|
|
Post by SylvreKat on May 9, 2015 17:29:46 GMT -5
Update after some checking. Stopped by ScooterWorld. They've gotten much better with time management than they were a few years ago. Now a tune-up/oil change takes about 45 minutes, depending on if they find anything wrong or not of course. They do a full check of all systems, a 35-point exam of the bike, and change the oil etc with full synth per Piggy's recommendations, for $  . I know, all you wrenchers are cringing at that. But like I said, it's not just the oil, it's the checking out of everything else. It's reassurance that my belt or tires or whatever are all still in good shape. Looked for the HawgShack, but I went the wrong side of Santa Fe (my fault, I didn't pay enough attention to the Google-map). I did talk to the Suzuki shop. They were very friendly and very personable and game to try. But like one said laughing, they speak Japanese not Iy-talian. Then again, Custom had never worked on a scooter before mine, and they did just great for me. Suzuki would charge about $45 plus oil. But I dunno how well they can check everything else. In their favor besides cheaper price, they're a mile away. I did learn from Suzuki that Reno's in Martin City (the Piggy dealer) "is just about the most expensive shop in the metro." Hm. Farthest away, uncomfortable driving there, plus now this. I'm thinking they're out. I did just call but the service shop is closed and the guy on the phone wouldn't offer any estimate for a spring tuneup. I'll call back Tues morn and see what they charge. And I'll go find the two cycle shops Mon morn and see what they're like. The good out of all this, when I need new tires I'll go to the Indian dealer. They mount and install for free! >'Kat |
|
|
|
Post by nulldevice on May 9, 2015 19:13:29 GMT -5
OK you prototypical blond female non-mechanic. You don't really think the big, hairy chested, begrimed hands, axle grease inside his underwear mechanic was born with the knowledge and skills needed for working on their machine, do you? No, they paid tuition.
The tuition involves money of course to buy parts broken taking stuff apart, more parts broken putting it back together, buying the non-returnable wrong part, the original part needed to fix it, shop manuals, books and magazines written by professionals who know what they are about, and tools. Other tuition is in the form of torn fingernails, scuffed knuckles, smashed/pinched fingers, ground in grease and grime, laying down on a cold garage floor or on wet, muddy ground to get at the pieces and parts, getting zapped by the ignition system, burned on hot motor parts or shorted battery cables . . . The list goes on.
You too can pay the tuition and do all the "easy" and not so easy stuff yourself.
Admit YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS GREASE AND GRIME THING and you aren't going to do it. You have money, are willing to spend it for a competent, honest mechanic's services, and promise (?) not to squeal too loud about what it costs.
As I see it, expensive mechanics are common, finding honest competent mechanics is the really hard part. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on May 9, 2015 19:38:30 GMT -5
null, just so you know, my fingernails are usually torn, too. While I don't get grease, I do get grime and sometimes even mud (I do photography). And sometimes I get oil paint on me too. I figure we each have our strengths. And yes, you big hairy chested mechanics  (oooo!) are born with the skills needed for working on your machine. While I was born with the skills to play flutes and piano, and paint, and write stories. You are right though that the knowledge for both of us is paid rather than born in us. While I don't have lots of money, I *am* willing to pay the competent honest mech for the knowledge he's purchased that allows him to use the skills he was born with. And you're totally right that it's the honest competent that I'm looking for. I found one for my car. But I keep losing the ones for my scooter. Sigh. Maybe I'm a bike-mech jinx? >'Kat |
|
|
|
Post by scooter on May 9, 2015 20:57:03 GMT -5
null, just so you know, my fingernails are usually torn, too. While I don't get grease, I do get grime and sometimes even mud (I do photography). And sometimes I get oil paint on me too. I figure we each have our strengths. And yes, you big hairy chested mechanics (oooo!) are born with the skills needed for working on your machine. While I was born with the skills to play flutes and piano, and paint, and write stories. You are right though that the knowledge for both of us is paid rather than born in us. While I don't have lots of money, I *am* willing to pay the competent honest mech for the knowledge he's purchased that allows him to use the skills he was born with. And you're totally right that it's the honest competent that I'm looking for. I found one for my car. But I keep losing the ones for my scooter. Sigh. Maybe I'm a bike-mech jinx? >'Kat I worked on bicycles as a child because buying new ones or paying shops to fix them was out of the question, and if you wanted to get out and do things, you needed a bike. I don't think we are born to do things, but our personalities and our opportunities guide us to things we can do. When you don't have the money to pay other people, you just do what you have to do. If I were you, I'd ask a friend with a trailer to take it to the shop for you. If I were your neighbor I wouldn't hesitate to help you out. |
|
|
|
Post by scooter on May 9, 2015 21:01:46 GMT -5
You too can pay the tuition and do all the "easy" and not so easy stuff yourself. As I see it, expensive mechanics are common, finding honest competent mechanics is the really hard part. Good luck. You got that right. An honest mechanic is a rarity. When we were kids we wanted to be artists, astronauts, and football players. No one ever said, "When I grow up I want to be an auto mechanic!"  |
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on May 10, 2015 6:41:56 GMT -5
scooter, I disagree slightly with you. I think we are indeed born with certain skills. I was born with artsy skills. My big brother was born with all the "logical" skills, being able to figure statistics and stuff. Of course, we both needed teaching to use those skills. And that's not to say neither of us couldn't learn the other's skills. While I joke about being blonde, I didn't totally sux at math or science. But it also wasn't easy for me like for my brother. He scolds me for having an Edward Jones guy handle my 401k stuff, 'cause "it only takes (him) about an hour every month to manage all (his)." Well yeah, that's 'cause his brain is wired for all that math and stats and whatever. Another perfect example--my nef was born without a lot of athletic skills to him (comes from two families who have not one real athlete among us). But he has always loved baseball, and has practiced like nobody's business. And he's developed a skill at playing. But he will never equal someone who does have the genes for being an athlete, who has those skills born into him. So yes, I'm certain I can learn the skills, too. But mechanical things mostly confound me, and even with the teaching I will never be as adept with the wrenching as you "naturals". Or you guys that grew up working on things. On the other hand, I'll give you a flute concert, and even throw in playing some handbells solos, too, while you work on my scoot.  And if I knew anyone with a trailer, I would give them a call. Say--where do you live again, scooter?  Is that your phone ringing...? >'Kat |
|
|
|
Post by scooter on May 10, 2015 11:26:17 GMT -5
scooter, I disagree slightly with you. I think we are indeed born with certain skills. And if I knew anyone with a trailer, I would give them a call. Say--where do you live again, scooter? Is that your phone ringing...? >'Kat I know what you mean. I find playing a guitar practically impossible and my drawing skills are better suited to blueprints than bluebells, but that's because I don't put a lot of effort into that kind of art. I like the piano but I find reading sheet music frustrating at best. I enjoy the art of designing things to create beauty, function, and efficiency. That's a turn on for me, and I can spend a lot of time on it without pulling my hair out. It's not that I'm a born designer, it is just that I like being creative. I like to start with a blank slate and take logical steps to create things. I like to re-invent wheels and fix things that aren't broken.  I hate working on cars. It takes a lot of patience to work on them. You have to be someone who is not bothered terribly by the heat and mess and cramped spaces and the insanity of having to take off 10 parts just to replace one part, and those are all things I detest. I just got another truck though, and I'm determined to work on it anyway. I feel it is time I took on that responsibility, and I want to feel secure about my vehicle, that it works well, and that I can fix whatever comes along, so that I don't have to rely on anyone else to do it. My luck with mechanics has not been so good so, once again, I am forced out of my comfort zone in order to find comfort.  |
|
|
|
Post by nulldevice on May 10, 2015 14:11:47 GMT -5
null, just so you know, my fingernails are usually torn, too. While I don't get grease, I do get grime and sometimes even mud (I do photography). And sometimes I get oil paint on me too. I figure we each have our strengths. And yes, you big hairy chested mechanics (oooo!) are born with the skills needed for working on your machine. While I was born with the skills to play flutes and piano, and paint, and write stories. You are right though that the knowledge for both of us is paid rather than born in us. While I don't have lots of money, I *am* willing to pay the competent honest mech for the knowledge he's purchased that allows him to use the skills he was born with. And you're totally right that it's the honest competent that I'm looking for. I found one for my car. But I keep losing the ones for my scooter. Sigh. Maybe I'm a bike-mech jinx? >'Kat I worked on bicycles as a child because buying new ones or paying shops to fix them was out of the question, and if you wanted to get out and do things, you needed a bike. I don't think we are born to do things, but our personalities and our opportunities guide us to things we can do. When you don't have the money to pay other people, you just do what you have to do. If I were you, I'd ask a friend with a trailer to take it to the shop for you. If I were your neighbor I wouldn't hesitate to help you out. It is the combination of desire and practice. I made my living pulling wrenches in industrial maintainance shops. I have also entranced audiences playing various musical instruments in my free time. I dont know which is the bigger thrill -- watching a three story fifty yard long machine come to life or suddenly realize five hundred people are quietly humming along as I play my lap dulcimer. |
|
|
|
Post by JerryScript on May 10, 2015 15:46:36 GMT -5
You too can pay the tuition and do all the "easy" and not so easy stuff yourself. As I see it, expensive mechanics are common, finding honest competent mechanics is the really hard part. Good luck. You got that right. An honest mechanic is a rarity. When we were kids we wanted to be artists, astronauts, and football players. No one ever said, "When I grow up I want to be an auto mechanic!" You have never met a family of grease monkeys. I know a few in different states I've lived in, and in one family down south, the daughter was the best wrencher hands down. She could listen to an engine with the hood down and tell you which cylinder needed attention! |
|
|
|
Post by scooter on May 10, 2015 16:54:49 GMT -5
You got that right. An honest mechanic is a rarity. When we were kids we wanted to be artists, astronauts, and football players. No one ever said, "When I grow up I want to be an auto mechanic!" You have never met a family of grease monkeys. I know a few in different states I've lived in, and in one family down south, the daughter was the best wrencher hands down. She could listen to an engine with the hood down and tell you which cylinder needed attention! Right. I'm sure if the parents had been computer programmers, that's what she would likely have learned and became good at growing up. It's not so much about being born to do something as it is becoming familiar with something. My cousin was a hot rodder growing up, because he liked fast cars and his dad taught him how to work on them. He became an AC tech, and insists on sending his boy to college so he can have a higher paying job. My cousin is a smart guy but college was not the family way when he was growing up. Working on hot rooftops is not fun in the summers and the pay is not so great because AC repair is a common vocation in his territory. My point is, he wasn't born to be an AC tech. He just grew up learning that hard work is "what you do" when you grow up. He could just as well have become an engineer if that's what was expected of him, or a musician for that matter. |
|
|
|
Post by ricardoguitars on May 10, 2015 19:57:06 GMT -5
I guess we are born with predisposition to do some things, but also are capable to learn totally different things; I was born wired as an artist, playing guitar and piano and drawing comics when I was a kid, then as a teenager I got interested on computers and now I'm making a living out of it, but after suffering with bad mechanics on my old Dodge, I went to the conclusion that if I wanted things done right, I should do them myself, then I started messing with my old Dodge, braking things that weren't broken trying to fix other things that where, and now, after a few years I find myself restoring old vehicles and enjoying it  that's the only way I can learn how to do things, you could sit me on a classroom with a teacher every single day that I wouldn't be able to learn a thing, I dropped off school because of that, always had terrible scores because I didn't understand a thing, I had to teach myself most things, but that's how my brain works I guess  |
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on May 21, 2015 21:40:26 GMT -5
So update on the shops.
The nice lady at our local jewelry store who also rides a Harley asked her boyfriend about the two shops. Said the one pretty much works on crotch rockets. The other, his buddy went there and raved about how great they were.
Stopped by today. Sadly, they only work on V-twin motors. Sigh. And recommended ScooterWorld. I explained I had already talked with them, I was just hoping to not have to go so far.
I never did get around to calling Reno's (the authorised Piggy dealer). Just too scary-trafficky a drive.
Got home, called SW, and made the appointment for tom morn before my convention. Otherwise I'll have to wait 'til the end of June or even July. Or Mom's choice, just continue to drive the newish car instead since "it gets such good gas mileage, and you're so much safer...." Of course, 33mpg still doesn't equal 60-something. Plus I'll be able to reduce the miles on newish car, which are admittedly a bit high for a 2013.
>'Kat
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on May 22, 2015 8:57:25 GMT -5
I just called Reno's to check their pricing. Holy crap!! Suzuki did NOT lie about them. If anything, they rather underplayed them.
For oil change, oil filter, check the air filter, check it over--$250. Yes, boys, that's two HUNDRED fifty bucks!!!
All the sudden the ride to SW doesn't seem nearly so bad. Plus SW does offer pick up service. Reno's doesn't. I'm sorry, you're a liscensed dealership and service facility and you don't have a trailer? Even Van Walls had one, and they were primarily John Deere service.
Guess where I'm not going ever.
And you guys, gosh you do your friends and neighbours great service esp compared to Reno's.
OMG. Egads. Dayam. And any other cuss you want to drop.
>'Kat, getting ready to drive to SW.
|
|
|
|
Post by lain on May 22, 2015 9:43:25 GMT -5
The benefits of doing your own tuning and changes are too big to ignore for me. I've taught many people who were not mechanically inclined to do their own oil changes. If you know how to unscrew 2 things and pour liquid into a hole then you can do it.
I charge only $40 to do all of the above, and ask whoever I'm helping to buy the oil or pay me to go get it. Shops around here charge 150-250 for the same tasks. I don't charge a lot because I want everyone with a scooter on the road and happy, like me, because I too am a scooter rider.
|
|
|
|
Post by ramblinman on May 22, 2015 11:00:24 GMT -5
I just called Reno's to check their pricing. Holy crap!! Suzuki did NOT lie about them. If anything, they rather underplayed them. For oil change, oil filter, check the air filter, check it over--$250. Yes, boys, that's two HUNDRED fifty bucks!!!. only "check" air filter at that price? by the time they got done looking it over i wouldn't want to hear the new bill.  |
|
. I know, all you wrenchers are cringing at that. But like I said, it's not just the oil, it's the checking out of everything else. It's reassurance that my belt or tires or whatever are all still in good shape.
