Any non-dealers in Atlanta area who do oil changes?

[ramblin5]

Any non dealers in the Atlanta area do oil changes? Just got a ridiculous quote from local dealer.

2021 Spyder RT Limited

[Mikey]

How much did you get quoted?

[JKMSPYDER]

It is easy to do it yourself and save some money if you are physically able. Also, BajaRon’s shop in Greeneville, TN can do it.

[ramblin5]

How much did you get quoted?

$432. I assume 2 hrs labor plus oil kit.

Does it take 2 hrs?

[Mikey]

It is a little high in my book, but not bad if he's doing the whole system, Trans and all. I would do it myself! Or I would try Ron's shop!!!! Top notch people!!

[Jdr00ejr]

$432. I assume 2 hrs labor plus oil kit.

Does it take 2 hrs?

Not in Atlanta Area - so I'm not help to you but for comparison: I'm a hobby mechanic - work on Spyders and Rykers in my spare time - totally different than my Salary Job. I charge $100 for the "labor." That includes a review of the Spyder and the oil change, eyes on brakes, tires, pulley, coolant level, etc.

The oil change kit is pushing $140 these days. MANY of us don't use the Canam Oil Change Kit. (I will use whatever the customer brings me that I know works well). The setup I use/recommend is closer to $50-60 for the "parts."

I can do the oil change in less than 45 minutes though I often take my time, do other things while the oil is draining to ensure it gets good and out, etc.

I can tell you that I'm cheaper than local dealers - which is why I keep a hefty wait list.

My 2 cents.

[ramblin5]

Not in Atlanta Area - so I'm not help to you but for comparison: I'm a hobby mechanic - work on Spyders and Rykers in my spare time - totally different than my Salary Job. I charge $100 for the "labor." That includes a review of the Spyder and the oil change, eyes on brakes, tires, pulley, coolant level, etc.

The oil change kit is pushing $140 these days. MANY of us don't use the Canam Oil Change Kit. (I will use whatever the customer brings me that I know works well). The setup I use/recommend is closer to $50-60 for the "parts."

I can do the oil change in less than 45 minutes though I often take my time, do other things while the oil is draining to ensure it gets good and out, etc.

I can tell you that I'm cheaper than local dealers - which is why I keep a hefty wait list.

My 2 cents.

You are the kind of guy I'm looking for!

Thanks for the reply.

[Navydad]

Ask around to other riders that you may know or even ask a stranger you see on a bike. Someone will surely tell you about an independent mechanic or two in that area. I have a good pal that I often help out in his independent shop and he is always booked up. No advertising, just word of mouth.

[EdMat]

If you have the place and the desire, then for less than the $432 you could get 2 ramps and an oil drain pan from Harbor Freight or Walmart, several filter and 'o' ring kits from Baja Ron, oil, and the needed wrenches.

[CloverHillCrawler]

Not in Atlanta Area - so I'm not help to you but for comparison: I'm a hobby mechanic - work on Spyders and Rykers in my spare time - totally different than my Salary Job. I charge $100 for the "labor." That includes a review of the Spyder and the oil change, eyes on brakes, tires, pulley, coolant level, etc.

The oil change kit is pushing $140 these days. MANY of us don't use the Canam Oil Change Kit. (I will use whatever the customer brings me that I know works well). The setup I use/recommend is closer to $50-60 for the "parts."

I can do the oil change in less than 45 minutes though I often take my time, do other things while the oil is draining to ensure it gets good and out, etc.

I can tell you that I'm cheaper than local dealers - which is why I keep a hefty wait list.

My 2 cents.

Hey I was thinking about doing this around the DMV previously and still have an interest in it due to the wait times at dealerships.

And even going so far as fabbing up a trailer to do mobile work for oil changes and alignments on request locally and maybe taking it to some events to do work.

I was just wondering if you have enough work to keep you busy throughout the year?

[Jdr00ejr]

Hey I was thinking about doing this around the DMV previously and still have an interest in it due to the wait times at dealerships.

And even going so far as fabbing up a trailer to do mobile work for oil changes and alignments on request locally and maybe taking it to some events to do work.

I was just wondering if you have enough work to keep you busy throughout the year?

