Suzuki Hayabusa 12,000km service costs?

[Stylo]

Just got the Bike back from the dealer, Gen 2 'Busa, from having it's 12k service , Oil, filter and check check etc, Inspected everything = normal service, nothing major and no valves or engine work done, steam cleaned, chain cleaned and checked my radiator blah blah . Charge was $395.00 incl, wtf ?

How much are these guys charging the spanner time at ?


Tell me I'm Mr Scrooge .....

[Hitcher]

You're Mr Scrooge. What was on the parts list for a 12,000km service apart from fluids and an oil filter? The labour cost should also be itemised or easily calculable from your workshop invoice as well.

[scumdog]

Had me worried - I thought you were commenting on a $12,000 service fee!!:whistle:

[Rhys]

i wish my servicing costs were only $400 :whistle:

[Subike]

she right bro,
bring it to me next time
I can get some warehouse oil for $29.95 , a filter from ripco for 9.95, got a can of grease i can dollop on the chain, and a bunch of adjustable wrenches should fit all the bolts i need to round off. Dont worry about covering overheads, the missis is on the DPB, so Im Govt subsidized, and the workshops an old packing case out the back of a state house, Me labors cheap, arr,,,, three tinis will do bro..
Have your buza back by err, say friday next week? might recommend some new tires and yeah, ya better fill the tank, Oh and hey ahh $150 all up , sound good?

Yeah them fancy Places the you been visiting eh, with their recommended good oil, proper tool kits, garrenteed workmanship, ome service parts, and them dang factory specs on the compactor file, na, not worth going to, too many overheads, with the coffee, call outs, bla bla bla...rips offs eh

[SVboy]

Sounds very steep. Ask to see the checklist they went thru.

[Robert Taylor]

Sounds very steep. Ask to see the checklist they went thru.

Dont think so, they just dont wish to go bankrupt on behalf of the customer getting an unrealistically low price

[haydes55]

Seems reasonable to me, they would of had to remove fairings and spend several hours of labour doing all the work for a service, all new fluids when you buy quality isn't cheap and you shouldn't use cheap anyway. Usual hourly rate is somewhere between $60-100/hour, They could have easily charged 2 hours of work for a service (2 guys 1 hour or 1 guy 2 hours) and $100 for oil, filter, radiator fluid, brake fluid. Not to mention cleaning products.

They are a shop, they are there to earn a profit and you want a professional service so the bike will be given the best shot at running all hunky dory for a long time.

If you want a cheaper service next time, remove your fairings yourself and tell the shop you don't want any fluids changed you will do that once the bike is back, just have a look at the engine, Valve adjustment etc in fuck all time and only charged for time (shouldn't need anything else).

[cheshirecat]

she right bro,
bring it to me next time
I can get some warehouse oil for $29.95 , a filter from ripco for 9.95, got a can of grease i can dollop on the chain, and a bunch of adjustable wrenches should fit all the bolts i need to round off. Dont worry about covering overheads, the missis is on the DPB, so Im Govt subsidized, and the workshops an old packing case out the back of a state house, Me labors cheap, arr,,,, three tinis will do bro..
Have your buza back by err, say friday next week? might recommend some new tires and yeah, ya better fill the tank, Oh and hey ahh $150 all up , sound good?

Yeah them fancy Places the you been visiting eh, with their recommended good oil, proper tool kits, garrenteed workmanship, ome service parts, and them dang factory specs on the compactor file, na, not worth going to, too many overheads, with the coffee, call outs, bla bla bla...rips offs eh
And if the bike's got gear driven cams then no valve stuff for 90,000k

[Katman]

So I'm thinking.......

3.5 litres of oil at about $14 a litre, an oil filter at about $30, quick blow out of air filter, adjust and lube chain if necessary, check tyre pressures, general check over of lights and horn etc.....

Can't think of much else to justify $400.

Mind you, these flash dealers have to pay for their floor space somehow.

[bogan]

Had me worried - I thought you were commenting on a $12,000 service fee!!:whistle:

So did I. Guess the 400 doesn't seem to bad in comparison...

Still, you won't catch me paying for that shit. Partially because my 12k service is about 88k overdue :whistle:

[Jantar]

So I'm thinking.......

3.5 litres of oil at about $14 a litre, an oil filter at about $30, quick blow out of air filter, adjust and lube chain if necessary, check tyre pressures, general check over of lights and horn etc.....

Can't think of much else to justify $400.

Mind you, these flash dealers have to pay for their floor space somehow.

Ah well, you forgot about checking the fluid levels in the brake and clutch reservoirs. That takes time, and even if they only need 10cc of flyuid to top them up the chanrge is for a full bottle. The mirrors may need adjusting, more time.

My last service cost me $235, but my mirrors didn't need any adjustment. :rolleyes:

[Gremlin]

If OP is worried about the high cost of servicing, stop running a 'busa. They chew consumables, tyres especially and are performance bikes.

Get yourself a nice CB900 if you want cheap servicing and cheap running.

But then, that's not what you wanted is it?

[Ender EnZed]

If they were following Suzuki's instructions then the 12k service would've included spark plugs. What'd they cost?

[DMNTD]

If they were following Suzuki's instructions then the 12k service would've included spark plugs. What'd they cost?

