Did I just blow $900?!

[EricH]

So, my bike is back on the road again. It was at the shop because it would not turn over. Appears my 9 year old Big Bore battery was shot along with my original starter.

Anyway, the shop replaced them with what they were recommended works well with the S&S 107- a Yuasa YTX-20 battery and a 1.6Kw(?) Ultima Thunderfire starter.

I asked why they didn't go with at least a 300 cca battery and 2.4Kw starter and was told that they were told that was overkill and would be extra $100's of dollars spend unnecessarily. The cost was $900 for them to diagnose the problem, new battery and starter, replace some wiring under the seat that had become melted, and a fluids change.

So, do I have enough beef?!

 

[woodbutcher]

did they kiss you when they were thru?

battery was prob. $100, starter about $200 max.

 

[EricH]

Yeah, I know. Typical 25% mark up- $125 battery/$250 starter/$75 Amsoil oil/$15 filter and 5 hours labor at $75/hr. Along with the misc shop supply and tax BS.

It's not the price that miffs me as much as are the parts adequate for my bike?

 

[mcgroom]

Do you have comprssion releases?

I am using a 1.4kw starter and it is fine.

What is the cca of the Yuasa? 275cca?

 

[EricH]

Do you have comprssion releases?

I am using a 1.4kw starter and it is fine.

What is the cca of the Yuasa? 275cca?

Yes and Yes.

 

[Bmarchant]

In my 03 chopper I run the Drag specalities 2113-0012 310 cc amps. No compression fittings, and there are times I wonder if I should go to the 350cc.

 

[silver09]

Getting someone else to do your work is expensive . Thats probaly bout right that stuff adds up.

 

[mcgroom]

Yes and Yes.

You should be fine.

 

[mcgroom]

In my 03 chopper I run the Drag specalities 2113-0012 310 cc amps. No compression fittings, and there are times I wonder if I should go to the 350cc.

Electric compression releases make a huge difference in the 107. Will save you money in the long run with batteries and starters, in my opinion.

 

[RCAdd1ct]

Also to go to the 2.4kw you will be rewiring the cables to higher gauge.

It is a visciuos upgrade cycle.

 

[phatchopper300]

Ouch! $900. Because of this site have learned to do my own work that way I know its done right and it way cheaper. I get to know my bike first hand. Glad you are up and running.

 

[EricH]

Way cheaper is right. I used to do a lot of the work on my own. But with kids, additional work load, and numerous other personal obligations I just don't get the self satisfaction out of spending an afternoon on my bike as I used to when I was 'younger'. I hate to say this, but I'd rather avoid the aggravation and pay someone to do it now. It just steams me when I need to question the quality of the work. I don't mind paying for quality work.

Anyway, I discovered the battery in my bike is a Yuasa YTX-20L with 270 cca. I checked the Yuasa site and they recommend the YTX-20HL for an '03 Chopp. It has 310 cca. I would think 40 extra cca makes quite a difference. So, it's off for a battery swap.

 

[toodie]

Just installed the Braille B2015. The battery I replaced which was fine just a little old was a Deka rated @ 310. I will tell you the Braille spins the dog with ease. Now the Deka spun the dog fine but Braill seems to be 100x stronger. The Braille was only $30 more well worth the cost IMHO.

 

[spadesluck]

Seems expensive for a starter and battery replacement, however I do not know what the condition it was in either. I do know I can pull my starter and batter out in less than an hour on my 117, dont know about the 107.

 

[phatchopper300]

Way cheaper is right. I used to do a lot of the work on my own. But with kids, additional work load, and numerous other personal obligations I just don't get the self satisfaction out of spending an afternoon on my bike as I used to when I was 'younger'. I hate to say this, but I'd rather avoid the aggravation and pay someone to do it now. It just steams me when I need to question the quality of the work. I don't mind paying for quality work.

Anyway, I discovered the battery in my bike is a Yuasa YTX-20L with 270 cca. I checked the Yuasa site and they recommend the YTX-20HL for an '03 Chopp. It has 310 cca. I would think 40 extra cca makes quite a difference. So, it's off for a battery swap.

I understand glad everything got worked out. I am forced to do all my own work from the lack of extra funds. I try to ride every day . Ride safe!!

 

[EricH]

My heading is a bit misleading, which is my fault.
I am not so concerned with the price paid (it is what it is), but rather is the starter and battery going to be enough for the 107 long term?

 

[phatchopper300]

You should be fine.

Good advise :2thumbs:

 

[KaptinAmerika]

The worst part is when you question them, they can get self righteous as if your accusing them of something, and they swear its fine then you leave and a month or two later the shit they just worked on fails and they dont' want to take responsibility for it. Sometimes their warranted but more often than not they did something wrong, sub standard, or just plain shitty work.
I was like some of you, busy as hell with family, work e.t.c. so I had no time or choice but like many of you I never questioned the price being charged and I just expected, my mistake I guess, that they wouldn't treat my custom ride like a used Honda.

 

[stlmikie]

Do you still have the old starter? I would like it if you would be willing.

 

[EricH]

Do you still have the old starter? I would like it if you would be willing.

What's it worth to you? The tech told me to get it rebuilt that it is all billet. :up: