Someones out to kill me!

[Pancakes]

I took my bike past the shop the other day and bought some stuff, popped my head into the workshop at the same time to see if they could tighten the chain up while I was there. The guy said it looked a bit dry and he'd put some lube on it. I had run out the week before and said sure, thanks. He proceeded to coat the chain, chain guard, wheel/rim and tyre with lube managing to get a good amont on the rear disk on the other side of the bike at the same time! I had the bike serviced at the same shop previously and it came out looking the same as it did this time, I took it back that time, showed the owner who apologised and cleaned it off saying it must have flung off if the test ride was done soon after the lube was applied. Now I have watched the "mechanic" put it on myself I can say 100% he just lets rip all over the wheel! So I want to know if you think this is ok? I don't and won't be going there again but haven't really dealt with other shops. Is this normal? I see it as a real hazard and think the guy must be pretty clueless if thats how he thinks the lube should go on! Theres the poll, FIRE AWAY!

[Shaun]

Go back and make him lick it off

[SixPackBack]

Look at this way Pancakes it just a Hyobag...bound to self destruct in no time, the Mechanic's savin' a bit of time.
I'd be cheerin':yes:

[paturoa]

Fecking dangerous.

Go back, make your displeasure known, and that you will be taking your business elsewhere for this reason.

[The Stranger]

Well lets face it, doesn't look like you use that part of the tyres much anyway.

[Maha]

Look at this way Pancakes it just a Hyobag...bound to self destruct in no time, the Mechanic's savin' a bit of time.
I'd be cheerin':yes:


Well lets face it, doesn't look like you use that part of the tyres much anyway.


Oh you guys.................:shutup:

[pritch]

Ummm You're not getting a lot of help here are you?

Buy a can of lube and do it yourself. I like Motul it goes on as a whiteish liquid and starts setting in seconds. Castrol might work too but it's dark brown and doesn't stick as well. I have another brand here too for no betterreason than it comes in a smaller can and I take it with me on trips Golden Spectro?
There are others eg Bel Ray, anything would be better than nothing.

I'm told you're are most likely to be able to buy Motul at a Honda dealer...

The secret with any of them is "little and often".

[ajturbo]

FUCK.. if mudboy even THOUGHT about doing a job like that, he would be doing what Shaun reconmends!!!!

off topic a bit but.. hey shaun, you know when luke asked you why you were slow at the nat's compaired to the others, i thought you may have told him, that you had the smallest bike out there... NOT that you are old and slow... hahahaha

[Shaun]

FUCK.. if mudboy even THOUGHT about doing a job like that, he would be doing what Shaun reconmends!!!!

off topic a bit but.. hey shaun, you know when luke asked you why you were slow at the nat's compaired to the others, i thought you may have told him, that you had the smallest bike out there... NOT that you are old and slow... hahahaha


Every dog has his day mate, and this dog has another bone to chew on at the moment

[Dafe]

You're the one that chooses who does what to your bike. Quite frankly I don't like anybody doing anything to my bike if I can't see it being done, unless it's just way too far out of my league.

Then I'll only take it to known good workshops.

I'd be PISSED at that job. But then again, that mechanic sure as heel ain't gonna be as focused on keeping the bike as bling as the owner would.
I also don't expect him to end up using the best quality lubricants on my bike unless I pay for it. The cheap shit gives you that effect.

Lube your chain yourself in future. Make a better effort to replace your lubricants when used. Then you won't have any fingers to point.

[sinned]

I used to lube mine slowly and carefully turning the wheel and protecting the wheel with a spray guard. Then I read a post here about starting it up and kicking it into gear.

That works a treat. Up on paddock stand, start it, kick into gear and about 3 seconds of spray (can with tube) where chain and spocket meet. Turn off and done. No mess just a nicely moist chain. Takes a couple of minutes all up and I do it after every second decent ride - 200 - 300k. Another trick is to heat the can in a pot of hot water for a couple of minutes to bring it up to temperature so it sprays and flows into the chain.

[Donor]

The guy said it looked a bit dry and he'd put some lube on it. I had run out the week before and said sure, thanks.

Am I the only one so far who noted this bit, where Pancakes practically SCREAMS that chain lubing is normally a home-based function?

[McJim]

Then I read a post here about starting it up and kicking it into gear.

That works a treat.

