Females being ripped off

[Vern]

I have just made a trip down to Palmerston North to help out a friend of my daughter's she took her bike which is a Chinese Bike,to a major bike shop for a warrant. It was failed for a leaking right fork seal and the front caliper was binding on the disc. I repaired the fork seal and stripped down the caliper, which was clean and working freely, I pump out the piston far enough so that it did not pop out and checked that there was no rust spots on the said piston, then pressed it back in with my two thumbs. I found the shot wheel bearings and replaced those I rode the bike back to to bike shop for it's recheck and told the service manager that the owner would pick it up as I was heading back to Napier.They then call up the owner and told her that the caliper was binding on the disc and that they needed to strip it down. I know that, that was not the case and they where just ripping her off as she was not a mechanical person.I just hate people who rip someone off when they know that they can get away with it. Vern:Oi:

[dogsnbikes]

thats a bugger what brand of bikes do they franchise:rolleyes:you can't name and shame its not PC Im told pleanty of fellow KBers that could cheak bike out for her and all honesty I would be telling her to take bike to VTNZ for WOFs

[bogan]

yeh ive been ripped off a bit here too, nowhere near as bad as in your case though, seems like a name and shame could be in order.

Ive breifly though about trying to set up a palmy uni SMC, do maintanence teaching etc (as well as rides of course), help save students some money and keep bikes in good shape etc. But dunno if thered be enough intrest to make it worthwhile.

[bogan]

thats a bugger what brand of bikes do they franchise:rolleyes:you can't name and shame its not PC Im told pleanty of fellow KBers that could cheak bike out for her and all honesty I would be telling her to take bike to VTNZ for WOFs

hmm i used to take mine to vtnz, but they dont seem to have much of a clue there, failed me cos my suspension was too soft. So they may also miss something important, ive never had wof problems with bike shops, i just ask for a warrant, if they ever do anything extra i would just refuse to pay.

[dogsnbikes]

yeh ive been ripped off a bit here too, nowhere near as bad as in your case though, seems like a name and shame could be in order.

Ive breifly though about trying to set up a palmy uni SMC, do maintanence teaching etc (as well as rides of course), help save students some money and keep bikes in good shape etc. But dunno if thered be enough intrest to make it worthwhile.

get intouch with the rest of the manawatu lot there is a few around with knowledge bonez,cowboyz, and yod and 86gsxr if its coffee related

[Nasty]

I never take my bike to a shop for a warrent now .. lots of people say you should, but they have something to gain from that. I go to VTNZ and if something needs to be done take it over there. I know a number of shops now use VTNZ as well.

[davebullet]

I've found VTNZ can be anal. They can't ride motorcycles and for cars, the god damn "jiggling" machine that tests the suspension and bearing play like you are going for a 4wd jaunt is just asking for a wheel re-alignment.

My local garage and bike servicing shop don't milk me for business.

[Mully]

I never take my bike to a shop for a warrent now .. lots of people say you should, but they have something to gain from that. I go to VTNZ and if something needs to be done take it over there. I know a number of shops now use VTNZ as well.

I concur with this for cages - unfortunately the local testing station know sweet FA about bikes and that worries me.

When a bike shop failed the RF (rear wheel bearings) it went straight to Frosty's anyway. He confirmed that they were right and helped me (read; completely did himself) the repair.

[Katman]

I never take my bike to a shop for a warrent now .. lots of people say you should, but they have something to gain from that. I go to VTNZ and if something needs to be done take it over there. I know a number of shops now use VTNZ as well.

Good luck to you.

I wouldn't trust VTNZ to check out my pushbike. (And I don't even own a pushbike).

[ducatilover]

thats a bugger what brand of bikes do they franchise:rolleyes:you can't name and shame its not PC Im told pleanty of fellow KBers that could cheak bike out for her and all honesty I would be telling her to take bike to VTNZ for WOFs

Mine passed at vtnz with a shit front tire, bad fork seals, missing passenger foot peg, no park lights, seized rear calliper with stuffed pads. I have since fixed them but they didn't notice. Oh and the headlights were bad, I checked them later on a light board and a magic light thingy machine at work and they were way out.

