understand completely about getting up and down and working on your knees, not so much pain as my body resist the bending, not too flexible anymore, not to mention vision. Turns little jobs into projects.
I don't trust my bike to any mechanic, except for mounting a tire on a wheel. Never met a reputable motorcycle mechanic in my area, especially one that has enough time to repair without causing new problems. So with the help of you guys and the Honda manual, I still do everything myself.
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
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solo1
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« Reply #19 on: March 03, 2017, 06:24:12 AM » |
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I really feel bad for my son Mark ( Mad6Gun). He's a master tech who's been wrenching GM for a long time. His knees are bad, his ankles hurt, his hands are arthritic from years of impact wrenches . Now he's working for an old buzzard who wants Mark to do it his way. It's just like Mark is starting the game. He still does good work and is known for it. He's presently working in his own garage on Eeezyrider's Valkyrie, correcting the mistakes that a dealer made. Hopefully he'll get the parts in so Ron can make it to the GOTF. BTW, anyone who says that he will always will keep wrenching better hope that his ole bod will hold together to do it. Mark wants to change but, at his age, health problems, and over 30k in tools, it's not likely for him to take on a different job. |
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« Last Edit: March 03, 2017, 06:26:47 AM by solo1 »
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therapist
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« Reply #20 on: March 03, 2017, 07:23:40 AM » |
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My 2001 Valk has never been back to the dealer. Between a shop manual and the helpful members on this board, been able to do all maintenance myself (except for removing the alternator, for which I called a friend who is a independent, small engine mechanic). Whenever I went to the local dealer for parts, I would peek into the service area. Most of the "mechanics" were barely old enough to shave. I knew they were "learning" on the job. No thanks.
But, I agree. I have several, long overdue, jobs to do on the bike (rear drive, brake fluid changes, new front tire), but like many of you, the knees and back are resisting the work. I won't have much choice this Spring, if I want to ride the poor, neglected girl.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #21 on: March 03, 2017, 08:06:00 AM » |
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yah, called a very small cycle shop in the area and being the owner he will not even install ANY tire if purchased from somewhere else. He blabbered on and on and on for 30 minutes afterwards stating how liability issues can arise if even the tire is at fault and he installs a tire that was not purchased from him. He tried to convince me to go new metzeler 888 front tire costing 250 bucks - OUCH! He did not like my shinko 230 tourmaster nor my michelin rear active pilot installed on the front reversed direction and said both are a very bad idea. Besides, his labor rate was 100 bucks to mount/balance/install front tire on the bike being fairly high priced as well.
The few places I have called around locally say shinko tires are a bad idea, I beg to differ until I get a bad one since as with any mfg., you can get a bad apple in the bunch.
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #22 on: March 03, 2017, 08:21:33 AM » |
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He blabbered on and on and on for 30 minutes afterwards stating how liability issues can arise if even the tire is at fault and he installs a tire that was not purchased from him.
30 minutes? I'll bet that took some patience!  |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #23 on: March 03, 2017, 08:34:00 AM » |
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He blabbered on and on and on for 30 minutes afterwards stating how liability issues can arise if even the tire is at fault and he installs a tire that was not purchased from him.
30 minutes? I'll bet that took some patience! Yah, it was funny he kept blabbering and after I said gotta go, the wife who got home from work asked me if I made a new friend....  |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #24 on: March 03, 2017, 08:38:11 AM » |
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Serks to the least I would have a talk with the service manager letting him know the kind of work his supposed mechanics were letting out of the shop I probably should, but their work was done back in October... (Embarrassed to admit this but I've gotten less than 300 miles since then. The high price of 5 year old triplets...) hate to inform you of this which am sure you might already know, it does not get any easier as they get older into teens and high school years, but seeing as how you have an older daughter as well I think, you already know this. For the past few years when I wanted to do something either at nights or weekends, something seems to always come up children related even having to cancel trip plans made weeks in advance. I hear yah on the riding miles slowing down some as well when my kids were born some 16+ years ago, I sold my cycle soon after and bought a fishing boat, now back into cycling somewhat over fishing again, the cycle (no pun intended) 8)continues...... |
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art
Member
Posts: 2737
Grants Pass,Or
Grants Pass,Or
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« Reply #25 on: March 03, 2017, 04:48:28 PM » |
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74 years old here and still do my own work. No Valk anymore but do my own brakes and oil changes and minor tune up on my 93 f150,77 dodge class B motorhome and my wifes 95 buick. Just finishes rebuilding a 30' MH and a 13' camping trailer both that I sold and now my Dodge MH is just been completely rebuilt on the inside. I do use a local mechanic for the really heavy things. I've been doing my own wrenching since 16 years old. A few years ago I went in to the Honda dealers in Eugene Oregon for an oil filter and something else. The dingbat behind the counter didn't know what a Valkyrie was an actually asked if it was a Honda and was it a v twin. I got my stuff at Walmart.
