Do You Want a "Tech" or a "Mechanic" to Work on Your Bike?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 97

  • @richardrussell500
    @richardrussell500 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have had bad experiences with HD service departments. Sloppy work, damage to parts, etc. I stay away from them whenever possible. I only use them if I have to.

    • @paulhood7316
      @paulhood7316 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Unfortunately that is the experience of many ... usually starts with lack of communication from the advisor and goes down hill from there

    • @richardrussell500
      @richardrussell500 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@paulhood7316 I blame the service manager, whose job it is to oversee his operation... the first time I received my bike back for a leaking rocker box that was poorly machined, the tech chose not to clean the oil residue that got all over my bike and clothes on my ride home. I figured, okay, this happens on occasion. second trip in a year later, oil splashed all over brake master cylinder and dent in front fender. stopped going to that dealership and tried another 30 miles down the road. similar problems. this time they put tire mounting impressions on the edge of my rim. I could have made an issue of it. but I chose to keep my sanity and deal with it. the key is to find an independent shop that HAS and INCENTIVE to stay in business and do a kick ass job. with the aforementioned said, this is not just a HD issue. I have had similar experiences with Japanese service departments. and my question would be... how much money do these tech/mechanics make an hour? is the turnover high?

  • @toddgittins5692
    @toddgittins5692 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You'll never have loose filter, had them do an oil change with 1,000 mike service. Took 1/2 drive and a Lisle Tool Company oil filter wrench (that I use for mostly for heavy equipment applications) to get the filter off. Unless it's warranty work, never again, never.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, the OEM filters can be a bugger to remove.

  • @jackklarich7045
    @jackklarich7045 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Good interview, I always think of mechanics as being those that rebuild and repair, compared to techs that are trained component replacement personnel, many of them do not know the whys other than the book says replace said component, clear codes and return to service

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hi Jack!
      That is the thought I have had during the last 10 or so years that the term Tech has become more and more prevalent at Dealerships.

  • @Elkslaya1
    @Elkslaya1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My first thought just reading the title of this video was mechanic. Thanks for the education

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Glad you liked, thank you for the comment.

  • @Rick-Williams59
    @Rick-Williams59 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Technician...Glorified word for a mechanic.

  • @mikedanaher3413
    @mikedanaher3413 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It’s just a tag name. It’s not just Harley that uses the word Technician. Car dealerships and heavy truck dealers do the same thing. What it all boils down to is that titles mean nothing if it isn’t backed up with substance. In this case, a top notch “Tech/mechanic is worth their weight in gold. I’ve seen excellent mechanics and a whole slew of other folks who claim the title but I wouldn’t let them work on a wheelbarrow. Believe it or not, there are very few top level Techs/Mechanics out there.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      From my perspective the number is dwindling.

    • @mikedanaher3413
      @mikedanaher3413 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts you got that right!!!👍

  • @TheOriginalHoser
    @TheOriginalHoser ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good video !
    Here's my take on the "Mechanic" vs "Technician" discussion ....... coming from a career "Mechanic" .....
    Mechanic = rebuild & balance a crankshaft , hand fit bearings , proficient at measuring to a ten thousandth of an inch , can bore & finish a cylinder to a high degree of precision , can correctly replace & fit valve guides , reface valves and cut a valve seat , can re-spoke & true a wheel in a reasonable amount of time , has a handle on chassis dynamics , can deal with diagnosing and repairing chassis related repairs or maintenance . Additional skills which an individual can bring to the party are an asset .... such as tuning and dyno work , having an understanding of what engine combinations best work together , high level of understanding of electrical systems , a "Mechanic" is clear headed and methodical . All of that and a solid work ethic , are characteristics a "Mechanic" should display in the work place.
    Technician = This is a person who may or may not have the depth / experience of a "Mechanic" but can still think clearly , display solid work ethic and has a keen interest in developing skills to become a better tradesperson . A "Technician" might be the person that prefers to focus on installing audio systems or is more comfortable installing chrome and accessories . A "Technician" , often , might be new and lacking in experience and might forget to tighten things or might overtighten things , what comes with age is depth , experience and developing a methodical style of completing work . A "Technician" may already be or can be trained and groomed to be the best they can be , it's no secret that the "Technician has to be serious , must buy in to the training and be committed fully to being a professional.
    In todays dealerships it takes a long time to develop the skills to be good , a true professional.
    Dealerships have changed , they will never be the same as they once were , many of them are now bolt on boutiques with a revolving door where staff come & and the ones who don't work out can leave .
    I'm retired now after 30+ years as a dealership Mechanic , I've seen a lot , I've attended a multitude of training courses , I've watched lots of people come and go , including some who shouldn't even own tools.
    Both of my Mechanic Licence's say "Mechanic" on them ............. this "Technician " thing is somewhat recent.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for you well thought out and informative comment. Much appreciated. 👍

