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I have found that the motorcycle mechanic that lives in the house attached to my garage is the most reliable.

Ditto, and I received a compliment from my wife today who said "You've saved us so much money over the years repairing the vehicles. Thank you." I had to grin a little as I've also had way too many vehicles to play with. A wee bit spoiled am I.

I've got to say that I have mostly good luck with the 4 dealers I've been to in IA, IL, and IN.

Paul, I really appreciate your posts, and I sympathize with you. I have considered the Decatur dealership, but it's further than Chattanooga for me. I continue to be satisfied with the service I have received in Chattanooga, and those guys have some great prices on bikes. Keep us posted on any follow-up work in Decatur. By the way, I may be summer, but it looks like I will be bringing the Connecticut lady back to Alabama. What is it about finding a girl in Yankeeland?

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Matter can neither be created or destroyed, but it can be lost.

Geez!!!
What is it with the "adopt a yankee" cultural exchange program the rednecks seem to have going?!

I am shopping in mexico.
Am I missing something?


I have used Ayers in Asheville, NC., and I was pleased with the work they did, but a little unhappy over the bill, but not enough to make a big deal.
I am absolutely pleased with the chattanooga dealership. Nothing but good things to be said about them.

I think dealers are subject to the same issues I have in manufacturing. I have a few workers who take great pride in their work and go the extra mile because they have been brought up that way. I think dealers have the same issues with mechanics so even at the same shop you may get different styles of service. A good service manager is worth their weight in gold.

I agree that it's worth a try to scout around for a better service situation. +1 on the idea of you being your best mechanic, as I believe this is half the fun of owning a bike -fettling with it yourself!
I do both, as unfortunately I just don't have the time to do some of the things, nor the tools (Carb balance for instance).
Having been around mechanics all my working (38 years) life, and having had mechanical staff reporting to me, I can offer the following quickee:
Four levels of Mechanics -
1.) The Excellent Ones - these are the guys (and Gals) that take a sincere interest in their jobs, have a passion for their work, and consistently look to learn all the can - on their own - about their craft. These people tend to be quiet, state facts only, and have very few recalls or complaints. One in a thousand people who label themselves as mechanics fall into this range.
2.) The Average Mechanic- These people are reliable, show up for work everyday, and perform whatever repairs they are instructed to do. When in trouble, they rely on the "Excellent Ones" to help them out. Since the cheapskate employer isn't offering paid training, they are not interested. 10 to 20% recalls or complaints.
3.) The Bad Mechanics - These are the ham-fisted, knuckle busting, thread stripping guys we all know. Zero formal training, bad attitude, do it quick so they can get back to coffee and donuts. 50 to 70% recalls and mistakes.
4.) Worst of all, the "Bad Mechanics" as above, but with very strong opinions and tribal knowledge. These guys know absolutely everything, and no one can tell them otherwise. Run, don't walk, away from these guys. 90 to 100% recalls and mistakes.

The good news is - Excellent Mechanics DO exist, you just have to find them. I personally switched from the muti-brand Dealer (no need to mention name) I purchased my Bonneville Black from, to a Triumph only Dealer, and am absolutely satisfied with the results (Team Triumph in Wisconsin). Sure, I have to ride a little further, but hey, I like to ride anyway!

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Bob

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem".

Originally Posted by denman13

And don't call it Frisco!!

I was wonering if I was going to catch some flack for that...

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"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

I do plan on going independent as soon as I get through the warranty period. I will actually do most of the work myself but did want a mechanic to do the valve adjustment. I hope they knew how to do that but it is questionable.

Randy, I know SW Vermont created at least one super awesome woman. that's why I married her.

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You are an individual!!

Just like everyone else!!!

I wouldn't trust them to have done the valve adjustment right. If I were you I'd pull the valve cover and check the clearances myself (checking them is easy, it's adjusting them that's a pain).

Generally speaking, I just don't trust dealership service departments. I do all my own work, even on vehicles that are under warranty (I just log it all and keep receipts).

Of course, so far I've had great luck and haven't needed to do anything major. My Bonneville hasn't even needed a valve adjustment yet (and has over 20k miles on it now). It'll probably need one at 24k, and I'll either do it myself or take it to my friend John's shop -- he's an independent mechanic and actually knows what he's doing.

--mark

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Bennington Triumph Bash
Bennington, VT May 30-June 1, 2008

Do you keep one bullet left for yourself, for when it's all over and done?

I am currently in Bennington watching it snow but when I get home I may look into that.

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You are an individual!!

Just like everyone else!!!