UPSTATE CHAT- ongoing conversations
#1761
Originally Posted by Conedodger' timestamp='1304466986' post='20535010
I can't think of anything that my bike needs to have done this spring. That I would need to pay a professional for
Check tires for wear or other issues That is something I check routinely, so I'm well aware that I need new ones soon
Check tire pressure Again, routine check
Check all lights are working I do spend 30 seconds on this before I take it in for the inspection.
Check cooling fan turns on at the right temp I keep an eye on the temp gage while riding, and will know if there is an issue. Do not perform special check. Do you do this with the cars every spring?
Check chain tension This was done last fall as part of my storage process. I'd be surprised if it changed while sitting on the centerstand over the winter.
Check air filter box did not get a mouse nest No mice in my garage!
Check oil level Did that last fall when I changed it. As long as there isn't a puddle under the bike, I'm good to go.
Check calipers are working freely Do that on the first ride down the driveway
Check brake pad thicknesses I do spend 30 seconds on this before I take it in for the inspection.
#1762
Originally Posted by Crazy_Schizo' timestamp='1304510424' post='20536759
Stuff like this gives me little hope for the future. What happened to basic reading comprehension and looking up information? At least google made the second part of that easy.
Your story just makes me crazy
Now, I have nothing against the international students - many of them have been outstanding workers for me. What kills me is that when they graduate, the majority of them leave the country. Then I read about all these students domestically who graduate and can't find a job.
I feel like smacking kids who are working at places like Gap or Abercrombie. Go apply to a job that'll actually give you some experience in your field, then maybe you won't have as much trouble finding a job.
#1763
Originally Posted by Conedodger' timestamp='1304441336' post='20533187
[quote name='aashish2' timestamp='1304440671' post='20533145']
Si is now out of warranty. Time for a trade-in ya think
Si is now out of warranty. Time for a trade-in ya think
[/quote]
I've found an independent shop that I have confidence in. They don't try to sell me services that I don't need. Don't charge full price for parts. And their labor rate is 20% lower.
Still can't believe Acura wanted to charge me $90 to flush my power steering fluid right after they finished the recall on the power steering hose which required them to drain and replace the fluid.
I have friends that work for dealerships. The stories I hear about bonuses for beating the book rate, kick backs for selling services that were not asked for by the customer, and other things bother me. Mechanics are forced into taking short cuts and performing shoddy and unnecessary repairs. (Not saying this is true at all dealerships, but I don't have to deal with it at my local independent shop.)
#1764
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Rochester, UPSTATE NY
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I just had the MDX at the dealer and they wanted $100 to replace the cabin air filter. I bought one for $19 and it took me less than 60 seconds to put in.
#1765
I think Acura gets away with it because their typical customer has above average income, and is not the blue collar type that might know something about a car. Goes to prove that college degrees and money are not always indicators of intelligence! OK, rant off.
#1766
When I think of things done in a motorcycle "tune up" that an owner shouldn't do because it's... unfamiliar or complicated or reqiuires real special tools...
I can think of only two that jump out at me:
Carb or throttle plate syncing. You need mercury manometers or damped dial gauges, spigots, and sometimes a jamnut wrench with concentric screwdriver.
Valve adjustments. Proper tools and technique are critical.
Everything else is owner deferment, meaning that the owner could do if handy and had the time.
Like everything else, this is just my opinion.
I can think of only two that jump out at me:
Carb or throttle plate syncing. You need mercury manometers or damped dial gauges, spigots, and sometimes a jamnut wrench with concentric screwdriver.
Valve adjustments. Proper tools and technique are critical.
Everything else is owner deferment, meaning that the owner could do if handy and had the time.
Like everything else, this is just my opinion.
#1767
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Location: Rochester, UPSTATE NY
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It was Holtz. This sort of thing doesn't even bother me any more, I just go into dealer service expecting that they will call trying to sell me something I don't need.
#1769
Now, don't get me started on dealer's "3000 mile service." $350 for an oil change??!!??
#1770
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Johnson City, NY (Upstate)
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I've actually bought a couple of Hondas up at Ontario Honda myself. I got deals that made it worth the drive to Canandaigua instead of buying from the dealer across the street from my workplace.
I also liked Bob's Honda that was in Sayre till a fire caused the family to sell the dealership to the Williams Group. They moved to Elmira. I bought the S2K from them in March of 2010, and the Si in December of 2010, both used and both at good prices, IMHO.
Miller Honda in Vestal sucks. I always try to buy there, but always get a better deal elsewhere. The service department likes to blame me for driving my cars to hard. I guess they think everyone should drive a beige automatic Accord or gray CR-V. (/rant off)
I also liked Bob's Honda that was in Sayre till a fire caused the family to sell the dealership to the Williams Group. They moved to Elmira. I bought the S2K from them in March of 2010, and the Si in December of 2010, both used and both at good prices, IMHO.
Miller Honda in Vestal sucks. I always try to buy there, but always get a better deal elsewhere. The service department likes to blame me for driving my cars to hard. I guess they think everyone should drive a beige automatic Accord or gray CR-V. (/rant off)