Motorcycle Repair: fj1100, american motorcycle institute, daytona beach florida

Question
Hello, I have a 85 Fj1100 that I bought for a song last year that needs help. I really like it and would like to get a full mechanical rebuild done ( eng & Trans) I can do the rest but am not good enought for these. How do I find a good mechanic that can do this? I had 2 different guys work on it to the tune of 700.00 last year and its still no help. I'd like to go the full overhaul route and don't mind the $ but want my moneys worth.. Thanks for your advice
Keith ktr9@sbcglobal.net

Answer
Hi Keith,

It's a buyer beware market. You have to ask mechanics for their certifications, customer references, and contact your local Better Business Bureau to investigate complaints from the shop.

Call the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach, Florida and ask if they have any techs working at shops in your area.  

Ask the mechanic if he knows what "deck height" means. He should reply with the distance between the piston at TDC and cylinder deck. If he corrects you by saying, "did you mean piston deck height?" You found a smart tech. If he answers anything other, keep looking. See answer below...

Respectfully,
Mark Shively





The Piston Deck Height is the distance the piston EDGE is in relation to the top of the cylinder deck. NOTE: This
distance can be negative (the piston edge is recessed in the cylinder deck) or positive (the piston edge is sitting above the cylinder deck). Please remember... we are talking about the relationship of the EDGE of the piston not the center. Of course, if the piston is of flat-top design then the edge and the center will be the same.