Where to get a good service?

[placidfemme]

Well its Bike service, WOF and rego time for the ZXR.

I've had numerous offers from certain KBers to give me a hand with basic bike servicing and had a few questions.

If I do an oil and oil filter change on the ZXR, can I get a service done and say "but not the oil". Or would that be a waste of time?

Also does anyone have any suggestions of where to go to get it done?

I will not be using Motohaus, Red Baron or Cyclespot. So any other suggestions are welcome.

Mt Eden Motorcycles qouted $65 to pick up the bike (no WOF or Rego ATM). $220+ for the service ($67.50 per hour + parts) and $35 for the WOF. Totalling at around $320+.

Haldanes Motorcycles said they don't generally do Kawasaki's but they wouldn't turn me away, quoting me $200 (and up to $400) for the service not including parts. They don't do WOF and would cost $70 to pick up the bike, totalling at about $270+.

Auckland Motorcycle Surgery couldn't provide a quote amojnt over the phone, they did ask me a lot more questions and that made me happy, they charge $70 an hour + GST, so abour $220 not including parts. They don't do WOF and can pick up the bike for $70. Totalling about $290+. By far the attitude of the guy I spoke to was the best.

Spectrum Motorcycles Ltd quoted about $200 for the service. $30 for pick-up and $30 for WOF. Totalling at approx $260+

I'm about to start calling the Shore to see what thier prices are like... any suggestions?

thanks

[bugjuice]

do the oil, check the brake fluid and make sure the rad water is still a decent greenish colour, and check the plugs. Make sure the tyres are ok and brake pads have a bit left, and there's not much more to it.. easy as, and you learn a little more about your bike to.

The WoF wouldn't really cover much of what's done in a service, aside from decent tyre depth and adequate braking (ie the rear will lock up, and you can do a stoppie pretty much), and as long as there's no blown fork seals or loose bearings or bulbs gone, you should be sweet

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Try Spectrum on Barrys Point Rd :yes:

[jrandom]

Is Ricky still at Mt Eden MC? He's a top chap.

I always had excellent service from their workshop. Tended to cost an arm and a leg, but only because they took the time to check the bike out and fix things that I'd missed. I'd recommend them on that basis.

...

You know, given the title of this thread, I'm surprised nobody's posted any humourously appropriate (http://www.newzealandgirls.co.nz/) links yet...

[placidfemme]

do the oil, check the brake fluid and make sure the rad water is still a decent greenish colour, and check the plugs. Make sure the tyres are ok and brake pads have a bit left, and there's not much more to it.. easy as, and you learn a little more about your bike to.

The WoF wouldn't really cover much of what's done in a service, aside from decent tyre depth and adequate braking (ie the rear will lock up, and you can do a stoppie pretty much), and as long as there's no blown fork seals or loose bearings or bulbs gone, you should be sweet

Well the ZXR deffinatley needs an oil & oil filter change. The oil light is not on yet but when you check the oil level its very low. Getting the oil and the filter is no problem, and changing the oil/filter shouldn't be an issue either. I now have the right sized spanner (or whatever) to remove the plug thingy at the bottom to drain it, the only issue I can see me having is removing the oil filter, but as mentioned a KBer has offered to come by on Saturday to help me with this.

The brake fluid in the front brake does need a top up, and again doing that myself is not an issue. But I'd like to have the brakes bleed at the same time, or could this be done myself easily? What would I need? I remember Frosty covering bleeding brakes at a Spanner night ages ago, but honestly didn't pay enough attention to know which tools are needed etc

The coolant fluid needs a top-up too (its above the "min" line) but the colour is more of a faded green then the neon green I'm assuming it should be. Again I can get the fluid I need, but are there any special things that need to be done (Like does the radiator need to be flushed or drained... or do I just top it up?).

The spark plugs are pretty much new (havn't done more than 4000K's since the bike was re-registered after being written off... and had new plugs put in for compliance/wof... starts first time... so I assume they are fine). Also when Jono replaced the sparkplugs he had a special tool to get them in and out... I don't have this tool and I dunno what its called lol...

