Servicing an "older" bike

[MSTRS:Me]

I remember as a lad, being quite genuinely astonished when I found out that some people took their bikes to dealers to be serviced. It had never occured to me, I sort of assumed that everyone did their own.

Mind you...they probably didn't live on 'our' side of the tracks.

[Motu]

I remember as a lad, being quite genuinely astonished when I found out that some people took their bikes to dealers to be serviced. It had never occured to me, I sort of assumed that everyone did their own.

Yeah,I can't really imagine anyone not working on their bikes - that's the whole point isn't it? But these days bikes are an accessorary not a lifestyle,instead of leaning about this thing that gives you so much enjoyment,there is a little man who takes care of all the details for you.

[Paul in NZ]

On the other hand - I don't think I've ever owned a bike that still (or ever) had an effective or existant dealer network - hmmm...

[Gremlin]

Yeah,I can't really imagine anyone not working on their bikes - that's the whole point isn't it?

err... I will work on the little simple things... but I would kill myself if I tried to properly work on them (either during the process, or the after-effect). Also the hassle of dealing with the old oil etc, you can't just give the garden a water any more, and in suburbia, its even harder.

I have no mechanical aptitude whatsoever... I will keep on working, to afford to pay for the bikes to be serviced Additionally, I use mine almost everyday, its my only transport etc, and I can't afford to not have it running, either through my breaking something, or not doing it right.

[Motu]

I have no mechanical aptitude whatsoever... .

In the ''good old days'' people learned mechanical skills,if the bike broke down you found out why,and then fixed it.Lot's of head scratching on the side of the road....but you got it sorted.People who weren't prepard to get their hands dirty and look after their bike were out of the scene pretty quickly.

[AllanB]

Crap attitude. I never had any problems with my old 82 kawasaki 750 twin (I sold it this year), I had the shop set shims and carbs, I did the oil/filters.

They should make more money - hours are hours, older parts are dearer (more margin).

Basically if there are issues they notice or recommend fixing soonish during a service phone the customer or note it on the job sheet and tell them when they collect it.

Hey the VTR1000 is pretty much unchanged over the past 5 years - what will they do with these.

[scumdog]

I am a parts replacer - I am able to repair 90% of the parts I replace....but I dare not.I blame Consumer Rights and cuntish customers for the dumbing down of the skills of my lifetime.

I am working on a 1973 Mercury Marquis at the moment - I have Carta Blanch to do whatever I like,repair,replace or just do whatever I want.I wouldn't go near such a heap of crap otherwise.But - it is a car we can repair,it's actualy a pleasure to fix this thing,revive skills I will lose in time.Just as well I have my old bikes to work on.

What colour is the Merc? Not a dark green perchance?

[scumdog]

Just to add a slightly different perspective:

My car mechanic, who has a general workshop in Newmarket and does nothing different from any others, apart from being meticulous, reliable and honest (and no, I'm not going to tell you who is is in case he gets too busy to book me in, as he usually does, at a moment's notice) has been quite happy to work on my 1960 Ford 107E within the limitations of parts availability

These cars are so simple that the mechanic wouldn't even need a manual, it would be like a holiday.

THAT is the reason all our cars are pre '85 - in fact only one built in the '80's, the rest are '60's and earlier.

[Motu]

What colour is the Merc? Not a dark green perchance?

Black on black - no back seat,but a nice flat tray with rollers......

[Roj]

Haven't had any problems with the bike shops I deal with, when I forst got my bike back on the road after 7 years neglect the bike shop where happy to sort it out, cost a bit but it hasn't let me down since, only me not thinking about things properly that has caused any problems

[jrandom]

THAT is the reason all our cars are pre '85...

You got it.

For the same reason, my first car was a '63 Valiant AP-5. You could take a holiday inside that engine bay.

And, well. Bench seats. Say no more.

[Motu]

You don't have to go pre 1985.....you can get a 1990 Lada with 1960's technology....

[jrandom]

you can get a 1990 Lada with 1960's technology....

True story. I remember, when I was a wee 'un, mum and dad were buying a car, so we were doing the rounds of the dealers. Went to the Lada place, and the sales dude reinforced his pitch by giving one of the door panels a hefty boot and saying "look, no dent".

I got in big trouble at the next yard for trying the same stunt on a Corolla.

[Swoop]

True story... I got in big trouble at the next yard for trying the same stunt on a Corolla.

Classic!!!!!

[rok-the-boat]

If you live nearby - North Shore - you're welcome to bring your bike around. I'll look at it / tell you what it needs / help you get there - for nothing.