I don't know that many motorcyclists bein' a noob an' all but out of the few I know 2 have only one and a half thumbs due to this technique. Wouldn't recommend it - if you have to do it then be REALLY careful.

Which reminds me - need to lube my chain and check the tension - bugger - just washed my hands after replacing the air filter. (it's all dusty under my tank...yuk)

[sunhuntin]

id be pissed. and id complain again...that could cause an accident. good luck finding a good replacement mechanics!

picked up one of the gns ages ago after a service, from the local suzuki dealer. there was [im guessing] brake fluid all over the front of the bike, and the same greasy shit over the lock of the top box [where they had no reason to be near!]
that was one of the main reasons they lost my business. no way would i feel happy sending a bike home looking like that.

[Pancakes]

I normally lube a little bit each day doing the "inside" of the chain then rolling the bike back and doing it again. I also have a rag I put behind the chain to catch the overspray. This doesn't do the whole chain but it all see's some love in the end. Every Friday I use de-greaser and a stiff brush and once it's dry lube the whole thing real good. The first time I guessed it may have flung off but the second time I was holding the bike on the stand with the wheel in the air while he sprayed through the chain onto the rim and tyre. Notice the stuff under the rear guard isn't in line with the chain it's square with the lip of the tyre. I was late for work when they did it and wan't going to use anything like nice language if I started talking to them about it. How he did it he seemed to think it was fine, right infront of me. Or maybe he thought I looked like such a dick I wouldn't notice? I just thought, never there again. I haven't posted the shop name because it is only one guy and he doesn't own the shop but that one guy could really hurt some mum's little boy one day. I like to do my own stuff but do get the shop services done too so I keep the warranty on the bike. Can you take a bike to a shop that doesn't "do" that kind of bike? I figure that what I have could be serviced by any reasonable bike mech'. Normally use Yamaha lube cos it was what I had in the garage but my cousin toured up from the Sth Is and didn't bring any so my can got emptied pretty quick while he was up.

[Pancakes]

Well lets face it, doesn't look like you use that part of the tyres much anyway.

Yeah I don't get over as far as I want too but have had it over within 5-6mm of the edge of the tyre (not in the last few weeks which is why it's shined up abit), just have a wife and kids I'm heading home too and the bike is either on some real shitty roads or lanesplitting the NW. Neither are places for laying it down. Going on the thursday night ride tomorrow if it's on, decided I need to get out more!

[The Stranger]

Yeah I don't get over as far as I want too but have had it over within 5-6mm of the edge of the tyre (not in the last few weeks which is why it's shined up abit), just have a wife and kids I'm heading home too and the bike is either on some real shitty roads or lanesplitting the NW. Neither are places for laying it down. Going on the thursday night ride tomorrow if it's on, decided I need to get out more!

Good on you pancakes, don't bloody listen to me, i'm full of shit, seriously. Ride your own ride and yeah it is bloody hard to get rid of chicken strips when you spend all day lane splitting.

[mstriumph]

Yeah I don't get over as far as I want too but have had it over within 5-6mm of the edge of the tyre (not in the last few weeks which is why it's shined up abit), just have a wife and kids I'm heading home too and the bike is either on some real shitty roads or lanesplitting the NW. Neither are places for laying it down. Going on the thursday night ride tomorrow if it's on, decided I need to get out more!

hey! :angry: never APOLOGISE, never EXPLAIN --

--- he was winding you up anyway :Pokey:

[Shadows]

If you are so worried about traction and safety then the first thing you should do is get rid of those Shinko tyres and get something half decent put on instead!

[Pancakes]

You could have $1000 rubber on and that grease would still let them light up. The Shinko's are average tyres, it's a below average power bike being a v twin 250 and they are stable and predictable in all the situations I've been in. I have the bike cos it's really cost effective and if I can't make the tyres let go they're up to the job. I can't justify spending more just to wear out a softer compound out in the middle 'splitting to work and back. I'd rather have the bike I can ride now than jerk off over something I might have a chance of owning in 10 years time.

[JayRacer37]

Go back and make him lick it off

Yeap...its not THAT hard to get wax just on the chain....espesh, with one of the aplicatiorr nozzles....even i can usually manage it, and im just a lowly racer who CAN"T do any meachanicaly jobs, cause im just too bloody dangerous...eh, Shaun??
P.S. off topic I know, but we have the Kawa rejuinated for this weekend...best HP we have seen...so thanks a bunch for your offer, but hopefully we have a handle on it...

