Trust and Competence

[Da1sycat]

A fellow Newbie was on here earlier this week getting conflicting advice on how to solve some running issues with his new (to him) GS. He'd moved from Honda and his first few weeks of GS ownership had him wishing he'd stayed with Honda.

I too suffered the same fate but have learned over the years that often the best mechanics are also enthusiasts and can be found on forums such as UKGSER.

Anyhow my steed went to Dr Farkoff for a basic service, with a front to back examination as I knew little about the bike. The Dr is thorough and his examination threw up a few issues I wasn't expecting, and pretty soon I was like the fellow newbie - cue music "Doctor, doctor gimme the news, I got a bad case of GS blues".

But the Doc worked his magic and my bike is running sweet as a nut, is safe and has no nasty issues that could leave me stranded. I'm loving it!

Now don't get me wrong. If I could afford the latest GSA it would certainly be gracing the stealer workshop during the warranty period. In fact I would gladly sip tea served by the Rachel from Countdown looky likey whilst a highly trained technician changed the oil. But my bike is 12 years old and I suspect it has spent the majority of those years doing what BM designed it to do, so to the Doc for engineering it went!

So if like I was, you're in need of a competent and trustworthy mechanic, look no further than this very forum. Ask for recommendations, or failing that look out for the guys with a long track record of sound advice on this forum.

Salute The Doc:.

 

[Massive Lee]

I am totally with you when it comes to the knowledge and help available from forums such as this one. Not to mention that searches with Google will give a lot of info. Thanks to internet, a lot of knowledge and expertise is now shared. A dream come true for do-it-yourselfers...

 

[cele0001]

Hello.
As I have been gathering my education about my 1150 Rockster I kept running into UKGSER site over and over again. Granted, I am not a GS owner but isn't a GS just a taller version of a regular R with knobby tires anyway? I figured it is time to pay my dues and become a subscriber. I must say that while there is a lot of information on other websites none of them have the dynamics that this one does. I guess you Brits have a little more attitude then the Americans, so you not only get the information you need but there is also wealth of other things you learn about the forum members also. Very soap operalike, Most entertaining.
I think I will stick around for a while.

 

[Colban]

Very soap operalike, Most entertaining.

More like the Muppet Show sometimes but as you say,Most entertaining.
ADVriders Hall of Wisdom is also a fine resource.

 

[Ogmios]

So if like I was, you're in need of a competent and trustworthy mechanic, look no further than this very forum. Ask for recommendations, or failing that look out for the guys with a long track record of sound advice on this forum.

The most telling part (to me) is the fact that those like Steptoe and the good Doctor will often give good advice and spend a long time talking you through the problem*, so that very often you end up learning more about your Bike and in the end - you fix it yourself.
So, not only do they 'empower' you (i feckin hate that word - but it is applicable here ) - but also deprives themselves of the opportunity to make money off of you!
We are lucky to have many honest experts on UKGSer that will give of their genuine expertise for nowt. Not just in matters mechanical either.
I'd just ask that we dont piss them off by wasting their time - always search first.

* Dr. F. has an incredibly high 'Idiot Tolerance Level' - he must have, given how much time he has spent talking me through my mechanical woes and the cures for them.
Thanks for all the favours in the past - and no doubt those to come in the future Dr. Jay.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

I'd just ask that we dont piss them off by wasting their time - always search first.

I agree with everything you said, but have highlighted just one part.

It's clear that though the R850, R1100 and R1150 models have been around for many years. There are lots of people who are new to the bikes. Most of the problems and solutions have already been discussed on this forum.

However, don't be afraid to ask, particularly if you either can't find what your looking for through search. Sometimes you have to have the correct terminology for the search to work.

If you find you have a problem, try and give the model and year of the bike as well as all the symptoms that you are experiencing. The more information you can give, then the more accurate the response is likely to be.

From experience nobody posts a reply to a problem with malice. It is usually that you haven't given enough information in the first place, and feeling your plight and despiration they are making suggestions based on what they know.

 

[davegs]

More like the Muppet Show sometimes but as you say,Most entertaining.
ADVriders Hall of Wisdom is also a fine resource.

Don't knock the Muppet show, especially Miss Piggy!!.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Now don't get me wrong. If I could afford the latest GSA it would certainly be gracing the stealer workshop during the warranty period. In fact I would gladly sip tea served by the Rachel from Countdown looky likey....

Speaking as someone who recently bought a new GSA & therefore does take it to the dealer, where might I find said lady?
Just wondering like.

 

[Da1sycat]

And how the #%@$ did you calculate that invoice?

Well Sir we took two from the top row and one from the bottom

Say no more Rach, where do I sign?

 

[cele0001]

* Dr. F. has an incredibly high 'Idiot Tolerance Level'

Mr Steptoe not so much.

 

[Ogmios]

Mr Steptoe not so much.

Oh i dunno - from what i read here, he gives you enough rope to hang yerself with,
but then if you persist (in being an idiot) will assist tying the rope.
~~

 

[cele0001]

He reminds me so much of the owner of the repair shop I worked at years ago. He was one of those "old shool guys" also.

Question: "I hear some noise coming from the engine""
Answer: "I think it is psychological"

On a serious note most of what you end up paying for nowadays in "factory authorized" repair facilities is overhead and the "dress up" to make you believe that you are in good hands. Ultimately there is one guy Iin the back) that will either know how to fix you bike or not.

 

[Steptoe]

Mr Steptoe not so much.

Fecking right an'all, you bozo.

 

[cele0001]

I bet you at this point you could take apart a GS, put all of the bolts in a bucket and 2 hours later Steptoe would put it together. The only question I have (for Mr Steptoe) is do you still have enough "new" problems to keep it interesting?

 

[Steptoe]

IThe only question I have (for Mr Steptoe) is do you still have enough "new" problems to keep it interesting?

That's what the 1200 models are for ............... To keep life interesting