...and from memory a replacement air filter +++
It's not cheap but expected. Best you save for the biggun :laugh:

[nzspokes]

Dont think so, they just dont wish to go bankrupt on behalf of the customer getting an unrealistically low price

Or charge a reasonable price and get more customers.

[nzspokes]

And if the bike's got gear driven cams then no valve stuff for 90,000k

Speaking of cams, i got a quote on getting my cam chain done. Just to check i asked if the valve clearances were done at the same time.

Got told no thats an extra $150. :blink: WTF? The rocker cover will be off and they are screw and nut type. :facepalm:

Way to lose yourself a job. <_<

[Katman]

If they were following Suzuki's instructions then the 12k service would've included spark plugs. What'd they cost?

Well as it turns out, according to Suzuki's periodic maintenance schedule, you're right.

Replacing sparkplugs every 12,000kms seems excessive to me though - particularly if they are Iridium plugs.

(Air filter replacement comes at 18,000).

[SVboy]

I think we need to see a detailed invoice before sending out the KB lynch mob. I got charged about $220 from a franchise dealer, for the 1000kms cervice on my GSXR 750, which is an oil and filter change plus a checklist of things to tighten and check. The cynical part of me thinks that list would have been a quick visual at best. $400 for oil and filter sounds very steep even if a fairing side has to come off. However if a new airfilter is involved, less so.

[skippa1]

The best option is to do your own spanner work because if you watch what acctually happens in the workshop, the standard charges soon mount up. Last place I went to was $95/hr + GST, billing based on the start of every new quarter hour. For example, if your job takes 46min, the rate is the full $95 because you have had work done in 4 quarters, regardless that the last quarter was only one minute. The dude isnt totally informed about the job he is doing so he charges for going onto the factory website and getting the correct info....his computer keeps dropping the connection and I get charged. Then the charge for a piece of 1/4 rubber hose that is 80mm long is charged at a metre because of a minimum charge, add on misc of $25 "fluid top ups" of $20, test ride and bingo......a bill that would choke a horse.

When questioned about minimum charges, what is "misc", why am I charged for your crap ISP and why top up fluids when I didnt ask you to, they look at you like they lost $50 and you are the prick that found it. That is followed by the pink faced mechanic being dragged out to explain what he did, a load of bullshit justifications and me doing my own spanner work from then on. Interesting point too, if I brought the part and installed myself, it was $150 incl GST. If they supplied and fitted, the part was $150 + 10% + GST, + fitting. A markup on the part FFS.

[SMOKEU]

Yeah them fancy Places the you been visiting eh, with their recommended good oil, proper tool kits, garrenteed workmanship, ome service parts, and them dang factory specs on the compactor file, na, not worth going to, too many overheads, with the coffee, call outs, bla bla bla...rips offs eh

Roger from Road and Race does just as good a job as the big dealerships and charges me less than half what the dealerships do. I've had no problems with his work and he doesn't try to screw me out of every single cent like the big dealers all do.

[Rhys]

The people who whinging about the cost of servicing and think that the mechanics are making a fortune why don't you set up a work shop because you guys are going to be so much cheaper and still be making huge profits

[iYRe]

and this is why George from Motorcycle Doctors rules.
Fixes stuff other people say cant be fixed. Doesnt make you pay for crap you dont need/want, and does a good job every time, actually cares about the bikes, and the people who ride them... and why I will never use a shop for servicing again.

[caseye]

No, I think you will find that those of us who can spin our own spanners do so mostly for ourselves.The figure of $75-$95.00 per hour plus GST is not uncommon at any of the bigger workshops.
The difference is the mark ups on parts, the 80mm of 1/4 hose charged as a meter, the time involved in sussing out the bikes characteristics on the slow old workshop puta, etc, etc.
The complaining is about the absolute gouging that most of the bigger workshops engage in.
I do what I can on my bike and the wife's one and if people I know don't know how but want to learn I'm happy to show them.
No one I know earns $75-$95 pr hour, least not that I can comfortably call a friend, the poor bloody Mec's in the shops that charge these horrendous rates don't get anything like that either.
Individual motorcycle mechanics face a very hard time as they too have to have overheads like workshops, parts and accessories, the ones I know don't charge anything like what the big guys do.
They do an honest job and they do their best to make sure my bike/s leave their place right and with what it needs to be safe and sound, they charge me for the 3.5 litres of oil they use, not the complete( theoretical, IE: it comes out of a bloody big drum) 5 litre pack, they charge a slightly higher hourly rate and don't mark up their parts, all things that are noted, appreciated and what make sure I go back to them next time.
Shop around folks you will find guys that do good work and don't charge the earth.Or at least they don't gouge you for every little bit.
Heres a couple of examples.
Drury Performance Centre, Mike will look after you in every way.
Panmure Motorcycles. Laurie has done my stuff for over 30 years, fussy bugger and a GC with it.
Mobile Motorcycle Mechanics, George and his guys do great work and they come to you. Worth a bit more if you can't go there aye.
And in Taupo there's that other place.WOT Motorcycles, owned by a famous and obnoxious bugger who has twice now done work for me and told me to bugger off! Can't think why???
Welly, there's, Welly Cycles, don't drink the coffee,K!

