Topic: Servicing at your house??

[Jim Shea]

I am trying to find a mobile servicing guy, (man in a van that comes to you). I have a 76 CB750 F1 and the first time that it is serviced I want to watch and learn. The ideal solution would be someone who comes to my house to do the work.. I live in Surrey, England, I have searched the internet but no luck!!
The problem with taking it to a small independent is that you don't know if they can be trusted. Also, I can not find anyone locally who has the required expertise on my particular bike!!
Any ideas?
Cheers,
Jim.

[Raul CB750K1]

The F1 shouldn't be a big deal to anybody older than 40 years. I guess if you go to the shop and offer the mechanic to pay him to do it in his spare time he will probably agree, as his hourly wage is lower than what you are paying, so you end up paying the same and the mechanic makes more money.

Anyway, changing the oil is not a big deal, if you have the user manual you will get directions, or get the shop manual that will be very useful in the long run. There are a lot of hints on the forum, like not overthightening the oil filter bolt. Once you do it for the first time you can do it anytime. I always buy the oil in the same shop, under the condition that they will accept the used oil to recycle. I only take my bikes there for things like tyres, service during guarantee period or in case I don't have the time or the mood. I have to take my Suzuki GZ250, that is only 4 years old, because the gas tank leaks from I don't know where!!! I contacted Suzuki to ask if it would be covered by guarantee even after 4 years -it's unlikely to be due to misuse- and they told me to take it to a shop so they can have their opinion on the subject.

It's also fair that if you only take your bikes for things you don't want to do, at least to buy the spare parts there even if you have to pay a premium... is important to do some commitment if you want to be treated fairly.


Raul

[Jim Shea]

I have a manual and a plug spanner on order and the parts are on their way. Trouble is that I am a beginner, or, incompetent actually. You hear so many horror stories about over tightening plugs, air boxes, etc that I am not confident about tackling this on my own!!! I am not sure if I did get the 2&3 plug out? if i could ever get them back in again? Also, are the plugs gapped when you receive them, like modern plugs are? What oil does one use? So many novice questions.....
The forum is fantastic and has already been a great help, with some great blokes on it. But as I said I am a true beginner and the forum seems to cater mainly for more experienced mechanical types?
If I have a go and screw it up it is an expensive proposition to fix a crossed thread on a head!!
Cheers,
Jim.

[Raul CB750K1]

Common sense is a tool that you won't find in any toolbox. If the bolt/plug doesn't turn freely, then don't go on, back out and start over. The tightening torque should be proportional with the bolt size, overtightening won't be of any use.

New sparkplugs come already with the right gap. They wear out, and along with deposits, the gap changes, that's the reason for filing and regapping. You generally won't have to worry until 10.000-15.000 km.

I recommend you to get an all-purpose motorcycle mechanics manual, some of the old Chilton stuff. In my opinion the best one is by far the "fundamentals, service, repair". Latest edition will cost you a lot even secondhand (I paid 50 bucks for the book and the exercise books), but the old editions are almost as valuable and you can get the one with the yellow cover for about ten bucks. In those books you will find everything about carburetion, electrics, bolts, overhauling, servicing etc. in an easy-to-understand way. The Petersen books were also very good in my opinion. I bought them before the motherf34ers of eBay suspended my account. I'm starting to think that I've been declared "personna-non-grata" by the weapon lobby and they are banning me from any trade in the US     (DISCLAIMER. IT IS JUST A JOKE. PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. THANK YOU)

[KB02]

The guy I sold my first road bike to was a pure and true Goth-Computer Geek who knew nothing about cycles other than that they looked pretty cool.

He bought a book entitled - "ZEN. And the art of motorcycle repair." With that book he managed to fix parts on that bike that I would have just thrown away and bought new. It's a GREAT book. If you can find a copy I highly recomend picking one up. With it and a service manual for your bike, you should be able to do the easy stuff no problem at all.

Changing the  #2 & 3 plugs can be a royal B**ch on some of these bikes, but not impossible. (I recommend taking the tank off to do - #1 it gives you more clearance and #2. it also gives you practice getting the tank on and off - just don't forget t turn off the fuel valve)

[Jim Shea]

Thanks guys!!!! I think you made my point for me, just to get at the plugs you have to take the flipping tank off!!! 
I have seen that book somewhere before, i will get one..

[Einyodeler]

Jim
You can download the Honda Shop Manual for your bike and also the Chiltons maintenance manual right here:

  http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=426.0

[Jim Shea]

Thanks, I will have a look......

[EJMAMMO]

Jim,
 as far as finding a service shop, ask around for advice, I just resently left East Anglia, and not knowing anyone, asked and was recommended a small shop in Bury St Edmunds. After my first trip, for MOT, I was hooked, they let me hang out and watch what they did, as well as gave advice for work I was going to do. I stayed away from the big name dealers. Oh, and by the way one of the best sources for parts is close by David Silver Spares. They are online, but nothing beats visiting the warehouse and seeing all the parts. Again, it pays to ask around. I think if you went to the Ace Cafe on certain nights, you would get lots of ideas/info.  Hope this helps  Jay

[Jim Shea]

Jay,
Yes, asking around helps, I have been to see almost all of the independents in the Surrey area!!
I am about to visit the Ace Cafe, I know Mark from Ace (sort of owner?) but they do not have a Honda night!!
Hopefully, i will get to Box Hill this weekend if the weather is OK. Your profile says that you are in Colorado?? Did you take your bike with you?
Cheers,
Jim.

[GeoffT]

Jim

Just put a reply on your earlier post ( http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=4334.0 ).
When i took out the spark plugs on my 550 today for the first time, I'm also an incompetent and scared newbie, I found I could remove 3 & 4 without taking of the tank. I used one of those socket set spark plug remover thingys that was pictured in that post. Bought it today from a car parts shop.

Took heed of the advice about cross threading. Just used fingers to begin threading and screwed back if I wasn't confident and started again. Worked like a dream

[EJMAMMO]

Jim,
 I took my 550 over and yes, did bring it back to Colorado. I sure loved my time in England (3 years) and we are trying to figure out how to get back. Never did make it to the Isle of Man for the TT races. After reading Peter Eagans book, I am wishing I had.  Jay

[pmpski_1]

He bought a book entitled - "ZEN. And the art of motorcycle repair." With that book he managed to fix parts on that bike that I would have just thrown away and bought new. It's a GREAT book. If you can find a copy I highly recomend picking one up. With it and a service manual for your bike, you should be able to do the easy stuff no problem at all.

He must've been pretty hardcore. That is definitely not a technical manual - although I have to admit that I'm only about half way through it. Maybe that just got him into the right mindset to be able to do his own work.

Hey Jim - Be patient, work slowly and deliberately, pay attention to what you are doing, and ask questions. You will be amazed at what you can do.