[Muppet]

Find a local garage where one of the guys ride a bike, years ago I took my CBX550 to BP Marshlands here in Christchurch, the biker fella found a major tyre fault that could have killed me had he not spotted it.

[bogan]

I concur with this for cages - unfortunately the local testing station know sweet FA about bikes and that worries me.


agreed, though if one was knowledgeable enuogh about thier own ride this wouldnt matter. Personally i think i have the technical aptitude for this but am a bit absent minded at times (i once forgot to tighten the wheel nut after a chain tighten :pinch:) so its always good to have someone else in the know take a look every now and then.

[CookMySock]

A chinese bike? Caliper binding on disc? SNORT! IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Steve

[MadDuck]

Good luck to you.

I wouldn't trust VTNZ to check out my pushbike. (And I don't even own a pushbike).


So we should trust a bike shop like yours? I dont think so! I can hear it now...need new tyres...sounds too loud. CA CHING!

[Katman]

So we should trust a bike shop like yours? I dont think so! I can hear it now...need new tyres...sounds too loud. CA CHING!

It would be unwise to judge all bike workshops by the ones you have had to deal with.

[dogsnbikes]

Mine passed at vtnz with a shit front tire, bad fork seals, missing passenger foot peg, no park lights, seized rear calliper with stuffed pads. I have since fixed them but they didn't notice. Oh and the headlights were bad, I checked them later on a light board and a magic light thingy machine at work and they were way out.

but you seen rather happy too take it there in that state and you still accepted the new WOF hmmmmmmm:(

there are those of us out there that are on there bikes all the time and do there own saftey cheaks etc so when the time comes for a WOF its a straight forward process

then there are others that dont have the knowledge to maintain there bikes and use them occassionally....

thats why its important for those that aren't confident maintaining there bikes to put there hands up and ask for help...theres enough KB'ers thoughtout NZ too HELP another

And there is only 2 people in NZ I will let work on my bikes one lives in Opunake and one lives in Palmy reason because they are passionate and I trust them with my life

[MadDuck]

It would be unwise to judge all bike workshops by the ones you have had to deal with.

Thats almost funny....well done Katman. And you know all the bike shops I have dealt with over the last decade?

[ducatilover]

but you seen rather happy too take it there in that state and you still accepted the new WOF hmmmmmmm:(

there are those of us out there that are on there bikes all the time and do there own saftey cheaks etc so when the time comes for a WOF its a straight forward process

then there are others that dont have the knowledge to maintain there bikes and use them occassionally....

thats why its important for those that aren't confident maintaining there bikes to put there hands up and ask for help...theres enough KB'ers thoughtout NZ too HELP another

And there is only 2 people in NZ I will let work on my bikes one lives in Opunake and one lives in Palmy reason because they are passionate and I trust them with my life
I knew it would fail but I wanted to know if I missed anything. Can't complain with a wof ticket. I maintain my bike fairly competently, part of being a bike nut and mechanic I assume. :rolleyes:

[Katman]

Thats almost funny....well done Katman. And you know all the bike shops I have dealt with over the last decade?

Well you certainly know nothing about me or my business.

[dogsnbikes]

agreed, though if one was knowledgeable enuogh about thier own ride this wouldnt matter. Personally i think i have the technical aptitude for this but am a bit absent minded at times (i once forgot to tighten the wheel nut after a chain tighten :pinch:) so its always good to have someone else in the know take a look every now and then.

Team up with someone and use a cheaklist to cheak each others bikes

[MadDuck]

Well you certainly know nothing about me or my business.

Look the point of the post is about females getting ripped off. And yes Katman they sure as hell do if they walk into a shop and dont know what they want. I do know you although you might not know it.

[Indiana_Jones]

I took my CBR to one of the AA WOF. stations.

Fucking joke. They only had one cunt who could check bikes and when it was time for the WOF, they called my name out like it was a doctor's office and had the cheek to make me do the fucking test myself (i.e. sit on the bike and stick on the indicators and brake lights etc)

Never again.

I'll stick with my local wrecker, at least he does the fucknig WOF and not me :p

-Indy

[86GSXR]

Hmmm, that reminds me. I need a WOF on the Daytona.

