Hello from Chicago area
- Thread starter Jeff174
- Start date
Jeff174
Standard Bore
Its been a while since I posted on here. I don't do much in the whole Social media world. I just wanted to pop in and say that due to a friend suggesting that I do the service on my bike myself instead of paying dealer prices. I went ahead and did it. I am lucky enough to have a another friend with a shop with most tools to include a couple of lifts and that has made it much easier.
But the real reason for the post is to say that whenever I got stuck and couldn't make something out in the manual you guys were ALWAYS the answer. And I just wanted to say thanks!
I am disappointed that I didn't pay closer attention to the site, as I am not able to make RAA9 this year due to a previously scheduled trip. While it would have been my first, it sounds like a lot of fun. I will make RAA10. No matter where it is held!!!
Some of the things that I have discovered on my own. I hope this can help anyone in the General Chicago/northern Indiana/ SW Michigan area. For those that don't have the place/time/willingness to do the maintenance on your R3. I have done a little research myself. There are currently 3 Triumph dealers in Chicago. Villa Park/Chicago/St. Charles
I have pretty much been only to the Villa Park location in the past. I had always found them to be extremely unfriendly. I didn't expect them to invite me home for dinner just because I brought my bike to them to work on, but it would have been nice to have felt like I wasn't just another irritating customer.
That being said, upon checking prices for the 20K service on my bike. Both Villa Park and Chicago wanted $880. I also needed new tires. VP and Chi wanted $750. I then checked with Michigan City. They quoted me on the phone a price of $450 for the service. My first thought was, this place must not even be Triumph technicians. But seeing as how it is only about a 50 mile ride from my house, I thought, why not go check it out. As the Chicago winter drug on forever this year. I have to say this is a rather large Triumph/Honda/Harley dealer ship. The people were all friendly and when talking with the shop people they seem to know what they are doing. At least enough that I would feel comfortable bringing my bike to them.
I then decided to just do the service myself. Saving roughly $800 not including my time.
I ordered my parts online at http://www.triumphmcparts.com/ (didn't have free shipping, but prices were better then all the places I checked) I attached my shopping list.They seemed to have the most reasonable prices and while they weren't good about updating their website regarding shipping info, the parts arrived in less then 8 days for standard shipping. Bought the oil and coolant from auto-zone.
While at dealer, asked about what they are currently using.
Oil: Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40
Final Drive: Mobile 1 75W90
Tires from Bike bandit. free shipping and best price. I went with the Metzlers
I accidentally overtightened the front sump bolt and it ended up leaking and then the head broke off. I found myself having to go to the VP dealer anyway. They have apparently changed some management and some employees. Everyone I encountered was considerably more friendly and this was after two separate trips. Went back to buy brake pads.
I used Speed Demon Powersports (http://www.speeddemonpowersports.com/) to swap the old rubber for new and they only charged $79. I had already removed the wheels off the bike.
So in conclusion, I hope I can save some people some time with places to buy parts at.
THANKS!
But the real reason for the post is to say that whenever I got stuck and couldn't make something out in the manual you guys were ALWAYS the answer. And I just wanted to say thanks!
I am disappointed that I didn't pay closer attention to the site, as I am not able to make RAA9 this year due to a previously scheduled trip. While it would have been my first, it sounds like a lot of fun. I will make RAA10. No matter where it is held!!!
Some of the things that I have discovered on my own. I hope this can help anyone in the General Chicago/northern Indiana/ SW Michigan area. For those that don't have the place/time/willingness to do the maintenance on your R3. I have done a little research myself. There are currently 3 Triumph dealers in Chicago. Villa Park/Chicago/St. Charles
I have pretty much been only to the Villa Park location in the past. I had always found them to be extremely unfriendly. I didn't expect them to invite me home for dinner just because I brought my bike to them to work on, but it would have been nice to have felt like I wasn't just another irritating customer.
That being said, upon checking prices for the 20K service on my bike. Both Villa Park and Chicago wanted $880. I also needed new tires. VP and Chi wanted $750. I then checked with Michigan City. They quoted me on the phone a price of $450 for the service. My first thought was, this place must not even be Triumph technicians. But seeing as how it is only about a 50 mile ride from my house, I thought, why not go check it out. As the Chicago winter drug on forever this year. I have to say this is a rather large Triumph/Honda/Harley dealer ship. The people were all friendly and when talking with the shop people they seem to know what they are doing. At least enough that I would feel comfortable bringing my bike to them.
I then decided to just do the service myself. Saving roughly $800 not including my time.
I ordered my parts online at http://www.triumphmcparts.com/ (didn't have free shipping, but prices were better then all the places I checked) I attached my shopping list.They seemed to have the most reasonable prices and while they weren't good about updating their website regarding shipping info, the parts arrived in less then 8 days for standard shipping. Bought the oil and coolant from auto-zone.
While at dealer, asked about what they are currently using.
Oil: Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40
Final Drive: Mobile 1 75W90
Tires from Bike bandit. free shipping and best price. I went with the Metzlers
I accidentally overtightened the front sump bolt and it ended up leaking and then the head broke off. I found myself having to go to the VP dealer anyway. They have apparently changed some management and some employees. Everyone I encountered was considerably more friendly and this was after two separate trips. Went back to buy brake pads.
I used Speed Demon Powersports (http://www.speeddemonpowersports.com/) to swap the old rubber for new and they only charged $79. I had already removed the wheels off the bike.
So in conclusion, I hope I can save some people some time with places to buy parts at.
THANKS!
Rolltide100
Nitrous
Welcome from Utah, glad you could drop in!
Mittzy
The Hooligan - Just Doing Stuff
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2011
- Messages
- 8,533
- Location
- Brisbane, Australia
- Ride
- 2020 TFC #385, 2014 R3 Roadster 230hp (BRUTUS)
Welcome back Jeff. Drop in from time to time
Welcome from Milwaukee. Do yo know where that is? You go through it on the way to your vacation home. 
> I too have found a dealer who's mechanic has been wrenching in Triumphs for 17 years and have good prices. Suppose to snow today so maybe we can get together in the summer when it gets up to 60.
> I too have found a dealer who's mechanic has been wrenching in Triumphs for 17 years and have good prices. Suppose to snow today so maybe we can get together in the summer when it gets up to 60.
Jeff174
Standard Bore
Welcome from Milwaukee. Do yo know where that is? You go through it on the way to your vacation home.
Hey Ski,
We can definitely get together this summer.
Just watched it snow, out the window at work. I'm ready to ride, picked up a Russell day long seat this winter and looking to really test it out.
vanguard138
Living Legend
Woke up this am with the white stuff in the air!!!! At least it did not stick.
Welcome back from Northern Michigan, where winter does not seem to want to go away.
Dawg68
Nitrous
Welcome from Alberta Canada.
