My mechanic

cherub_rock · 04-26-2007, 01:38 PM

So a new guy opened up shop in town. He's been wrenching on Ducs for 11 years and works on the bikes of several AMA superbikers. Apparently he's a really well respected mechanic.

I came to him to do my 18k service. He said 1 to 2 weeks, and it's been nearly 6. He's responded to my emails and phone calls, and is very apologetic, but it's a little frustrating... especially when this is gonna run me $800+ (including a new front tire.)

Will someone rub my back for me?

motogpfan · 04-26-2007, 01:41 PM

is he waiting on parts?

Cyrus Buelton · 04-26-2007, 01:43 PM

What the fuck is he doing for 800$??

What is his shop rate?

Gregor · 04-26-2007, 01:45 PM

I would certainly be asking some serious questions.

cherub_rock · 04-26-2007, 02:15 PM

Yeah, a few parts were backordered. But it was nothing unusual.

He's doing my valves, carbs, putting on a new front tire, etc.

Shop rate is $80/hr... which is basically half of what the dealerships around here are charging.

He's a nice guy, and I understand he's swamped with the new shop... but how long is this gonna take?

motogpfan · 04-26-2007, 02:22 PM

I've been waiting for fork seals for about 4 weeks now, I feel your pain...

cherub_rock · 04-26-2007, 02:34 PM

My buddy just picked an '04 Triumph Thruxton. I rode it back from the PO's house for him.

You know, to be perfectly honest, I was a little disappointed. It's great for him, since he's a new rider, and it's a gorgeous bike. Very well appointed and put together. The build quality is great.

And while the motor is buttery smooth, it's a small 900. It does not pull like a Duc 900 at ALL. I don't have much experience with bikes outside of mine (all my buddies ride dirt bikes), so I've never really had the chance to reflect on what a marvelous engine the Duc 900 is. I can see why people like a wet clutch. It's effortless. When it's dry, you really gotta force it sometimes, y'know? I'm talking about clutches here.

Also those flat seats suck. You're just perched with your legs spread, sittin' on your sack.

McNair · 04-26-2007, 02:54 PM

i had a triumph bonneville, one of the new ones...
its 5th gear was like 3rd on a real bike, it was pretty uncomfortable, and it vibrated like a mofo.

it's too bad, those bikes could have been great.

cherub_rock · 04-26-2007, 02:58 PM

Yeah, the Truxton has 5 gears too. It doesn't pull after 75 mph. Wtf?

Gregor · 04-26-2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherub_rock

Yeah, the Truxton has 5 gears too. It doesn't pull after 75 mph. Wtf?

Is it possible to swap out front or rear sprockets to get a little more out of it?

Gregor · 04-26-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherub_rock

Yeah, a few parts were backordered. But it was nothing unusual.

He's doing my valves, carbs, putting on a new front tire, etc.

Shop rate is $80/hr... which is basically half of what the dealerships around here are charging.

He's a nice guy, and I understand he's swamped with the new shop... but how long is this gonna take?

That sucks, man. Don't call, stop in and hold his feet to the fire (in a nice way). Did he quote you a turnaround time?

cherub_rock · 04-26-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregor

Is it possible to swap out front or rear sprockets to get a little more out of it?

I'd imagine so. I don't really know anything about how Thruxtons respond to higher or lower gearing. At the same time I feel like a "900", even with a short gearbox, should be able to pull an 185 lb. rider past 75mph easily on a highway. Don't get me wrong, I got up to 90-100 indicated without a problem... but it just wasn't pulling like a Duc. It had aftermarket cans and a jet-kit.

I guess this is just a Ducati circle-jerk post, so whatever. Great looking bike at least.

He has dirtbike style fork-boots on it... it looks neat! Very old school. I wonder how it would look on an older Monster.

cherub_rock · 04-26-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregor

That sucks, man. Don't call, stop in and hold his feet to the fire (in a nice way). Did he quote you a turnaround time?

Yeah he said 1 to 2 weeks. I think I shot myself in the foot by telling him I "wasn't in a rush."

The guy's in CA right now, so at LEAST another week.

McNair · 04-26-2007, 03:09 PM

i reckon you could, but really, screw it.

it's geared like all other british shit... tacs high with no torque.

that's what i meant to say in my other post, it just didn't come out right.

Gregor · 04-26-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherub_rock

I think I shot myself in the foot by telling him I "wasn't in a rush."

Probably the kiss of death, right there. Squeeky wheel gets the grease, man. Check the weather and then call him, asking for the bike by such-and-such a day, as the weather looks good for riding...good luck.