Suzuki GN250

[kensuem]

Since I joined Kiwibiker some months ago i have seen many negative comments about the GN250. I have now owned mine for 6 months now,so thought I would write a report on how I have found it.
I bought the bike new,and have done 6500klm in 6 months.My main reason for buying it was that it was the only new bike that I could afford.You have to accept that a GN isnt fast,not even as fast as the sales brochures claim.So far the fastest it has done is 125klm/hour.I think that on a long enough straight it would do more,as at 125 it is well below the red line,but as 5th is an overdrive,it will only creep up slowly.
I have seen lots of comments about bad handling,but havnt found it a problem.My bike is my transport to work,and is therefore ridden whatever the weather.Heavy rain,highwinds,frosts,it has coped with them all.Being blown 2metres sideways by a very strong gust was my worst experience.A patch of black ice in the Athenree gorge one morning,caused a slight twitch of the back wheel,which warned me to slow down.A few minutes later a couple of cars went in the ditch at the same spot,so I think the GN did well!
Cornering is no problem.Corners marked at 75 can be taken easily at 110,and the sharp corners in the gorge,marked at 45,slow me down to about70 at the tightest point.
I have seen comments on excessive chain wear.Yes,I have had to adjust the chain about every 1500klm,but applications of a spray on lube seem to have prevented any wear.No sign of any sprocket wear.People have commented on tail lights blowing.I have had one blow,but bought a replacement in my local gas station for $2.70.Not a great problem.
My main problem was a sqeaky front brake,cured by the Suzuki agent grinding radial grooves in the pads to help clear brake dust away from the disc. I also had a crack in the clamp at the lower end of a fork leg.this was replaced under warranty,so now I have one Chinese leg and one Japanese leg! Fuel economy has been good,although riding consistently at 110,does increase consumption.At $12 to fill up, and over 200klm on a tank it isnt going to break the bank.
All in all I am very pleased with the bike.I do wish it had a little more top end power for overtaking,and it is a bit on the short side for my 6ft and extra long legs,but it is still great value for money,and as I am almost 63,it may well outlast me!:rockon:

[gijoe1313]

Go the mighty Ginny! I've met heaps of riders who have them and they all have a special fondness for them - people have stories about them that are unique only to those on 'em! And 'sides they got two wheels! All good, so :rockon: :scooter: :woohoo:

[sunhuntin]

i myself have a high respect for the gn....tis what i learned to ride on [and had my first and last bins on, lol]
i learned on an 86 that had been thrashed...and i thrashed it some more. only problem was the carb would occasionally get blocked and the bike would jerk the front wheel upwards involuntarily. i got that one hit by a car last year...when we got her home, dad even managed to get her started [though he nearly rode into the wall due to the brake lever being gone]
i then bought a brand new from the crate gn.
i had endless trouble with that. coming back from paeroa, it took out the whole speedo, so i was riding with no clue how fast i was going. the dealer where i bought the bike took 5 weeks to get the part...and it wasnt warrentied either. the chain came loose twice, and the second time jumped off on a corner, needing replacing and destroying my chain guard [again...not under warrenty] neutral bulb in dash went basically before we got a chance to ride it.
went through one headlight and 2 tail lights. the last problem i had was the regulator shit itself, meaning the battery wasnt charging. i nearly got stuck some 20k from town, and was almost late for work a few times. by then, id had a gutsful of crap from a bike that was brand new and shouldnt have had half the trouble it had.
and on another note, the dealer was crap and treated like some brainless female who didnt have a clue.
i traded the ginny in and bought a virago instead. i had just over 10,000k on the gn. i have a lot of respect for them, but the quality could be 100 times better...if they keep it up, people will stop buying them. just because of the crap quality, they end up being a lot more expensive than needed, cos hardly anything is covered under the warrenty.

[rookie]

[Kensuem:]
Man awesome post.

I'm guessing you used to review bikes in the past.

Good to know that they go round corners...I havent heard any of the younger KB GN riders mention their cornering abilities before.

[sunhuntin:]
**violin begins playing morbidly in the background**

Thats a real hard luck story that one.
I checked out the pic of your bike...that seat is like a couch!!

[riffer]

Does anyone have any information about a rumour I heard that the Government has legislation coming that will effectively make it impossible to VIN any motorcycles coming from China?

In particular, the impact this will have on GN250 owners, with a potential problem being the inability to get a WOF?

I find it difficult to believe that they would introduce legislation that would effectively outlaw NZ's best-selling motorcycle...

[Fub@r]

Does anyone have any information about a rumour I heard that the Government has legislation coming that will effectively make it impossible to VIN any motorcycles coming from China?

In particular, the impact this will have on GN250 owners, with a potential problem being the inability to get a WOF?

I find it difficult to believe that they would introduce legislation that would effectively outlaw NZ's best-selling motorcycle...

From what I have heard in recent days Suzuki has stopped production of the GN250, its 25 year rein has come to an end

[limbimtimwim]

its 25 year rein has come to an endReign of TERROR!!

Nah, just kidding. GN250s are fun bikes.

Sounds like you kensuem have been smiling, and that is what matters.

[Lissa]

From what I have heard in recent days Suzuki has stopped production of the GN250, its 25 year rein has come to an end
Yep.. no more GN250.. got one of the last! Only had her three weeks.. I think, but enjoying it. A good little starter bike. :)

[gijoe1313]

:gob: You mean the Ginny will become a collectible one day? :doh:

[xwhatsit]

In terms of chain wear, it's a single-cylinder four-stroke bike (affectionately termed a `thumper'), so it will chew through chains more than other bikes, due to more... well... thumping.

In terms of people complaining about GN250s, well, I think that is mostly to do with how common they are. Sort of like a Corolla -- mass-produced, but high quality. Because they're so common people don't see a whole lot that distinguishes them so tend to bad-mouth them. Add to that that they're sort of a cruiser-style (but not quite) and all the sports bike riders will of course think they're shit. I personally think they are very good bikes -- they must be to have been around this long. I rode one and it did all the things I expected it to do, without me (as a beginner) having to think too hard. It was also exceedingly comfortable :D. I wouldn't have one myself, as I'm not a fan of the style, but I do think they are great bikes, and almost certainly destined to become something of a collectable in a decade or two.

[sunhuntin]

[sunhuntin:]
**violin begins playing morbidly in the background**

Thats a real hard luck story that one.
I checked out the pic of your bike...that seat is like a couch!!

heheh cheers mate. the seats ok for the first few hours. gets a bit tough after a while though.

the gns were awesome bikes back in the 80s/early 90s. but now they originate from china where the quality is pathetic. my 86 was a jap built one [of course] and even after being hit by a car, she still ran [is used now as a farm bike.] had it been the 05 that got hit by a car, i have my doubts on whether it would still run or not.

[lukelin250]

i love gn's and have lots of respect for them. it was my first bike and ill always have my fondest biking memories on my gn. you cant knock a gn, there a noveltie almost reminiscent of the mini cooper, not somthing spectacular but everyones had one and likes them!! they are what they are.
anyway they run fine cheap on gas and do go round corners very well with lots of confidence. i miss ron burgundy (my burgundy colored GN)

[Mom]

The mighty GN has to be my all time fav learner bike. When they were released back in the eighties they were something special, the tear drop tank and the slightly high rise bars were so different from what we had available to sell before then they were amazing..........the fact that they develop power in an ever so controlled way made them safe as to learn on.......fantastic bike!

Your post says it all really........one thing tho I did not like the "plastic tyres" that these new GN's come with......got to hate a bike that flicks it's tail out at the sight of a cats eye..........grrrrrrrr

[vamr]

Yep.. no more GN250.. got one of the last! Only had her three weeks.. I think, but enjoying it. A good little starter bike. :)

Maybe they'll bring back the filthy 2strokes to the masses (nsr150, tzr150, rg150...) ... however I'm not holding my breath but a boy can dream. :innocent:

[Jeaves]

Hmm how bout a 2 stroke ginny.......make that a v-twin 2 stroke ginny.....:Pokey:

[Hellraiser]

:gob: You mean the Ginny will become a collectible one day? :doh:

LOL ........ they will have rusted to nothing before that day will come.

Good Review

[Alive]

I owned a GN this year.... for about 9 months...

Bought it off Trademe for $1200 ... 04 model with around 7000km on it that had been in an accident and repaired with old 80's parts...

Put her in my garage and spent $400 on her over 3 weeks and she came out of the garage looking like a new bike again.

