November 13, 2007

Welcome from Dave Shepherd

Hi, I’m Dave Shepherd; I’ve worked at Yamaha Canada for 11 years as a Motorsports Technical Specialist. Basically, I am the “go to” guy for anything to do with motorcycles, of a technical nature. I talk with the Yamaha factory service engineers for various reasons; such as to prepare new model training materials, or take care of any problems in the Canadian market.

I’ve been a professional bike mechanic for more than 30 years (including back home in the U.K. before I immigrated to Canada). I really like working for Yamaha because of their high-quality approach to its product.

In my position, I need to really “know” our whole spectrum of models. So I ride something different every chance I get, from the sportiest to the fastest to the coolest to the most fuel efficient. From the smallest scooter to the heavyweight 1900cc cruisers – if it has two wheels, I’m there!

My first bike was a Yamaha YG1, my first new bike was a Yamaha FS1E (aka “The Fizzy”). I personally don’t believe that a true motorcyclist has a favorite bike – every bike has something that stirs the passion, just in different ways.

When I’m not on a bike, I like to practice judo, go hunting, boating, and hang out with my family.

I’m blogging here so I can stay closer to the market (that means you folks!) and although I will be often blogging about mechanical and maintenance matters, I’ll dip into other subjects relating to bikes too … I don’t want any boundaries!

Dave

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4 Responses to “Welcome from Dave Shepherd”

1. Scott McKay says:
   

   You got a blog !
   Who do you think you are, Chris Reid ???

   See, that’s what happens when you share! Dave

   November 13th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
2. Scott McKay says:
   

   I always got that on the bottom of my report card, ” does not share well with others…”

   November 15th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
3. t ross says:
   

   i have mold/mildew/spots comming up through gas tank,from storing bike in cold storage and possibly not having enough gas in tank,how can i get rid of this ,they seem to dissapear after a month in the sun but is there a quick solution?

   Unfortunately, you do not indicate what model of motorcycle you have. The answer would differ depending on the material the fuel tank is made from.
   If I assume the bike is a road model, it will have a steel fuel tank that is primed and painted and (probably) clear coated. To have something coming through the tank, it would almost certainly be corrosion, but that would not “dissapear” after being in sunlight. So I would suggest that it would be a growth on the surface of the paint. that is discoloring the painted surface. It is not uncommon to have such discoloration “bleached out” by the UV rays of the sun.
   If the bike has a plastic fuel tank, the fuel volatiles will permeate through the plastic (most common complaint being gas bubbles appearing under tank decals) and leave some discoloration which is easily cleaned, and again will be faded by UV light.
   If it is definitely mold or mildew, it is caused by the cover not being able to breathe and trapping moisture on the surface. 2 things to do after cleaning and waxing the tank before storing: 1. use a proper breathable storage cover (if the bike is in a dry garage, an old cotton sheet is better than most covers as all you are needing to do is keep dust off the surfaces) and 2. block off any windows that let sunlight get onto the bike and raise the daytime surface temperatures.
   Cheers,
   DS

   April 12th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
4. Matt Lowry says:
   

   Hi Dave, We’ve met a couple of times on yamaha training seminars, I used to work at A&W Rec in guelph. I had no idea you were a pond jumper too, or that u share a fizzy background. I had one at 16 in the uk, and just found one in kitchener. Had to have it for the collection. Have my own shop in Guelph now “Matts Motorcycles”.

   Cheers mate, Matt

   Check out the uk fizzy forum called fizzychat

   Hi Matt,
   welcome to the Yamablog. Send us in a photo of the fizzy when you can (or put it on the forum?).
   Good luck with your shop. Please allow me a moment to get on my soapbox; If you give your customers “fair and square” treatment, with no BS, you will do OK. Build a good reputation and it will carry you through tough economic times. People will pay for expertise, so don’t give it away.

   If you have any”shop view” comments regarding topics on our blog or general questions that come from your customers, I welcome them at any time.
   Cheers.
   DS

   October 21st, 2008 at 10:01 pm

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