Tyres are good. They were 2 weeks old when the bike was written off. As mentioned only done about 4000k's since then, so still good tread etc

Front brake pads and disc's were replaced less than 3000k's ago when bike was done up for compliance, they have started to squeak again, but as far as I'm aware they are in good nick... any tips on how to check if they are good without taking the brakes apart? As for the rear break... I have no idea... but it works lol

Fork seals should be fine, I've noticed no leaking. Fork oil and seals were replaced at the same time as compliance. So should be all good.

Dunno where to look for loose bearings...

All bulbs are in working order... so yeah...

[bugjuice]

nah, Ricky left a long time ago, he's at Haldane's now.

Yeah I get the kwaka done at Spectrum every time. Good blokes dem guys. Highly recommended

[placidfemme]

Is Ricky still at Mt Eden MC? He's a top chap.

I always had excellent service from their workshop. Tended to cost an arm and a leg, but only because they took the time to check the bike out and fix things that I'd missed. I'd recommend them on that basis.

I'm just waiting to hear back from Ricky. He did my compliance and stuff when I wrote the bike off... he even got a fine picking my bike up LOL... anywho, yeah he's at Haldanes now, and the quote from there didn't look as competative as other places so far, but gonna see if Ricky can do me something on the side...

*will wait and see*

[bugjuice]

Well the ZXR deffinatley needs an oil & oil filter change. The oil light is not on yet but when you check the oil level its very low.
For gods sake, don't wait for the light to come on!!!!!!! that's a real bad thing. If it needs a top up now and again, then that's fine. Just keep an eye on it, and don't over-fill it either. Check the bike when it's standing upright, and on flat ground. Ask Sam to hold the bike while you check.

I think you'd really benefit from an hour with someone who can run over the basics well with you, so you would be more confident. Don't look at it as one bike 'omg so much stuff', but more in mousey bite size chunks, and there's really not a lot to it.. Most of the tools can be bought in one of those cheap 'kit sets' too, but you get what you pay for..

[placidfemme]

Try Spectrum on Barrys Point Rd :yes:


Just called them...

Spectrum Motorcycles Ltd quoted about $200 for the service. $30 for pick-up and $30 for WOF. Totalling at approx $260+

The guy was really nice and friendly and asked me pretty much the same questions as the guy from Motorcycle Surgery... so happy with that and the pick up price is way cheaper (maybe because they are on the Shore too).

Right now I'm leaning towards this one :) They are fully booked until next Tuesday, so that gives me some time to sort out the $$ then book it in :)

[placidfemme]

For gods sake, don't wait for the light to come on!!!!!!! that's a real bad thing. If it needs a top up now and again, then that's fine. Just keep an eye on it, and don't over-fill it either. Check the bike when it's standing upright, and on flat ground. Ask Sam to hold the bike while you check.

I think you'd really benefit from an hour with someone who can run over the basics well with you, so you would be more confident. Don't look at it as one bike 'omg so much stuff', but more in mousey bite size chunks, and there's really not a lot to it.. Most of the tools can be bought in one of those cheap 'kit sets' too, but you get what you pay for..

lol don't worry I havn't been waiting for the light to come on, I stopped riding the ZXR about a week or more ago when it started to feel sluggish, then the WOF and Rego expired so its just sitting around like an expensive ornament :shutup:

I know a bit of the "theory" side of basic maintainence, just havn't had as much practical experience and it doesn't help that I don't have many tools... but I'm getting there :)

[DMNTD]

Strongly recommend you/we just do it with some help from others.
I charge 2x bourbons per hour.
Find out quantity of oil required and purchase...rest is relatively straight forward and will save you oodles of coinage.

If it still feels sluggish then start looking at bike shops for help.

[placidfemme]

Strongly recommend you/we just do it with some help from others.
I charge 2x bourbons per hour.
Find out quantity of oil required and purchase...rest is relatively straight forward and will save you oodles of coinage.

If it still feels sluggish then start looking at bike shops for help.

lol was about to PM you and ask how much you were prepared to help with... more than happy to pay 2+ bourbons an hour plus can supply childcare (by ways of PS2 LOL) if you have any of the young-uns with you :Punk:

I'll send you a PM to discuss what shit I need to buy :yes:

[Edbear]

Give Tim, (Classic_Z), a call at his workshop, 09-424 0477. He's getting a rep for bikes.