[skippa1]

The people who whinging about the cost of servicing and think that the mechanics are making a fortune why don't you set up a work shop because you guys are going to be so much cheaper and still be making huge profits

I think you might be missing the point here.....people dont mind being charged for what is actually done....but why should you pay for a metre of hose when they use a few inches? Why do they do things you didnt ask for? I am not saying the mechanics are making a fortune, I actually think they are pretty poorly paid as far as technicians are concerned, but I dont see why I should be charged an hour for a 46min job. At $95/hr, the technician probably gets about $25, the shop takes the balance to pay for the cost of power, rent, phones advertising etc as well as a margin. This should cover off non chargable time between jobs. All fair
But if they charge the client for 60min of every hour, but only work for 46min, by the end of an 8 hour day, the shop has been paid for 2 hours that were not spent on clients motorcycles. The $95/hr charged should cover that quarter hour. In essense they could get 2 hrs a day x $95/hr x 5 days a week x 52 weeks a year = $24,700 per year per technician that has been charged but not worked. Hypothetical I know as not every job is a 46min job but holy shit...why should I pay for work that is not done?
If you are happy to pay for time they havent spent on your bike.....you are feeding the machine.

[DEATH_INC.]

How many of you guys have run or been directly involved with the mechanical trade?
If you were I think you'd not be so unrealistic. Shops have overheads, and yes, paying the mechanics to do nothing is one of them.
The bike shops are not getting rich off you, in fact wait 'till next year and see how many we lose due to them going under.
$400 is not that bad. Live with it or go somewhere else.

[mossy1200]

I ask for a price first if the job is a known quantity.
My 10k service cost $199.00 including.
They told me to book a general service and they would let me know if they suspected anything needed further inspection.

I guess $500 for the 20k service would be average but my bikes seem to be replaced before 20k.

[jellywrestler]

But if they charge the client for 60min of every hour, but only work for 46min, by the end of an 8 hour day, the shop has been paid for 2 hours that were not spent on clients motorcycles. The $95/hr charged should cover that quarter hour. In essense they could get 2 hrs a day x $95/hr x 5 days a week x 52 weeks a year = $24,700 per year per technician that has been charged but not worked. Hypothetical I know as not every job is a 46min job but holy shit...why should I pay for work that is not done?
If you are happy to pay for time they havent spent on your bike.....you are feeding the machine.
What about smokos, did you factor that in, what about the phone call you made to book it in, or the time they took to actualy discuss the job with you, did that get noted down? etc etc

[bogan]

What about smokos, did you factor that in, what about the phone call you made to book it in, or the time they took to actualy discuss the job with you, did that get noted down? etc etc

Shouldn't all that stuff be factored in to the 'overheads' portion of the hourly rate? Otherwise the guy who comes in for a tyre changes 5 mins before smoko is going to get a bit overcharged.

[jellywrestler]

Shouldn't all that stuff be factored in to the 'overheads' portion of the hourly rate? Otherwise the guy who comes in for a tyre changes 5 mins before smoko is going to get a bit overcharged.

dead right, and so is the many thousands extra that he calculated

[SMOKEU]

The bike shops are not getting rich off you, in fact wait 'till next year and see how many we lose due to them going under.
$400 is not that bad. Live with it or go somewhere else.

Suzuki wanted to charge me $223 for a fucking little gasket for my GSXR. The one that goes between the fuel tank and the fuel pump assembly. It's a normal servicing item as this gasket needs to be replaced every time the fuel pump assembly is removed (it has to be removed to clean the in tank fuel filter). $223 for a little fucking rubber seal. Seriously. WTF is up with that? Can you really blame people for avoiding dealerships when they're just going to rip the customer off at every step of the way?

[SVboy]

Suzuki wanted to charge me $223 for a fucking little gasket for my GSXR. The one that goes between the fuel tank and the fuel pump assembly. It's a normal servicing item as this gasket needs to be replaced every time the fuel pump assembly is removed (it has to be removed to clean the in tank fuel filter). $223 for a little fucking rubber seal. Seriously. WTF is up with that? Can you really blame people for avoiding dealerships when they're just going to rip the customer off at every step of the way?

How did you get around it?

[duckonin]

How many of you guys have run or been directly involved with the mechanical trade?
If you were I think you'd not be so unrealistic. Shops have overheads, and yes, paying the mechanics to do nothing is one of them.
The bike shops are not getting rich off you, in fact wait 'till next year and see how many we lose due to them going under.
$400 is not that bad. Live with it or go somewhere else.

You must have a good job.:yes:

[SMOKEU]

How did you get around it?

I haven't because I can't afford it. No point fixing it anyway because I don't have the money to run it.

[Katman]

How many of you guys have run or been directly involved with the mechanical trade?


I have Andy.

As well as operating my own workshop for the last 8 years, I've worked in numerous workshops over the course of 30 years.

I'm constantly dismayed that far too many people will blindly flock to large flashy dealerships in favour of small independant workshops.

I've seen plenty of questionable practices and dismal treatment of customers by mechanical businesses who's bottom line is simply covering their inflated overheads.

[skippa1]

What about smokos, did you factor that in, what about the phone call you made to book it in, or the time they took to actualy discuss the job with you, did that get noted down? etc etc

you are not seriously saying I should pay for their smokos are you? (should we ask when the staff have breaks and only book in when thay are not?)How about their holiday pay? And the office lady took the booking, isnt that an overhead? And yes, I was charged for the consultation.

