bay area shop

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 09:14 AM

hi!

Anyone in the bay area that has a shop?
I live in SJ, and would like to find a good, honest place to get the carb adjusted and synced.

Thanks in advance.

rojoracing53 · June 17th, 2013, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0sh

hi!

Anyone in the bay area that has a shop?
I live in SJ, and would like to find a good, honest place to get the carb adjusted and synced.

Thanks in advance.

I think almost any Moto shop can do it for you. I personally do my own.

Why do you need your adjusted?

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 09:25 AM

I could take it to "just any shop", but I am looking for a reliable source. I don't want to be charged an arm and a leg.

I have some idling issues when stopped at a traffic light, or stop sign. It just dies. In addition, my gas mileage isn't as good as it should be.

I have the proper idling (can't remember what it's called) set. I changed the spark plugs, and air filter. None of that helped, so I was told I should get this done. It has 8300+ miles on it, and hasn't been done yet.

I am definitely not comfortable doing this myself!

Alex · June 17th, 2013, 09:39 AM

I've had generally good experiences with Fremont Kawasaki if you're looking for a dealer shop, and also have had good experiences with http://www.evolution-motorcycles.com/ in San Jose if you're looking for an independent.

rojoracing53 · June 17th, 2013, 09:47 AM

You need your valves adjusted at this point and when that's done you also have your carbs synced at the same time. I won't get into details but I don't trust any shop to work on my bikes because that's when **** starts to happen

I've had people ask if I'd inspect they're valves but they never realize it has to be done with the bike stone cold(like min 6 hrs after last start up). I hate charging people for my work so instead I just tell them to do it them selves

What's the local rate for a valve job and carb sync?

Just note I WILL! NOT! Remove anyone's carbs for any reason if they still have the stock airbox because I'd rather shot myself.

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 09:54 AM

OMG! I just looked at a couple of sites, and one has a price of "from 350+"
sigh...I didn't think it was going to cost that much..

iceknyght · June 17th, 2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

You need your valves adjusted at this point and when that's done you also have your carbs synced at the same time. I won't get into details but I don't trust any shop to work on my bikes because that's when **** starts to happen

This is where I am at as well... I need to get my valves adjusted (bike still runs fine, but I am at around 8500 miles, so it's over due), but I don't like taking my vehicles to shops in general (because of bad experiences)... I like to do most of the maintenance work myself... BUT, this is one of those things that I don't feel comfortable doing this myself... And since I have not taken the bike to any shops yet, I keep my eyes peeled on the different boards as to where they recommend...

rojoracing53 · June 17th, 2013, 10:18 AM

You guys are all killing me

you two plus @CycleCam303 and another from Sac are all overdue for valves buy as much as 5k miles

maybe I should put on a clinic on valve adjustments and we can do all the bikes in one day

I think I'm going to need a much bigger "box o shims"

iceknyght · June 17th, 2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

You guys are all killing me

you two plus @CycleCam303 and another from Sac are all overdue for valves buy as much as 5k miles

maybe I should put on a clinic on valve adjustments and we can do all the bikes in one day

I think I'm going to need a much bigger "box o shims"

Mine's only over due by 1,000 miles!

But hey, I make sure the oil gets changed and the chain gets cleaned & lubed like clockwork! LOL!

And I would attend this clinic...

CycleCam303 · June 17th, 2013, 12:25 PM

If it makes you feel better my bike is at 15k. Yea I'm do for an oil change and Im sure I'm burning up my valves so I won't be riding the bike for awhile.

iceknyght · June 17th, 2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

If it makes you feel better my bike is at 15k. Yea I'm do for an oil change and Im sure I'm burning up my valves so I won't be riding the bike for awhile.

Doesn't make me feel better, no... LOL! But at least I don't feel *as* bad...

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

You guys are all killing me

you two plus @CycleCam303 and another from Sac are all overdue for valves buy as much as 5k miles

maybe I should put on a clinic on valve adjustments and we can do all the bikes in one day

I think I'm going to need a much bigger "box o shims"

OOPS! I want to go to the clinic! If it's cheaper than $350!

choneofakind · June 17th, 2013, 02:31 PM

I promise, doing the valves on the pregen and syncing the carbs is not hard to do! Even for the newgens where you have to remove the cams, removing the cams on my pregen was easy also when I have to remove the head. The actual adjustment only takes 30 minutes. Most of the work is getting to the valves.

