Blah Blah Blah, find a dealership that doesn't Blow, find some people you trust and have no fear. Mysteriously Motorcycle DEALERSHIPS, stay in business. WITHOUT screwing over their customers.
Good grief, if all dealerships were as BAD you all make them sound they would all go out of business and we would all be screwed...
Support your local dealerships, and they will be there when you really need them. If you don't, they fail and when you need em' you'll be screwed. Not saying all dealerships are perfect, but so much of the complaining I here on the boards is some folks who are expecting some kind of Red Velvet Rope experiance or are so convinced that their dealership is full of Pirates and so defensive that NOTHING ANYONE can do will be enough.
If you're a trained tech or at least competant? Go ahead do it yourself keep records. If you are not? Why waste a day or more plus risk stripping bolts and otherwise ruining a perfectly good bike? Let the Pro's handle it.
before taking your bike anywhere for service ask to see the shop itself. If it's clean and organized you can pretty much trust the work to be the same. If it's dirty and trashed, work will prolly follow...
FWIW...
Rev, I do support my local dealer by purchasing the bike there, along with tons of oil, filters, chain lube, brake pads etc. I do not allow them to work on my bike, not because I think they will rip me off, but because I have the ability, tools and place to work on my own bike. I enjoy working on my stuff almost as much as riding it. I know there are others who feel the same way. Your point is well taken though. We need to keep in mind not all riders have the mechanical ability, equipment, and place to work on their bikes. Best way to learn though is to start with things you do often, like oil and filter changes, chain adjustment and cleaning, air filter changes, spark plugs etc. If you do not have the desire to work on your bike, by all means take it to a dealer. Just my $.02
The Key is you have the tools and the ability. The Hayabusa or ANY high performance street bike is a terrible place to decide to play mechanic. Stripped bolts, improperly torqued nuts, lack of loctite etc... All this can lead to doubt or actual danger.
SO while I am not say DO NOT DO THE WORK YOURSELF. I am saying If you do not know what you are doing? DON'T DO IT!
At least with the bikes. Cars are another matter, have at it, generally worst thing that can happen is you end up stuck in the boonies. Bike though? Things can get dangerous real quick.
I look at bike maintenence very much like Aircraft. My life really does depend on things being done properly. I don't need that kind of stress.
Also first service is special, I've heard it before and after working at the dealership I know it to be true. Allways take your bike in for it's initial service and get it in the computer. It can make the difference between broken parts being covered under warranty or not.
So that's where I am at and good on ya for shopping at your local dealership. Establish that relationship and watch how good your treatment becomes.