[Fatjim]

Everybody wants to be a white middle class middle aged male so they don't get discriminated against or ripped off by mechanics.


There's a a Tui ad in there somewhere.

[dogsnbikes]

Hmmm, that reminds me. I need a WOF on the Daytona.


you also need to deliever one GSXR to wanga's(without an H) to have muffler and brakes:rolleyes:You know I have six months off:devil2:

[Conquiztador]

All you ladies on here having a catfight as this thread is about you. But apart from ripping in to each other there is no ripping off happening here...

Through the years I have learnt what will pass and what not. Places like VTNZ have a list that they follow. If it is not on the list they do not check it.
Take to a bike shop and they have a different look at things.

Sad to hear that ladies/girls are ripped off because they do not know and someone is taking advantage of them!

Last bike I sorted and took for a WOF for a lady (RIP) passed with flying colours. So perhaps this is a chance for the guys on here to help a lady in need???

[cowboyz]

there are those of us out there that are on there bikes all the time and do there own saftey cheaks etc so when the time comes for a WOF its a straight forward process
yep. If I wasnt confident in my ability to maintain a safe bike I wouldnt ride it the way I do. I stay away from bike shops cause they all have an agenda. I dont trust mechanics are far as I can throw them and experience has taught me that ALL the bike shops in palmerston north have the ability to make really really simple stupid mistakes that cause damage and expense to my bike. Thats the main reason I do everything myself now.
VTNZ are useless, but if you maintain your own bike and know its all good then it doesnt matter as long as someone signs off on the paperwork.

then there are others that dont have the knowledge to maintain there bikes and use them occassionally....

thats why its important for those that aren't confident maintaining there bikes to put there hands up and ask for help...theres enough KB'ers thoughtout NZ too HELP another

And there is only 2 people in NZ I will let work on my bikes one lives in Opunake and one lives in Palmy reason because they are passionate and I trust them with my life

Am I one?? Can I hit your honda with a hammer?? Please Please!!!!!!

[MadDuck]

Can I watch???

$100 towards the running of the site ?

[dogsnbikes]

Everybody wants to be a white middle class middle aged male so they don't get discriminated against or ripped off by mechanics.


There's a a Tui ad in there somewhere.

do you get free middle age spread with that

[ducatilover]

$100 towards the running of the site ?

Half now, half when I sell the movie. Unless the camera steams up.:banana:

[cowboyz]

you also need to deliever one GSXR to wanga's(without an H) to have muffler and brakes:rolleyes:You know I have six months off:devil2:

stick a kawasaki badge on it while its there to improve the look

[dogsnbikes]

Am I one?? Can I hit your honda with a hammer?? Please Please!!!!!!

are a little different tell you what theres a kwaka you can practice on next door to you:lol:

[MadDuck]

Half now, half when I sell the movie.

Hmm dont invest your pension plan ok?

[cowboyz]

dont be silly. hes a smart lad. no way he is letting me anywhere near his bike!

[86GSXR]

Actually, the old girl could do with a bit of work.

[Indiana_Jones]

Sweet, I like where this is going...

-Indy

[Vern]

All you ladies on here having a catfight as this thread is about you. But apart from ripping in to each other there is no ripping off happening here...

Through the years I have learnt what will pass and what not. Places like VTNZ have a list that they follow. If it is not on the list they do not check it.
Take to a bike shop and they have a different look at things.

Sad to hear that ladies/girls are ripped off because they do not know and someone is taking advantage of them!

Last bike I sorted and took for a WOF for a lady (RIP) passed with flying colours. So perhaps this is a chance for the guys on here to help a lady in need???
I am with you on that one Conquiztador, I served my apprenticeship back in the sixties and I sure as hell no what is right and what is not. I also think that to be able to help someone out gives me great pleasure, I know there is a lot of good place's out there and sometimes it helps if you know a good bike shop to let KB's know that it is good service. Vern

[cowboyz]

you locked mo out off the internet with comments like that?

[dogsnbikes]

Actually, the old girl could do with a bit of work.

See you sunday then Im sure the trumpy would love to go for a 100k jog she's getting itchy feet :(

[YellowDog]

It's an age old problem.