[SixPackBack]

Good on you pancakes, don't bloody listen to me, i'm full of shit, seriously. Ride your own ride and yeah it is bloody hard to get rid of chicken strips when you spend all day lane splitting.

You should be ashamed winding people up like that:mellow:

[Shaun]

Yeap...its not THAT hard to get wax just on the chain....espesh, with one of the aplicatiorr nozzles....even i can usually manage it, and im just a lowly racer who CAN"T do any meachanicaly jobs, cause im just too bloody dangerous...eh, Shaun??
P.S. off topic I know, but we have the Kawa rejuinated for this weekend...best HP we have seen...so thanks a bunch for your offer, but hopefully we have a handle on it...



K-oooooool

[Toaster]

Go back and make him lick it off

Piss on it first.

[Shaun]

Piss on it first.




Nice:rockon:

[cowpoos]

I took my bike past the shop the other day and bought some stuff, popped my head into the workshop at the same time to see if they could tighten the chain up while I was there. The guy said it looked a bit dry and he'd put some lube on it. I had run out the week before and said sure, thanks. He proceeded to coat the chain, chain guard, wheel/rim and tyre with lube managing to get a good amont on the rear disk on the other side of the bike at the same time! I had the bike serviced at the same shop previously and it came out looking the same as it did this time, I took it back that time, showed the owner who apologised and cleaned it off saying it must have flung off if the test ride was done soon after the lube was applied. Now I have watched the "mechanic" put it on myself I can say 100% he just lets rip all over the wheel! So I want to know if you think this is ok? I don't and won't be going there again but haven't really dealt with other shops. Is this normal? I see it as a real hazard and think the guy must be pretty clueless if thats how he thinks the lube should go on! Theres the poll, FIRE AWAY!
they owe you a tyre...go and tell them that...who are they???

[Macktheknife]

I was gunna say really unsafe awful etc, but I couldn't quite bring myself to condemn someone who may be just an apprentice who doesn't know any better.
I reckon you should go back to the shop, speak to the manager/owner and address your concerns directly to them, give them a chance to do the right thing by you and to educate the person who did the job.
If you still choose to go elsewhere with your business then that is up to you but if this person is not corrected then someone else may find out the hard way.

[sinned]

I would be worried having anyone who didn't ride and appreciate bikes anywhere near mine. How could a bike shop owner consider employing someone who doesn't love bikes.

[pritch]

Am I the only one so far who noted this bit, where Pancakes practically SCREAMS that chain lubing is normally a home-based function?

No you're not! It wasn't really relevant, however, as apparently the chain was so dry it demanded immediate attention. I assumed therefore a (substantial?) period of neglect.

And anyway, who's to say what's "normal"?:innocent:

[zeocen]

I was gunna say really unsafe awful etc, but I couldn't quite bring myself to condemn someone who may be just an apprentice who doesn't know any better.

How could an apprentice of all people not know how to do basic motorcycle maintenance !? Lubing the chain is up there with starting the bike if you ask me.

[justsomeguy]

So what you're saying is someone's out to kill you.......

But you don't want to tell us who it is cos he's the only one in the shop and you're scared of hurting his feelings?

That's the kind of job I'd expect out of a pre-school kid with no knowledge of bikes/push bikes or the life experience to have gained some common sense.

Which bike shop is this? I'd like to tell all my friends never to go there.

Wanna know which shops I tell my friends to go to?

In random order of preference:
Botany Honda
Mt Eden Motorcycles
Cycletreads
Corsa Motorcycles
Holeshot Motorcycles
Auckland Motorcycle and Power Sports (AMPS)


If you can't make it to the above, then in this order:
Red Baron
Colemans
MotoHaus
Now that's what I tell my friends, it's up to you to do what you want.

[KLOWN]

If you are so worried about traction and safety then the first thing you should do is get rid of those Shinko tyres and get something half decent put on instead!

bollocks, the shinkos are good.

[Hawkeye]

Get a Scottoiler fitted. Keeps the chain in tip top condition and extends it's life.

[Shadows]

bollocks, the shinkos are good.

Yes, I agree they are "good". Especially if you are considering value for money or longevity. But just being "good" isn't good enough if all hell breaks loose and you suddenly find you need "better" or "excellent".

