Changed the oil/filter today. Had a time loosening the left side crankcase bolt. "Tapped" it to loosen it and got it. Got a K&N oil filter with Mobil 1 15/50 oil. Tomorrow the trans fluid. Dealer wanted $160 to do in 90 minutes what I did in about 45 minutes. Hasn't Mama Yama learned there's other flavors of Loc-Tite than red?

GP

You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks their local dealer is Golden. I suppose they still exist, but nowhere near me!

My dealer has not touched my bike since they dropped it off the lift while performing the recall...

Curt reminded me yesterday of a Dallas area shop that had a good reputation building, Metric Tech, but I guess they couldn't keep it going. Not sure why, but I can guess. Anyway, he found that the former head wrench is at a local Yamaha shop, so that's good I guess. The shop's business practices have just as much to do with the experience, and Curt said the Stadium Yamaha was working with him on manifolds, so that's an encouraging sign. At least someone out there is showing signs of wanting to build good relationships with customers.

The last 3 times I approached a shop about doing any form of work, they acted like they couldn't care less if they got my business or not. Not a fan of the attitude. I'm not a fan of neck and head tatoos, booger jewelry, and rings on mechanics either. Does not look professional to me. Looks like they ought to work in a skate shop, head shop, porn shop, or liquor store. Guess I'm judgmental. Put another one in the sin box for me!

my expierience tells me if you bring an attitude you get one back, as for jewlerey on anybody working on vehicles is a no no, dont want scratches. tattos dont bother me, if he is a good tech. mortjd750ace wrote:
Curt reminded me yesterday of a Dallas area shop that had a good reputation building, Metric Tech, but I guess they couldn't keep it going. Not sure why, but I can guess. Anyway, he found that the former head wrench is at a local Yamaha shop, so that's good I guess. The shop's business practices have just as much to do with the experience, and Curt said the Stadium Yamaha was working with him on manifolds, so that's an encouraging sign. At least someone out there is showing signs of wanting to build good relationships with customers.

The last 3 times I approached a shop about doing any form of work, they acted like they couldn't care less if they got my business or not. Not a fan of the attitude. I'm not a fan of neck and head tatoos, booger jewelry, and rings on mechanics either. Does not look professional to me. Looks like they ought to work in a skate shop, head shop, porn shop, or liquor store. Guess I'm judgmental. Put another one in the sin box for me!

Ol' Grumpy hasn't seen a Stealership, since I took him back at the 500 mile mark to get the factory oil changed and they NEVER did it, but still managed to rip $90 out of my butt. Never again! If I can't do it, I'll find a friend who will help me do it!

The Dealer has not worked on my bike since the mandatory warranty checks. I had a independent shop working on my bike but they turned out to be bigger dummies than the dealers. I had them adjust rear shock and I told them I wanted the shock adjusted stiffer. They decompressed the spring all the way and now I can't adjust it at all. They are useless.

Just for everyones information there are no mandatory warranty checks. You can do it all yourself just make sure you keep all the receipts and document when and what you did.

It's a little sad for me though. The dealership where I'm at doesn't see many Road Stars but we do care.

texasscott1 wrote:
Just for everyones information there are no mandatory warranty checks. You can do it all yourself just make sure you keep all the receipts and document when and what you did.

It's a little sad for me though. The dealership where I'm at doesn't see many Road Stars but we do care.That is what I was told by the dealer I bought my bike from told me. They told me if I missed that check up my warranty would be voided.

Unfortunately, finding out a dealership LIED to you is one of the basic reasons for all the distrust. Not to mention the high shop rates. I can't imagine that the burden rate is that dang high. I mean, they are supposed to be making some money off selling all those bikes and 4-wheelers, right? I've done the math at a 55,000 square foot aircraft facility, and I just cannot imagine equitable expenses at a motorcycle shop. There is no federal regulatory agency dictating how you do and document every single aspect of your business, for one big thing right off the top!