Update: Dealer vs. trusted local mechanic

[radiummadman]

So the dealer in Albuquerque wanted $500 + to check valves, install owner supplied Radiator cap and new owner supplied

Ape chain cam tensioner, drain the coolant. I was not sure my local good mechanic was able to do this BUT he said he could

& to save a 400 mile round trip to Albuquerque, motel & food expenses etc. I decided WTF, let the trusted local guy do it.

Not only did he do all of the above he also installed Wyn-Pro block off plates that I supplied, changed the fluid in clutch

and both brake systems, added coolant after the flush, bla bla bla. So I went to get it today when he said it would be

ready, which it was. I asked him how many little old ladies I would have to rob to pay him, he said not many as the

total is $250.00. I gave him $350.00 & he said that was too much, I told him it wasn't enough. Soooooooooooooo

went on a 150 mile test ride, back roads & some 4 lane. Did a lot of time at 100 mph plus and hit the Border Patrol

camera set up at 135 mph. All I know is that guy sure did a good job and saved me a lot of $$$$, though I thought the

dealer in Albq. was being fair & reasonable in his pricing. I called him after the ride & kissed his ass multiple times via

phone.

 

[kamal]

Good for you. It's nice when you can find someone you can trust, who does a good job and doesn't charge like a wounded bull. Although, I agree that the dealer's quote was reasonable.

So, did your local guy have a set of valve shims or were the clearances acceptable?

Al.

 

[Queensland Ken]

Rode from Brisbane to Sydney to a "trusted mechanic", he did a real good job checking the valve clearances.

And besides I wanted a ride.

Yamaha here normally charge between $500 - 550 just for a check, the mechanic charged about $210 and did a few extras as well.

Do it all myself now.

 

[Road_Runner]

I do most of my own work, but I was using a local guy for tire changes and to do the work that I was too lazy to do myself. Darn it he was a victim of the economy last year and shut down. I won't take it to the stealership... they just plain charge too much, and I don't think the work is any better and sometimes can be worse. well I bought tire changing tools now. $50 to chage one tire at the dealer gets old fast.