[nzspokes]

Panmure Motorcycles. Laurie has done my stuff for over 30 years, fussy bugger and a GC with it.


Didnt know about him, hes not to expensive? Does he have loan bikes?

[jellywrestler]

you are not seriously saying I should pay for their smokos are you? (should we ask when the staff have breaks and only book in when thay are not?)How about their holiday pay? And the office lady took the booking, isnt that an overhead? And yes, I was charged for the consultation.
what sort of work do you do? I'm a tradesman and in 30 something years working I've always included my smoko in my hours worked, why should a motorcycle mechanic be any different?

[skippa1]

what sort of work do you do? I'm a tradesman and in 30 something years working I've always included my smoko in my hours worked, why should a motorcycle mechanic be any different?

Fitter and turner, been employed, self employed and now employ many. You may feel justified in charging people for work you havent done. I dont.

[Woodman]

you are not seriously saying I should pay for their smokos are you? (should we ask when the staff have breaks and only book in when thay are not?)How about their holiday pay? And the office lady took the booking, isnt that an overhead? And yes, I was charged for the consultation.

Of course you pay for their smokos. The customer pays for everything in every business, its how business works.

[bogan]

what sort of work do you do? I'm a tradesman and in 30 something years working I've always included my smoko in my hours worked, why should a motorcycle mechanic be any different?

Because mechanics do smaller jobs, billing out a customer your smoko time could add an extra 30 bucks onto a job that would only cost 50 if they caught you at a better time. Turns out the guy has a mate who got the same job done by another shop, and he did get the better time. Reckon the first guy is likely to form an unfavorable opinion about your charge out rates?

At the engineering company I worked at they made us bill out smoko breaks, but we were encouraged to put it on the bigger jobs; which beinge an engineering co, we had a lot more of.

[skippa1]

Of course you pay for their smokos. The customer pays for everything in every business, its how business works.
You havent read my previous posts have you? I accept the $95 hourly rate(which includes and allowance for smokos), but I expect to only pay that for hours worked, I dont expect to pay again for their overheads. I have owned and operated many businesses and have employed up to 95 indirect reports. I know how it works.....do you?

[Woodman]

You havent read my previous posts have you? I accept the $95 hourly rate(which includes and allowance for smokos), but I expect to only pay that for hours worked, I dont expect to pay again for their overheads. I have owned and operated many businesses and have employed up to 95 indirect reports. I know how it works.....do you?

Yea I do, but what I was trying to say was that every expense in a business is covered (or should be) by the customers who bring the money in. Yea you have said that when I read back.:innocent:

If one of my guys worked on a job from 9am to 11am then that would be charged at 2 hours not 1 hour and 50 minutes. Yea possibly charging the ten minutes less may well be more upfront and honest but each business has different hourly rates so the whole argument is a bit flowery really.

[SVboy]

I haven't because I can't afford it. No point fixing it anyway because I don't have the money to run it.

e-bay or e-bay uk for a whole 2nd hand pump incl gasket perhaps?

[jellywrestler]

Fitter and turner, been employed, self employed and now employ many. You may feel justified in charging people for work you havent done. I dont.

I certainally don't feel justified for charging for work I haven't done, my point is that some trades charge out differnent ways. Right now I'm self employed and rarely stop for smokos and i'm surely not going to do half an hours work and add 1/4 for smoko, little different for me as i travel between jobs so that's my rest time if i get it. Other times i'm on a site for a half day or a whole day i'll charge for a half day or a whole day.
for every argument there's a differnent veiw/ way of tackling it that's all

[SMOKEU]

e-bay or e-bay uk for a whole 2nd hand pump incl gasket perhaps?

There's a guy in the USA on the gixxer.com forums who makes them and he has a very good reputation on that site so I'll see what sort of price he can do. Other forum members say his parts are always good and prices are very reasonable.

[bogan]

Suzuki wanted to charge me $223 for a fucking little gasket for my GSXR. The one that goes between the fuel tank and the fuel pump assembly. It's a normal servicing item as this gasket needs to be replaced every time the fuel pump assembly is removed (it has to be removed to clean the in tank fuel filter). $223 for a little fucking rubber seal. Seriously. WTF is up with that? Can you really blame people for avoiding dealerships when they're just going to rip the customer off at every step of the way?


There's a guy in the USA on the gixxer.com forums who makes them and he has a very good reputation on that site so I'll see what sort of price he can do. Other forum members say his parts are always good and prices are very reasonable.

If the best alternative is a guy who makes them, I'd suggest it isn't NZ dealerships doing the ripping off.

What are the stakes anyway? bit of fuel leakage, of big ball of flames? I've always had good results with gasket goo...

[mossy1200]

Because mechanics do smaller jobs, billing out a customer your smoko time could add an extra 30 bucks onto a job that would only cost 50 if they caught you at a better time. Turns out the guy has a mate who got the same job done by another shop, and he did get the better time. Reckon the first guy is likely to form an unfavorable opinion about your charge out rates?

At the engineering company I worked at they made us bill out smoko breaks, but we were encouraged to put it on the bigger jobs; which beinge an engineering co, we had a lot more of.