[Ixion]

Where to get a good service? <hr style="color: rgb(209, 209, 225);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->I've had numerous offers from certain KBers


That is just so wrong on so many levels. Where's the end of the queue ?

[geoffm]

Get a WoF - if everything works, it shouldnt be a problem. Arrange time, come around here, bring parts and beer and old clothes. Old clothes, because I work on the sewat equity basis, and you will be getting dirty with me :-)
Geoff

[Ixion]

.. and you will be getting dirty with me :-)
Geoff

It's getting worse!

[rookie]

Try East City Motorcycles.
Tell them what you want and dont want done.
I like them cos they listen and they only charge 50+gst an hour.
not sure if they do warrants.
Ive also given them my life savings so i get discounts of pretty much everything. They've looked after me...im sure they'll do the same for you too. Dont worry if Lance says hes too busy...he told me today that hes got 3 engines to rebuild but hes still willing to chat and give a few pointers.

[Gremlin]

honestly... find a shop you like, or you trust the mechanics.

Loyalty goes both ways, shops like repeat customers, you normally always get discounts, extra bits like loan bikes etc. Playing them off for the cheapest price... where's their incentive to capture your business?

I have my shop, they do my work, and they know it (the history of working on bike can also pay dividends - liken it to any troubleshooting, if you know the history, you can solve the problem a lot faster generally). I tend not to ask how much it costs either. I'm not rich, but I would rather be poor and safe, than worry about the condition of the bike.

my 5c.... (if it exists)

[BarBender]

Strongly recommend you/we just do it with some help from others.
I charge 2x bourbons per hour.
Find out quantity of oil required and purchase...rest is relatively straight forward and will save you oodles of coinage.


What DMNTD said.
Better off doing it yourself if your that way inclined. Its a good way to know your bike.

[White trash]

Ian from Motorcycle surgery is tops and is constantly looking after me and my stupid ongoing questions.

He's had my bike in there once, still remembers exactly what make, model and year it is and that it's got a gay purple paint job. I'd thoroughly recommend his business. :)

[moko]

I've always found that "the little guy" will give you far better service than the big dealers,apart from anything else if they get a bad rep they're pretty well stuffed.Guy who gives my bike it's yearly once over knows me knows my bike and prides himself on doing a good job and sending the customer away happy.He's an ex multi-franchise employee who got pissed off working to his employers time-limits as opposed to doing the job he loves properly.That employer incidentally notorious for it's poor service.I trust the guy entirely,I always notice a real diffeence when I pick the bike up and while he's not the cheapest in town I know he's done a good job,which is more important to me.I mentioned a bike he's selling to a workmate who turned for a look while my bike was in the shop,guy gave me a discount on the work he's done just on that basis.Picked my bike up and even the passenger footpeg mounts have been lubed.

[desmo dave]

Well the ZXR deffinatley needs an oil & oil filter change. The oil light is not on yet but when you check the oil level its very low. Getting the oil and the filter is no problem, and changing the oil/filter shouldn't be an issue either. I now have the right sized spanner (or whatever) to remove the plug thingy at the bottom to drain it, the only issue I can see me having is removing the oil filter, but as mentioned a KBer has offered to come by on Saturday to help me with this.

The brake fluid in the front brake does need a top up, and again doing that myself is not an issue. But I'd like to have the brakes bleed at the same time, or could this be done myself easily? What would I need? I remember Frosty covering bleeding brakes at a Spanner night ages ago, but honestly didn't pay enough attention to know which tools are needed etc

The coolant fluid needs a top-up too (its above the "min" line) but the colour is more of a faded green then the neon green I'm assuming it should be. Again I can get the fluid I need, but are there any special things that need to be done (Like does the radiator need to be flushed or drained... or do I just top it up?).

The spark plugs are pretty much new (havn't done more than 4000K's since the bike was re-registered after being written off... and had new plugs put in for compliance/wof... starts first time... so I assume they are fine). Also when Jono replaced the sparkplugs he had a special tool to get them in and out... I don't have this tool and I dunno what its called lol...

