Thread: Using a non approved mechanic

Hi guys,

My 950SM is due its 28K service. I also need a new chain and sprockets, front tyre and possibly some more so we are looking at about £700 - £1000. I just don't have this kind of money.

My question is 2 fold.

1. I can't sell the bike as I'm in negative equity and have a year of finance left to pay. I out a lot of miles on my bike (commuting daily) so I don't think I'm ever going to get much for it if I sell in the future. I'm thinking maybe it is time to stop going to the approved KTM guys and just get a good independent mechanic to work on it from now on. Am I failing to consider something more important than impacting the sale value?

2. Assuming you all say - Go for it. Independents are fine - Can anyone recommend anyone good between central London and Tunbridge Wells? Would be great of they have loan bikes for when the work is being done.

Any advice will be gratefully received as always!

X81 in Wisbech ?

Thanks. T.Wells is south east though so looking for something in London or up to 40 miles SE of there. Appreciate the recommendation all the same.

sorry.. had no idea where it was, thought it was up by Cambs.

i dont know if you have facilities or the inclination but changing the chain and sprockets, doing an oil change and removing the front wheel to get a new one fitted can all be done at home without major ballache in one weeknend. you would however need.. a front and rear paddock stand and a chain splitter.riveter. Ive done 2 chains and they are not difficult at all. Oil change is also simple. front wheel removal also straight-forward. This forum is v useful for mechanical know-how. If you got those bits done at home you may be able to save enough to still take it to a dealer. I have a service coming up (18k) and considering using a non KTM garage.. BUT.. i know they have a lot of experience with KTMs anyway and i know they are the dogs dangly's (they are PDQ btw - maybe not in the right area).

1K for the work you want doing is madness. Get a mate to do it or a mobile mechanic.

BTW I just purchase a new chain, front and rear sprockets, all genuine KTM for £132 posted. "Thanks weeksy"

Thanks Superbadass and terry950sm. Funny, was just looking for a French dictionary to see what "Ballache" meant! The only time I ever did an oil change myself was on a car at a mates house. He made me promise not to spill any on his drive. Got the front wheels up on the curb, due to lack of tools had to use a hammer and screw driver to get the oil filter off, then dropped it off the curb and in autopilot fired the car up to move it forward. Its amazing how quickly 5 ltrs of used oil can blast out a hole in the oil filter and coat your entire engine bay and mate's drive with sludge! That said, if I did attempt anything now I'd get the right tools! PDQ look good but not quite in the right direction for me. Any more recommendations welcome.

due to lack of tools had to use a hammer and screw driver to get the oil filter off, then dropped it off the curb and in autopilot fired the car up to move it forward. Its amazing how quickly 5 ltrs of used oil can blast out a hole in the oil filter and coat your entire engine bay and mate's drive with sludge! That said, if I did attempt anything now I'd get the right tools!

I see your problem now.

Not sure if Desert Rose Workshop is still going. It's Tony (ex Sussex MC/s and P&H) and he preps Patsy Quick's Dakar bikes.
I was tempted last service but still had my KTM warranty so had to pass.

He is by Wessons Cafe in Horam (near Heathfield) but it didn't look open the other day when I went to the caff for a sarnie so not sure if he still going or just away on a rally.
http://www.adventureridingacademy.com/ and scroll to the bottom.

according to google the french translations is..

boule de douleurs

?