Service/Accessories Insatllation Recommendations in NC

[WingmanRT]

Now with two Spyders it has become doubly important that I find a good, affordable mechanic/technician that I can get work done on the bikes without being nickled and dimed to death or feeling like customer service is a 4 letter word. We live in Charlotte and don't mind driving a bit to get that, but driving 50 miles or more to DROP OFF a bike (with accompanying ride home) and then riding with said ride BACK to pick the bike up a day or two later... I don't mind, but would really require great service or pricing.

Matthews Fun Machines is the closest to my house, but they know they have a bit of a monopoly and while very nice, they don't exactly bend over backwards if you know what I mean. ($11 per qt of oil? Seriously?) MFM has a PitPass which for $600 per year for a 3 yr minimum; they will do all your required service (but no after market installation). This is only good at their location.

Speaking of which, what does a 6000 mile check up cost on average?

Albemarles' RPM Cycles is about 50 miles away and if I could wait on it and get it same day, that might work.

Aside from standard maintenance, I also need to have someone install under bike LEDs, the HMT dual/use brake light and mudflap LEDs integrated with the turn signals. Also need the under body LEDS on a second bike as well as possibly GloRyders on two bikes. Anyone had that done in NC? Thoughts? Pricing?

[SpyderDuck]

Now with two Spyders it has become doubly important that I find a good, affordable mechanic/technician that I can get work done on the bikes without being nickled and dimed to death or feeling like customer service is a 4 letter word. We live in Charlotte and don't mind driving a bit to get that, but driving 50 miles or more to DROP OFF a bike (with accompanying ride home) and then riding with said ride BACK to pick the bike up a day or two later... I don't mind, but would really require great service or pricing.

Matthews Fun Machines is the closest to my house, but they know they have a bit of a monopoly and while very nice, they don't exactly bend over backwards if you know what I mean. ($11 per qt of oil? Seriously?) MFM has a PitPass which for $600 per year for a 3 yr minimum; they will do all your required service (but no after market installation). This is only good at their location.

Speaking of which, what does a 6000 mile check up cost on average?

Albemarles' RPM Cycles is about 50 miles away and if I could wait on it and get it same day, that might work.

Aside from standard maintenance, I also need to have someone install under bike LEDs, the HMT dual/use brake light and mudflap LEDs integrated with the turn signals. Also need the under body LEDS on a second bike as well as possibly GloRyders on two bikes. Anyone had that done in NC? Thoughts? Pricing?

Well, my experience with the 6k service was this - Schronce Powersports wanted to keep it for 3 days, and charge 300 bucks. Lake Norman wanted it for a day or 2, and... 300 bucks. Honda of W-S (where I bought Clyde), would make an appt., but again, 300 bucks.

So...I went to East TN ATV. They scheduled an appointment, and the charge was about 150 bucks. They did both Clyde and his cousin Shelly in one afternoon, and even let Catniption and I take one of their new Spyders to lunch while they worked on ours. YMMV, but we were both well-pleased with the service we received and with the people there. They even had extra Spyder folders (you know, the wallet-sized thingies) for customers to take, and a cockatoo to pet (If you ignored him for too long, he'd say "I love you!" - such a schmoozer!). They even changed the spark plugs - from what I hear, that's not normally done at 6k. Of course, they are further away for you; it was a nice 2-hour ryde thru the mountains for me... but 'Nip came from Greensboro.

[Youngestspyder]

Now with two Spyders it has become doubly important that I find a good, affordable mechanic/technician that I can get work done on the bikes without being nickled and dimed to death or feeling like customer service is a 4 letter word. We live in Charlotte and don't mind driving a bit to get that, but driving 50 miles or more to DROP OFF a bike (with accompanying ride home) and then riding with said ride BACK to pick the bike up a day or two later... I don't mind, but would really require great service or pricing.

Matthews Fun Machines is the closest to my house, but they know they have a bit of a monopoly and while very nice, they don't exactly bend over backwards if you know what I mean. ($11 per qt of oil? Seriously?) MFM has a PitPass which for $600 per year for a 3 yr minimum; they will do all your required service (but no after market installation). This is only good at their location.

Speaking of which, what does a 6000 mile check up cost on average?

Albemarles' RPM Cycles is about 50 miles away and if I could wait on it and get it same day, that might work.

Aside from standard maintenance, I also need to have someone install under bike LEDs, the HMT dual/use brake light and mudflap LEDs integrated with the turn signals. Also need the under body LEDS on a second bike as well as possibly GloRyders on two bikes. Anyone had that done in NC? Thoughts? Pricing?

I get all the maintenance done at RPM cycles in albemarle NC everytime I go there I always wait for the bike to be done the same day they will have you in and out in about 1.5 to 2 hours at max!! I wouldn't trust anybody else but RPM cycles with my spyder!!!

