My RR8 will be due for this service this coming winter. Any recommendation on honda or non honda garages withi cheltenham/ oxford/ wiltshire area? I am after mechanic reliable, knowledgeable with high standards of workmanship. Is this a tall order???
It is a tall order, and solved only by a recommendation from a friend/member. I have used Blade Honda in Stratford (but not Swindon) but I think this service done by a dealer is way overpriced and as mentioned by other members fairly recently, there is ample proof that the valves haven't even been looked at yet still billed. It is a £300 - 400 job at a dealer. I am extremely fortunate to have a local workshop with excellent rates and workmanship with the proprietors both having been former Honda mechanics and racers. They now do all my work and MoTs. Shamefully, it might be a tad far from your area, but here's a link just in case: https://ardenmotorcycles.co.uk/
That’s what I’m hoping for. Thanks for the suggestions. Both are unfortunately too far for me. I have not been impressed by the abingdon dealer and the one in Swindon did a good job for me but the technician has left
I'll be booking my RA-H in for its 16k mile service in a couple of months. I paid for the Honda Service Plan which takes away any of the pain, but that will end at the 16k service, so I'll then be looking to shop around. Up until now it's been visiting 21st Moto in Swanley (way too far from you I'm afraid) where there's a great technician Mark who used to work on Ron Haslam's BSB bikes. @nigelrb - worried to learn that there are questions raised over whether the valve clearances are actually checked.. I'm guess that's because there's no sign of a new head gasket being fitted (or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about which is entirely possible)..
A current member had posted that he knew for sure they hadn't been checked because he marked the cam/rocker cover prior to the service. As a mute point, you're probably referring to the cam cover gasket as opposed to the head gasket because the cylinder head would not be removed. I missed out on the Honda Service Plan when I purchased my 2018. Dealer didn't even mention it. I will keep it in mind for my 2020 though. Cheers for the memory jog.
yes, that's it @nigelrb of course I meant cam cover gasket (good moot point, and thanks for making it quietly ;-) )
The only way would be to ask to watch the valves being checked, Just say you are very interested to see the engine rather that you have heard some mechanics are cowboys. or ring up the garage you are thinking of going to, and ask if they stock valve shims, If they say they order them in, you are unlikely to have them changed on a drive in drive out service.
I manage to locate the x Honda technician who work on my bike and is good. he did mention about some gaskets that don’t get changed after valve check, but knowing how fussy I’m, recommended he replaces them. I went off my local dealer as they no longer use parts supplied by customers ( engine oil in my case
Huh? That's fair enough! You're not going to go to a hospital for an operation and take your own friggin' antiseptic and bandages!
I do and my own syringe too the oil I use are far better than what mainstream dealers use IMO anyway. It started when motorcycle industry was still recommending mineral oil and I would take my synthetic one along
Don't you have a motorcycle or two in your lounge? That's not permitted in my house (I wear the trousers, wife chooses which pair though).
Yes, and I've trained myself to clean around them!! It's sort of like a maze, but with bikes instead of green hedge!
If they're anything like car service plans, I'd treat them with suspicion. They tick the boxes on the service checklist!