I asked a new employee of mine years ago why he left his previos job as a tyre fitter?

He said that his boss would hit him around the head everytime a female paid and still had money in her purse afterwards.

Brake pads under 50% - Change them.
Shock absorbers always need changing.
Your exhause will fail a WOF - Change it.
All tyres are below 50% - Change them.
Wheel alignment to make sure your new tyres wear evenly.

[MarkH]

They then call up the owner and told her that the caliper was binding on the disc and that they needed to strip it down. I know that, that was not the case and they where just ripping her off as she was not a mechanical person.I just hate people who rip someone off when they know that they can get away with it. Vern:Oi:

Here's my suggestion to the ladies:
When you take a bike in for a WOF make it clear you only want a WOF, or if it fails - the details of what isn't up to par. Explain that your father/husband/brother/neighbour/self does all maintenance and repairs and no matter what - it is only the WOF you are going to pay them for. If they understand that they will not be getting the business for any repairs required then they have no reason to make up shit. You could also tell them that if the bloke that does the work has an issue with what they say needs doing then he will pop in to talk to them about - he will be easy to recognise as he is 7ft tall angry looking guy and full of muscles.
It may even be worth going to a different motorcycle shop for the WOF to the one you normally take it to have work done.

Don't go to the bike shop and tell them you need a warrant and any work that needs doing they should just do it and here is a blank cheque to cover whatever they deem necessary.

And one more bit of advice:
Don't take a bike to VTNZ or to any other clowns that don't know about bikes.

[MaxB]

My missus reckons in about 2 out of every 3 visits the WOF garage would recommend to her work that did not need doing.

So that is why I take all my vehicles down for a WOF.

A few VTNZ/OnRoad stations in the South Auckland area still do bikes. I have found them to be O.K. but I'm not looking for them to find out what is wrong with my bikes, just to tick items off against a checklist. I do all the safety checks and maintainance etc.

[Nasty]

I concur with this for cages - unfortunately the local testing station know sweet FA about bikes and that worries me.

When a bike shop failed the RF (rear wheel bearings) it went straight to Frosty's anyway. He confirmed that they were right and helped me (read; completely did himself) the repair.


Good luck to you.

I wouldn't trust VTNZ to check out my pushbike. (And I don't even own a pushbike).

Sorry ... but I also know the guys there ride bikes ... should have qualified it. I also am not silly and have my biker regularly serviced ... but that is just my way of doing things - I thing know I am not getting ripped off.

[crazyhorse]

I take my bike to the VTNZ - there is a guy who is also a rider there, and he checks it over. For servicing, I go to a bike shop - and they know me really well there - and I don't take shit from them and they look after me real well too.

Pays to deal with one place and get to know the people who work on your bikes, then they won't dick you over. Just my thought.

[Hope you gave 'em a piece of your mind Vern]

[Elysium]

Had no problems passing any WOF for my bikes at bike shops. Been hearing stories from bikers who take their bikes to VTNZ and get asked by the tester what this and that button does on their bike, how do you start your bike etc...

VTNZ really only know cars and trucks, not bikes.

[Dooly]

From a garage owner, WOF/bike, car, truck, AVI mechanic's point of view.

Some of us amazingly dont rip folk off and actually get enjoyment out of helping people, especially women, elderly, who have no idea on their vehicles and rely on us for honesty and trust.

Crazy that there are some garages around like that eh.:wacko::eek5:

You'd never think so from reading this site.













But.........I do know there are some not very nice folk out there.
In ALL trades and services.

[Edbear]

From a garage owner, WOF/bike, car, truck, AVI mechanic's point of view.

Some of us amazingly dont rip folk off and actually get enjoyment out of helping people, especially women, elderly, who have no idea on their vehicles and rely on us for honesty and trust.

Crazy that there are some garages around like that eh.:wacko::eek5:

You'd never think so from reading this site.

But.........I do know there are some not very nice folk out there.
In ALL trades and services.

Goodonyer! I know of one guy at a VTNZ who is very knowledgable about bikes and probably saved a biker's life by picking up a dud alloy wheel. He taps the wheels lightly and listens to the sound. Never seen that done anywhere, before.