Put about 8000km on the clock and then sold her to my mate for 2K.

:Punk: :Punk:

[Paul in NZ]

I reckon a GN250 production race class would be the ticket...

What about a GN250 rally?

[Hellraiser]

I reckon a GN250 production race class would be the ticket...



Thats not a bad idea ..........

Would be fun .........

Also would double the price of parts ....... lol

[lukelin250]

I reckon a GN250 production race class would be the ticket...

What about a GN250 rally?

hell yeah im keen lets do it.

[kensuem]

Cant understand the 'plastic tyre' comment.I havnt had any problem with roadholding,even though I havnt had to ride slower in the rain.When I first rode it I found that it did hop a bit on bumpy bends,but softening the rear suspension and correct tyre pressures has largely solved that problem.One ofmy first bikes was a 1949 BSA c10[no rear suspension],now that realy did hop round corners! As regards the Chinese build quality I can honestly say I havnt had any problem apart from the cracked fork leg which the dealer replaced at my place of work,fantastic service!
When I first rode bikes[early 1960s] they needed a high level of frequent maintainance.Saturday mornings were for tearing the bike apart,and the rest of the weekend for riding them.Perhaps that is why my GN has been so good,because I expect to need to check and maintain it frequently.With regard to the comments about chains coming off,a chain has to be awfull slack for that to happen,not some thing that happens overnight!.I check my chain on a weekly basis,after all it only takes 5 minutes to adjust it if required.Same with oil changes,the cost of doing it yourself is minimal,so why not do them on time? We are dealing with a small engine,that is working very hard all the time,with a fairly small quantity of oil.Failing to maintain it is going to wreck it fairly quickly.Look after it,treat it reasonably and it should last for years[well I hope so anyway].

[rookie]

Well said :rockon:

[twinkle]

I reckon a GN250 production race class would be the ticket...

What about a GN250 rally?


When I can afford it, i'm in. but that won't be for another year at least :bye:

edit: the racing that is.

[Steam]

I believe my GN has been around the clock once already, and is now at 50,000 again. That's 150,000 km! There's hardly any rust, but I think it has been well looked after. And maybe the engine has been replaced. WHo knows, I've only had it 7 months.

I replaced my front tyre with a Pirelli City Demon, which was about $100, more than the cheap $35 tyre the bike shop wanted to put on.
The original one looked like the stock front tyre, 20 years after the bike was made it was still on there! It was like concrete, hard and didn't yeild at all.
If I had not replaced it I believe it would have lasted until the End Of Time.
The Pirelli is soft and rubbery and nice, gives me a bit more confidence.

Also, my 1986 puts out more power than my brother's 2005 GN. Just a little bit, but you can feel the difference.

[twinkle]

what I like most about my gn is how easy it is to work on, really easy access to almost all the parts.

[kensuem]

I reckon a GN250 production race class would be the ticket...

What about a GN250 rally?

Before the riders of big bikes start scoffing,its not such a silly idea.As a 16 year old,I used to stop on my way to school to look in the window of a bike shop.This particular window usually had an Itom 50cc racer on display.THE 50cc Itom,as raced by one Bill Ivy.Remember big oak trees grow from little acorns!Some of todays power hungry bikers most likely laugh at the idea of racing 50s,but it was a lot of fun,at reasonable cost and was a way to start a racing career.I myself was going to take up racing on a small Gilera in the 250 class,but the advent of the Hondas meant i would have been up against it from the start.Then I saw this beautiful Royal Enfield Constellation in a shop window,all chrome and mettalic peacock blue paint!The money for the race bike was soon in that dealers till!

[WasPhantom]

I believe my GN has been around the clock once already, and is now at 50,000 again. That's 150,000 km! There's hardly any rust, but I think it has been well looked after. And maybe the engine has been replaced. WHo knows, I've only had it 7 months.

Is that the camo one I've seen floating around? That looks sweet! ( for a ginny ;-) )

[Steam]

Is that the camo one I've seen floating around? That looks sweet! ( for a ginny ;-) )

World famous in Inner Wellington! Yep that's me. I've still got a few ideas for it yet, so keep your eyes peeled for developments.

