Repair shop near Rockford Illinois.

[paulezy]

Does anyone recommend a repair shop near Rockford Illinois for my 1987 Voyager XII? Need front fork seal replaced, front bearings and general oil changes and safety inspection. Also would like to replace front tire with non directional tire. Thanks in advance

[Me Again]

Most of what you have described can be done in the comfort of your own living room or maybe garage if your wife frowns on a motorcycle in the living room .
Someone on this forum will be able to walk you through a step by step explanation of most any repair.
That being said ,very few big box dealers will touch an 87 so you will probably have to either google or find a phone book (remember those ?) and check out some of the local small repair shops . A quick check showed a couple of 5 star places and a couple of not so five star places in Rockford .
Good hunting and even better riding .
Bill

[krasmu]

I live in Rockford and there is not a shop in Rockford I'd use. The shop I use for things I'm not comfortable doing myself is "Beloit Honda". Don't let the name push you away. This is where I bought my bike and where I've taken it for carb work. They have a good Kawasaki trained wrench there. Beloit used to sell Kawasaki before he downsized his market. Steve if upstanding and fair. He has always been good to me and my bike. The other shop that I would concider is Freeport Honda Kawasaki. Also known as FHK. They come highly recommended in the area. I've used them for parts but have never used the service department. Mainly because it's further from home than Beloit, but the off road riders around here seem to really like them. I'm told they are good guys. They always seem to be very knowledgeable and friendly when I'm there for parts.
If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

[Lance McCaw]

If you were closer I would do that work for you ! Aledo IL

[paulezy]

Thanks for the good advice Bill. I am a decent enough mechanic just lack the time. I did the oil change and it was like brand new oil. The same with the final drive lube. I keep hesitating on the front fork seal because the manual says I need a special tools. That manual leaves a lot to be desired but it looks like I will have to do it myself. I have about 1600 miles on it since I got it. Tonight I went for a short ride and the front wheel started wobbling after a quick start around 35 miles per hour. I pulled over and moved the handlebars back and forth and it seems like the front wheel doesnt keep up. I babied it home and it never did it again but it put the fear of blacktop rash into me. I am going to have to figure the steering bearing and front suspension all at once. I love this bike. So glad I jumped back into riding after 25 years.

[Thadbaker86voyager]

I was nervous about the steering stem bearing adjustment. Had a wobble in handle bars from time to time. It seemed to be getting worse, so I finally gave in and did the adjustment. Not bad at all. Pretty easy really, and made a huge difference!!! Not even a hint of wobble now!!