Well, I'm finally getting caught up on life a bit, and am taking in more bikes (been slowed down a bit lately, to make time for life's other troubles).
I've been asked a bunch of times, so here's a repost of the "Service Special" (or summer special). This is the most popular job by far in my garage.
Note: Here lately my Amsoil supply has gotten a little wambly, so I sometimes have to sub in Mobil One MX4T synthetic oil. It's good stuff, and my second choice next to Amsoil. It's also more expensive
But I haven't changed the special's price. If you know a solid dealer in the dallas area that delivers when he says he will, let me know. I sure miss Ches Cain.
Note2: I can usually turn this job around fairly fast, but I don't like to be hurried at it. I prefer to putter over the bike a little, looking for mischief. If you hurry me too much, you take away my fuss time. If youwant the little extras I'm known for, then you have to give me time to do it
Ok, I've been asked several times what the "summer special" is. I keep trying to change the name to "Service Special", but everyone just likes the old name I guess. So here's what it's about.
The special reflects my philosophy as a mechanic. Having worked on these bikes quite a while, I've modified the Honda factory service schedule to make it fit the bike better, and address things I think the factory should have included in the schedule but didn't, and dropped a couple of things that the factory included just to increase profits to dealers doing 8K service. The idea here, is to establish a regular 8K maintenance schedule, that will keep your bike running its best, and save you bucks in the long run. I freely admit, I overdo a few things, and tend to be a perfectionist. I use a torque wrench always. A large number of my clients have become disgusted with the shoddy service performed by dealers. I care about your bike. It matters to me that it be right. But the best way to verify this, is to ask my clients. I modify this schedule frequently, as i'm always looking for improvements, and better ways to do things.
Materials: 4 qts. Amsoil 10w40 fully synthetic oil. We've laboratory tested (Blackstone Labs) this oil in several vtxs, and confirmed it's good for 8000 miles in a VTX at minimum. Mobil One 75w90 gear oil, mixed 9-1 with molybdenum disulfide (I call this Gear Gravy). This provides significant extra protection to those final drive gears. Valvoline Synpower Synthetic Brake fluid - best stuff sold. Honda OEM oil filter. New crush washers on oil drain plugs. I only use the absolute very best in your bike.
Complete oil change to amsoil, install new drain plug crush washers
Change oil filter, clean and inspect mating surface
Final drive fluid changed
inspect final drive gear teeth
Brake system fully flushed and bled, new synpower installed. Check operation
Flush and bleed clutch system
clean out all reservoirs to remove water and particulate contamination
lubricate clutch pivot if needed
Lubricate shift rod with moly
Lubricate shifter pin on Retros
Check all brake pads
Check and adjust valve lash
Clean, inspect, and properly install plugs
inspect crankcase breather hose for kinks
clean and inspect radiator cap
perform and/or refresh "ground fix"
tighten battery terminals
if K&N air filter present, clean and re-oil (should be cleaned monthly between services)
if factory air filter present, inspect - replacement is optional
inspect tires
inspect electrical system
check coolant, fill if low
check steering head tension
tighten intake boot clamps
check visible fasteners (I use tap test to avoid breaking loctite seals)
Check throttle operation
synchronize throttle body air screws
adjust idle speed
inspect suspension
Optional no-charge items if client brings in parts at time of service:
Change air filter
Install blockoff plates
As I'm doing all this, I'm also on the lookout for evidence of other problems. I usually manage to fix a few bugaboos I run accross while doing service, no charge.
Of course, I also do repairs, installation of aftermarket accessories, clutches, etc etc etc.