[HTFU]

Good on you guys and girls for giving raps to the gn. Found most riders I come across are fully supportive of the bike. No negatives whatsoever. Riders still wave and people always have a look at the bike when its parked out the front of work (monthy I am asked if it is for sale)
The stock tyres (chinese) are average. I found in dry you could push them as far as you want (to the point of scraping the pegs) and no hint of sliding. In the wet they were ok but I did have the rear go a couple of times at low speeds on slippery surfaces (like on the bend in Waitomo township). Replaced the rear at 6000km with a Duro median dual purpose tyre ($80) it is grippier than the original in all conditions on the tarseal which is a bonus because I wanted it mostly for gravel work. Have kept the front as is because I couldnt afford a new one (has meant I ride carefully in the wet) will replace it with a dual purpose of some sort similar to the Duro at 10000km. The Duro would look good on the army style camo GN. Thinking of getting a wind shield, anyone got one and able to give some feedback on how good they are ?

[Steam]

Thinking of getting a wind shield, anyone got one and able to give some feedback on how good they are ?

My brother Lorax (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=8720) is taking his wind screen off his GN, as it deflects the air but makes it feel as if someone is slapping your helmet from side to side. It's annoying.
I think it cost him about $50 on Trademe, plus $5 postage.

[Lucy]

How come it costs more to get my GN serviced than my 3ltr diesel van?

[Steam]

How come it costs more to get my GN serviced than my 3ltr diesel van?

Where do you go?
What do they do to it?
How much does it cost?

Asking because I really should take mine in.

[twinkle]

the last service for my gn cost me $150, which seems about right if they did all the things they said they did.

[Lucy]

I went to Colemans, it was 173 ish. Would have been 154 except for the new headlight bulb. The print out showed all the normal stuff (check fluids, change oil and filter, check tyre pressure etc). Got my van done the next week, which takes over 4 litres of oil and it came to $136. Can't figure it out, the bike has only one cylinder to check and change spark plug etc.

[twinkle]

I took the cost of the bulb off mine, so it really cost the same as yours. I'm not really sure what they do when they service cars/vans, it's been so long since I owned anything with four wheels.

I took the gn in to be serviced more out of curiosity than anything, I was wondering how much a shop would charge for the maintenance I usually do myself. It turns out i'm saving quite a bit :sunny:



Where do you go?
What do they do to it?
How much does it cost?

Asking because I really should take mine in.

Attached what they do to it.

[twinkle]

Cant understand the 'plastic tyre' comment.

They just don't stick anywhere near as well as a good modern tyre will. Whoever makes those tyres (hengshin?) doesn't seem to have kept up with the last 20 years of tyre development.

[lukelin250]

gosh why wldnt you just do the service yourself its soooo easy, and its all outlined in the manual, so simple i dont believe

[Lucy]

Yeah might have to look at doing that. I guess it's the 'tuning' that I wouldn't be comfortable with, if, in fact they do it. Also, a service record done by a shop helps with resale.

[ajturbo]

GN250= 98mpg

[rainman]

So far the fastest it has done is 125klm/hour.

Musta been downwind, and with a tailwind :laugh:

Mine's gone to around 105, maybe 110 (the speedo backlight is the latest bulb to blow :angry: so I can't see how fast I'm going at night, which is the only time I go on the motorways at speed - they're fulla cars otherwise)

[Terminated]

Just shy 100km and Golf November Two Five Zero will cross the 10,000km since new in May this year.

Put Bridgestones on at 6000km. The stock front did not inspire confidence in the wet at all.


At 3500km did a bike maintenance course early August here in Wellington during which did oil, oil filter, spark plug change, and washed airfilter. Also changed brake fluid, adjusted clutch, footbrake, chain, and a lot of other good things. Well worthwhile doing the course.

Had an off in the carpark in mid August and so put aftermarket bars and mirrors on. Having done the bike maintenance course was a real booster to morale when time came to replace things.

Dealer did 1000 and 6000 service.

At 9000km I did oil, oil filter, and spark plug changes, and cleaned air filter, and CRC lube cables.

