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(03-26-2015, 01:59 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I personally take pictures, keep receipts of oem parts from a dealer to prove that I used the right products, and own a shop manual. Do I have a diploma from Honda on the wall? No. Honda can't expect me to, and the Federal Law says I don't have to. If the bolts aren't rounded off and are torqued to the correct spec it must be assumed the correct tools were used.
You'd be surprised how many "professional motorcycle mechanics" (with a diploma on the wall) and shops are really lousy at what they do, do not use the correct tools, procedures and products.
Oh, yeah.
It's not about competence. An interested owner with basic mechanical knowledge is going to do a MUCH more conscientious job than a disinterested shop mechanic, who may or may not be competent and may or may not care.
Question is about covering your bases. A manufacturer's warranty adjuster will almost certainly accept shop records for service done. When an owner...let's make a caricature; let's say he's bucktoothed Billy-Bob, who can't speak in complete sentences and who drives a rusty old pickup with tinfoil on the cab roof - protect from microwave radiation.
Billy-Bob isn't competent to cat-sit; but he's there sayin', like, he done ALL the work; and he knows BETTER than Dogpatch Honda what work just gotta be done. See, he done added that PINSTRIPE; and put that straight piece of drainpipe in place of that stoppin'-up-the-air factory muffler. Cuz he KNOWS - he got a certificate in Lawn-Mower Repair at Dogpatch Technical Kowledge.
That's a worst-case scenario. You, with your camera shots and receipts, would have it covered - unless the warranty adjuster WANTED to be a butt-head.
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I work at a Honda dealership. Our district service advisor is equally concerned about the service department AND the customer when approving warranty service. We are sending American Honda parts for inspection and post-mortem engineering regularly. I believe it is done for Honda to detect any issues promptly. In addition, AH can verify that we are replacing defective parts.
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Wish I had done my own 600 mile service - not to avoid paying the dealer, but to have done it myself. This will probably be the last new motorcycle I ever buy and it sounds sappy, but it's like changing your last child's first diaper...you only do it once and it's the last time you'll experience it.
I'm finding other ways to support my dealer - a 50 year old multi generation family business that I really like. I buy accessories that I would normally buy on Amazon or eBay, etc. I like working on my bikes when it's in my sphere of ability but want them to stay in business - you can't buy local service on Amazon, eBay, RevZilla, etc.
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Just completed. Easiest service I have ever done. Love the oil filter position for ease of access. Everything was tip top. The Ferret write up was superb.
If your on the fence about tackling on your own...go for it. A couple things you will need;
Queens of the Stone Age album "Songs for the Deaf"
Boulevard Brewing Rye on Rye Ale
Quesada Oktoberfest cigar.
Lovely evening in the garage.
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Thanks Bheezy glad it helped.
Don't drink, don't smoke and never heard of that band. For me it was the Byrd's Greatest hits, a cup of hot tea with Crème and sugar, and some fresh country air. Same thing only a little different.
The lovely evening in the garage I'll gladly share with you.