    • @TheOriginalHoser
      @TheOriginalHoser ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts
      How qualifying as a trades person works in Canada.......
      Around here , Trades have an apprenticeship term , depending on the trade , it can be four years . The apprentice, once finding employment registers and enters the program , after the apprentice has completed a minimum of 1500 hours of hands on / work experience they are now qualified for eight weeks of school . Each year a minimum of work hours are met and a school term is completed , this is known as a period , 1st year , 2nd year and so on . . The work experience / school sessions continue every year for the duration of the apprenticeship until completed , it's possible that an apprentice / student might have to repeat a school term if passing marks are not achieved . You would have to be a real screw up to not pass . The school training is intensive , over the span of the four years, the unsuitable candidates are often weeded out , the bad ones can't hack it and often , they voluntarily withdraw from the program . Exams throughout the school terms are intended to keep students on track , which is mostly successful. These are government guidelines to qualify as a Tradesman in a variety of trades , once you complete the program , you are now a "Journeyman" however , the real learning is on going and never ends . In dealership training is also a career long practice , HDU has churned out many excellent people , there are some that are not all that serious that have some how made it through as well .

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Is it still that way there?

    • @TheOriginalHoser
      @TheOriginalHoser ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts Yes , each province has it's own Apprenticeship board that sets the standards provincially . When you reach the end of an apprenticeship you write two final exams , a provincial and an interprovincial which awards the trades person Canada wide qualifications in that trade . It's been that way for many years .

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheOriginalHoser Wow, that is nice, sure wish it was still that way here in the USA.

  • @exothermal.sprocket
    @exothermal.sprocket 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's likely the distaste some folks have against "engineers" vs. mechanics or machinists. The industry needs them all, they have difference skill sets along the process of inventing something all the way to operating what was invented.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This video is only suppose to help you know the difference between the two. So that you can make more informed decisions when get work done on your bike. I agree there is a need for both, but not on every job. Thank you for commenting! 😎MB

    • @exothermal.sprocket
      @exothermal.sprocket 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@DKCustomProducts Correct about that. All depends on the nature of the item needing maintenance or repair.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes! Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB

  • @randybard224
    @randybard224 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you want done right
    Do it yourself
    Had to many issue with dealerships
    If I screw it up I can only blame myself

  • @alancurtis7957
    @alancurtis7957 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good Video really clarified a lot, I also had a bias with the term Tech.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the comment. 👍

  • @darwinandoe1003
    @darwinandoe1003 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent. These things are truly computers on wheels.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes they are! We have a video coming up that gives a visual on the differences in wiring between a 90's Harley and a 2020's Harley. It is crazy!

  • @wtf0101
    @wtf0101 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I know him from qween city HD in Cincinnati 👍hope all is well bro

    • @paulhood7316
      @paulhood7316 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks my friend !

  • @toejam503
    @toejam503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Technicians diagnose according to mechanical and electrical theory. Mechanics diagnose according to mechanical and electrical probability and practical application.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That sounds good. I think the best person working on my bike would be someone that had All FIVE things under their belt.

    • @toejam503
      @toejam503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts I worked in a Chev Dealership as a "Mechanic" for 20+years and the more electronics the veh. needs to run, the more a "Tech" is a must have.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@toejam503 Understood, thank you for your insight/comment.

  • @samheninger505
    @samheninger505 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The term mechanics was replaced with the term technicians when fuel injection was introduced. They are the same other than a mechanic would be considered old school.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's a good observation! The change in terminology really reflects how the industry has evolved. Both mechanics and technicians bring valuable skills, but it's interesting to see how new technologies influence the language we use! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

  • @eddiealvarez5493
    @eddiealvarez5493 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yeah ! , Well... What can one say. Just hope you get a good Tech!