I had never ridden a bike until the Learn to Ride and Basic Handling Skills course in April. I have found the GN250 to be an excellent learner bike. So with 10,000km in 7 mths, all purely recreation riding, the bike has met my needs admirably. Where to from here, I am not sure what style cruiser or sport touring, adventurer....will probably buy leading into winter, or hold off until next spring.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[kensuem]

Musta been downwind, and with a tailwind :laugh:

Mine's gone to around 105, maybe 110 (the speedo backlight is the latest bulb to blow :angry: so I can't see how fast I'm going at night, which is the only time I go on the motorways at speed - they're fulla cars otherwise)

on the level,it really was on the level! on the Tuapiro straight.It was also a damp,cold morning,when the motor seems to run sweeter.I have been told it is to do with the cold damp air cooling the fuel/air charge and allowing the engine to draw more in.Also feel it is something to do with the way the engine is run in.Being an 'old timer',I was very careful to run it in correctly,and I feel it has paid off,with the engine noticeably freeing up between 6 and 61/2 thousand klm.I feel the gn motor could do more and would like to pick up another engine to play arround with,and try a bit of mild tuning.

[Steam]

At 3500km did a bike maintenance course early August here in Wellington

Was that with Andrew at Roadsafe? I would like to do a basic course too.

[Terminated]

Was that with Andrew at Roadsafe? I would like to do a basic course too.

Yes Steam at Andrews, two nights Tuesday and Thursday when I did mine in August.

Apteryx_haasti [from this site] is booked on a course in January I believe, you may be able to get on that course.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[sunhuntin]

Musta been downwind, and with a tailwind :laugh:

Mine's gone to around 105, maybe 110 (the speedo backlight is the latest bulb to blow :angry: so I can't see how fast I'm going at night, which is the only time I go on the motorways at speed - they're fulla cars otherwise)

you actually got a backlight with yours!? hell...i didnt!! and some 3 months later, comin back from paeroa, i didnt have a speedo either. lol.

[rainman]

you actually got a backlight with yours!?

Maybe that's the problem... I just assumed it was there, and hadn't noticed when riding at night before. Maybe it's a feature, not a bug :doh:

Any other GN owners out there have a backlit speedo?

[Steam]

Any other GN owners out there have a backlit speedo?

All do. If you don't you got a blown bulb

[Lucy]

What he said.

[WasPhantom]

Yes Steam at Andrews, two nights Tuesday and Thursday when I did mine in August.

Apteryx_haasti [from this site] is booked on a course in January I believe, you may be able to get on that course.

Heads Up and Enjoy

Yeah I done this course about 2 months ago - really worth while doing - especially because at the end of the day, only a few square inches is all that is holding you and your bike rubber ( or plastic shite ) side down....

[Jman]

I had 5-6k for a bike, but no experience so decided to play it safe and go for a GN250. ($2.7k, 3000kms, in new condition). Maybe a good idea as I did have an off 2 weeks ago.

Anyway im wondering about bike things, ie oil/oil filter (as it had been sitting around a lot). Manual says very little about what oil filter should be fitted, so this leaves me wondering if any motorbike oil filter will do? (Must do oil change, it has been sitting around for a year before I bought it). Thanks for any tips.

[Steam]

Manual says very little about what oil filter should be fitted, so this leaves me wondering if any motorbike oil filter will do? (Must do oil change, it has been sitting around for a year before I bought it). Thanks for any tips.

Go to Suzuki motorcycle shop. Ask for GN250 oil filter please. $9.95 later... happy bike innards.

[twinkle]

Cant understand the 'plastic tyre' comment.

I just noticed that it says "NYLON" on the side of my tyre. they really are made out of plastic! :rofl:

[STORKEN]

STORKEN wants a GN or similar for my RG150. Must be newish. RG has about 35000k's. New Plymouth area. I also own and ride Honda VT250F. Recommend anyone buy one. ph (06)75 11524.

[klingon]

Go to Suzuki motorcycle shop. Ask for GN250 oil filter please. $9.95 later... happy bike innards.

Oi! Mine cost $12.50! I've been ripped off! :shit:

[MidnightMike]

Oi! Mine cost $12.50! I've been ripped off! :shit:

No you havent, voltys are better than gn's so it costs more :yes:

[Fatjim]

You ain't a real rider till you've ridden a lightened ginny round Taupo. Black lines everywhere. :Punk:

[Steam]

You ain't a real rider till you've ridden a lightened ginny round Taupo. Black lines everywhere. :Punk:

Got any pictures of it? I guess you just took everything off, mudguards, lights, etc?

[Bonez]

The GN is overtyred at the rear. Drop down a size. Also drop a gear to get maximum velocity.

