It is not unusual for motorcycle shops to not work on bikes that are over ten years old. It is not so much that parts aren't available, but usually because techs aren't, or at least ones who are willing to take the time to do it right. So when it comes to a real old timer like my 1978 Suzuki, the techs are few and far between. Up until the advent of electronic ignitions, you had points and condenser to change at every tune up, and throw in a set of plugs. Set the timing, adjust the carbs, and test ride. It may have taken a little time, but you could always tell the difference after the tune up. Today even on my oldest bike, a 2002, you just change the plugs every 12,000 miles-that's it and at twice the mileage interval of before. Adjust the idle, if you ask, and that's it-go riding! For bikes at this point are truly self tuning, the job of a computer, which is constantly making adjustments, over 100 per second, and the plugs are the only part to wear out. And if the computer fails, replace it. Nothing to diagnose, unless you have a check engine light, which will point to a sensor failing, usually not a system, and you have the reason no one can diagnose, and why no one works on bikes over 10 years old. They don't know how!
It's the fundamentals. We watched a show the other night where they pulled out a fuse panel, then had AC repairman come to the house to diagnose. Only two of many found the problem, and one still charged-for diagnosis! The others never looked, and some claim they did, but the tape proved them wrong. The truth being-no one knows how to or take the time for the fundamentals. No one asks, is it plugged in? Does it have gas in it? And we have not only a larcenous repairman, but an ignorant consumer too. Not sure which one came first.
And when Triumph on their new 2011 bikes had to go 12 miles before the computer starts gathering data, one test rider ran out. The bike showed full, but was empty. So it was towed to the shop, where two guys ran full diagnostics, and couldn't fix it. When the service manager was confronted with the fact it was only out of gas, both techs claimed they checked it, and was full. The only thing full was their story, and it was full of, well you get it. They never looked. Magically when fuel was added, it fired right off. But again, no one takes the time to check the basics. So where do you find the time to do it over when you don't have the time to do it right in the first place?
Some so-called Bible teachers are no different. Many are taught, and even quote things supposedly in the Bible, but not found there.
1-Spare the rod and spoil the child. The idea is found, but never the words.
2-God helps them that help themselves. An Aesop fable. If you could save yourself, you wouldn't need God.
3-Money is not the root of all evil-the love of it is. Quote it correctly. There is a difference.
4-The Bible never mentions three wise men, only three gifts. There could have been 100's.
5-The lion may lie down with the lamb, but it is never mentioned. The lion is always paired with another animal.
Now these things may not affect your salvation, but they may affect others. Words mean something, and God's word is very specific in many areas. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven. A requirement, not a suggestion. The world is not coming to an end, or why would the Bible refer to birth pangs? And when He says no one knows the time and date of His return, He means NO ONE! Yet billboards all over the city state May 21st is the end. And is precisely a scenario that the Bible warns about. Yet, many, some who are wishing well, yet others who only wish to deceive, make these statements. One thing I do know-God doesn't like to be misquoted! And He is truth, and will work on people with decades of sin, just as well as young ones. His love cannot be explained.
Making plans for May 22nd? For all of us who missed this day of judgment, let's pray for those who were misled. And trust God to change their hearts. For Christianity is not a circus, although these people make it so. Sadly, they are the ones Mr. Barnum warned about, and sadly many minutes can be accounted for in their statements. Stick close to God. He will give the words to you when you need them.
The truth is we will all face a day of judgment. And if you haven't given your life to Jesus based His first visit, you probably won't like His return any better. Today is the day of salvation. Look it up! And be ready.
The old saying about the one who cuts your hair, fixes your motorcycle, and cooks your meal being a keeper. Add to that the one, at the top of the list, the one who can rescue your soul from death and hell. Read your Bible, and maybe you won't misquote it so often. A Godly tune up, needed continually, by a God who knows and loves you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
Bible quotes from the Blue Letter Bible, sayings not found in scripture.