[NinjaRider1427]

Went into the Kawasaki dealership to get a new tire and walked out with the impression that everything was wrong with my bike... My bike has 7200 miles and they said that because of the "tapping" sound upon start up that within the next 1000 miles or so I need to have my valves adjusted or I could risk blowing my engine possibly which I was told could be up to a $6000 fix. Obviously the guys know what they're talking about but they are a business after all. How honest are those that work at Kawasaki versus someone who works at a local shop? The guys there are really nice and helpful at Kawasaki. However when a person like myself walks in (who doesn't know much about my bike and is still in the learning process..) they could tell me this is wrong or that is wrong or this needs adjusting and of course I'm going to believe them because I don't know any better. I just want to make sure I'm not getting yanked around and I know Kawasaki can be pricier than other local shops. However I got a new front Pirelli tired plus install for $180. And one of the mechanics who worked there said to me that they usually adjust valves for $600 but if I come to him he could do it on the side for me for $400. Sounds like a good deal but then again I don't know any better. What are people's opinions on dealerships versus local moto shops?

 

[earlthepearl]

It's gunna all depend on ur area on who's good or not.....
Here i have 2 great dealerships that are honest n do good work, but....
At the cost of 80 bucks a hour.....

Ifnnnn ur engine has valve shims they do not tap if needing adjustment....
They actually get quiter n tighter as they need adjustment....
N then u burn valves......
Ifffnnnnn u have rockers they get noisier.....
Kawi engines are the noisiest engines it seems anyway....
Always have been......
They sound like shit, but perform quite well.....
Far as ur ticking sound goes....?
I can't say.....Maybe ur cam chain..?
Maybe a bad upper bearing...?
My 2012 Ninja 650 sound like shit anywhere below 4 grand.....
I just had the valve shims done a bit ago......25,000 miles.
First time.....Dealer said everything looked great......
He did change one, but it was well within specs...., but....
I told him to do any that had any signs of wear...he did.
We can't hear ur engine on here, so it's hard for us to say.....
Myself....
I'd find people who use the dealers/shops in ur area and ask them how they feel about the shops.....
Then u should be able to make a decent choice on who to use.