Motorcycle repair/service

[Chaitanya Misal]

Hi,

I have a Kawasaki Ninja and want to know if there are any motorcycle service
shops that are reasonably priced. Most of the motorcycle dealers with
service departments, charge more than $100 for a regular service (oil,
filter, lubes, breaks etc.)

Please let me know if you know of any reliable mechanic who does work on
motorcycles too.

Also, has anyone tried to service their motorcycle by themselves? If yes, I
would like to get more insights on it.

Thanks!

Kind Regards,
-chaitanya
x4649

[NA]

Which Ninja model? Year? Most all of the Kawasaki dealer's service
departments in the greater-Boston area are shady and shoddy in my
experience. I took my bike in for its annual inspection sticker
recently, and the mechanic told me that I needed new tires--which was
obvious--and new rear brake pads, which was totally unnecessary. I
fully understand that the shops are in business to make money but when
they dishonestly, deceptively and blatantly ripping off its customers,
then I'll be damned to give them any of my hard-earned dollars.

I've serviced my own 1999 Ninja 250 since new--best hands-on learning
experience. Just put on a fresh new set of tires last weekend--it's my
5th set now. While I'd the wheel off, I inspected the rear brake pads,
and they're not even halfway worn yet! As soon as the weather improves,
I'll be changing the oil, spark plugs, air, oil & fuel filters, lubing
all the cables, and adjusting the valve clearances.

If you plan on DIY, read a lot from the many online resources
available--just Google, and buy the official Service Manual (plus all
the associated supplements) for your specific model and year.