Tyres are good. They were 2 weeks old when the bike was written off. As mentioned only done about 4000k's since then, so still good tread etc

Front brake pads and disc's were replaced less than 3000k's ago when bike was done up for compliance, they have started to squeak again, but as far as I'm aware they are in good nick... any tips on how to check if they are good without taking the brakes apart? As for the rear break... I have no idea... but it works lol

Fork seals should be fine, I've noticed no leaking. Fork oil and seals were replaced at the same time as compliance. So should be all good.

Dunno where to look for loose bearings...

All bulbs are in working order... so yeah... Why have you been useing it with a low oil level?.If you know it's useing oil find out why and keep it toped up.People on here offten say ducati's are expensive to service.The prices you mention for your bike make the dukes sound cheap to service.Unless you have some1 handy that knows what there doing take it to a shop the 1st time then you will know what they do.Most bikes require the same basic service but some brands and modles have there own little intricacies that Jo blog dont know about.Researce your bike on the net.

[placidfemme]

Thanks everyone for your tips and advice. After some thinking and discussion with mates, I'll be doing all the basic stuff at home on Saturday (weather pending cause we don't have a garage :(). Oil and filter change, coolant and brake fluid top up, lubing etc. If the bike still feels very sluggish after the changes then I'll more than likely send it in to Spectrum on the Shore :)

[placidfemme]

Why have you been useing it with a low oil level?.If you know it's useing oil find out why and keep it toped up.People on here offten say ducati's are expensive to service.The prices you mention for your bike make the dukes sound cheap to service.Unless you have some1 handy that knows what there doing take it to a shop the 1st time then you will know what they do.Most bikes require the same basic service but some brands and modles have there own little intricacies that Jo blog dont know about.Researce your bike on the net.

Because I've been broke like a motherfucker, and have only now just got a second job to fund everything bike related. I checked the oil level about 2 weeks back and had nearly half... then last week or or checked it again and it was nearly empty... oh well... thats why I'm sorting it out now...

[Macktheknife]

Hey Tam, Spectrum have always done good work by me, been using them for years, usually whenever I don't have time or can't be arsed doing it myself. Good guys, reliable, knowledgable and competent.
But you really should be doing as much of your own bike work as possible, never hurts to know your own bike.
As for your oil problem, losing half your oil in a week is a significant thing and tends to indicate a much bigger problem, get this seen to soon.
Call me if I can help
Mack

[mynameis]

Hey PF,

Not sure if you are aware of this or not if your WOF or Rego has expired you actually are allowed to ride it - but either to the bike shop to get a WOF put on or a AA to get the Rego done.

Alternatively you can get your Rego done online it's so simple and easy and you don't have to wait in long queues. I have waited for up to an hour once. (Waste of time) I now do it online all the time, they generally send it within 5 days.

Heres the link to renew your rego. (https://transact.landtransport.govt.nz/transactions/RenewVehicleLicence/entry.aspx)

If you do get stopped just tell them nicely you're going to get them done most are fine, but if you do get a coppa who's anal about it just make up some excuse like I just got back in the country from a holiday overseas, they won't do anything then! Hehe, I've driven for like months without Wof once lolz.

It will save you paying $30 to $60 for the pick up cost say if you do eventually take your bike in. Go down to Rodger on Barrys Point Road (Action Wreckers) he does WOF for $25 in 10 mins hehe.

Try Cycletreads as well see either Mark or Mike they are good blokes and will surely give you a good reasonable deal. Otherwise guys at Spectrum are great as well, as mentioned before. Are you planning to do major work like valves and carbs as well ?

Thanks for reading hehe :p

[placidfemme]

Hey PF,

Not sure if you are aware of this or not if your WOF or Rego has expired you actually are allowed to ride it - but either to the bike shop to get a WOF put on or a AA to get the Rego done.

Alternatively you can get your Rego done online it's so simple and easy and you don't have to wait in long queues. I have waited for up to an hour once. (Waste of time) I now do it online all the time, they generally send it within 5 days.

Heres the link to renew your rego. (https://transact.landtransport.govt.nz/transactions/RenewVehicleLicence/entry.aspx)

If you do get stopped just tell them nicely you're going to get them done most are fine, but if you do get a coppa who's anal about it just make up some excuse like I just got back in the country from a holiday overseas, they won't do anything then! Hehe, I've driven for like months without Wof once lolz.

It will save you paying $30 to $60 for the pick up cost say if you do eventually take your bike in. Go down to Rodger on Barrys Point Road (Action Wreckers) he does WOF for $25 in 10 mins hehe.

Try Cyclespot as well see either Mark or Mike they are good blokes and will surely give you a good reasonable deal. Otherwise guys at Spectrum are great as well, as mentioned before. Are you planning to do major work like valves and carbs as well ?

Thanks for reading hehe :p

Sweet, thanks for the link to pay the Rego online... with my second job it makes doing anything Mon - Fri a right pain in the ass :) Yay for credit cards lol

I will be getting the WOF done through Spectrum (and I believe they use Action Wreckers...) Chances are I'll risk it, or get Sam (aka Chucky) to ride it into Takapuna to get the WOF done next week sometime after work, as we'll only be doing the work on Saturday. Also the WOF will have to wait until I've got a new Rear Brake Lever (Mine works fine but I don't think the WOF guys will appreciate my home knead it jobby lol). Waiting for the bike shop to call me back re: second hand lever.

I'm not planning on doing major work like valves and carbs, lol don't even know where they are or what needs to be done to them...

[vifferman]

FFS, Tammy - how come you didn't consider "that place you went to one night with the other noobs to learn how to maintain your motorcycle"?

Kerry certainly won't rip you off.

Anyhoo, if you want to do some maintenance stuff yourself, you can use my gargre/tools/oil pan/"expert"ise. If it's not too far for you... :whistle: I should be home most of the weekend - just yodel before you come.

No charge. :done:

[placidfemme]

FFS, Tammy - how come you didn't consider "that place you went to one night with the other noobs to learn how to maintain your motorcycle"?

Kerry certainly won't rip you off.

Anyhoo, if you want to do some maintenance stuff yourself, you can use my gargre/tools/oil pan/"expert"ise. If it's not too far for you... :whistle: I should be home most of the weekend - just yodel before you come.

No charge. :done:

lol shhhhh... I don't remember too much about what they covered that night... all I remember is the bleeding brakes... and yeah...

*has a shocking memory... or lack thereof rather*

As mentioned in the first post, I won't be using Motohaus for my own reasons.

Thanks for the offer, your place is so close up the road :) At the moment we're looking alright, I have a rear stand for the bike and the basic tools for the fuild changes and top ups.

[vifferman]

Thanks for the offer, your place is so close up the road :) At the moment we're looking alright, I have a rear stand for the bike and the basic tools for the fuild changes and top ups.
Well, it still stands. If the weather is "inclement" or "excrement" or whatever, just coom aroond. It's sure to be more fun than housework or whatever else is planned for my weekend...:mellow:
Oh... and I didn't notice the "won't be using Red Baron, Cyclespot or Motohaus" bit the first time I 'read' your post. Sorry...

[placidfemme]

Well, it still stands. If the weather is "inclement" or "excrement" or whatever, just coom aroond. It's sure to be more fun than housework or whatever else is planned for my weekend...:mellow:

Sweet thanks :) Can you PM me your contact number just incase, I had it on my old phone... but thats long gone now...

[placidfemme]

Ok well... Did the basic service on the ZXR on Saturday morning... Just did the coolant fluid top-up... had to find out if I could mix green coolant with blue coolant... apparantly you can... so thats all good...

Topped up the front and rear brake fluids... easy as (obviously).

Only challenge was with the oil filter, couldn't get that damn thing off... ended up having Vifferman come over and remove it and help remove the screw for where you top up the oil...

Otherwise all good :) Finished just as the weather packed in for the day :rockon:

lol and I need more tools...

Pics attached

[bumsex]

is the oil in the icecream container all that came out of your engine?

[placidfemme]

is the oil in the icecream container all that came out of your engine?

