16K Maintenance (5G)

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by SFPA, Apr 10, 2007.

  1. SFPA

    SFPA New Member

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    First, I just got home from Afghanistan. Man, it sure feels great to be back on US soil !!! I really missed being able to check VFRW every day (and my family) :wink: .

    Second, it's time to get my 16K service (with the dreaded valve adjustment). Wondering what other 5G brothers and sisters paid for this service. So far in my area, I am getting quotes ranging from $375 to 500. Sheesh, that seems kinda high, but I am the original "cheap bastard". If this is about right, I guess I'll swallow the pill and move on. If not, please tell me a good price range.

    If anyone in the RDU, NC area knows a good place that is cheaper than what I have listed, please let me know. It'll be worth the ride up there.

    Thanks a bunch.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2007
  2. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    hmm, guess it depends on how much is included in that. I'm not sure if I'd pony up the dough and just go ahead and bite the bullet so I could ride... I'm pretty cheap myself... what are they gonna do for you for that price?
     
  3. Jaymz

    Jaymz New Member

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    Wish I could remember the name of the bike shop I used to go to when I lived in Raleigh. I think it's on either Glenwood Ave or Capital Blvd. They also sold bikes but seemed like a good bunch of guys. I wish I still lived in NC miss the weather big time. I would ride my bike all year long instead of only a couple months out of the year up here.
     
  4. Bobbybrit

    Bobbybrit New Member

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    Hey it could be worse, here in San Diego, CA, I was just quoted $650 for that service and $75 to $150 more if they had to adjust them. Needless to say I did the service myself and the valves can wait till I get a power commander and they can do the lot then.
     
  5. SFPA

    SFPA New Member

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    Reg -- I am assuming it's the basic stuff, i.e., fluids, plugs, lubes, etc. The "big" money is supposedly in the valve insepction a/o adjustment that is required and apparently trickier on a VFR for some reason (is this cause it's a V4????). Not knowing a thing about motors, however, this may not be as big a deal as the shops are making it out to be.

    I will pull out the ol' handy dandy VFR manual and see what is included in the 16K service.
     
  6. PLCBithead

    PLCBithead New Member

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    Welcome back, Thanks for all you do.

    I just had my Y2K done and I spent $800 but I also had a new front tire, so the actual service was about $675. It included running the valves and Honda HP4 synthetic. Only one valve needed an actual adjustment
     
  7. dlman

    dlman New Member

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    I just put 1k miles on my bike and I am noticing a little ticking when the bike is running. I got 15k currently. I am going to have to do the same service here pretty soon. I hope I can get a guy to fix it, because I can't/won't pay that kind of money for something that doesn't involve machining.
     
  8. James Popp

    James Popp New Member

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    I know there's a big age difference between my '84 and yours, but valve adjustment isn't that bad. For me it involved: remove plastic, gas tank, radiators, and head covers. After that its just being calm and willing to take the time: check, adjust, tighten, recheck, readjust ect. A couple wrenches, feeler gauge, and ~4 hours from start to finish. Valve adj. takes a high level of patience and perfectionism and I'm not sure if I trust any moto. tech really does that careful of a job for all but his own bike. If you're mechanically inclined I'd suggest doing it yourself.
     
  9. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

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    SFPA:

    I think it is safe to say we are "all" cheap bastards to some degree. That's why we are always asking each other how to do stuff LOL!

    I recommend that you find a reputable mechanic and just pay and get it done. You'll be on the road sooner.

    I have a 10.5 month old son and for all you parents out there you know how riding time is a premium. So all the maintenace I used to do...well I do very little anymore outside of oil changes, air filter cleaning, chain clean & adjust because I don't have time. All that stuff cuts into time on the road.

    I am very blessed that the mechanic I go to in Delaware is awesome. John Hovey is his name (Hovey Sportbike Specialists). Last year the 97 needed a new clutch. John was able to get the parts a bit less than I could and it took him about an hour, so 70 bucks in parts and 55 bucks for labor. Could I have done it? Sure...but 55 bucks to save me from a Saturday pissing around doing that? Hell its worth it, especially when he does a good job.

    Early this year I took the viffer to John to have the throttle cable lubed and adjusted to my liking, and other such small tasks. 60 bucks later I am on the road and all the small stuff is taken care of...another Saturday free for riding.

    So here is my two cents to all of you in VFRWorld!

    Start to cultivate a relationship with a local reputable mechanic (I don't mean take them on a date, but if it helps, then go for it LOL!)

    Every paycheck take out 10 to 20 bucks and stash it away for mechanic work. I know its not a lot of money, but it adds up quick and when you need you'll be glad you have it.

    The 150 bucks you have saved when you need 300.00 bucks in work done is a God send!

    BZ
     
  10. James Popp

    James Popp New Member

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    Bubba has a good point, its all about riding, but finding a good mechanic can be a trying experience. My brother once had an engine rebuilt including replacement of all gaskets. The next summer when the head gasket blew and we came to find it was never replaced I stopped trusting mechanics blindly. If looking for a good mechanic, be very speculative until you're convinced of his/her honesty.
     
  11. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

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    Thanks James! And that is exactly what I did...asked questions that is until I could trust the mechanic. I had heard great reviews of work done, but I started out slow when it came to my bike.

    What sold me was I had tapered bearings I wanted to install. I looked at the Clymer manual to see what was involved and decided "No Way" Called John asked if he wanted to do the work, he said yes, and the rest is history. He has a lift (I don't) and had replaced bearings many times. Although he had never done it to a VFR.
    Another thing I like is when I bring the bike in he writes down what I want done on a work order...so no forgetting!?

    BZ
     
  12. SFPA

    SFPA New Member

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    Thanks for all the replies, fellas. Fayetteville, NC is a tough spot to find a good mechanic it seems. I tried to turn her in to a dealer/mechanic place here after the guy on the phone told me he could do it, and then after I dropped it off (in the rain), he called me back and said he was not able to do the valve adjustment. WTF? Sheesh. It took him two weeks just to get through his backlog of bikes just to turn around and tell me he could not do it! Sooooo, now its another 2 weeks before the other "recommended" place here in Fayetteville can do it.
     
  13. SFPA

    SFPA New Member

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    p.s. : PCBithead.....Thanks. No problem. I love what I do.
     
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