Triumphrat

I am picking up a 99 Legend on Saturday, my first ride. I like the dealership I am purchasing it from, but since the bike is used and I am new to the cycling world, I'd like to have another mechanic check the bike over...

Anyone know a good (read great, I suppose) mechanic in my neck of the woods?

Thanks,
James

[ This message was edited by: mnemosonic on 2003-08-28 18:22 ]

I am picking up a 99 Legend on Saturday, my first ride. I like the dealership I am purchasing it from, but since the bike is used and I am new to the cycling world, I'd like to have another mechanic check the bike over...

Anyone know a good (read great, I suppose) mechanic in my neck of the woods?

Thanks,
James

[ This message was edited by: mnemosonic on 2003-08-28 18:22 ]

I am picking up a 99 Legend on Saturday, my first ride. I like the dealership I am purchasing it from, but since the bike is used and I am new to the cycling world, I'd like to have another mechanic check the bike over...

Anyone know a good (read great, I suppose) mechanic in my neck of the woods?

Thanks,
James

[ This message was edited by: mnemosonic on 2003-08-28 18:22 ]

Hi, James. I live in Alexandria and have a 2000 Legend. I bought it new and put 17300 miles on it so far. I'm studying to be a mechanic (auto) but haven't completed program yet. I probably am familiar with the basics and could give you a reasonable assessment overall. But it probably is best if you do get a pro.

You didn't say which dealer you were buying the bike from. My service dealer is Clinton Cycles in Camp Springs, MD. They are bike people. Not perfect, but they try to please. You might want to stop by their service area and ask one of the mechanics if he'd help you on his own time for a few $$.

Saturday is their busiest day and they're closed Sunday and Monday. So it probably would be best if you stopped by during Tuesday - Friday and asked if they'd help you on a Sunday or Monday.

Good luck. You'll love the bike!....Jerry

[ This message was edited by: jerrysussman on 2003-08-28 19:33 ]

Hi, James. I live in Alexandria and have a 2000 Legend. I bought it new and put 17300 miles on it so far. I'm studying to be a mechanic (auto) but haven't completed program yet. I probably am familiar with the basics and could give you a reasonable assessment overall. But it probably is best if you do get a pro.

You didn't say which dealer you were buying the bike from. My service dealer is Clinton Cycles in Camp Springs, MD. They are bike people. Not perfect, but they try to please. You might want to stop by their service area and ask one of the mechanics if he'd help you on his own time for a few $$.

Saturday is their busiest day and they're closed Sunday and Monday. So it probably would be best if you stopped by during Tuesday - Friday and asked if they'd help you on a Sunday or Monday.

Good luck. You'll love the bike!....Jerry

[ This message was edited by: jerrysussman on 2003-08-28 19:33 ]

Hi, James. I live in Alexandria and have a 2000 Legend. I bought it new and put 17300 miles on it so far. I'm studying to be a mechanic (auto) but haven't completed program yet. I probably am familiar with the basics and could give you a reasonable assessment overall. But it probably is best if you do get a pro.

You didn't say which dealer you were buying the bike from. My service dealer is Clinton Cycles in Camp Springs, MD. They are bike people. Not perfect, but they try to please. You might want to stop by their service area and ask one of the mechanics if he'd help you on his own time for a few $$.

Saturday is their busiest day and they're closed Sunday and Monday. So it probably would be best if you stopped by during Tuesday - Friday and asked if they'd help you on a Sunday or Monday.

Good luck. You'll love the bike!....Jerry

[ This message was edited by: jerrysussman on 2003-08-28 19:33 ]

Jerry - thanks for the response. I live out in Centreville, but work in Old Town Alexandria.

I'm buying the bike from Winchester Moto Sports...have to figure out how much of the service I want them to do and how much I want to take on myself. Just hoping to find someone local to give it a good once-over.

I see a lot of H-Ds down here, but few Triumphs...though one went down Washington St. the other day...orange-ish cruiser, not sure which model.

Thanks again, I'll keep an eye out for you!

James

Jerry - thanks for the response. I live out in Centreville, but work in Old Town Alexandria.

I'm buying the bike from Winchester Moto Sports...have to figure out how much of the service I want them to do and how much I want to take on myself. Just hoping to find someone local to give it a good once-over.

I see a lot of H-Ds down here, but few Triumphs...though one went down Washington St. the other day...orange-ish cruiser, not sure which model.

Thanks again, I'll keep an eye out for you!

James

Jerry - thanks for the response. I live out in Centreville, but work in Old Town Alexandria.

I'm buying the bike from Winchester Moto Sports...have to figure out how much of the service I want them to do and how much I want to take on myself. Just hoping to find someone local to give it a good once-over.

I see a lot of H-Ds down here, but few Triumphs...though one went down Washington St. the other day...orange-ish cruiser, not sure which model.

Thanks again, I'll keep an eye out for you!

James

Hi, James. The Triumph dealer in Winchester has an excellent reputation. I've visited them a few times to go on RAT rides. The RAT leader there actually lives in my area; he takes his bike to that dealer for his service.

If you go there on a slow day, perhaps they'll some time answering your questions about areas of concern to you.

Also, don't forget: In VA, annual safety inspections are required. If done by the book, they are comprehensive and should catch any obvious safety-related defects. The areas inspected include front and rear brakes, brake lights, head light low and high beam, tail light, turn signals, tires, and horn..

I don't think the dealer can sell you the bike unless it passes the inspection. Since its a motorcycle shop, if their place does the inspection, they have the experience to do a proper job; also they need to be concerned with liabilityif they sells a bike with an overt safety problem.

Legend is due for service at initial 500 miles, and, thereafter, about every 6000 miles and every year. If, e.g., your bike has 11,900 miles, you might want to ask the dealer whether they know whether the 12000 maintenance operation was performed. If not, you're looking at a fairly expensive service fee right off the bat.

....Jerry