No there was a second 2L icecream container full... I moved it out the way to minimise risk of spilling it on the driveway (landlord is real anal about these things... and I still split heaps lol)

[DMNTD]

How's ya "diet" coming along? :dodge:

[placidfemme]

How's ya "diet" coming along? :dodge:

lol well I'm getting no complaints from the "food" so yeah... :rockon:

:innocent:

[vifferman]

No there was a second 2L icecream container full... I moved it out the way to minimise risk of spilling it on the driveway (landlord is real anal about these things... and I still split heaps lol)
Well... that's what happens when someone's talking to you and you forget t.......:shutup:
LOL. Could've happened to anyone (and probably HAS happened to a fair few KBers).

[DMNTD]

lol well I'm getting no complaints from the "food" so yeah...
Sweet as...just remember I did offer my tuition re servicing :yes:

[placidfemme]

Well... that's what happens when someone's talking to you and you forget t.......:shutup:
LOL. Could've happened to anyone (and probably HAS happened to a fair few KBers).

lol yeah that wasn't the smartest ting I've done... just as well the oil bottles have more oil in them then what the bike actually takes lol

[placidfemme]

Arrrggg been waiting for Mt Eden to supplie a new (second hand) rear brake lever. The first one they gave me was totally not the one I needed, wouldn't have fit no matter how hard I tried... Called them up and told them and the guy was like "its the right one" and I'm like "um... no its not". Ended up having to email him a picture of the rear brake lever I have on the bike at the moment to prove it.

Got Sam to go in and drop off the first lever that was wrong, and she picked up the new one. Got home and she shows it to me... wrong fucking one again...

I really want to sort out the WOF & rego ASAP, but this shit is pissing me off

[Beemer]

You know, given the title of this thread, I'm surprised nobody's posted any humourously appropriate (http://www.newzealandgirls.co.nz/) links yet...

I was just about to when I read your post! I was going to check where PF was located and recommend the nearest red light district!

[placidfemme]

Arrrggg been waiting for Mt Eden to supplie a new (second hand) rear brake lever. The first one they gave me was totally not the one I needed, wouldn't have fit no matter how hard I tried... Called them up and told them and the guy was like "its the right one" and I'm like "um... no its not". Ended up having to email him a picture of the rear brake lever I have on the bike at the moment to prove it.

Got Sam to go in and drop off the first lever that was wrong, and she picked up the new one. Got home and she shows it to me... wrong fucking one again...

I really want to sort out the WOF & rego ASAP, but this shit is pissing me off

Grrr just called him up and advised him that 2nd lever doesn't fit... and says "you are trying to mount it on the outside right?" no... no not at all... I was trying to glue it to my tyre... why do people think chicks know nothing...

Found another shop that has the part... but for twice the price...

*is in such a bad mood today*

[placidfemme]

Yay! Finally got the bike back... *is all excited again*

Spoke to Mt Eden about the wrong part, and have been advised I can trade the part for something else of equal value from the bike shop... so going to get myself a spare front brake lever or maybe a spare clutch lever... havn't decided yet :)

Edit: Spectrum are great. Nice and friendly :)

[peasea]

Well its Bike service, WOF and rego time for the ZXR.

I've had numerous offers from certain KBers to give me a hand with basic bike servicing and had a few questions.

If I do an oil and oil filter change on the ZXR, can I get a service done and say "but not the oil". Or would that be a waste of time?

Also does anyone have any suggestions of where to go to get it done?


Short story:
A while back a mate rocks up on his bike (Softail Heritage, as it happens, but the theory is the same...) and says "listen to this" Nasty noise from the cam area. I thought it was a needle bearing etc, he said that was what he was told and he'd he'd need a grand to fix it. Duh? I said "can you read?", his reply; "eryup" so I said "go buy a manual", he did. 60 bucks. He rips engine out, we look in book, we fix problem for about 3 hundy, he gets us both drunk and it's still going.

I'll ask you the same question: Can you read? If so, go get a manual on your bike and get the helpful people on KB to support you if you get stuck.

I'm not saying the spanner throwers can't do a good job, they sure can, but if you want to get to know your bike and save a few bucks along the way (to be spent on gas and B&B weekends away) then stick your nose in a manual. You'll probably surprise yourself. Oh, and while you're getting a new filter or two, grab some hand cleaner.

Good luck.

[peasea]

Edit: Spectrum are great. Nice and friendly :)

PS: I've also heard good things about Spectrum and the name of the place is apt. A vast array can be fixed down there.