Not sure why so many people put this one off. It makes a huge difference in how smooth the bike runs and how easily it starts up.

Read through the wiki DIY article, talk with people here who have done it, have a ninja 250 friend help (if you have one) and go for it!!! It will seem much less scary once you've done it once.

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Read through the wiki DIY article, talk with people here who have done it, have a ninja 250 friend help (if you have one) and go for it!!! It will seem much less scary once you've done it once.

You have no idea how nervous this would make me! And, I don't have a ninja two-fiddy friend.

Are you volunteering to assist?

btw...I like your sigs

krolinked · June 17th, 2013, 03:14 PM

I dont know how far you live from me. But if you made the drive out here, I could do your valves for cheap

rojoracing53 · June 17th, 2013, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krolinked

I dont know how far you live from me. But if you made the drive out here, I could do your valves for cheap

^I nominate this guy

^

rojoracing53 · June 17th, 2013, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0sh

OOPS! I want to go to the clinic! If it's cheaper than $350!

How's 349.99 sound, and I'll even comp you the tax since I'm such a nice guy

If I had to guess I'd say that price of 350 most likely doesn't include a carb re-syncing.

If any of you SoCal peeps are near LA my buddy Mike works on quite a few 250's and I sure he's cheaper then a moto shop. He works out of his garage but has been in and around motorcycles longer then I've been alive. Plus he's a current NSR50 racer so you know he's a cool guy

https://plus.google.com/110534095578...ut?gl=us&hl=en

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

How's 349.99 sound, and I'll even comp you the tax since I'm such a nice guy

Wow! that's a deal!

rojoracing53 · June 17th, 2013, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0sh

Wow! that's a deal!

In all seriousness where in Ca are you?

t0sh · June 17th, 2013, 09:34 PM

I'm in San Jose

Lychee · June 17th, 2013, 11:42 PM

$350 is a little too expensive. That price is based on bikes with more complicated valve systems than the pregen ninjas. These bikes have 4 rocker arms, each with a single nut tensioner, that's it. I've priced this job before and $300-350 should get you both a valve adjustment (plus carb sync) AND a carb cleaning at the same time. Other possible shops in the San Jose area are DJ Cycles and Sporttech Cycles. Of the two I think DJ Cycles is better, although his shop is smaller. Call and ask them to price the exact service you want on your bike.

I have the valve tool and you can borrow it if you feel like trying it yourself. You are supposed to do this job every other oil change. Might as well learn it if you are going to keep the bike for a long time.

Lychee · June 17th, 2013, 11:55 PM

By the way I frequently see posts on the BARF about a shop that rents tools and lifts that provides classes for valve adjustments including assistance doing the job on your bike. Just another option I guess. Here is a link:

http://www.bayareamotoshop.com/valve.html

t0sh · June 18th, 2013, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lychee

$350 is a little too expensive. That price is based on bikes with more complicated valve systems than the pregen ninjas. These bikes have 4 rocker arms, each with a single nut tensioner, that's it. I've priced this job before and $300-350 should get you both a valve adjustment (plus carb sync) AND a carb cleaning at the same time. Other possible shops in the San Jose area are DJ Cycles and Sporttech Cycles. Of the two I think DJ Cycles is better, although his shop is smaller. Call and ask them to price the exact service you want on your bike.

Thanks Lychee!
I will check out DJ Cycles. I was looking at that shop and Advanced Cycle Service.

t0sh · July 27th, 2013, 01:40 PM

I thought I would come back into this thread and give some cred to DJ Cycles.
He runs a great shop and super amazing skills and knowledge. He worked on carb sync, cleaning, and also did valve adjustments.
While I had my bike there, he also got me new tires. She's up and running beautifully!
If anyone ever searches forum posts and is from the Bay Area; here is his website: http://dj-cycles.com/

June 17th, 2013, 09:14 AM	#1
t0sh ninjette.org member Name: Jen Location: CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250r Posts: 40	bay area shop hi! Anyone in the bay area that has a shop? I live in SJ, and would like to find a good, honest place to get the carb adjusted and synced. Thanks in advance.

June 17th, 2013, 09:39 AM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	I've had generally good experiences with Fremont Kawasaki if you're looking for a dealer shop, and also have had good experiences with http://www.evolution-motorcycles.com/ in San Jose if you're looking for an independent. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 17th, 2013, 03:14 PM	#15
krolinked Nerd Name: Chris Location: Tujunga Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ducati Hyperstrada Posts: 672	I dont know how far you live from me. But if you made the drive out here, I could do your valves for cheap __________________________________________________ It doesn't LOOK that steep. But you can go first...