  • @michaelsetzerii9479
    @michaelsetzerii9479 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Have had good and very bad experience. When first got my 2013 48, Dealership had a great mechanic/tech that would work with customers to get the best options. Dealership changed to being owned my a Car dealership, and almost everyone quickly left. Had a very minor leak in one push rod tube. Earlier tech had installed the drag specialist tube, and only charged 1 1/2 hours additional for that as part of another server. At that time rate was $65/hr. So, bike was due for 30K service, so got a new set of the same tubes. That tech no longer there, and everyone changed. Was bill $1072 for the 30K service and push rod tube installation. Push rod part was billed for 4 hours labor at $105/hr?? Versus the original 1 1/2 at $65. $420 versus $97.50. Bill was a total of 8 hours labor. Now the problem. Had 1 tube with little leak, after got bike back all 4 tubes where leaking?? Took bike back, and expected issue to be fixed. Picked bike up again, and two of the tubes still leaking, and was billed another $420 for 4 hours labor?? (Justification from dealership - NOT HARLEY PARTS??). Got ahold of a tech that worked for the old dealership, and he came to house, and installed a new set of the tubes in under 2 hours. Said, it would have been about 1 1/2 but was looking for something that might have caused a problem, but found nothing. Only charged me $200 versus $420 and it was fixed correctly. Got a call much later from dealership asking if I wanted to schedule another server. Had spent $5000 at dealership that year, but now been like 3 years since and haven't spent a dime there. Was Membership Office of HOG, and was Office of Year, but Manager got pissed that I complained, and kicked me out. (Now a LifeTime HOG member) Being on Guam, can't go to another dealership, so various riders and clubs have to support each other. Love my Harley and love the other riders. Just very disappoint with new owner, and talked to Harley US, and person on phone was very nice, but then nothing happened.. So disappointed in Harley US. Went to the HOG Convention in Bali in 2015 with 10 others from Guam, and that was great...

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Man, sorry to hear how the recent ownership is running your dealership.

  • @bajarvcouple
    @bajarvcouple 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview, my mechanic/tech perceptions were exactly the same as yours. Thanks for the clarification.

  • @paulhood7316
    @paulhood7316 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Note ... I meant to say various Vehicle Speed Sensors ..we were several videos deep at that point ...

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, we should have edited that. Sorry, we knew what you meant.

  • @thomasborger6548
    @thomasborger6548 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    An interestimg and articulate gent.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, we were very fortunate to be able to record around 20 videos with him that day. Lot's more will be on here over the next couple of months.

    • @thomasborger6548
      @thomasborger6548 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts good to hear, I enjoy your videos, and of course some of your products

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thomasborger6548 Glad to hear it, we appreciate your business & support man!

  • @terrybrown2556
    @terrybrown2556 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    George Jones sang it best, "who's gonna fill their shoes?"

  • @bigm383
    @bigm383 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you manage to find information from the thirties, to fifties you often find mechanic and technician used in odd ways, like telephone mechanic, air conditioning mechanic etc. English is a dynamic language that keeps evolving. Just like swear words!

  • @georgeparker7108
    @georgeparker7108 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the great information, I found this article interesting.

  • @marshallyoung3834
    @marshallyoung3834 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Definitely need more like this

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      We recorded around 20 videos with Hoodie. They are being edited and you can see them here as we release them at a rate of 1-2 every week for the next few months.
      Glad you're finding them useful. 👍

  • @BackRoadKing
    @BackRoadKing 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've had both good & bad experiences with Harley Florida dealers over the last 40 yrs, but thinking that's pretty much the norm. So I'm asking google now..find a "Hoodie" near me!!

  • @streetglidescott6424
    @streetglidescott6424 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good conversation and good information. I always just thought that it was the dealerships hat called their mechanics techs to make it sound more…technical… and Indy shops call their mechanics mechanics to make them sound like the blue collar bad asses they are. Now I know they can both be BCBA’s just like they can suck no matter what you call ‘em!

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, glad you liked the video.
      Yep, it's the person, not the title.

  • @mrchopboogie
    @mrchopboogie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The gear indication does not use ABS in an algorithm to indicate what gear it’s in. Not all Harley’s have ABS and they still have a gear indicator.