[Questions]

I had good luck with the guy that runs Independent Cycles in Morganton, he gave me a decent price on an oil change although he grumbled a lot about how many panels had to come off, so he's got to charge more for a Spyder, but while he was at it I had him put in an air filter that can be cleaned and reused, because following ltownblue on some of these dirt tracks you get a lot of dirt in the air filter, the stock one was filthy. Plus he got me a helmet that fit my fat head, had to order it but he said if it didn't fit he would get the next size up. Luckily the 3X fit just perfect. I'll be using him for oil and filter changes, and some other stuff that doesn't need the computer diagnostics that Can Am dealers can run. For that I'm tagging along with the Duck next time she goes, but I'm good for another 5000 miles now.

I bought my 2008 RS from Schronce, had a brake problem with it during the 30 day warrantee but they changed pads and it seemed fine. Only problem is every month or so, I get a brake failure due to air in the lines. When I took it up there the warrantee was gone, but they split the cost to bleed the air lines and told me that would fix it. Next month same thing again, BUT they replaced some parts and bled the air out again, and no charge. Sadly, it's back to square one, so they told me I need to leave it with them for a week, since they may need to order parts after they check it again, but I assume there will be no charge again, since they at least stand behind their work. Just too bad most dealers charge so much, but at least they don't screw you over, or at least not so far.

[Questions]

Aside from standard maintenance, I also need to have someone install under bike LEDs, the HMT dual/use brake light and mudflap LEDs integrated with the turn signals. Also need the under body LEDS on a second bike as well as possibly GloRyders on two bikes. Anyone had that done in NC? Thoughts? Pricing?

Depends on how far Morganton is from you but this guy (Independent Cycles) is really good on ALL bikes, I've heard from a few people that he's excellent, so I'm sure for all stuff like add-on lights and other after market mods I would try him. I bet he can do it while you wait, and pretty cheap, but you may want to call and talk to him about it.

[Questions]

If you are looking at getting a different seat for your Spyder, I suggest you check out Mean City Cycles, they will take your existing seat, strip the padding and replace it with formed memory foam, usually two layers, firm on bottom, medium on top so you can pamper your butt. They will also put a relief channel in the back part of the seat that will ensure that you don't get pressure on your tail bone. The only down side is now I have to figure out how to remove the seat so I can bring it to them.

[staysafeonline]

Aside from standard maintenance, I also need to have someone install under bike LEDs, the HMT dual/use brake light and mudflap LEDs integrated with the turn signals. Also need the under body LEDS on a second bike as well as possibly GloRyders on two bikes. Anyone had that done in NC? Thoughts? Pricing?

I haven't done anything with them as of yet, but Custom Dynamics is located in Wake Forest, NC and I suspect if you bought stuff from them they'd install it for you. Not exactly Charlotte but could be a fun day drive from CLT to Wake Forest and back.

[Ltownblue]

I had good luck with the guy that runs Independent Cycles in Morganton, he gave me a decent price on an oil change although he grumbled a lot about how many panels had to come off, so he's got to charge more for a Spyder, but while he was at it I had him put in an air filter that can be cleaned and reused, because following ltownblue on some of these dirt tracks you get a lot of dirt in the air filter, the stock one was filthy. Plus he got me a helmet that fit my fat head, had to order it but he said if it didn't fit he would get the next size up. Luckily the 3X fit just perfect. I'll be using him for oil and filter changes, and some other stuff that doesn't need the computer diagnostics that Can Am dealers can run. For that I'm tagging along with the Duck next time she goes, but I'm good for another 5000 miles now.

I bought my 2008 RS from Schronce, had a brake problem with it during the 30 day warrantee but they changed pads and it seemed fine. Only problem is every month or so, I get a brake failure due to air in the lines. When I took it up there the warrantee was gone, but they split the cost to bleed the air lines and told me that would fix it. Next month same thing again, BUT they replaced some parts and bled the air out again, and no charge. Sadly, it's back to square one, so they told me I need to leave it with them for a week, since they may need to order parts after they check it again, but I assume there will be no charge again, since they at least stand behind their work. Just too bad most dealers charge so much, but at least they don't screw you over, or at least not so far.

Ken,
One stretch of gravel about 2 miles long on one road for one ride does not make for "some of these dirt tracks" that clogged up your air filter.
Best,
blue

[WingmanRT]

I haven't done anything with them as of yet, but Custom Dynamics is located in Wake Forest, NC and I suspect if you bought stuff from them they'd install it for you. Not exactly Charlotte but could be a fun day drive from CLT to Wake Forest and back.
I didn't realize that CD was THAT close. Explained why I got my parts in like 2 days! If they could do them while we wait, that is a definite possibility. I figured I would have to get the lights done somewhere different than the service. I'll give them a call today. Thanks.

[WingmanRT]

I get all the maintenance done at RPM cycles in albemarle NC everytime I go there I always wait for the bike to be done the same day they will have you in and out in about 1.5 to 2 hours at max!! I wouldn't trust anybody else but RPM cycles with my spyder!!!
I know Rick over there. I will call them today and see what they run for a 6k, even though that is a ways off yet, it will be good to know. They are about 50 miles away but it is a beautiful drive. One problem is: Albemarle gets a horrible (next to no) 4G signal so it would hard to get work done while I wait.

[staysafeonline]

: Albemarle gets a horrible (next to no) 4G signal so it would hard to get work done while I wait.

Panera or some other place with free wifi solves this problem. :D

[WingmanRT]

Panera or some other place with free wifi solves this problem. :D
Have you been to Albemarle? Not exactly a mecca of modern technology. They have a nice log cabin that serves good bar-b-cue. I'm sure they have something around that can get a signal out. Problem is... nothing in walking distance of RPM, which is where my wheels will be.

[WingmanRT]

I haven't done anything with them as of yet, but Custom Dynamics is located in Wake Forest, NC and I suspect if you bought stuff from them they'd install it for you. Not exactly Charlotte but could be a fun day drive from CLT to Wake Forest and back.
I called them. Very nice. but they don't do any installation work and had no suggestions.

[SpyderDuck]

If you are looking at getting a different seat for your Spyder, I suggest you check out Mean City Cycles, they will take your existing seat, strip the padding and replace it with formed memory foam, usually two layers, firm on bottom, medium on top so you can pamper your butt. They will also put a relief channel in the back part of the seat that will ensure that you don't get pressure on your tail bone. The only down side is now I have to figure out how to remove the seat so I can bring it to them.

Ah Kenny, Kenny, Kenny... you are local. You, my man, can make an appointment at Mean City, ryde to their shop, and WATCH them mod your seat. They do the removal and re-installation for you, at no extra charge. 'Nip and I both went down and did this; they had us both done one Saturday morning. Call 866-550-SEAT and they will tell you when they have an appointment slot. They're just down the road in Maiden.

[Questions]

Ken,
One stretch of gravel about 2 miles long on one road for one ride does not make for "some of these dirt tracks" that clogged up your air filter.
Best,
blue
I know, that was a joke :roflblack:

Actually I'm sure the air filter gets crapped up just as bad on regular roads, many times a truck in front of me kicks up a dust storm :)

[Questions]

Ah Kenny, Kenny, Kenny... you are local. You, my man, can make an appointment at Mean City, ryde to their shop, and WATCH them mod your seat. They do the removal and re-installation for you, at no extra charge. 'Nip and I both went down and did this; they had us both done one Saturday morning. Call 866-550-SEAT and they will tell you when they have an appointment slot. They're just down the road in Maiden.

Well I stopped in and talked with them on my way to Charlotte for that ride to escort The Wall. Very nice, and they will do it while you wait, but they said they didn't take the seat off or back on, I would have to, so maybe the guy that did yours isn't there anymore. Dunno

[SpyderDuck]

Well I stopped in and talked with them on my way to Charlotte for that ride to escort The Wall. Very nice, and they will do it while you wait, but they said they didn't take the seat off or back on, I would have to, so maybe the guy that did yours isn't there anymore. Dunno

Nah... It was because we're so darn cute! :joke:

[Questions]

Nah... It was because we're so darn cute! :joke:

Yeah but you've been on that diet too long, you are down to skin and bones... or maybe just bones :joke::joke::joke::joke:

(To the rest of you, it's an inside joke, let her explain it LMAO)

[SpyderDuck]

Yeah but you've been on that diet too long, you are down to skin and bones... or maybe just bones :joke::joke::joke::joke:

(To the rest of you, it's an inside joke, let her explain it LMAO)

The Duck on a diet. Sounds horrible.

Ken took this pic of me on a ryde a couple of months back-

43087

[HICKORY]

Ken
They do not like to take the seat off since it is kind of a pain in the nojoke. I took my seat off and had them install a backrest and remove a little foam. You only get 1 click on the ratchet and the bolt is extra long.. Make sure you use painters tape and tape up all holes so you do not loose the nuts. Let me know if you need help, I think I am just down the road.

[WingmanRT]

I ended up taking both Spyders to Honda of Winston Salem (a Can-Am dealer). RPM wouldn't do it unless we bought the parts from them. Matthews Fun Machine wanted a second mortgage. Easy Eddies and Lake Norman Powersports never got back with me. Velocity Powersports in Charleston had a decent price but its a 200 mile drive and they wanted us to leave the bikes for several days. A logistical nightmare.

HondaWS.com did both in about a half of a day, the customer service was amazing and the price was a fraction of the some of the others! They really went out of their way to help us and go over and above what was expected. Great dealership. We are headed back for our 6000 mile check up in a few weeks even though it is a 100 mile drive. Diane and her crew are top notch.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=420235324662024&set=a.420234524662104.102309.100000266812445&type=3&theater