Motorcycle Repair: Honda Shadow, honda shadow vlx 600, honda shadow vlx

Question
Randy,
I have a 1988 Honda shadow vlx 600.  I just bought it and don't
know much about bikes except how to ride.  I brought it in to
my local Honda dealer for inspection and know I need a new
front tire (costing $160 installed) and seals for the front
forks($90 a piece,without labor I think).  My first question is am I
getting ripped off?  And secondly are these things that I can be
doing myself and saving a lot of money?
Rob

Answer
Hi Rob, it doesn't seem like your getting overcharged to me. I just bought two tires for my bike online and they were factory replacements (not premium rubber} and it was over $200.00 not including mounting and balancing. The fork seals require special tools to disassemble the forks without damaging them, it isnt a job you could do your self. I am all for the do it yourselfer unfortunatly a lot of us dont have access to the special tools required to do the work properly and safely.

randy