I have no luck with bike shops-What is there Problem ?

1980 Cb 650 custom in restoration mode, too many bills and shops to
describe. I have learned only give a shop 3 things to do never more.
Always write in large letters what it is you want done with check
boxes, and leave a copy on the tank for hopefully the licenced
mechanic.
Last fall 3 things givin to a shop 70km from my place (never take your
bike a long ways away from home for serious repairs unless emergency)
1 replace the rings-check wear cylinder bores-hone bores.
2 do valvestem seals/lapp valves.
3 replace worn rubber mounts on front forks.
I went to 70km twice and still did not have my bike done right.
The 3rd time they forgot the rubber mounts.
The bike leaked oil before the rebuild and still does today. Needless
to say it has to back again for atleast a valve body gasket.

Last Fri pick up my bike from another shop locally.
Gave them 3 things to do.
1re-jet the carbs, run on dyno, for indipendent K&Ns and 4 into 1
header.
2replace o-rings in tachometer housing.
3 reinstall the header using all new hardware including new studs and
nuts.
Paid there large bill and noticed when I got home, that they had
forgot to put new hardware in on the header, they used my old
hardware! I had wrote in large letters under lined the 3 things they
need to do.
I guess I need to find a good mecahnic, one who pays attention to
details and get done what you ask.
How about this one.....took bike into Honda dealer, asked for new
sprokets and o-ring chain, Gave them in writing what was to be done
including the 17 tooth front sproket request, and do you think they
got it right....oh coures not it took 3 week to finally get the right
sproket on this bike.
Todays mechanic or so called ones need to take their time and get it
right the first time. Always ask if it is a licenced mechanic working
on your bike.
Signed No Luck in repairs.
Motorcycle Shops SUCK!!

Tim.C.

 

Tim C wrote:

How much time do you want? It's only a buck every minute.

 

You are in the wrong game. Do not buy a 'classic' bike or car unless you
know of a wrench who knows it well and then you'll have to pay him a
brutal amount to do so.

If you wish this work done, then do it yourself only subbing out stuff
like a rebore to a speciality shop.

Let me ask you this - what would you expect your outcome if you bought a
1965 Chevy to a current GM dealer for a tune up? Most of the folks
working there never even SAW points and a condenser in a distributor.
That's the same outcome you'll get if you keep going to standard bike
shops.

Seek an indie.

-paul

 

Tim,
So, what you are saying is that the piece of paper that a licensed mechanis
holds, makes him a good one ?

I beg to differ, I have seen guys that are self taught and could run circles
around a licensed mechanic.

Not saying this is true, because some mechanics " have it" and some do not.

I do agree with taking it to an indy, where do you happen to live ?

Thanks,
Iowa883