Oh and there was still a new brand spankers one for sale in Dannivirke a few weeks back.

[Jman]

yea $12.50 is the oil filter price as I found. But not from Wellington motorcycles (the local suzuki dealership). They way overcharge for their stuff. (They had wanted $450 orc for a new GN250!)

[Citroenjunkie]

The GN has only one failing that I can see, it's a Soozie. Other than that if it makes you smile, ride it!

Those who care, don't matter and those who matter don't care. :ride:

[Grub]

Stopped to assist a broken 2006 GN250 on Paekakariki Hill Rd last night at 1735. Electrics blowing fuses (not stuff it pays to mess with). He'd called the AA and they were on the way so I spent a half hour with him chatting.

Great that I could advise him (from reading our "RoadsideAssistance" thread) that the AA had to take the bike to a place of repair. He bought it new from Wellington Motorcycles in April so it's still under warranty - therefore there is nly one place they could take it. I hope they did.

He was just a kid and all worried that they'd told him when $40 worth of petrol had been used up, he'd be paying the rest. That sounded really crap.

I hope they took it to ton and that it's now getting all fixed up. Poor kid lived in Waikanae so I'm not sure how he was going to get home.

I was very disappointed in Wellington Motorcycles "service" . I rang at 1737 (my Vodafone had signal, his Telecom didn't) and got their answer phone that said they closed at 1730. No afterhours number, no answer phone so he could leave a message, nothing ... just a hang-up. Not good.

Brett

[Steam]

it's a Soozie.
What's a Soozie?

[Grub]

What's a Soozie?

You're riding one :)

[Steam]

You're riding one :)
Can you clarify a bit more? Is Soozie slang for Cruisy, or Lazy Susan, or something? I still don't get it.

[ManDownUnder]

Can you clarify a bit more? Is Soozie slang for Cruisy, or Lazy Susan, or something? I still don't get it.

Soozie Zookie - I got one too.

[carver]

Musta been downwind, and with a tailwind :laugh:

Mine's gone to around 105, maybe 110 (the speedo backlight is the latest bulb to blow :angry: so I can't see how fast I'm going at night, which is the only time I go on the motorways at speed - they're fulla cars otherwise)

i did 160 kph on my ginny!
down the bombays, with a passanger through redline!
i had the k4 ginny one of the first.
they have been making them in china for 10 years-ish.
oh- i also stoppied mine, but i had dropped the staunchions in the tripple clamps, and fitted different bars.

[NighthawkNZ]

If I still had my GN250 I would most definately go to GN250 Rally... :scooter: They are a good learners and comuter bike :-) I use to ride mine from Auckland to Napier nearly every weekend and back... ahhh them were the days

Can I come on my VTR instead casue I no longer own one :dodge:

[kensuem]

i did 160 kph on my ginny!
down the bombays, with a passanger through redline!
i had the k4 ginny one of the first.
they have been making them in china for 10 years-ish.
oh- i also stoppied mine, but i had dropped the staunchions in the tripple clamps, and fitted different bars.

You must have been in freefall!!! Did your pillion have a parachute?

[Komuter]

Yep.. no more GN250.. got one of the last! Only had her three weeks.. I think, but enjoying it. A good little starter bike. :)

Well, not one dealer told me it was the last run, but the dealer kindly registered mine as a 2007 GN250E, which is fantastic!

As a newbie impressionable buyer, not one dealer gave me decent details on the bike, I was astounded by the lack of detail from some sales people. And I find it odd that the best detail on the GN250 is in these forums!

Cheers
Captain Komuter

[Lissa]

Ive had my bike umm about 4 months I think... I have only done just under 3000ks on her. Then the other weekend I was riding down a country road, and all of a sudden she sounded alot louder, checked her out and the baffle had fallen off some how.... must have been going too fast :shit: Also my front head light bulb blew on the same day... Luckly I didnt have to pay anything to get it fixed... and I kinda liked the sound without the baffle anyway. Still shes a good learner bike.. but honestly can't wait to upgrade. BTW the fastest I have gone on her is 130kph with my head down. :Punk:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was very disappointed in Wellington Motorcycles "service" . I rang at 1737 (my Vodafone had signal, his Telecom didn't) and got their answer phone that said they closed at 1730. No afterhours number, no answer phone so he could leave a message, nothing ... just a hang-up. Not good.

