Reliable mechanic in Zhejiang

Hi,

Ive got a 2 year old YBR250 with 30000km on the clock. While it was serviced "properly" by Yamaha Dealers mechanic here in Taizhou Id like to take it to a real mechanic. Ive always changed oil every 1.5k-3k km depending on quality of oil, replaced fluid and sparks, greased when and where it needed to be greased. I asked the mechanic to adjust the valves but he only fiddled with them for 1 min and that was it (Id really would like to have that done properly)
Its possible that soon Ill go to Europe on this bike and would like it to be checked properly to minimize possibility of a breakdown.

Also, if you have any suggestion what would be good to replace after 30k, let me know. Just want to make my journey as smooth as possible

cheers

There was a great mechanic in Zhenhai (part of Beilun district, Ningbo). He was one of the few that I've ever seen with framed certificates on the workshop wall. This mechanic, Mr Bao had done a CFMoto tech course and had the certificate to go with it. Even some of the CFMoto dealer workshops I've been in don't have the certificates Mr Bao had. Mind you not that I'm saying certificates mean anything here, as the old adage - actions speak louder than words, ring true.

Mr Bao had a workshop only, not really involved in any MC sales other than a few second hand/used clunkers he'd roll out of his workshop each work-day morning, then back in at closing time. Mr Bao had all types of equipment, and lots of innovative ideas and methods using equipment where he may not have had the equipment needed or whatever. Clean work, he thought through the processes somewhat more than the average local MC mechanic/tech. Took a little extra effort to complete a job more fully, rather than the usual short-cuts. Not to say that Mr Bao was perfect. Just generally far superior than the cluster of the usual MC tech clowns I've seen here, IMO.

Alas Mr Bao closed up the workshop seemingly overnight and could not be contacted for the last 18-24 months, much to my and other riders dismay. Mr Bao's mobile number still worked though - but never answered or messages returned. Finally managed to contact him a couple of months ago, and found out he's working in a neighbouring S.E.A. country - building engines.
Sigh... now we have the usual run of the mill tech clowns.
The nearest good mechanic/techs IMO are likely to be found in SH e.g. BMW Motorrad, HD etc.

The local Suzuki shop that I have a long-ish relationship with, does have a long standing workshop manager who is fairly clued up and 'clever' - but he sometimes takes the usual short-cut approach.

I prefer to do my own wrenching... where possible unless it's something I cannot or don't want to handle.

I realise Modron that my reply above does not address your question. Did the Yamaha tech actually adjust the valves? Did they need adjustment? Do the valves have bucket and shims or simply require lock nut over rocker adjustment? If you have a set of feeler gauges might be easier and more prudent to do it yourself if you are up to the task?
There is a very competent German mechanic based in SH who might be willing to take a look at your bike etc., if you want me to contact him - I can do so. His services are second to none, he's not cheap and I'd imagine he'd want you to bring the bike to him rather than, he to you. But, I can ask...
Sounds like you've covered the bases though... I might be inclined to swap out the cam chain depending on manufacturer specs and maintenance schedule etc.
Oil and air filter, replace brake pads if half worn or less (easier and cheaper to do here I'd imagine) replace clutch and throttle cables or carry spares of all these items. Replace tyres or carry ship spares to a drop point on the intended route or source replacements elsewhere that you can access... read ADVrider and the HUBB (Horizons Unlimited), though there are many other similar websites and forums... e.g. ABR (Adventure Bike Rider)

Thanks doc for the reply.
Taking the bike to SH is not a problem but what do you mean by "he is not cheap" ;) maybe easier to buy a new bike since mine was not that expensive
But seriously tho, Id be grateful if you could give him a shout and find out. Its not an urgent thing but has to be done.

I would like to do it by myself but dont have tools nor skills. While the first one is easy to acquire the second one can be tricky if you only have one bike which you are afraid to brake. I dont know what my valves look like but will maybe take off the headers and see whats going on there. Will, of course, read a lot about it tho and watch some youtube videos