Off topic?? Maybe. Shout out to local bike shop.

[robin1731]

Mine too, but the owner is a slug

But he had to work when he was here.

I guess that "good supervisor" was here though too.

[jdvorchak]

I bought my CB1300 from a main Honda dealer about 50 miles away, and as I was getting back to bikes, I got a good deal on all the kit. Then I would make the trip every time it needed a service, and paid the price that only main dealers seem to charge. Last year, a month after a 'major' service, the chain needed changing as it was worn, and they had not noticed, and certainly hadn't advised me.
On a mates recommendation, I went to a small two man place about 8 miles away. As has been said, had to pay a little more, but not much, but he did the chain and sprockets, and also said the swing arm bearing were worn, another thing the main dealer bandits had missed. He took the time to show me so knew he wasn't trying to pull a fast one, and again quoted me a fair price and did that work a week later. The only thing I had to do extra, was to take a packet of chocolate biscuits to eat with the FREE tea and coffee, and that makes him and his mate remember me! (think that's the reason!)
Now I will always go back to Paul and Dave, as they are people to trust, have a laugh with, and as the reviews in the link show, have a good reputation, and sometimes, that is hard to find.

http://gooddealerscheme.co.uk/dealershi ... ch=pe283hx

My comments are dated 7th and 16th April!

So while the web can save a lot of money, sometimes the best things are right in front of you!

Stick with us for a while longer and you'll be doing the work yourself. Then it's just a matter of sourcing the parts you need. We all started with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and dirt poor. So we had to either learn or sit at home and watch your buddies ride. Instead of paying a shop rate, use that money for tools. Before long you'll have all the tools you need and it's money in the bank after that.

[chewy999]

Stick with us for a while longer and you'll be doing the work yourself. Then it's just a matter of sourcing the parts you need. We all started with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and dirt poor. So we had to either learn or sit at home and watch your buddies ride. Instead of paying a shop rate, use that money for tools. Before long you'll have all the tools you need and it's money in the bank after that.

Funny you say that, despite the issues and problems I've had, I am more than happy to dig deep into my GL, but with my CB 1300 being a modern bike, don't have the confidence to work on it in the same way. Use my bike to get to work, so can't afford it to be off the road. Maybe when I (eventually) get my GL on the road, I can spend time and less money on the CB!

[SnoBrdr]

Stick with us for a while longer and you'll be doing the work yourself. Then it's just a matter of sourcing the parts you need. We all started with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and dirt poor. So we had to either learn or sit at home and watch your buddies ride. Instead of paying a shop rate, use that money for tools. Before long you'll have all the tools you need and it's money in the bank after that.

Funny you say that, despite the issues and problems I've had, I am more than happy to dig deep into my GL, but with my CB 1300 being a modern bike, don't have the confidence to work on it in the same way. Use my bike to get to work, so can't afford it to be off the road. Maybe when I (eventually) get my GL on the road, I can spend time and less money on the CB!

I agree. Many people just don't have the knowledge or confidence to attempt to do their own work..
They should be commended for knowing this.