Personally I only trust implicitly my Bro-in-law and Tim, (Classic Z) and I know it makes no difference whether me, my wife, daughters, whoever takes a vehicle in to them. I'd recommend them to anyone.

[rosie631]

Wofman FTW. You need someone who actually rides I reckon.
In the past with my car I'm sure I have been ripped off many times by unscrupulous garages.

[Dooly]

Goodonyer! I know of one guy at a VTNZ who is very knowledgable about bikes and probably saved a biker's life by picking up a dud alloy wheel. He taps the wheels lightly and listens to the sound. Never seen that done anywhere, before.

Personally I only trust implicitly my Bro-in-law and Tim, (Classic Z) and I know it makes no difference whether me, my wife, daughters, whoever takes a vehicle in to them. I'd recommend them to anyone.

You tend to know who's supposedly 'reputable' after years on the scene.

I figure its best to spend your day in a happy zone where you dont spend it arguing with customers over prices, jobs etc etc, and I know plenty of garages and mechanics that do spend their day having rows with people.

It makes for a more enjoyable work enviroment if there are no hassles and all, customers/workers are satisfied.
I'd rather break even, or maybe lose a bit to keep a regular happy if things have'nt quite gone right.
Might explain why we still have our first 5 original customers coming to us after 35 yrs.........not that I was around here then!!!:laugh:

As for bike stuff, personally, I just tinker with regular's bikes as a side line, dont charge normal rates as long as they can leave it for a bit. And do bike WOFs more as a courtesy for friends, regulars and myself, and don't look for work on them as most of the bike folk I know are more than capable of fixing their own stuff.

Hell, must be a big city slicker thang eh, the bike shit horror stories etc etc:laugh::laugh:

[Edbear]

You tend to know who's supposedly 'reputable' after years on the scene.

I figure its best to spend your day in a happy zone where you dont spend it arguing with customers over prices, jobs etc etc, and I know plenty of garages and mechanics that do spend their day having rows with people.

It makes for a more enjoyable work enviroment if there are no hassles and all, customers/workers are satisfied.
I'd rather break even, or maybe lose a bit to keep a regular happy if things have'nt quite gone right.
Might explain why we still have our first 5 original customers coming to us after 35 yrs.........not that I was around here then!!!:laugh:

As for bike stuff, personally, I just tinker with regular's bikes as a side line, dont charge normal rates as long as they can leave it for a bit. And do bike WOFs more as a courtesy for friends, regulars and myself, and don't look for work on them as most of the bike folk I know are more than capable of fixing their own stuff.

Hell, must be a big city slicker thang eh, the bike shit horror stories etc etc:laugh::laugh:

LOL!!! Well, I guess if you do business in Maraekakaho, you'd better look after the locals....
http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/property/sewerage/maraekakaho.pdf

Nice place?

[Dooly]

LOL!!! Well, I guess if you do business in Maraekakaho, you'd better look after the locals....
http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/property/sewerage/maraekakaho.pdf

Nice place?

No mate, big city of Hastings.
Live out country to escape everyone!
And ride the glorious SHW50.

[MSTRS]

Mine passed at vtnz with a shit front tire, bad fork seals, missing passenger foot peg, no park lights, seized rear calliper with stuffed pads. I have since fixed them but they didn't notice. Oh and the headlights were bad, I checked them later on a light board and a magic light thingy machine at work and they were way out.I knew it would fail but I wanted to know if I missed anything. Can't complain with a wof ticket. I maintain my bike fairly competently, part of being a bike nut and mechanic I assume. :rolleyes:
You do know that you lose credibility when you contradict yourself?

Here's my suggestion to the ladies:
When you take a bike in for a WOF make it clear you only want a WOF, or if it fails - the details of what isn't up to par. Explain that your father/husband/brother/neighbour/self does all maintenance and repairs and no matter what - it is only the WOF you are going to pay them for. If they understand that they will not be getting the business for any repairs required then they have no reason to make up shit. ...
And one more bit of advice:
Don't take a bike to VTNZ or to any other clowns that don't know about bikes.The bike shop can still fail (something) that 'requires parts (that they are happy to sell you).
In Napier, there is no alternative to VTNZ*. They have 2 outlets and the 2 bike shops use them anyway.