Brett

Well Brett, it's like this.....what good would it be if we had an answer phone eh? Great....the poor guy leaves a message and waits......he'll be waiting until we open the next day and would probably have died of hypothermia mean time. We shut at 1730 (as you said), you rang at 1737. I'm really sorry you missed us, but as much as we don't like seeing people in a 'spot', you must also realise we simply cannot be avail 24/7 for every single problem some people have. In an ideal world....we'd work 7 days a week for 24 hours right? Fuck.....it's so unfair that we should want to ride our bikes at some stage too right? We already do six days a week....pretty hard to have a life as it is. ANYONE that buys a bike from me personally, has my business card.
On my business card is an after hours number. ALL of MY customers are told BY me that they're welcome to ring me 24/7 with any problem they may have.

The other sales guys don't do that, and that's fair enough. But I find it pretty unfair of you to shoot WMCC down simply because they choose to stick to certain hours.

We're a huge shop that does our best to help as many of our customers as we can, but seeing as I've been in the 'industry' for 20 years, I've seen enough 'impossible to please people' to know there's always a few that expect too much.

I've seen a lot of great posts about TSS (free 'hats off to ya' Stu) and how helpful they've been collecting people at all sorts of hours and quite often not even charging them for doing so. I honestly think that's fantastic, and hugely commendable.
BUT, when they grow a larger CUSTOMER BASE, they'll not be able to do that quite as easily as they do now.
Then you'll probably be here telling us how 'bad' you find them or anyone else that dares to try and have a life.

My suggestion to you is Brett.....open your own bike shop and show us how to do it properly. It's obviously pretty easy.

[Crasherfromwayback]

yea $12.50 is the oil filter price as I found. But not from Wellington motorcycles (the local suzuki dealership). They way overcharge for their stuff. (They had wanted $450 orc for a new GN250!)

We use Suzuki NZ recommended retail for our parts, always have, always will.
I've worked there for 12 years and we've NEVER charged $450.00 for ORC.

Show me anything that has that as proof.....or be decent enough to tell us all you're talking PLOP.

[Grub]

My suggestion to you is Brett.....open your own bike shop and show us how to do it properly. It's obviously pretty easy.

Suitably chastised and eating humble pie. I can't even remember how long ago that was posted, but everything you say is true and I agree with ll of it.

Can we kiss and make up now?

Brett

[Crasherfromwayback]

Suitably chastised and eating humble pie. I can't even remember how long ago that was posted, but everything you say is true and I agree with ll of it.

Can we kiss and make up now?

Brett

Nah mate, I don't kiss on first posts!
But seriously Brett, I'm sorry for rarking you up so badly, but it really pisses me off to read all of the shop slagging that goes on here.

All shops make mistakes, as do all humans. But customers are truely fickle.
They'll leave a shop that's provided them years of good honest service for the sake of saving $50.00 over ONE deal, then put the knife in as well.

But when they're in a bind.....lets say close to the shop they did that to, they'll have no hesitation in running back there and expect that same shop they slagged off to drop everything and help them right there and then, like they're the best customer they've ever had.

Nobody opens a motorcycle shop because they want to make money. They do it because they're avid motorcyclists that see it as a way of earning a living doing what they (and you) love.

We also need time to ride.

[Grub]

We also need time to ride.

Would it be unkind of me to mention that it's going to be a wee while before you can ride? :innocent:

I just found my original post - about the kid with the Ginny blown electrics on Paekak Hill Rd. At the time I thought the answer phone may have been useful so that he could log the issue, you guys would know to expect it .... and he would have felt a lot better - I think he was nearly in tears.

Just a thought

Cheers

[Crasherfromwayback]

Would it be unkind of me to mention that it's going to be a wee while before you can ride? :innocent:

I just found my original post - about the kid with the Ginny blown electrics on Paekak Hill Rd. At the time I thought the answer phone may have been useful so that he could log the issue, you guys would know to expect it .... and he would have felt a lot better - I think he was nearly in tears.

Just a thought

Cheers

Nah Brett....I get it back next Sunday. Was only a 28 day suspension.
It hasn't really been too much of a hassle, as I live 200m from work.
Which brings me back to our unfortunate GN friend.
They can ring me, have the bike dropped off here at my apartment where it's all safe and sound, then I'll get it to work the very next day.:scooter: