Do You Wrench Your Own?

[AL417]

Checking in to see how many of you guys wrench your own or do you have work on your bike done by a dealer? I bought my 1300C from Honda Northwest in Crystal Lake and will more than likely have them do any work on my bike. I don't like the thought of dropping off my bike and having someone do the work on it. I'd like to learn about my bike and bond with it but I don't know anyone that works on bikes. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined but not confident about even doing the basics. Don't mind paying the dealer but I do mind not understanding the hows and whys of my bike. Any pro's or con's of using Honda Northwest for my wrenching needs? Any other recommendations for where to have work done on my bike? I live in Algonquin and am open taking it anywhere in the Northwest suburbs. First on my list is to change out my pipes.

[KIRKmfg]

I bought my 1800 from George at honda northwest 2 years ago and have had Phil and his service dept do many mods on my bike. Vance and Hines pipes, Power Commander, Hypercharger,VTXTK1 Tach. I have not had a problem with that Dealer. I do all the scheduled maintance myself.
Are you a member of the RED RIDERS CLUB out of Honda Northwest?

If you have any Questions or looking for someone to ride with you can E-mail me at kirkmfg@msn.com

Ride Safe, Rich

[bluto]

Phil is good and very competant. I have had him do a couple of things for me over the years. With that said, I do almost all of the wrenching on my bike. The only thing I haven't tried yet is the valve adjustment.

[Stuship]

I have been doing my own work. I also want to know how she runs and why. It is one of the reasons I've been coming to this board. There are some pretty knowledgable people here.

I HAVE HAD MY 1800C 1 YR ALL THE WORK I HAVE DONE / PIPES / CHIP
HIPERGHARGER AND ALL BOLT ON'S FROM HONDA
IF YOU TAKE YOU TIME IT ALL WORKS OUT AND THIS IS A GREAT PLACE FOR INFO 8)

[Chicago-Spike]

I do most of the work too. It really helped me relax when I picked up a copy of the Honda Service Manual. Everything you need, with pictures. I got it off Ebay, have a look. Search "honda vtx service manual 8)

[Brian and Brandy]

I'm lucky I have a brother working at Dupage Honda and he is going to show me how to do the pm stuff like valve adjustments and stuff.

[Chicago-Spike]

Ahhh...DuPage H&Y. My favorite place, my bike will be in there to have them hook up and bleed the brake system after my bars are painted. 8)

[AL417]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm happy to hear that Phil and crew are getting the thumbs up from many of you. I think I'll pick up a service manual as Chicago-Spike suggested. I had a V-Star prior to the VTX and did some electrical work on it but I'm hesitant to touch the VTX even in that area. Any bolt-ons are not a problem, I guess I'd rather have the dealer do the stuff that really matters.