As I mentioned - it's a hobby gig for me. Between my Day/Salary job, my trips, and my other obligations - I don't get to work on bikes as often as I'd like. I have a FB page for my "business" which was started more as a joke and exploded into this "hobby business" I have now. Wife and I have chatted numerous times about what it would look like as my primary gig but just a pipe dream for now. That said, I don't do much if any advertising (none paid). My waitlist remains around 15-20 almost year round and I say no to a lot of things. People are willing to wait - because to be honest - they are waiting for the more expensive dealers anyway. My challenge is my constantly changing schedule of when I can work - so actually scheduling bikes in has been my achilles heel.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

$432. I assume 2 hrs labor plus oil kit.

Does it take 2 hrs?

$432.00..... OMG ..... If you were closer, WE could do it together; your oil & filter - my lift and knowledge. Mike

[JohnRuckus]

Sorry,
Have you found a shop yet?
If you found 1, let me know. I may give them some of my business.
Otherwise, I may ride up to Tenn and see BajaRon.
If you went to MMS, they're expensive for all maintenance.
I like the folks in Cartersville, but they are expensive for some things as well.
Maybe check out a non Can-Am dealer like WOW or 1 of the Harley spots.

[ramblin5]

Sorry,
Have you found a shop yet?
If you found 1, let me know. I may give them some of my business.
Otherwise, I may ride up to Tenn and see BajaRon.
If you went to MMS, they're expensive for all maintenance.
I like the folks in Cartersville, but they are expensive for some things as well.
Maybe check out a non Can-Am dealer like WOW or 1 of the Harley spots.

Haven't found anyone yet. I don't trust Harley to work on my Harley let alone the Spyder. I'll checkbout WOW. Thanks for the response.

[WRCLVR]

I would not use MMS in Marietta based on past experience with their service dept and service advisors.... plus, they are way too high in price. Extreme Propulsion in Cartersville has good service techs, AJ is the Spyder man, and they do alignments too. But it is a bit of a drive to get there from Marietta. I don't think WOW will service the Spyder. However, they are a used dealer and handle all sorts of bikes; 80% Harley, Honda, Yamaha, etc. I have a local friend who was gonna see if they would service his 2014 RT... Answer was a flat - No! .....

[BajaRon]

Hey I was thinking about doing this around the DMV previously and still have an interest in it due to the wait times at dealerships.

And even going so far as fabbing up a trailer to do mobile work for oil changes and alignments on request locally and maybe taking it to some events to do work.

I was just wondering if you have enough work to keep you busy throughout the year?

Most everything bike related (including the Spyder/Ryker) are seasonal. The farther north, typically, the shorter the season. Around here everything starts to break loose in March (depending on weather). Then runs through August and starts to taper off to very little from November to the end of February. I know of some who do maintenance, installs of our sway bar kits, etc., for very reasonable prices and seem to do very well. But for the OP, nothing that I know of in the Atlanta area though.

[JohnRuckus]

I would not use MMS in Marietta based on past experience with their service dept and service advisors.... plus, they are way too high in price. Extreme Propulsion in Cartersville has good service techs, AJ is the Spyder man, and they do alignments too. But it is a bit of a drive to get there from Marietta. I don't think WOW will service the Spyder. However, they are a used dealer and handle all sorts of bikes; 80% Harley, Honda, Yamaha, etc. I have a local friend who was gonna see if they would service his 2014 RT... Answer was a flat - No! .....

That sucks. I try not to bad mouth folks/businesses, but I understand your sentiment on MMS. I had unfavorable interactions with sales at 1 location and service at another. I did ride to Cartersville for several services; the laser alignment, installation of floorboard lights, & a few warranty issues too. Maintenance from them is expensive though. There is another place in Gainesville (GMS). I don't have any service experience with them, but a friend bought a Spyder RTL from them a few years ago and didn't have any complaints. Good luck on your search.

[Bfromla]

Nothing wrong with getting intimate with your spyder & doing some DIY. Ron’s kit, fast delivery to your door. Even if you don’t DIY, it is cheaper than others & worth having on hand.

[Bfromla]

Update?

[ramblin5]

Thanks for everyone's responses. I had one of the forum members contact me who does all his own work and offer to do the oil change for me at a nominal fee so I could see how it's done. As we talked and I looked at youtube videos again I was convinced I can do this myself. I have purchased the oil and filter kit and will be doing it soon. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

Thanks again.