A little oil change story.

[Nate]

I brought the FJR into the dealer for an inspection and I figured I'd have them change the oil too. On the way home the bike seemed to be shifting harder (clunkier). I put the bike up on the center stand and sure enough the oil was overfilled. All oil in the sight glass. Even with the engine running the sight glass was 3/4 full. I took the sprayer part out of some old bottle and pumped out over a pint of oil to get it within the lines. I took it for a quick ride and the shifting was absolutely back to normal.

No big deal really, but the dealer just called saying they have the recall ignition part and now I'm wondering if I should let them do it since they seemed to have some trouble with a simple oil change. Any thoughts?

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Nate,

Being they did such a great job with your Oil Change... you want them to put in your ignition switch?

If you are handy, you can do it yourself:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=547623

Otherwise, make sure they have a 5-Star Mechanic do the work and not the Backward Hatted Shop Steward.

 

[okmac]

A lot of dealers have some young person in their shop doing the , so called, minor things like oil changes, tire changes , etc. Twice I have had the front brake assembly come loose as the mechanic did not tighten the hardware . Now I do tire changes myself.

Hopefully they will assign a more experienced mechanic to do your switch work.

Mac

 

[FJRBluesman]

A lot of dealers have some young person in their shop doing the , so called, minor things like oil changes, tire changes , etc. Twice I have had the front brake assembly come loose as the mechanic did not tighten the hardware . Now I do tire changes myself.Hopefully they will assign a more experienced mechanic to do your switch work.

Mac

I agree with Mac. Just to be anal, you may want to do it.

 

[xharleyrider]

I brought the FJR into the dealer for an inspection and I figured I'd have them change the oil too. On the way home the bike seemed to be shifting harder (clunkier). I put the bike up on the center stand and sure enough the oil was overfilled. All oil in the sight glass. Even with the engine running the sight glass was 3/4 full. I took the sprayer part out of some old bottle and pumped out over a pint of oil to get it within the lines. I took it for a quick ride and the shifting was absolutely back to normal.
No big deal really, but the dealer just called saying they have the recall ignition part and now I'm wondering if I should let them do it since they seemed to have some trouble with a simple oil change. Any thoughts?

To be honest with ya, I would not get the ignition replace if you don't have to. What I mean is I brought mine in for the recall too a few weeks ago. The mechanic said they have not seen any problem with the 08's. So I said well since I am here go on and do it. I pick up the bike a few hours later not thinking much about the ignition since the bike was pulled out and running. I get home and park her in the garage thinking all is well! The next day I tried to turn the key and it would not work :angry: So after after a few mins of mucking with it; I had to pull the key out just a bit and then it turned. I was rather pissed and called the yamaha service manager telling him of the problem and he said to bring it back in and they will fix it. I laughed and said I don't think so! Now I know why the bike was running when I got there!!! Do these people think we are not going to notice if something is not working properly????

I have not had any luck at all with several Yamaha dealers in the Dallas area. If you don't have to bring the bike in I would not unless your confident of the mechanic.

Good luck on your decision...............

 

[Crash Cash]

A lot of dealers have some young person in their shop doing the , so called, minor things like oil changes, tire changes , etc. Twice I have had the front brake assembly come loose as the mechanic did not tighten the hardware . Now I do tire changes myself.Hopefully they will assign a more experienced mechanic to do your switch work.

Mac

I just don't get that I drop $13K on a bike and I gotta HOPE I can get decent service for it...? That just bugs the hell out of me.

Orlando Yamaha/Kawasaki sucks, and the service department at RideNow of Longwood is an incompetent bunch of wrench monkeys that can't mount a tire the right way on the rim, or put the fairing back on a DL650 w/o breaking it. There's no way in hell I'm ever taking a bike back to either.

 

[Schuey1]

Hey XHarleyrider,

Seeing I'm in the same neck of the woods as you, you mind expanding on this statement so I can avoid these folks also?

"I have not had any luck at all with several Yamaha dealers in the Dallas area. "

I have dealt with Stadium Yamaha and have yet to form an opinion on their service (bought the bike their) but they're a good bunch of folks otherwise.

 

[Brodie]

Otherwise, make sure they have a 5-Star Mechanic do the work and not the Backward Hatted Shop Steward.

Hey!

I'm a Shop Steward,
and I resemble that remark!
:blink:




Brodie

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Brodie,

You may be, but your hat is not on Backwards!

Oh yeh, the ignition switch relay says HI and we're doing fine.

 

[Brodie]

... the dealer just called saying they have the recall ignition part and now I'm wondering if I should let them do it since they seemed to have some trouble with a simple oil change. Any thoughts?

Nate

Yes, get the recall switch. We worked hard to help persuade Yamaha to do the right thing and re-design it. It is an improvement over the original item. Given time and mileage the original switch will leave you stranded unless you do something to upgrade it.

You already have an issue with service from the shop, politely let them know what you did. Don't bring an attitude with you, they're human too.

This is a recall from Yamaha. Don't let them charge you for the switch. Don't let them force a second key on you. Do your research before you take your bike in.

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s=&showtopic=114602&view=findpost&p=547493

The recall switch, what's different about it.
https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s=&showtopic=114602&view=findpost&p=547493
Make sure you have a real good look at their work. Bring some metric allen wrenches to check the torque on the pinch bolts on the upper triple clamp. Make sure the key works smoothly. The security screws should have the heads sheared off properly. Check the paint for scratches - before and after the work is done.

Don't be shy!
Important... When the bike passes your inspection make sure you let the service man know how pleased you are with their work. That's how you establish a good working relation with your dealer service department.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

Brodie

 

[n1acguy]

I really don't see how a high oil level could affect the way the bike shifted, but I'll take your word for it.

As far as the ignition switch goes, I installed the relay mod from Brodie, and knowing the switch isn't taking the load anymore, I decided I don't want the dealer screwing with mine either. They are supposed to call me when the switch comes in anyway ( it's been at least 2 months) so maybe I'll try to get them to give me the switch assembly and take the core back to them. I didn't think they would consider letting me take the switch to change myself, so I didn't ask.

I agree, you shouldn't have to question whether your dealer's service department has the skills to repair your bike or not, but when the service department hasn't heard of a common problem and wants to blame you (like my dragging clutch) they don't gain my confidence.

As long as it doesn't get too serious, it's easier for me to service it myself than it is to drop it off, get the Ol Lady to pick me up, etc.

 

[Big Shasta]

No way would they touch my bike....AND be sure to call and let them know why. I bet you paid a premium price for that oil change.

Just install the relay Brodie designed and leave the ignition alone. It's a simple install and a great price.

 

[inertiacoupling]

SNIPTo be honest with ya, I would not get the ignition replace if you don't have to. What I mean is I brought mine in for the recall too a few weeks ago. The mechanic said they have not seen any problem with the 08's.

SNIP

I have an '08 I bought new in June of '08.

By the time Summer of '08 was over, I often had times where I'd turn the ignition to the ON position, hit the starter, and NOTHING.

I'd have to turn the ignition ON and OFF several times to get my bike to start.

Had the new switch put in February of 2009, have ridden over 2000 miles since then, and have never had the problem again.

 

[cota95]

I feel bad for the guys with bad service shops in their area. I have been going to Razee Motorcycle Center in RI for all of my adult life-real bike people and great service. And having had the original switch fail twice on me, I would without question get the ignition switch replaced. I just replaced my 06 with an 07 and my first stop after getting her home was to Razee to order the ignition switch recall done. JMHO

 

[xharleyrider]

Hey XHarleyrider,
Seeing I'm in the same neck of the woods as you, you mind expanding on this statement so I can avoid these folks also?

"I have not had any luck at all with several Yamaha dealers in the Dallas area. "

I have dealt with Stadium Yamaha and have yet to form an opinion on their service (bought the bike their) but they're a good bunch of folks otherwise.

Hey Schuey,

I have had bad experience with Yamaha in Plano, & Richardson. I purchased my bike from Yamaha in Garland off of Plano Road. I have not been to them since it is a little far. The good news is I am doing all of my own maintance and have learned a lot working on the bike. I just hope I never have anything major that needs to be fixed and if it does I will take it to Metric in McKinney. He use to work for Yamaha as well as race their bikes. He's and odd dude but knows his stuff!!

Ride Safe and Cool!

 

[jcyuhn]

Hey XHarleyrider,
Seeing I'm in the same neck of the woods as you, you mind expanding on this statement so I can avoid these folks also?

"I have not had any luck at all with several Yamaha dealers in the Dallas area. "

I have dealt with Stadium Yamaha and have yet to form an opinion on their service (bought the bike their) but they're a good bunch of folks otherwise.

Hey Schuey,

I have had bad experience with Yamaha in Plano, & Richardson. I purchased my bike from Yamaha in Garland off of Plano Road. I have not been to them since it is a little far. The good news is I am doing all of my own maintance and have learned a lot working on the bike. I just hope I never have anything major that needs to be fixed and if it does I will take it to Metric in McKinney. He use to work for Yamaha as well as race their bikes. He's and odd dude but knows his stuff!!

Ride Safe and Cool!

\

I've had the Richardson Yammie dealer work on my bike twice - once for the ECU service campaign, once for the ignition recall. Both times the work was done right, completed on time, the parts were in stock, and the staff was polite and professional. So no complaints here. I do all my own maintenance, so no dealer experience there.

In DFW I've heard good things about Stadium Yamaha. Haven't heard any consistent feedback, good or bad, about other dealers.

 

[HJHFJR]

If your worried about the workmanship, do what I did, take the Triple tree off and take it to the dealer to swap out the switch. Since it will save them time, as they do not get paid but 1 hour from Yamaha, they should be happy to do it that way. I went a step farther and drilled out the tamper proof bolts and only took them the switch. The dealer swapped out the key cylinder, and gave me back the new switch with the new new bolts for me to install on the triple tree.

Installed the Brodie relay and the new switch and life is good. The downside is your doing the work that the dealer should be doing.

 

[Gerry.GEG]

Are you sure they changed the Oil Filter?

I ask because one time I had my car oil changed and just to be sure they did the filter I made a mark with a sharpie. When I checked the oil (before I left) it was 1/2 quart high. So, I checked and sure enough, they didn't change the filter. Can you say quite embarrassed? I had them change the oil/filter again and all was well. Obviously, I never took another car to them again and I do all my own oil changes.

I would definitely make them aware something was a-miss with your oil change. They need that feedback - there is no excuse for that oversight or worse; they didn't change your filter. You're paying for expertise, otherwise you'd do it yourself. 'can't answer the question on your ignition, you'll have to decide this for yourself.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

overfilling the oil can cause the clutch plates to stick together by filling the cavity between the plates in the center and they hydro lock together. they won't open up and it's like shifting without opening the clutch plates. Hard shifting and clunking is the result. So there you have it!