Did I get ripped off in Mesa AZ? Feedback wanted on 16k major service on 06 6th gen

I'll add in to the "you get what you get". I'd much prefer a shop that had a long viewing window from the floor so you could see the work going on (but none do). This is the main reason I do all my work myself. As for the gaskets, they are lifetime gaskets unless damaged. There is no reason to replace them unless they are damaged or have dry-rot. They are also a "dry" gasket; some old-school mechanics like to rub a bead of oil on a gasket before installing them, this will make these gaskets leak. Even then, they don't need to be replaced, just cleaned up and allowed to dry before installation.

I would ask to see the mechanic's crib notes on the valve change; just explain that you want the baseline for your next service to monitor wear. Chances are, they will say they were "thrown out" and you have no way of knowing if they were ever really inspected.

No good answer here.

In the future, if you have your bike serviced at a shop, make these points prior to dropping the bike off. Make it clear you want a copy of the inspection notes (they have to make notes, there's no way to track the shims otherwise) so you can put them in your personal service book.

...or learn to wrench yourself; it's not that hard, just takes some time and patience!

The good news is, even if they weren't adjusted properly, and are slightly out of spec, the engine is bloody bulletproof and will most likely be fine until you do the next valve check (but I'd err on the side of sooner than later). Once a VFR is broken in, you can easily go 40k without significant movement in the valve tolerances. I've gone as much as 60k without having to adjust anything, and even then only a couple exhaust valves were on the edge of spec, so I moved them back in.

...great bikes!!!

 

There are subtle ways to place marks on parts to see if they have been removed and replaced as the shop says............but it requires almost as must disassembly as doing the job yourself .

 

"...or learn to wrench yourself; it's not that hard, just takes some time and patience!"


I do indeed do most of my own maintenance unless time or other factors are at hand such as this trip: limited tools, no service manual, no place to wrench...

I did ask for and receive the valve specs (saved in their computer) all intakes were within .003" (.007 to .010) and all exhaust within .002" (.012 to .014) so I do feel much better having this baseline info. The forward cylinders where dead on and the rears show the variance noted above.

 

Right on! ...glad to hear they were able to give you the spec; it goes a long way towards peace of mind. And as I said above, I wouldn't expect them to replace the gaskets, so beyond new plugs / filter etc., there really shouldn't be any old parts to show you.

Sounds like you may have actually gotten what you paid for! :rockon:

 

yeah but they didn't replace any plugs or any other parts than the oil filter and oil...road trip or not, any future work I don't do myself will be done at my home shop: EDR Performance in Beaverton Oregon...these guys are the real deal.

EDR Performance - Portland Motorcycle Service

 

Well, if you're ever riding through the greater Los Angeles area and need a place to do some work, you're welcome to hit me up. ...have a lift, tire machine, compressor, and gobs of tools!!!

 

LOL. The story changes with each telling. Now it seems there is data on shim wear that makes it just a bit different than " by the book."

Anything else? A tube of KY jelly?

 

$640 for the services you received =

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