fbpx

Provide Service Specifications To Your Techs

1. Veteran technicians have the knowledge and experience to perform the operations of day-to-day service jobs in their sleep. If you give a good tech a list of service items and a vehicle he has never seen before, he will be able to work out how to perform the procedures on his own. However, without the service and torque specifications for that particular model, his valuable skills will be wasted. When it comes to service settings and adjustments, a good tech doesn’t want to put it in the ballpark; he wants his work to be done to factory specifications.

2. Engine oil capacity and tire pressure specifications are often printed on a sticker, which is placed on the vehicle for quick reference. Beyond these two specifications, you better have a model-specific service manual or access to a specification guide if you want to get some real service work done. A quick Web search may get you an answer, but do you really want to trust the reputation of your shop to an enthusiast’s forum post?

At Cyclepedia.com, we have been working with professional technicians since 2006 to build a specification database that includes capacities, periodic maintenance settings, service and torque specifications. We speak daily with techs at independent service shops and large dealerships alike. This has given us valuable insights into changes taking place in the powersports
service industry and the specification sets that professional technicians need most.
info stickers will only get you so far.
For instance, over the past year we’ve encountered many shops that have branched out into new service areas. Automotive service centers are following customer demand and moving into powersports repair. Shops that once specialized in certain brands or vehicle types have been forced by a slow economy to open their doors to a wider variety of machines. The service managers and techs know they will need a new set of information to utilize their skills for this new customer base.

3. Fluid type and capacity specs have been very popular with our professional techs. ATV and utility vehicles often require multiple fluid types and capacities. Engine, transmission, primary drive-case, front differential and rear final drive systems may all take a separate fluid, and they have a specific volume specification for each. Often, non-engine oil fluid levels can’t be checked. These items must be filled with the correct quantity of fluid or you risk damaging the parts, or at least accelerating wear.

A veteran technician began working on Polaris ATVs and utility vehicles after many years of servicing Japanese machines. His experience with servicing and repairing ATVs was already there, but he was a rookie in dealing with Polaris fluids. After all, how different could they be? The proprietary Polaris fluids he needed — angle drive fluid, AGL plus gearcase lube, demand drive plus fluid and 2W-50 synthetic engine oil — were all new to him. With access to a specification database, he was able to access the specs he needed to identify the appropriate fluids and capacities required for his customers’
vehicles.

Fork oil specs are in high demand.4. Fork service specs are also in high demand. Fork oil seals fail regularly, and fork oil changes are a common periodic maintenance item. Most forks are very similar for a technician to service. The tech needs to know four things to finish the job: the required fork oil, the fork oil volume, the fork oil level and the associated torque specs. If these specs are not available, the fork may be reassembled but it risks hydro locking, poor damping or dangerous installation with incorrect torque specs.

A motorcycle is a motorcycle, a scooter is a scooter, and ATVs and utility vehicles are all variations of a similar mechanical theme. Be it a Suzuki, Harley, KYMCO or Polaris, the designs might be different but the components and service procedures are related. It’s not that hard to figure out how to service related components, but it’s impossible to know the factory specs without a solid resource. Providing your technicians with accurate service information makes their work quicker and delivers a better result for the customer. 

You May Also Like

Proper Motorcycle Tire Maintenance and Care

Maintaining proper tire pressure is a common maintenance issue.

motorcycle tires, maintenance, tire pressure, tire pressure monitor

In my last article on how tire makeup affects performance, I claimed tires blend into the background when customers look at bikes. Furthermore, they tend to take a backseat on the maintenance list for owners as well. In fact, if there’s one area in which motorcycle riders fall short in terms of motorcycle maintenance, it would be maintaining the proper air pressure in tires.

Pre-Season Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

After sitting all winter, bikes need an inspection before hitting the road.

motorcycle maintenance
Two-Stroke Engine Tech Has a Future

As hybrid vehicles continue to be on the rise, the two-stroke engine might have a comeback.

two-stroke engine
Powersports Belt Maintenance Tips

Dayco’s new line of CVT belts are impressive, but you still need to know how to properly maintain them.

Motorcycle Sales and Technology Trends for 2022

Supply shortages mean less tech, although motorcycles still have plenty of new features.

motorcycle, technology

Other Posts

Important Maintenance Checks for Motorcycle Storage

From the fuel and lube to the battery and tires, learn how you can keep your bike from corroding during the cold season.

battery, battery charger, maintenance
How to Properly Dispose of Motor Oil

Did you know that one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water if poured into a storm drain?

oil, motor oil, quick lube
Prepping Your Snowmobile for the Season

Get your snowmobile in shape this fall before hitting the trails.

snowmobile
Should You Change PWC Oil Before Winter Storage or After?

While the oil filter works hard all season, changing the oil is the only way to remove residual acids and moisture left in the crankcase.