Any recommendations for a Buell-smart service shop/person/etc. near SW Virginia?

[vicenzajay]

After doubling the mileage on my bike in the "just over a year or so" since I've owned it, I'd like to have it professionally serviced at some point this winter. Given its history, this could be very well be the first time that it would be looked at thoroughly in this way. This said, I'm *not wanting to bring her to someone without a good recommendation from someone on this board.

I know it's very likely that such a person/shop/etc. doesn't exist, but I thought I'd at least ask. Cheers and thanks in advance for any help.

 

[user_deleted]

After doubling the mileage on my bike in the "just over a year or so" since I've owned it, I'd like to have it professionally serviced at some point this winter. Given its history, this could be very well be the first time that it would be looked at thoroughly in this way. This said, I'm *not wanting to bring her to someone without a good recommendation from someone on this board.

I know it's very likely that such a person/shop/etc. doesn't exist, but I thought I'd at least ask. Cheers and thanks in advance for any help.

i suspect it's probably too long of a drive as i'm in southern PA.....but if you can deliver it and leave it.....with your wish-list....happy to do whatever. sounds like you want full fluid dump....fresh everything...and a thorough "going-over".

 

[Simplymichaeljr]

^^^^Vincenzajay -- I would have complete trust in taking him up on his offer if possible.

 

[vicenzajay]

I completely trust John.....would love to get up there and just visit him, leaving aside the maintenance piece.

John - let me see what the realm of the possible is for getting up there. I'm kind of looking to do the 10K service "thing". Forks serviced, new tires/bearings/brake pads, critical fasteners, even check intake seals at this point (I think they're fine, but I'm pretty sure this bike has never had a proper service given the previous ownership), and definitely change/bleed brake fluid. The thing I probably don't need is an engine fluid dump. I just did another full Amsoil change of both engine and tranny oil, coupled with a clutch and lever adjustment...

I have all the parts for this - including all the fork service pieces, brake pads, bearings, tires, etc.

It is running very nicely - no issues that I know of - but I'm a firm believer in preventative maintenance (as an aviator). Going forward, I'd want to work on doing all of this myself. I'm really wanting to "baseline" the bike, though, if that makes sense. A thorough "going over" sounds like *just the thing.

 

[user_deleted]

:up: John is a great guy, I have been to his shop, Very professional and knowledgeable!!!

thanks for the kind words dave. appreciate that very much.
jay: you're probably seeking out: fresh tires...fresh bearings...fresh idler pulley bearings...fresh plugs...breather re-route....fresh brake fluid and levers lubed....cables lubed....fork oil dumped and replenished....primary adjustment....fasteners checked and torqued. you may be able to do all the work yourself over the winter but it does require a few specific specialized tools, alot of patience and perseverence, and some over-sight. keep me posted if you end up wanting to drop it off.

 

[WokDisWey]

I wish there was someone in MA who could do this very thing.

 

[vicenzajay]

John - sent you a pm....

 

[djs2k2]

Question for lunatic.. Is $550 a good price for new fork seals and fluid install?

 

[Chicknstripn]

That's about twice the rate I would never pay.
Find a reputable MX shop in your area. Order the parts yourself and you might get charged around $200.

 

[djs2k2]

That's why I asked, I thought it was a good price having to take the forks off. Thank you.

 

[user_deleted]

Question for lunatic.. Is $550 a good price for new fork seals and fluid install?

what carlos said. WAY too pricey based on the following:
typical shop time to remove front wheel...caliper....ancillaries.....fork tubes: 45 minutes
""""""""""""""""""""""""" strip down forks...drain and flush....install new upper and lower slider bushings....install fluid: 90 minutes
""""""""""""""""""""""""" reinstall and button up bike....quick road test: 45 minutes.
add 1 quart top shelf fork oil, shop supplies, 4 bushings to the list.
there's your total cost.

 

[vicenzajay]

Update on this thread - dropped the bike off with John yesterday. Great to meet him and talk about Buells and sundry other things!

 

[vicenzajay]

Just closing out the thread. Picked up the bike at John's place late Friday (trying to beat the weather on the way home).

It was an absolute pleasure to meet John - and he is an incredibly gracious and knowledgeable gentleman. I strongly recommend (if you have the opportunity) a visit to the "Buell Whisperer's" piece of Amish countryside.

 

[vicenzajay]

I wish there was someone in MA who could do this very thing.

Wok,

Just a note - You are as close or closer (in MA) than I am in SW VA. It would be very doable for you to trailer the bike to John.