I do jobs ranging from 15mins to 150 hrs.
If im on a shorter job ill have smoko after I have finished.
If the job is for a homeowner who offers a coffee I dont charge it.
If im on all or half day jobs ill charge it if I have a break. Often I dont take morning or afternoon breaks as I like to go home on time and my work day isnt over if a smaller job isnt complete. The boss at our work is give and take. Finished the jobs 30mins before days end equals go home without pay penalty. Work a extra half hour is no issues, give back the time.

Make a point to never overcharge a service and the follow on work continues. Overcharge and you wont be asked to return. Thats simple stuff.

[caspernz]

Just got the Bike back from the dealer, Gen 2 'Busa, from having it's 12k service , Oil, filter and check check etc, Inspected everything = normal service, nothing major and no valves or engine work done, steam cleaned, chain cleaned and checked my radiator blah blah . Charge was $395.00 incl, wtf ?

How much are these guys charging the spanner time at ?


Tell me I'm Mr Scrooge .....

Yep, Mr Scrooge, apart from not knowing what the itemised account said...what's the trade-in for a Hayabusa on a GN250? :laugh:

[nzspokes]

Suzuki wanted to charge me $223 for a fucking little gasket for my GSXR. The one that goes between the fuel tank and the fuel pump assembly. It's a normal servicing item as this gasket needs to be replaced every time the fuel pump assembly is removed (it has to be removed to clean the in tank fuel filter). $223 for a little fucking rubber seal. Seriously. WTF is up with that? Can you really blame people for avoiding dealerships when they're just going to rip the customer off at every step of the way?

E-mail this guy, hes in Whitford. Real GC and will probably have one for f/all.

http://www.smebike.com/about_us

[300weatherby]

Roger from Road and Race does just as good a job as the big dealerships and charges me less than half what the dealerships do. I've had no problems with his work and he doesn't try to screw me out of every single cent like the big dealers all do.

Roger is great, I think he undercharges cause he understands what it's like, he should charge more in my opinion, cause we need guys like him around and for that to happen he needs to make a decent quid.

[Katman]

Roger is great, I think he undercharges cause he understands what it's like, he should charge more in my opinion, cause we need guys like him around and for that to happen he needs to make a decent quid.

Often it's not because you 'understand what it's like' but rather to maintain the upperhand.

Not one single customer has ever queried the labour I've put on a jobsheet.

I like it that way.

[DEATH_INC.]

You must have a good job.:yes:
Why? And, well, yes I do, at least at times....but the pay is shit.

[DEATH_INC.]

Suzuki wanted to charge me $223 for a fucking little gasket for my GSXR. The one that goes between the fuel tank and the fuel pump assembly. It's a normal servicing item as this gasket needs to be replaced every time the fuel pump assembly is removed (it has to be removed to clean the in tank fuel filter). $223 for a little fucking rubber seal. Seriously. WTF is up with that? Can you really blame people for avoiding dealerships when they're just going to rip the customer off at every step of the way?
Um...what makes you say they are ripping you off? That's what they cost, you know it, your choice if you want it.
Do you KNOW what it cost to produce that little gasket?
And btw, I've re-used them a couple of times with no issues if it's not damaged.

[Gremlin]

I'm constantly dismayed that far too many people will blindly flock to large flashy dealerships in favour of small independant workshops.
An increasing number of bikes with complex electronics can only be fully handled with factory tools. Funnily enough, those tools are not available to any person that asks. Ergo, authorised dealer it is.

My BMW will remind me when it gets close to service, either on km or time... any errors logged by the ECU are checked and cleared, etc etc.

[DEATH_INC.]

I have Andy.

I'm constantly dismayed that far too many people will blindly flock to large flashy dealerships in favour of small independant workshops.

I've seen plenty of questionable practices and dismal treatment of customers by mechanical businesses who's bottom line is simply covering their inflated overheads.
I suspect it's for warranty purposes. While you should still be covered I've seen warrantys voided due to minor stuff that wasn't done as specified by an independent shop (in this case non oe oil filters)
I suspect you have a standard charge for services, regardless of the time it takes, like most shops do?
Yes, in some cases their service can be crap. But you still have the choice to deal with them or not.

[DEATH_INC.]

An increasing number of bikes with complex electronics can only be fully handled with factory tools. Funnily enough, those tools are not available to any person that asks. Ergo, authorised dealer it is.
That's not entirely true...you can get the code readers/re-programmers....for a price. But what small business can afford 10k + for a tool they may only use a couple of times a year. Yet another expense the business needs to pass on....wanna pay 6k for a service :laugh:

[neels]

Short answer is that the hourly rate charged covers the cost of being in business plus hopefully some profit for the people who put their money up to start said business in the first place. If you don't like paying for someones time to do stuff to your bike, do it yourself.

This opinion may be slightly coloured by the fact that I'm not too much of a numpty to change my own oil, and after being red zoned in chch and paying a lawyer $300+gst an hour to do work I didn't ask for in the first place, relatively speaking workshop rates are fucking cheap

[zippy]

Not sure about the GSXR 1300s but my GSXR 1000 had its 11k service which requires the throttle to be balanced as per the manufactures recommendation, so if they followed the recommendation it would seem that your bike would have also have this done too. Could that have added to the time/cost?

[nzspokes]

An increasing number of bikes with complex electronics can only be fully handled with factory tools. Funnily enough, those tools are not available to any person that asks. Ergo, authorised dealer it is.

My BMW will remind me when it gets close to service, either on km or time... any errors logged by the ECU are checked and cleared, etc etc.

Im not sure with bikes but cars you can normally manually set them into diagnoses mode. Then they flash error codes on the dash. Do bikes do that?

Ive done it with my Commodore and my Maxima. And reset them.

[FJRider]

Just got the Bike back from the dealer, Gen 2 'Busa, from having it's 12k service , Oil, filter and check check etc, Inspected everything = normal service, nothing major and no valves or engine work done, steam cleaned, chain cleaned and checked my radiator blah blah . Charge was $395.00 incl, wtf ?

How much are these guys charging the spanner time at ?


Tell me I'm Mr Scrooge .....

Next you'll try and tell us you bought the 'Busa for economy reasons ...

[Katman]

I suspect you have a standard charge for services, regardless of the time it takes, like most shops do?


Absolutely not.

I've never been able to understand that practice.

[nzspokes]

Absolutely not.

I've never been able to understand that practice.

Out of interest what would you charge for a cam chain on K1 Bandit 1200?

[Woodman]

I suspect it's for warranty purposes. While you should still be covered I've seen warrantys voided due to minor stuff that wasn't done as specified by an independent shop (in this case non oe oil filters)
I suspect you have a standard charge for services, regardless of the time it takes, like most shops do?
Yes, in some cases their service can be crap. But you still have the choice to deal with them or not.

They cannot void warranty if non OE filters or parts are used unless those parts have caused a problem that results in a warranty claim. A few car franchises tell new owners that they must use OE parts and servicing otherwise their warranty is voided but it is untrue and they know it.

[SMOKEU]

If the best alternative is a guy who makes them, I'd suggest it isn't NZ dealerships doing the ripping off.

What are the stakes anyway? bit of fuel leakage, of big ball of flames? I've always had good results with gasket goo...

It only leaks about a litre of fuel every minute. I'm serious.


E-mail this guy, hes in Whitford. Real GC and will probably have one for f/all.

http://www.smebike.com/about_us

Cheers, will do.


Um...what makes you say they are ripping you off? That's what they cost, you know it, your choice if you want it.
Do you KNOW what it cost to produce that little gasket?
And btw, I've re-used them a couple of times with no issues if it's not damaged.

Considering you can get rubber gaskets for cars for only a small fraction of the price of this one, I call rip off. I don't see how a 15 year old Suzuki needs a special type of material that is so expensive to make since the material looks to be the same as just about every seal on a typical car.

[DEATH_INC.]

They cannot void warranty if non OE filters or parts are used unless those parts have caused a problem that results in a warranty claim. A few car franchises tell new owners that they must use OE parts and servicing otherwise their warranty is voided but it is untrue and they know it.
Wanna take that up with Suzuki NZ? See how far you get....

[DEATH_INC.]

Considering you can get rubber gaskets for cars for only a small fraction of the price of this one, I call rip off. I don't see how a 15 year old Suzuki needs a special type of material that is so expensive to make since the material looks to be the same as just about every seal on a typical car.
That may be the case...but I doubt we are keeping Soozooki open with the sales of srad fuel pump gaskets. I also suspect they don't make them...like a lot of that stuff, they probably get it made by someone else.
Think about this too, how many srads were there that used that gasket? Then consider how many corollas (for example) there are . Divide the designing/tooling costs into that number and it may look a bit more realistic. The actual material cost will be minor.....
btw, isn't it more of a seal than a gasket? Can't really remember...

[FJRider]

They cannot void warranty if non OE filters or parts are used unless those parts have caused a problem that results in a warranty claim. A few car franchises tell new owners that they must use OE parts and servicing otherwise their warranty is voided but it is untrue and they know it.

They can ... if it's a condition of sale ... and your signature is on the sales agreement ...

[bogan]

They can ... if it's a condition of sale ... and your signature is on the sales agreement ...

Sales conditions don't override the CGA though.

[FJRider]

Sales conditions don't override the CGA though.

Depends on if the quality of the non OEM parts, are of any quality worth having ...

[FJRider]

Don't believe what you read about 'Busa's , over 300kms on a tank and , with a good tyre I'm getting around 7000 kms including a day at the drags. Running Z8 Metzelers btw. Grin factor is free.

Still a little miffed at 395 for a glorified oil change although I'm not so sure what "Throttle body synchonization" means as placed on the invoice.

Scrooge

It means $45 an hour labour costs minimum (for the most part by the apprentice)

Grin factor is hardly free ... but is unlimited ...

[bogan]

Depends on if the quality of the non OEM parts, are of any quality worth having ...

No it doesn't. The quality of the parts doesn't come into the equation unless (as woodman explained) those parts cause the warranty claim.

[Jantar]

Don't believe what you read about 'Busa's , over 300kms on a tank and , with a good tyre I'm getting around 7000 kms including a day at the drags. Running Z8 Metzelers btw. Grin factor is free.

Still a little miffed at 395 for a glorified oil change although I'm not so sure what "Throttle body synchonization" means as placed on the invoice.

Scrooge

A throttle body sync (also known as a throttle balance) would explain the higher cost. Each of the throttle bodies (carburators in pre FI equivilent) are connected to a manometer to check that they are all drawing the same vacuum at various throttle settings. No parts normally required for this, but add on an hour or so for labour.

Have a look at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/153846-Bike-service-not-quite-right for what happens when it isn't done right.

[nzspokes]

A throttle body sync (also known as a throttle balance) would explain the higher cost. Each of the throttle bodies (carburators in pre FI equivilent) are connected to a manometer to check that they are all drawing the same vacuum at various throttle settings. No parts normally required for this, but add on an hour or so for labour.

Have a look at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/153846-Bike-service-not-quite-right for what happens when it isn't done right.

But easy to do, http://nswbandits.forumotion.net/t311-tb-balance-sync

[FJRider]

unless (as woodman explained) those parts cause the warranty claim.

OEM bits or aftermarket ones ???

The CGA applies to both.

[Woodman]

Wanna take that up with Suzuki NZ? See how far you get....

It has already been to court. If Suzuki ever pull it off it is because their customer hasn't tried hard enough or been lawyered up enough.



Depends on if the quality of the non OEM parts, are of any quality worth having ...

If the quality of the parts causes an issue then of course the dealers won't warranty it, that is up to whover sold/installed the part. What they cannot do is say that the warranty on the vehicle is void just because non OEM parts are fitted or servicing is not done by them.

For example if a non OEM filter is fitted, and then their is an unrelated problem with the rear brake caliper, the dealers cannot say that the warranty was voided completely when the non OEM filter was fitted so therefore not fix the caliper.

[bogan]

OEM bits or aftermarket ones ???

The CGA applies to both.

Of course it does, but if an aftermarket part fails, a different party is liable.

[FJRider]

For example if a non OEM filter is fitted, and then their is an unrelated problem with the rear brake caliper, the dealers cannot say that the warranty was voided completely when the non OEM filter was fitted so therefore not fix the caliper.

Point taken ... and I would agree.

The agents for dealers are more of a worry the the dealerships themselves.

Their own budgets more of an issue than parts fitted quality ... (in the customers interest only of course)

[FJRider]

Of course it does, but if an aftermarket part fails, a different party is liable.

Depends on who agreed/asked ... to it being fitted.

Customer ... screwed unless they sue the manufacturer of that part (good luck with that)

Dealer/agent ... (without asking) ... would still be liable.

[bogan]

Depends on who agreed/asked ... to it being fitted.

Customer ... screwed unless they sue the manufacturer of that part (good luck with that)

Dealer/agent ... (without asking) ... would still be liable.

Now he gets it :D

[DEATH_INC.]

Getting a bit off track....but....the part in question was an oil filter (two actually) and the bike ran the bearings. Oil filter was a reputable brand (can't remember which....) and the work was done by a good mech in a non-suzuki shop. Basically suzuki said prove it wasn't the filter....though I know of a couple of other bikes (same model) that also did the same thing outside the warranty period....

[actungbaby]

How many of you guys have run or been directly involved with the mechanical trade?
If you were I think you'd not be so unrealistic. Shops have overheads, and yes, paying the mechanics to do nothing is one of them.
The bike shops are not getting rich off you, in fact wait 'till next year and see how many we lose due to them going under.
$400 is not that bad. Live with it or go somewhere else.

+1
yep totally agree there got to pay rent staff wages gst i dont think make fortune of selling the new

bikes thats for sure, we need to support the bike trade, if your on a budget i say b4 look i can afford

This much and like others have said say u change to oil yourself, as it get changed automatically other

wise, i been working bikes bit more and must say its bit of prick of job you end up cutting yourself

It whouldint be something i enjoy doing day in day out bloody frustrating, i be happy as to get

Trained expert work on my bike be great

[caspernz]

Don't believe what you read about 'Busa's , over 300kms on a tank and , with a good tyre I'm getting around 7000 kms including a day at the drags. Running Z8 Metzelers btw. Grin factor is free.

Still a little miffed at 395 for a glorified oil change although I'm not so sure what "Throttle body synchonization" means as placed on the invoice.

Scrooge

Maybe next service ask in advance what the rough cost is gonna be? My two wheeled toy goes to my chosen place of extravagant expense (aka Wellington Motorcycles) and they do a standard 4 cylinder service cost, basic oil and filter change is $xxx, then the major service which includes valves and carb syncro is $xxx so the surprise factor is kept to a minimum. Works for me.

300 clicks on a tank and 7K on a tyre is proof that you don't have to use all the power all the time....:niceone:

[Dave-]

It's not actually a margin set by the dealer or even the manufacturer, it's not because we're 50,000kms from the place of manufacturer, or that we're trying to put bread on the table, the real reason why genuine parts are so expensive is because it's actually a nationwide competition between the dealers, the departments and even the brands to make you look like a massive fool.

Every year the motorcycling industry meets to have a feast of epic proportions with salmon cooked in kiwi cooked in an albatross cooked in a kea in a kakapo, we also snort cocaine and hire high class hookers for the evening, the height of the evening comes when each department in each dealership shows security camera footage of "the biggest idiot" this is the person who purchases the most mundane part for the highest price, it is decided upon fairly by a representative from each manufacturer from each dealership, transaction proof and a paper trail is required showing the cost to manufacture, ship and then the "idiot" tax added.

It is considered the highest achievement and shame (for the respective party) if a dealership purchases one of these parts, just the other week ducati quoted me $390 for a front brake light switch for an ST4, I knew it was a loaded part, cause I've done the same thing to them (crush washer for $260 - they almost bought it!)

the workshop guys are known for being particularly crafty sometimes they can have many parts on 1 job, which makes it easier for them to hide the loaded item, this is probably why your bill was so expensive, I guess we'll see you at the annual meeting.....or at least a video recording....cant wait to see your face when you actually pay....haha that amount, they just use time travel so a days work doesn't actually take any real time, it's just an infinite smoko....haha remind me to get someone to pay for that one day "that'll be infinity dollars sir"

[caspernz]

Yes, I think I was at the German version of that feast last month...no idea why they call it Octoberfest when it starts in September??:facepalm:

[DEATH_INC.]

It's not actually a margin set by the dealer or even etc....
I can see it now....half of KB will be saying 'I knew it!' and will believe you :facepalm:

[nzspokes]

I can see it now....half of KB will be saying 'I knew it!' and will believe you :facepalm:

The truth comes out.

[liljegren]

If you want to grizzle about the cost of servicing your bike in NZ, how do you ever expect your kids to have higher paying jobs in the future? Where I live, a little Indian bloke will bring a cup of coffee to your house if you want, for no charge other than the cost of the cup. Problem is these little I ndian blokes also drive the buses and taxis for $300NZ a month, they do the 'servicing' on your vehicle, build the roads and anything else you demand. Point is we could have it like this in NZ soon, but you really wouldnt want to live with the shit level of workmanship. My suggestion is to let people make a decent wage, do a decent job, having been trained to do it right. I'm bloody sure I wouldnt want ride a HYAbusa if the average mechanic in Dubai had had his grubby paws anywhere near it!!!

[DEATH_INC.]

If you want to grizzle about the cost of servicing your bike in NZ, how do you ever expect your kids to have higher paying jobs in the future? Where I live, a little Indian bloke will bring a cup of coffee to your house if you want, for no charge other than the cost of the cup. Problem is these little I ndian blokes also drive the buses and taxis for $300NZ a month, they do the 'servicing' on your vehicle, build the roads and anything else you demand. Point is we could have it like this in NZ soon, but you really wouldnt want to live with the shit level of workmanship. My suggestion is to let people make a decent wage, do a decent job, having been trained to do it right. I'm bloody sure I wouldnt want ride a HYAbusa if the average mechanic in Dubai had had his grubby paws anywhere near it!!!
Exactly! We are already starting to see it happen here.....we're too f*cken cheap for our own good!

[ducatilover]

What a load of tripe.
Apart from the post by Dave-

$400 seems reasonable for a service of that sort, esp if it's meant to incl. spark plugs.
Suzuki parts are also generally at quite the premium.
Like $50 for the $6 chinese air filter for a GN (can be cheaper if purchased in bulk)
Or $20 for the $2 Chinese oil filter they sell you.
But... they need to make money somehow eh? Pull your fucking head out.

If you want cheap servicing, do it yourself, or bring it to me, I'll do it for giggles and smokes.


SMOKEU, you should be able to get that gasket for well under $100, it's common to a few Zooks (post '98 TLS for example, 97-98 had a different gasket set up)
That $223 or whatever is a bit too inflated really.



At the end of the day:
Don't like the costs? Go elsewhere or do it yourself.
Just don't have a bitch when your local shop goes under because nobody goes there to help 10+ men feed families.

[ducatilover]

Paid the bill , $395 ....No argument though I'm still struggling a little why the Throttle Bodies need so much work etc at only 12k's ...time to move on.

P.s Bike's going well , have to say :-)
Throttle body sync is always good to do, can you tell any difference?
Good looking Bus :2thumbsup

[nzspokes]

Nice reflector.

[bogan]

Paid the bill , $395 ....No argument though I'm still struggling a little why the Throttle Bodies need so much work etc at only 12k's ...time to move on.

P.s Bike's going well , have to say :-)

No wonder it cost so much, more plastic than a tuppaware party on that bitch :bleh:

[suzuki21]

I see there a lot of "business minded" people that wouldnt last 5 minutes before they went under if owning their own business. Overheads MUST be minimised. Wonder why bike/car shops charge so much? Maybe its because they carry so much stock? And regarding expensive parts? try using an alternative gasket like I did once - untill oil pissed all over my rear tyre as the genuine Suzuki o-ring happened to be a slightly different thickness to of the shelf ones. Why do people whinge about cost when - A. do it yourself or - B. buy a fucking Japanese car.

[ducatilover]

I see there a lot of "business minded" people that wouldnt last 5 minutes before they went under if owning their own business. Overheads MUST be minimised. Wonder why bike/car shops charge so much? Maybe its because they carry so much stock? And regarding expensive parts? try using an alternative gasket like I did once - untill oil pissed all over my rear tyre as the genuine Suzuki o-ring happened to be a slightly different thickness to of the shelf ones. Why do people whinge about cost when - A. do it yourself or - B. buy a fucking Japanese car.
Well, considering the service mentioned wasn't expensive, that's not an issue.
The Jap car debate is something different entirely.