"WE DO NOT WORK ON MOTORCYCLES MADE BEFORE 1987"."Wow" I thinks to myself. What an awful thing for a motorcycle owner. The KLR650 I just sold was a 1988 model. It ran great. Had I wanted to keep it, this sign would have really been depressing.I guess they have this policy because they can no longer reliably get parts for motorcycles made before 1987. I can't think of any other reason.So, (some) motorcycles apparently have an expiration date like a gallon of milk. If you don't use them up before they get too old, they become worthless.It was very disheartening for me.==========================================
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Motorcycles Expire Like Milk
John Bennett Today I went down to the local HonYamaZuki dealer to see about getting some warranty work done on my '99 Suzuki Bandit. While standing around the service desk I noticed a sign on the wall which read:
"WE DO NOT WORK ON MOTORCYCLES MADE BEFORE 1987".
"Wow" I thinks to myself. What an awful thing for a motorcycle owner. The KLR650 I just sold was a 1988 model. It ran great. Had I wanted to keep it, this sign would have really been depressing. I guess they have this policy because they can no longer reliably get parts for motorcycles made before 1987. I can't think of any other reason. So, (some) motorcycles apparently have an expiration date like a gallon of milk. If you don't use them up before they get too old, they become worthless. It was very disheartening for me. ==========================================
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Jim I guess they have this policy because they can no longer reliably get parts for motorcycles made before 1987. I can't think of any other reason. Not Suzuki. I can order and get parts for my '74 GT750 from any dealer that has microfiches (sp?) for them. Most dealers don't, since they haven't been around that long. The real reason is, the mechanics/technicians don't know squat about older bikes. The reason your dealer used the arbitrary date of 1989 probably because his oldest mechanic/technician is less than 40 and hasn't been to any classes or had any experience with older bikes. That's my .02 worth for what it's worth. Jim AMA Ironbutt Association Jimmy is not very sharing and does not play well with others First grade report card 19-- Edited by - Jim on 10/04/2002 17:01:54
squirrel272I agree with Jim, we have an '80 and an '82... no one will work on them, but getting the parts has not been difficult, we just have to do our own work.
bearHarley shops are the same, most of them anyway, if it is a pre-evo motor they don't want to work on them, they usually know of somebody local that will work on the older stuff, I myself have done a few small things to older bikes for friends[Harleys] old Ironhead sportsters and a couple pan and shovelheads, but I really don't want to go into bussiness, I know somebody that will do them, but alas, he charges money, I on the other hand have not, so far I've done it for free, although that may change in the up coming days, LOL LOL the main reason is that in the shops most Harley Tech., can't call them mech. anymore ya know, don't know a Knucklehead from a flathead from a Panhead or just what is a JD, LOL sad but true, oh well thats progress I guess...I'm just glad I can still afford to ride a newer bike, god forbid when ol Travler becomes something from the past..and some little pimply faced kid goes, geeze whats that, never seen one before....oh well enough I guess I'll go to Carbella's in Wisconsin this morning, LOL LOL......................heard they are having Brats and hot coffee there............. Joe [the bear] noli illegitimi carborundum
bjojrBack 3 years ago my finances went "totally south" we had to sell off the "good" bike and went without for almost a year! Finally got a semi-decent tax return and we paid $1000 for a 1980 GS1100E Suzuki Standard, Man what a great feelin to get back on a bike! The PROBLEM is that my local dealer who've I've bought LOT's of bike from over 20 years, wasn't going to work on it "cause it's too old". Well I told em, either they work on it or it would be the "last" bike I bought from them so they "begrudgingly" did. I've worked my way up to a 1995 Kawasaki Concours and yes, I bought it from them so I was lucky. There normal is "Nothing older than 1987" so I totally understand what a "BUMMER" that policy can be! Ride Often & Enjoy Life More! BJ Ondo 95 ZG1000 Concours Colorado Springs, CO.
John Bennett My goal is to be completely "Dealer Free". I have a good collection of tools. I'm looking into getting my own motorcycle lift like the ones you guys talk about. Also I need to get an electronic multi-meter, some carb gauges, a small welder, and a tire changing machine like this one. I just don't feel safe riding my bike after it has been in the dealer's shop. Our local HonYamaZuki shop has two good mechanics (who incidently both ride custom American V-twins they built). Unfortunately they only direct the work of several 17 year-old Monkey Boys. These boys are friendly and well-intentioned, but still ham-fisted retards for the most part. I've seen bikes come out of that shop with boogered out screws/bolts, and scratches, gouges, and dents that mysteriously appear. I'll never be a big wig like Donald Trump because I have too much trouble "letting go" and trusting others to do their jobs. ==========================================
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joker
quote:
So, (some) motorcycles apparently have an expiration date like a gallon of milk. If you don't use them up before they get too old, they become worthless.
Better ride them all you can now then before they expire!!! LOL I ran across the same thing with an old Suzuki GS850 I had a couple years ago. I ended up taking it to an independent mechanic. He was faster (the dealer said over 30 days, he had it done in a few days) and cheaper than the dealer. And he did good work. Steve 2003 Candy Red Goldwing GL1800