    • @paulhood7316
      @paulhood7316 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It was edited ... M8 touring bikes was the original comment

    • @paulhood7316
      @paulhood7316 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      VSS sensors cranknsensors wheel speed sensors .... I'm human like the rest ... we were about 12 videos in at the time lol

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, sorry, we should have done the editing better.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, it sorta was a long day of videoing. You did great, we appreciate it! 👍

    • @mrchopboogie
      @mrchopboogie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts I figured it got missed. I just want people to have correct information. I have a lot of respect for a Harley trained tech. The local Harley dealership used to be family owned and I’m friends with all of them. It’s amazing some of the things they knew without ever looking at a bike.

  • @hokaheyrider059
    @hokaheyrider059 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was an MMI trained mechanic and like you have never held the title technician in high regard and still don’t.

  • @rykerolaoghaire8781
    @rykerolaoghaire8781 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video!!!

  • @rubena.garcia4748
    @rubena.garcia4748 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well i tell you what i sure had my fer of them so-called technicians at the Harley Davidson shops and the bad thing about it i got my bike out two Fridays ago I was going for a 500 miles Cruse i only made it 128 miles have to call my brother to pick me up I'm done with those so call technicians i pay little over $5000 to do some work ony 06 Dyna lowrider they had my bike for over 7 months so i didn't get to go to Sturgis this year ?!

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry to hear.

    • @rubena.garcia4748
      @rubena.garcia4748 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts yeah me to but if God willing i be on the next One next year I'm about to get the up grade on my Dyna lowrider from a 96 to a 124 and i believe is not gonna cost me no $5000 to get it done ....lol

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rubena.garcia4748 I hear ya. Sounds like fun!

  • @richardschaffling9882
    @richardschaffling9882 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I would rather have a mechanic and a service manager that is honest and not a lying scumbag sorry I don’t trust any body in the service area of Harley Davidson Dealerships

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, unfortunate state of affairs...and it is not confined to HD Dealerships. We also cannot find a competent service department for my wife's Ford. Their ignorance and incompetence is astounding.

  • @williamfranklin5917
    @williamfranklin5917 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Yes, we want mechanically inclined “TECHNICIANS”!!! Thank you…

  • @windsurfed1
    @windsurfed1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Glad to see you got rid of your distaste for technicians. A well trained technician is worth his weight in gold. All that is beyond my comprehension.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well, the bias is reduced, but my preference is a Tech with mechanical aptitude.

  • @rarebreed9208
    @rarebreed9208 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm a retired master machinist/mechanic, and I've ridden, built, and wrenched on Harleys for the past 40yrs, everything from Flatties to Evos, but I won't touch a Twin Cam or newer.
    The difference between a tech and a mechanic is that techs are parts changers, but mechanics can actually fix things.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  ปีที่แล้ว

      👍😎👍

    • @rarebreed9208
      @rarebreed9208 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DieselDog1982
      I was ASE certified for years in addition to being certified in motorcycle/ATV repair, and also Briggs & Stratton and Stihl certified.
      In addition, I was master machinist/mechanic and fabricator.
      When you can take an obsolete part and fabricate a replacement or take apart an obsolete electrical or mechanical assembly, and make it work, come back and talk to me.👍

    • @rarebreed9208
      @rarebreed9208 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DieselDog1982
      Oh, and by the way, I've also done fleet work on land and on all of the machinery and compressors on shallow water seismic crews for Wester Atlas/Western Geophysical, and and other companies, and you're full.of crap about companies not wanting to just change out parts.
      If it's most feasible and less time consuming to just change out a part, and that's most often the case, that's what they go with, because down time loses them money.

    • @rarebreed9208
      @rarebreed9208 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DieselDog1982
      You have an odd way of showing it.

  • @darrenlingerfelt5879
    @darrenlingerfelt5879 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    😎👍

  • @toejam503
    @toejam503 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Voices don't match the Vid

  • @phillipmckeownakalucifer.6689
    @phillipmckeownakalucifer.6689 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If your not factory and school certified you ain't shit.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That certainly is some folks perspective.

    • @phillipmckeownakalucifer.6689
      @phillipmckeownakalucifer.6689 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DKCustomProducts reason I say that is it's required that you post all your schooling certificates if your claiming to be a motorcycle mechanic. I'd rather have a factory trained professional who is an expert. I have to post my rot. Otc obt certificates for my medical credentials.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@phillipmckeownakalucifer.6689 Understood.

    • @omarrueben
      @omarrueben 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A piece of paper on the wall don't mean shit if you can't get past the computer screen or the IV bag and smell the pipe.

    • @DKCustomProducts
      @DKCustomProducts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed