Christchurch bike shops: I want the best - sick of the rest

[Swampsta]

I am pretty new to the motorbike scene, but I do know. I'll be here forever.
I always wanted a bike as a teenager but it was never convenient, - now that i work full time; i can justify a bike and a car - and it's great!

however i have now had my bike for 3 months and she was due a WOF, had a few issues - many i fixed up, one i couldn't
The muffler mount to the bike had broken so I had to take it in to get fixed. 1 - 3 day job i was told. Its been over a week and I've realized that i want a bike shop that I feel understands the passion I have for my bike; (general customer service was terrible - not apologetic for being late - don't call me, i'm calling them)
I missed out riding on last weekends beautiful weather.

TLDR: Where in Christchurch do y'all get your bikes serviced? Appreciate any guidance
Price is nothing if you have good workmanship and customer service.
http://imgur.com/y56MuKz my bike earlier this year just for kicks

[Oakie]

This guy (Roger) does my work for me. http://www.custgp.com/road_race.html His waiting list is about 3 weeks at present which gives you an idea how much in demand he is. (He's also 5 minutes away from home which is a real bonus for me.)

I also use Trevor Pierce for when things can't wait 3 weeks.

[rastuscat]

Jimmy Tunnicliffe at BMS. They're in Wilsons Rd in the same shop as Motorcycles Downunder. BMW trained tech who can also do number 8 wire repairs when needed. I get my private work done by him. I'd take the work bikes there too if I could.

[thepom]

me too copper....great bloke and top workmanship....for a pom ha ha

[Mushu]

Trevor pierce is pretty good, very friendly and seem to be able to predict how long a job will take (although I have only had repairs done there once - carb balance and new bearings, they had it done within a couple of days)

Avon city Suzuki are about the same but I did have a few dramas sourcing parts through them, I don't think it was their fault though.

Norjo have been quite good to me also but that may be the result of a ton of cash I have thrown their way.

I wouldn't be in any hurry to have budget motorcycle spares work on my bike again they don't seem too happy to get the work and I suspect the young guy there put a hole in my tube last time I had them replace a tyre for me but I am still happy to go there for parts and things they often have better prices than the rest.

Who was it worked on your bike?

[willytheekid]

yup!...what they all said :yes:

...personally I go to see Roger at Road & Race in New Brighton, best prices and service in town, and his workmanship is top notch! :first:

[SMOKEU]

+1 to Roger.



Norjo have been quite good to me also but that may be the result of a ton of cash I have thrown their way.


They're never getting a single cent out of me again. I took my GSXR in for a WOF, and they left the engine idling for an unnecessary amount of time, causing the coolant to boil over and start pissing out all over the ground. When I pointed this out and told him to shut the engine off, he said "it's not my problem", and he left it idling even longer. That "who cares" attitude really pissed me off, as I expect anyone working on my bike to treat it with a reasonable amount of care.

[Swampsta]

Who was it worked on your bike?

Norjo were my first choice, cause they were close; however it's a cheap fix (they said around $80) and require a third party to do the welding; so that could probably be why i have found the service rather slack;
they did my WOF check rather quickly and professionally and were pleasant in that respect, but getting given dates for my bike to be fixed, and then when calling to ask developments on those dates getting a WHY ARE YOU CALLING attitude isn't very nice (doesn't help that they thought there phone was on mute, and I could hear them talking); I miss my bike.

It seems you've worked you way through Christchurch repair shops!!

I actually purchased my helmet and jacket through Trevor pierce at the start of the year and they were very friendly, helpful and professional - pity they on the wrong side of town for me; but i think I may try them out next time i need any maintenance/repairs.

Above other bikers talking about individual shops and having waiting lists, seems awesome! i would love to have someone KNOW my bike, but with my Hyosung 250gt, she's just a learner bike (LOVE IT THO) - so maybe once I own something i have truly invested in;

I appreciate all this feedback! this looks like this may be an Awesome Forum Community!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Nah this forum community sucks.

You could try Duane at Duane's bikes and Skis in Waterloo Road. I have had decent results from him, and very good from Roger too and they are diametrically on opposite sides of town.

I have also had good service from Street & Sport in Carlyle Street. Plus while you're there you could buy a Triumph. Or a Guzzi or an MV Agusta....

[Swampsta]

Plus while you're there you could buy a Triumph. Or a Guzzi or an MV Agusta....

I think I might get all three, While I'm dreaming that is.

[neels]

I've had excellent service from Duanes bikes and skis, and very reasonable. Done great things on a mates bike as well.

Avon city suzuki seem pretty good too, haven't had any serious work done there but really helpful with parts and tyres.

[Mushu]

Norjo were my first choice, cause they were close; however it's a cheap fix (they said around $80) and require a third party to do the welding; so that could probably be why i have found the service rather slack;
they did my WOF check rather quickly and professionally and were pleasant in that respect, but getting given dates for my bike to be fixed, and then when calling to ask developments on those dates getting a WHY ARE YOU CALLING attitude isn't very nice (doesn't help that they thought there phone was on mute, and I could hear them talking); I miss my bike.

It seems you've worked you way through Christchurch repair shops!!

I actually purchased my helmet and jacket through Trevor pierce at the start of the year and they were very friendly, helpful and professional - pity they on the wrong side of town for me; but i think I may try them out next time i need any maintenance/repairs.

Above other bikers talking about individual shops and having waiting lists, seems awesome! i would love to have someone KNOW my bike, but with my Hyosung 250gt, she's just a learner bike (LOVE IT THO) - so maybe once I own something i have truly invested in;

I appreciate all this feedback! this looks like this may be an Awesome Forum Community!

Yea I have been through a good portion of the local dealers although the reason for this is only that in the last couple of years I have owned a Kawasaki, a Yamaha and a Suzuki so I have had dealings with their respective dealers, two of those were sold already but the Suzuki is up on trademe right now as I am planning to leave the country and that is the last vehicle I have to get rid of it. I'll post a link to the trademe auction in the DR650 thread next time I'm at a computer for anyone interested (I'm selling it cheap, has to be gone when the auction finishes, could be a bargain for someone)

[babysteps]

Street and Sport (both the old and new incarnations) have been good to me. I will avoid Casbolts and Superior based on experiences.

[DMNTD]

Street and Sport (both the old and new incarnations) have been good to me. I will avoid Casbolts and Superior based on experiences.

Yerp, agreed plus the Suzuki shop were friendly and engaging, and the Yamaha shop too.
Being new down here I have visited most of the shops trying to find the right fit for me.
Sadly the Aprilia shop were well below par and to be honest I think I'll travel to have our Aprilias serviced while still under warranty.

[SMOKEU]

Avon city suzuki seem pretty good too, haven't had any serious work done there but really helpful with parts and tyres.

$223 for a fuel pump assembly seal for my GSXR.
http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mRsBHipE2q_rcMTuxs7Bsyg.jpg

Big fucking rip off for parts considering they're available in the USA for around $NZ35, including shipping to NZ.

[Muppet]

Jimmy Tunnicliffe at BMS. They're in Wilsons Rd in the same shop as Motorcycles Downunder. BMW trained tech who can also do number 8 wire repairs when needed. I get my private work done by him. I'd take the work bikes there too if I could.

I'll second that, very good mechanic, nice guy, does work for charity n shit....

[Flip]

I have had my scoot serviced at Rolling thunder many times.

Their service has been 100% and I have had no problems. The bike usually comes back washed. They have a lounge/seating area with free fresh coffee and sometimes scones. I believe all the mechnics are factory trained and they are required to have all the correct tools. They are also required to carry all the necessary parts required to do day to day work on their bikes.

I broke a headlight recently, went in and asked if they had one expecting the reply to be no. They said is it the crystal, jeweled or smoked patern? I said it was clear which was the crystal one. They went out back and came back with a box that contained a new headlight. I was expecting to pay $400-800 for a headlight based on my experiences with TriumphNZ. They rang it up and said it is $72. For under eighty bucks I got a new headlight and it came with a new bulb and wiring harness.

As far as paying $230 for a $22 part goes, I can get some parts from overseas suppliers for a little less usually about 10-20% but thats about it. When I shed a belt I could get one for about $50 less on a $380 belt but the local dealer had one. I busted a front motor mount (they fail) and got one in from overseas but when it arived I found it was the old part no (that fail) thats why it was cheap so I ended up again going to the dealer for a new part no one. About the only thing I can remember importing was a set of Heat Demon heated grips after the 2nd set of HD ones stopped working.

Dimetrically opposed was the complete lack of service I got from TriumphNZ who have my money and never supplied me with any parts. How do you calculate the markup on those parts its a bit more than 1000%.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'll second that, very good mechanic, nice guy, does work for charity n shit....
........but doesn't like to talk about it?

Harry Enfield, right?

[Muppet]

........but doesn't like to talk about it?

Harry Enfield, right?

Yes, well done!

[SpeedMonger]

Yerp, agreed plus the Suzuki shop were friendly and engaging, and the Yamaha shop too.
Being new down here I have visited most of the shops trying to find the right fit for me.
Sadly the Aprilia shop were well below par and to be honest I think I'll travel to have our Aprilias serviced while still under warranty.

Yep, the fella there is a knob end to be sure. Absolutely no help or charisma whatsoever. And one of the main reasons why I got a Speed R instead of a Tuono.

I have always had good service from Hamptons and would recommend them, plus they have loan vehicles available which is very handy. Now going to Street and Sport for the Speed, but am reserving judgement on that one due to an issue at the last service.....

[Swampsta]

Retrieved my bike back from Norjo - they also advised me that the sprocket was Very Warn (which was, so i'm very thankful they picked up on it); however they attached the CHAIN way too tight and was making a horrible grinding noise; again i'm new to all this so firstly i trusted that they did it correctly, but then I checked the internet - thankfully i'm getting more confidence to start doing more myself.

I'll make sure I go to one of the recommendations above; won't be returning to Norjo

[Flip]

Cheers for the red bling swampstick.

[Berries]

Before the earthquake the only bike shops I knew in Chch were within walking distance from the CBD all down at the bottom end of Manchester Street. Is that still the case or are they all over the shop now?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Before the earthquake the only bike shops I knew in Chch were within walking distance from the CBD all down at the bottom end of Manchester Street. Is that still the case or are they all over the shop now?

the only two left in Manchester street are Rolling Thunder (H-D) and Casbolts (Honda and Ducati).

Street and Sport (Triumph, MV, Guzzi) are within walking distance of them across Moorhouse Avenue in Carlyle Street. Sportzone suzuki went bust unfortunately, they were nice people. Main Suzuki dealer is Avon City Suzuki out Riccarton Road (its part of Avon City Ford at the Sockburn Roundabout). They're pretty good too and have picked up some of the staff.

Hamptons is out Hornby. PitLane (tyres) moved to Darfield. Darfield! Where am I gonna get my tyres from - easier to just trade the bike in!?

[GrayWolf]

Cheers for the red bling swampstick.

it's BLING.. ya ride a HD, ya like BLING!!!!! :facepalm:

[jasonu]

Norjo were my first choice, cause they were close; however it's a cheap fix (they said around $80) and require a third party to do the welding!

Wot, a bike shop that doesn't know how to weld???
Take your business elsewhere.

[Oakie]

Main Suzuki dealer is Avon City Suzuki out Riccarton Road (its part of Avon City Ford at the Sockburn Roundabout). They're pretty good too and have picked up some of the staff. I've put a bit of work their way on the GSR over the past couple of months and was impressed with the quality of their work and their customer care. Not stupidly expensive either (and they gave me a loaner bike both times)


PitLane (tyres) moved to Darfield. Darfield! Where am I gonna get my tyres from - easier to just trade the bike in!? You're gonna go out to Darfield and get them of course! Don is open on Saturday and it's just a nice way to spend half a day. Ride out ... have lunch ... ride home. Sweet!

[AllanB]

Pit Lane is open Sat 10-4, Sun 10-2.

Ride out, do a burnout, scrub em in on the way home. Best to order them first - only needs a couple days to get your fav.

Avon City Suzuki are worth a look re tyres - they often have bulk deals on.

[Berries]

the only two left in Manchester street are Rolling Thunder (H-D) and Casbolts (Honda and Ducati).

Street and Sport (Triumph, MV, Guzzi) are within walking distance of them across Moorhouse Avenue in Carlyle Street. Sportzone suzuki went bust unfortunately, they were nice people. Main Suzuki dealer is Avon City Suzuki out Riccarton Road (its part of Avon City Ford at the Sockburn Roundabout). They're pretty good too and have picked up some of the staff.
Ta muchly.