Lurker here in Nelson, BC looking for recommended dealer(s) in Spokane area who posess the proper computerized dynamic balancer to deal with VFR SS rear rim. Figure if they have that they must have a good changer/mounter and I will probably buy tires there, too. Any NW listers have experiences?
[image: View Post]Veefer800Canuck, on 31 July 2012 - 07:46 PM, said:
They all sell bikes with SSSA's so should be able to handle them.
One would think that but it's not true. Many Honda dealers, including Mainjet here in Nelson, possess only a bubble balancer. A competent tech can do a decent job balancing a regular rim with this tool but will never get as good as a computerized, dynamic balance. More importantly, a SSSA rim cannot be balanced at all on this tool. I asked Mainjet if they were telling anyone that, if they were interested in buying the VFR1200 discounted to $13,999 in the showroom, that they'd be SOL if and when they need a new rear tire. The current policy is to just put the tire on and hope it's not too wonky. I've had a badly balanced front and rear rim (different occasions), it's not to my liking and provides for some entertaining, butt-clenching moments if rapid deceleration from high speed is reqired. As well as ugly wear. So I'm particular...
I've checked and found dealers/shops that do have proper equipment, just was hoping for some comment and/or reccommendations from Vifferati with first-hand experience. I've also had shops with proper gear manage to gouge my rims pretty good. Hoping to aviod that with my current Dymags.
It's funny that this came up. I had never even thought about this being an issue but when I took my bike in to a local independent service shop to have the tires mounted, the tech said it would take a little longer due to their shop didn't have a balance machine that would work with the rear wheel due to the offset rim, and that he had to "borrow" the machine next door! I thought it was kind of odd but kudos to him for going the extra step to do it right, even if it meant using someone elses machine. I wish I could say they were in your area but unfortunately they're here in So. California. You might have to just call around if nobody chimes in with a place for you. Good luck on your search.
[image: View Post]2thdr, on 31 July 2012 - 09:02 PM, said:
I don't know, but when I lived there Westside Motorsports is where I had my bike serviced. They are good people there...
Glad to hear this, I spoke with WestSide service and parts, seemed to be good folks. Have the equipment and the tire price was very good. Think this is the way to go, I can ride from Nelson to arrive around opening time and they said they'd have me out in an hour on my way to the Lolo...
I'm going to stop and check the Honda dealer in Coeur D'Alene just becuse it's a good excuse to visit the area.
Thanks to everyone who responded.
Last time down in that area i needed some parts for the VFR and Coeur D'Alene Honda didnt stock the stuff and ended up heading about 20 minutes west into Liberty Lake and the Allsport shop had everything and is the large All in one Powershop... Check them out before you head down,
[image: View Post]BlackHole, on 01 August 2012 - 08:43 AM, said:
[image: View Post]2thdr, on 31 July 2012 - 09:02 PM, said:
I don't know, but when I lived there Westside Motorsports is where I had my bike serviced. They are good people there...
Glad to hear this, I spoke with WestSide service and parts, seemed to be good folks. Have the equipment and the tire price was very good. Think this is the way to go, I can ride from Nelson to arrive around opening time and they said they'd have me out in an hour on my way to the Lolo...
I'm going to stop and check the Honda dealer in Coeur D'Alene just becuse it's a good excuse to visit the area.
Thanks to everyone who responded.
Coeur d'Alene Honda is OK. I did some rides with the sales mgr there. Westside is still my top choice. If you need parts Todd Ellsworth is a great kid at the parts counter. Tell him Steve says Hi. Stay away from Allsport Honda in Liberty Lake...they told me after an oil change that my pads were at 30% on my ST. I just checked them about 7500 miles later and they are at 80%.