What's the going rate for motorcycle service?

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flyinggarlicbread

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I tried to lube my chain today but sadly found a couple of kinked links. I don't have any chain tools and I don't have any chains or sprockets either so I'm guessing it's best to let a shop handle it. I haven't replaced the fluids in a couple years either. And checking valve clearance is probably due. How much am I going to be looking at?

I'm weighing what's going to hurt more: spending a whole day in the garage next week instead of riding, or opening up my wallet that wide. Am I looking at $600 all in for chain/sprocket, valve check, and brake/coolant replacement for a Ninja 650? Any shop recommendations?
 
Hard to guess a price but I'd start with the shops closest to you and check reviews.
Most likely they will need to see the bike to provide accurate quote.
 
Yeah, all that is gonna run you $500-$700 plus $300 parts? What is your milagae? I would pass on the valve check, that takes forever and is the most expensive job imo. I did mine at 80k and the exhaust valves were slightly tight. The rest should take a few hours of labor.
 
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The kink in the chain would be a focus but do you really need to do all the things listed? Check your owners manual or a Ninja 650 forum for maintance schedule. There are so many forum and Youtube video, I bet you can do the all services yourself.
BTW you don' t know how long the shop is going to keep you bike!
 
If you have an area to work, it will be better if you order the parts and tools and DIY.

Shops right now will likely be inundated with work, so your bike will be there longer than a day.

Get some gloves, pour a large coffee or three, listen to a podcast and get crackin' on the chain.
 
Are you sure the 2 links are kinked? Maybe you just need to work them in a bit after sitting this long. At least is will keep you riding, or get you riding when the weather breaks later on this week?
 
If you do your maintenance at the end of the season or during the winter, you can take as much time as you need.

Stick with an established name brand like DID, EK, RK, or Regina. I forget which one of them has the "screw-until-it-breaks-off" rivet master link, but it looks like the easiest (and most satisfying) to install.

I use JT sprockets but wouldn't trust their chains - I've heard of them failing very early.
 
Sunday Rider said:
Are you sure the 2 links are kinked? Maybe you just need to work them in a bit after sitting this long. At least is will keep you riding, or get you riding when the weather breaks later on this week?
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Sadly it looks really seized up. I tried to bend it by hand but there's a couple that just won't budget at all. The rest move fairly easily.
 
Relax said:
If you do your maintenance at the end of the season or during the winter, you can take as much time as you need.

Stick with an established name brand like DID, EK, RK, or Regina. I forget which one of them has the "screw-until-it-breaks-off" rivet master link, but it looks like the easiest (and most satisfying) to install.

I use JT sprockets but wouldn't trust their chains - I've heard of them failing very early.
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Thanks for the tips. Where do you normally get your chains from?
 
Relax said:
If you do your maintenance at the end of the season or during the winter, you can take as much time as you need.

Stick with an established name brand like DID, EK, RK, or Regina. I forget which one of them has the "screw-until-it-breaks-off" rivet master link, but it looks like the easiest (and most satisfying) to install.

I use JT sprockets but wouldn't trust their chains - I've heard of them failing very early.
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EK has the screw type (SLJ) master links, I highly recommend them
 
ToSlow said:
I find it odd that only a couple would mess up, try lubing the chain in those areas and working the links
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I would do this go for a ride and then see if you still have issues. Then replace or relax depending on what you find.
Some simple wrenching with the manual in hand (You did buy a Model specific manual for your bike, right?) can save big bucks and and not put at the mercy of the shops timing. Wanna guess how many other guys all ready in line at this time of the year??

Don't be frightened by clip master links either. Make sure to install the clip in the right direction (open end trailing). Use a Qtip and acetone to degrease just the outer side of the plate and clip, then carefully smear on a dob of silicone to keep the clip in place. I do this with KLR & the silicone is still in place with chain getting close to the end of it's life.
 
I still suspect people who have had a clip fail probably didn't install them correctly. I've seen too many people pry or otherwise twist the clip open sideways to get it over the stud, which deforms it and ruins its integrity. It's meant to be slipped on flat by pushing on the back, and vice-versa for removal. The clip should never be bent.

How NOT to install a clip:

 
flyinggarlicbread said:
I tried to lube my chain today but sadly found a couple of kinked links. I don't have any chain tools and I don't have any chains or sprockets either so I'm guessing it's best to let a shop handle it. I haven't replaced the fluids in a couple years either. And checking valve clearance is probably due. How much am I going to be looking at?

I'm weighing what's going to hurt more: spending a whole day in the garage next week instead of riding, or opening up my wallet that wide. Am I looking at $600 all in for chain/sprocket, valve check, and brake/coolant replacement for a Ninja 650? Any shop recommendations?
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Most shops charge around $130/hr for service. Shops will also be super busy this time of year with EVERYONE under the sun trying to ger their bike in for service as well. A lot of riders wanting to sell are trying to book certification inspections and those take a lot longer now. Changing fluids is more or less being able to turn a couple of bolts and measuring out how much you're putting in. Chains and sprockets are a step up in difficulty but if you're patient and stick your tongue our the right way while you do it, you'll be fine.

Remember, if the work is going to cost you $1k as others have estimated, how many hours do you have to work to pay for that? Suddenly a Saturday in the garage doesn't seem so bad.
 
Chain & Sprockets is a pretty easy task...
I'm only a YouTube Certified Tech. and I've done a few.
I'd agree with EVERYONE saying good luck even getting your bike in and out quickly at a service place.
Compared to automotive shops there really aren't that many and therefore they are al usually very busy/booked.
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Is it worn out? With a length of the chain without kinks at the rear, and no tension on it, pull back on a link. Can you see more than half of a tooth? If you can, time for a new chain and sprockets.
 
Try freeing up the entire length of chain with some kerosene
Ideally with the rear wheel elevated and working it in
Take it for a spin and get some heat into the chain
Then hit it with some Teflon lube and wipe it down
See if it's still kinked
Good time to check your tension as well
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