June 17th, 2013, 11:42 PM	#21
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	$350 is a little too expensive. That price is based on bikes with more complicated valve systems than the pregen ninjas. These bikes have 4 rocker arms, each with a single nut tensioner, that's it. I've priced this job before and $300-350 should get you both a valve adjustment (plus carb sync) AND a carb cleaning at the same time. Other possible shops in the San Jose area are DJ Cycles and Sporttech Cycles. Of the two I think DJ Cycles is better, although his shop is smaller. Call and ask them to price the exact service you want on your bike. I have the valve tool and you can borrow it if you feel like trying it yourself. You are supposed to do this job every other oil change. Might as well learn it if you are going to keep the bike for a long time. __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

June 17th, 2013, 11:55 PM	#22
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	By the way I frequently see posts on the BARF about a shop that rents tools and lifts that provides classes for valve adjustments including assistance doing the job on your bike. Just another option I guess. Here is a link: http://www.bayareamotoshop.com/valve.html __________________________________________________ Unregistered found this post helpful. Track Day Preparation Checklist 1. Financial 2. Mental 3. Physical 4. Gear / Bike

June 17th, 2013, 09:25 AM	#3
t0sh ninjette.org member Name: Jen Location: CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250r Posts: 40	I could take it to "just any shop", but I am looking for a reliable source. I don't want to be charged an arm and a leg. I have some idling issues when stopped at a traffic light, or stop sign. It just dies. In addition, my gas mileage isn't as good as it should be. I have the proper idling (can't remember what it's called) set. I changed the spark plugs, and air filter. None of that helped, so I was told I should get this done. It has 8300+ miles on it, and hasn't been done yet. I am definitely not comfortable doing this myself!

June 17th, 2013, 09:47 AM	#5
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	You need your valves adjusted at this point and when that's done you also have your carbs synced at the same time. I won't get into details but I don't trust any shop to work on my bikes because that's when **** starts to happen I've had people ask if I'd inspect they're valves but they never realize it has to be done with the bike stone cold(like min 6 hrs after last start up). I hate charging people for my work so instead I just tell them to do it them selves What's the local rate for a valve job and carb sync? Just note I WILL! NOT! Remove anyone's carbs for any reason if they still have the stock airbox because I'd rather shot myself.

June 17th, 2013, 09:54 AM	#6
t0sh ninjette.org member Name: Jen Location: CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250r Posts: 40	OMG! I just looked at a couple of sites, and one has a price of "from 350+" sigh...I didn't think it was going to cost that much..

June 17th, 2013, 10:18 AM	#8
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	You guys are all killing me you two plus @CycleCam303 and another from Sac are all overdue for valves buy as much as 5k miles maybe I should put on a clinic on valve adjustments and we can do all the bikes in one day I think I'm going to need a much bigger "box o shims"

June 17th, 2013, 12:25 PM	#10
CycleCam303 King Hamfist Name: Cameron Location: NorCal East Bay Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940	If it makes you feel better my bike is at 15k. Yea I'm do for an oil change and Im sure I'm burning up my valves so I won't be riding the bike for awhile.

June 17th, 2013, 02:31 PM	#13
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	I promise, doing the valves on the pregen and syncing the carbs is not hard to do! Even for the newgens where you have to remove the cams, removing the cams on my pregen was easy also when I have to remove the head. The actual adjustment only takes 30 minutes. Most of the work is getting to the valves. Not sure why so many people put this one off. It makes a huge difference in how smooth the bike runs and how easily it starts up. Read through the wiki DIY article, talk with people here who have done it, have a ninja 250 friend help (if you have one) and go for it!!! It will seem much less scary once you've done it once.

June 17th, 2013, 09:34 PM	#20
t0sh ninjette.org member Name: Jen Location: CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250r Posts: 40	I'm in San Jose

July 27th, 2013, 01:40 PM	#24
t0sh ninjette.org member Name: Jen Location: CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250r Posts: 40	I thought I would come back into this thread and give some cred to DJ Cycles. He runs a great shop and super amazing skills and knowledge. He worked on carb sync, cleaning, and also did valve adjustments. While I had my bike there, he also got me new tires. She's up and running beautifully! If anyone ever searches forum posts and is from the Bay Area; here is his website: http://dj-cycles.com/

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