Spyders and $$$

[Dan_Ashley]

Bob I didn't know SQUAT about the Spyder when I bought it either. But it isn't the moon lander. You take it apart and figure things out .....I stripped my new RT down almost completely to the frame without the Shop Manual and have put it back together without the Shop Manual......You just have to have faith in yourself and GO FOR IT........Also don't lose any PIECES :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack:.....Mikeguyver :thumbup:

Not everyone is "wrench competent." I am not. I am "wrench deprived." Probably due to my upbringing. Back in the old country they didn't have wrenches. They only had hammers and pliers. So, if I can't beat it apart, or twist the business out of it with a pair of pliers, I am doomed to taking it to a professional.

 

[Bob Denman]

Maybe you can get your Pharmacy to bill your Medical insurance for the bike... :2thumbs:

PLEASE let us know if THAT works!

 

[wyliec]

Guyver,
I don't do my own servicing... I simply lack the mechanical and physical skills for the job... pps:

Not everybody has great health, and a well-equipped garage...

Bob D.,

If I wanted to change my oil, I could; I choose not to. I just want to do my part to keep a good dealer (Ingles Power Sports) in business.

 

[sypderrobinson134]

I had the same issue, didn't want to pay an arm and leg for the change, I learned to do it myself on my rs and it's pretty easy. YouTube is a great tool


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ARtraveler]

Some issues I will leave others to discuss.

:ani29:: Yes, :spyder2: and expense money seem to go hand in hand. Similar to any toy we own. Truck, RV, Boat, etc. ...

:ani29:: $250 for an oil change is lower than a lot of us experience. A lot have mentioned $300 and plus. My dealer gets $110 per hour. Add the ballpark $80 for the oil change kit, that leaves $60 for the "house--not counting overhead costs."

:ani29:: I cannot do my own oil changes. I do not have either the mechanical ability or the physical capability to do work on my :ani29: They gots me where they wants me. :thumbup:

I like the :spyder2: and have been able to handle the upkeep. So, in that, I consider myself fortunate. When I can no longer handle it, it will be time to sell my beloved :ani29:'s.

 

[gnirtsnod]

Very happy owner of a 2009 GS since July 2009, now over 16,000 mile under my belt.
Lots of positives with this purchase, only one negative.
Can anyone explain why we are charged so much for and oil change on these bikes.
Had mine done last week, the bike was in the shop for ONE HOUR, changed the oil,
filter and a few parts for this oil change to be done, so one hour later the total bill is
$250. plus taxes. What's so special about an hour oil change that you have to charge $250.
OK maybe it is complicated and a sofisticated, machine, but really now $250. for an hour's work.
Lets put out a video on how its done so we middle lower income can do it ourselves.
Does anyone agree here.

I'm not going to bust your chops over the typo. Heck I didn't even notice it and I'm a proof reader for missile operating manuals at the government missile command. Scary, huh? (JUST KIDDING)

As to why they charge what they do. It's probably because it is a clearly recognizable profit opportunity. Look at the demographics for Spyder riders. (I hate to profile myself but here goes.) 60-70 years old, likely to have ample means to pay the service asking price, and many with age-related physical limitations or they just don't want to do what they would have easily be able to do when younger (no reference to the Viagra comments intended).

The kit should cost no more than $60 if you want the whole thing and do the change yourself; however, I use Amsoil and order the filters from the dealer. With the SE5 there are two filters. I'm going from memory now but there are two oil drains, access to which are simplified by the permanent removal of the bottom panels (makes it cooler, too.)

I have a friend with a pit in his garage and this makes changing oil very easy for me. At the risk of attracting darts from my fellow Spyder friends, you can go to a quickie oil change place and most will do the change at your direction for $20 bucks labor. I wouldn't turn them loose on their own, though. You bring the goods. i.e. oil and filters.

Like others have said, there can be added value to taking it to the dealer, but my one experience was enough. The job was done in 15 minutes and the scooter sat there for the remaining hour and forty-five minutes. I was charged two hours labor, thus a $250 oil change. Oh, and I had a charge for shop rags and oil disposal. ...Don

 

[flaggerphil]

Bob I didn't know SQUAT about the Spyder when I bought it either. But it isn't the moon lander. You take it apart and figure things out .....I stripped my new RT down almost completely to the frame without the Shop Manual and have put it back together without the Shop Manual......You just have to have faith in yourself and GO FOR IT........Also don't lose any PIECES :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack:.....Mikeguyver :thumbup:

I'm one of those people who is NOT mechanically inclined or handy in any way, shape or form. I'm 63 and learned that a long time ago. That's why I have the dealer or competent mechanic do the work. Not everyone is handy enough to do that kind of stuff.

 

[vided]

The last time I looked; those oil change kits at my dealer, were selling for about $85.
He charges about $115 when he changes it...
For thirty bucks; I'll let the mess and hassle be his! :thumbup:

Bingo, we have a winner. Good answer.
also you get to go out for a nice ride. :yes::yes:

 

[arntufun]

Ask and ye shall receive...................... :thumbup:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I APOLOGIZE

:banghead: You're simply not listening... :gaah:
HEALTH issues have forced my decision. pps:
The vision in my left eye is corrected to 20/360... :shocked:
Diabetic neuropathy has taken the strength out of my thumbs; grasping a tool is no longer within my abilities...

I'm such a wreck; but I'm staying alive!

As stated above again.........................................Mike :thumbup:

 

[jcthorne]

Bob D.,

If I wanted to change my oil, I could; I choose not to. I just want to do my part to keep a good dealer (Ingles Power Sports) in business.

I'd really love to have a dealer service department I wanted to keep in business......

 

[SPYD1]

I do my own changes but for 110$ I would have them do it. That's cheap.