I took my CBR to one of the AA WOF. stations.
Fucking joke. They only had one cunt who could check bikes and when it was time for the WOF, they called my name out like it was a doctor's office and had the cheek to make me do the fucking test myself (i.e. sit on the bike and stick on the indicators and brake lights etc)

What's the problem with that? At least you know that some muppet isn't using a sump jack to lift your bike, crushing your pipes/fairings? But I do resent the price they charge, when I am doing some of the work.

*There is always Dooly who is the original GoodCunt™, but being in Hastings and normally Mon-Fri it's not always easy to find the extra time.

[Mystic13]

VTNZ in Aucks are dangerous for warrants.

Kingsland, don't know how to start a bike, don't know how to change gear, ride like they're about to fall off.

Sylvia park, pulled me out of the cue and sent me to the far corner of the workshop. They checked the bike over and didn't ride it. Nice folks. The horn stopped working after I got their and they allowed me to fix it on the spot.

My VTNZ rule is if they don't know how to start the bike or change gear or any other signs DO NOT LET THEM RIDE THE BIKE.

Frosty's Testing Station Warrant experience has to be the best though. The tester reverses the car in front of his bike, over the bike. When the car won't go back more he drives forward realising something is wrong. Then goes again. Again he fails to go back and drives forward. He goes for his third try before Frosty whisks over and helps him out of the car. Frosty had just sold the bike and the new owner was standing there.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=100272

[Dooly]

*There is always Dooly who is the original GoodCunt™, but being in Hastings and normally Mon-Fri it's not always easy to find the extra time.

Cheers John, but the missus usually leaves the 'good' out when referring to me...........<_<

[CookMySock]

I also am not silly and have my biker regularly serviced ... Freudian slip? :laugh:


Steve

[Indiana_Jones]

What's the problem with that? At least you know that some muppet isn't using a sump jack to lift your bike, crushing your pipes/fairings? But I do resent the price they charge, when I am doing some of the work.

Yea, I wouldn't feel so bad doing parts of it if the price was halfed. but it's full price for half of the work.

-Indy

[MSTRS]

Cheers John, but the missus usually leaves the 'good' out when referring to me...........<_<

I guess she doesn't know you like we do...:laugh:

[JohnC]

Everybody wants to be a white middle class middle aged male so they don't get discriminated against or ripped off by mechanics.


There's a a Tui ad in there somewhere.

I'm glad you added the Tui bit.
Because I'm all of the above and it makes no difference.
Women simply get taken more often is all.
Personaly I won't go near bike shops for any reason,,,that's what the internet is for,,,if you have the Mech' skills that is,,,if not,then your in trouble.

[ynot slow]

Comes down to one simple word re wof or servicing TRUST,if you have a good relationship with bike shop go there,if vtnz go there,usually you know if brakes,tyres are suspect,don't need a sticker to say items are ok.And wof is really only good for the time it was completed,i.e 3 months later tyre getting bald,light blows etc,it's maintanence to do repairs.

[Thani-B]

Im not mechanical at all, so go to Mr Motorcycles to get work done on my bike, and go to the VTNZ to get warrants. Failed because the brake light was sticking on so went to Mr Motorcycles and they fixed it for free, saying it was because they dont get many chick riders coming in.

My sister took her car to a mechanic in Hamilton for a warrant and they told her that she needed to get something fixed to pass, charged her an arm and a leg for it, and when she went back 6 months later to get her next warrant apparently the same thing was wrong again...

I prefer to just go to the VTNZ.

[ynot slow]

Seems funny with trucks as well at cof time,I took the truck dad used to have for it's cof,had a couple of minor issues that time,i.e indicator bulb blew on turning on(worked as I turned into station),and small glass chip.

Next time dads partner takes truck in,dressed up in her work clothes and flash shoes,truck untidy as hell inside except for drivers seat,and all fine and dandy,we were stopped on way back from a race meeting 2 weeks later at Ohakea weigh station and officer queried a couple of things which cof was passed and clearly were faulty,perhaps her perfume confused the guys lol.