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #26 on: March 03, 2017, 05:05:47 PM » |
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A few years ago I went in to the Honda dealers in Eugene Oregon for an oil filter and something else. The dingbat behind the counter didn't know what a Valkyrie was an actually asked if it was a Honda and was it a v twin. I got my stuff at Walmart.
I'm not really surprised, twice I've been to Honda Dealers and in both cases, neither the parts guy nor the sales guy knew what a Valkyrie was.............. I know our bikes are old school but, they ain't dinosaurs. Rode into one dealership, got off my Valkyrie and the sales lady asked me what kind of bike that was I just got off of. She said, that sure is a sexy motorcycle. I told her it wasn't the motorcycle, it was me. |
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« Last Edit: March 03, 2017, 05:07:43 PM by Rams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #27 on: March 03, 2017, 05:49:49 PM » |
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A few years ago I went in to the Honda dealers in Eugene Oregon for an oil filter and something else. The dingbat behind the counter didn't know what a Valkyrie was an actually asked if it was a Honda and was it a v twin. I got my stuff at Walmart.
I'm not really surprised, twice I've been to Honda Dealers and in both cases, neither the parts guy nor the sales guy knew what a Valkyrie was.............. I know our bikes are old school but, they ain't dinosaurs. Rode into one dealership, got off my Valkyrie and the sales lady asked me what kind of bike that was I just got off of. She said, that sure is a sexy motorcycle. I told her it wasn't the motorcycle, it was me. Most, not all, salesman I see at Honda dealers, the few times been in there, are not over 30 years old with only 2-3 years tops selling, thus have NO clue on many cycles made even prior to say 2010 that are discontinued. I think it is almost a waste of time talking to them on the phone since if I see a cycle, etc. worth asking on thru their webpage, I ask basic questions like how old are the tires on it or how many owners prior. All they say is B.S. something like if the tires needing changing, that service would have done it before putting it for sale. NOT the case as evident when I was at a Honda dealership to test drive a new F6B a few years ago and saw my identical black Valk I/S on their lot much to my surprise and the tires were OLD as dirt needing changing ASAP as well as worn down badly and when I went to test drive it after the f6B, the rear brakes on right foot did not work much, if at all, having to push down a very long ways on foot brake pedal and really did nothing to slow the bike down. I pointed it out to the salesman that in order to sell it needed new rear tire and rear brakes and all he had to say was on consignment and not going to fix anything (and basically apparently NOT even inspect) without the owner paying for it. |
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old2soon
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« Reply #28 on: March 03, 2017, 06:47:28 PM » |
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Funny. Today I just ordered all my parts for the service I'm gonna do here soon as the parts show up. I turned 72 last month and I intend on doing my own work. I'm throwing a leg over 2 wheels that I Not only like a LOT But I have this Really BADBAD habit of pushing into the triple digits as far as I can when ever it "feels" right to me. There are 2 guys I'm aware of I would TRUST to work on her if I Couldn't. One lives not too far outa Crystal Lake Il. and the other guy lives in Tulsa Ok. When I twist that throttle W F O Do NOT Need any nasty surprises throwed my way! And both these guys have Already worked on her! I look into the service bays at my dealership and either I'm gittin older cuz some of the "techs"-a term I use loosely B T W-do Not even look old nuff to enjoy a cold adult beverage-legally! 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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Skinhead
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Posts: 8743
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #29 on: March 04, 2017, 05:56:28 AM » |
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Boy, you guys think the techs are looking like kids? Don't go to the hospital, I've got kids older than most of the doctors there. I love working on anything mechanical, but the body and eyesight is making it tough. My dad taught me most of the wrenching skills, and he could fix just about anything. But I know realize why he always had me do the ground work under the car. That getting up off the ground takes its toll on a guy.
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Mn. Norseman
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« Reply #30 on: March 04, 2017, 08:57:05 AM » |
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If the front was binding, maybe you should loosen the drive shaft bolts and tighten them back up.
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Patrick
Member
Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #31 on: March 04, 2017, 09:01:33 AM » |
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If I'm not getting my hands dirty and ripping off fingernails, I just ain't happy. Been like that since I was a young pup, my grandfather bought me my first toy, a tool belt. [ Not one by Fisher-Price]. Guess I'll never change.
Was getting bit bored yesterday until a neighbor stopped by needing a faucet replaced, played 9 holes and had a few beers afterwards. Life is friggin' great !
I try and try to wear gloves, but, thats like taking a shower wearing raincoat.
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