Tyres are your best insurance, they shouldn't be skimped on.

[unhingedlizard]

Get a Scottoiler fitted. Keeps the chain in tip top condition and extends it's life.

Yep, scottoilers are the bomb. Until it starts to pour copuois amounts of lube on your back tyre. Had that happen to me. took me ages to figure the small gold nut on the top of the resivour was loose....

Failing that I've been using a paddock stand and first gear for years, works a treat.

[Squeak the Rat]

Failing that I've been using a paddock stand and first gear for years, works a treat.


That really needs a disclaimer or some expanding, as it's very likely new riders are reading this thinking what a good idea.

If you do use this method only do so to apply the oil. Do not, I repeat NOT, wipe off the chain with a rag while the wheel is spinning or you may not be able to give people the fingers for much longer..... (see mcjims earlier post in this thread)

[Pancakes]

So what you're saying is someone's out to kill you.......

But you don't want to tell us who it is cos he's the only one in the shop and you're scared of hurting his feelings?


Nah, not cos it's one guy and all that, he seems to be a bit of a dumbass if he thinks he's anything like a mechanic. I just know that a bad name will impact the owner and their family most then the other staff who have no control over this guys actions. As pissed as I am I can fathom the depths of my actions and want to talk to the owner before doing anything I can't undo. You don't need me to tell you who it is and always check the bike after it's been tutu'ed with and ask questions if something looks funny. You'd hope to get a good explanation of why things are like they are or maybe a "sorry, can I take care of that before you leave". If someone is hacked off that you question them, let them know that your not trying to be a dick, just that not asking for politeness sake won't get you your arms back if something is wrong. Ask nicely and be genuine and I'm sure you won't be miss-understood.

Yeah it's been a few days but I want to stop by the shop in person and talk to the owner and not when I'm all shitty about it.

Thanks to QK KID & QKCHIC (sp?) for the ATNR. Awesome! What a great time. Good on you two.

[Mumbles]

Some of it looks like its come off the chain on the ride home which would have to be expected
Your comment about the owner and his family impact, If I was the owner and you got that service I’d want to know so I could:argue: : :bash: retrain the dumb arse or send him packing :spanking: . (the dumb arse did after all offer to lube it for you… so from some far corner of my brain he was customer focused)

Chain care.... :zzzz:
I was told by a mate when I first started to ride to look after the things that with a little attention will last longer and save me money and keep me alive.
Any little maintenance I can do will help.
I have now got into the habit of cleaning and lubing my chain every 4 tanks or (2months if I haven’t done much riding)
Lesson below. :whocares:
Takes approx 10 – 20 min depending on how dirty you chain is,
You will need
Car Jack/ block/s or bike stand for rear wheel
Mineral turpentine (wont effect “O” ring chains) and a jar of some sort to help apply the turps.
Old tooth brush don’t try the wife’s one she WILL notice the taste (unless you don’t put it back) :nono:
Little plastic buckets (sit under the chain to catch drips)
A few rags to clean up some of you mess
Chain Lube
Spanner or what ever you need to adjust you chain.

Raise rear wheel so spins freely by hand (I use a car jack on the rear swing arm where it meets the bottom of the shock)
Using tooth brush apply m/turps onto the chain cleaning and moving chain for one full rotation of the chain you will notice the chain will start to free up.
Repeat until your happy you got all/most of the dirt off.
Wipe off excess turps watching those fingers and allow time for the chain to dry (5min)
Find a place on the chain you can direct spray and not hit the tire or break parts. (I spray onto the top of the chain next to the swing arm as its easer to wipe off the swing arm than the tire. Then spin your tire and spray chain with lube. Stop and have a look for any dry spots, treat any that you find. Now clean up your mess using one of the rags with a little turps to remove any lube that got onto anything else that it shouldn’t have.
Now’s the perfect time to adjust your chain! note: I only seem to have to adjust my chain a little every once and a while and not every time I clean it.
Park ya bike up for the night helps lube to get a chance to stick onto your chain. If you over spray your chain with lube you will get some flick off it.
Hope this helps ya for next time
Also been told a few tips that you might like to add
One was posted here about heating your lube in water before you apply, another one was to take your bike for a quick blat :scooter: after cleaning to get your chain warm and remove any excess turps which will also help with lube adhesion (only problem is having to return from your ride and raise the rear wheel to make application easer)

[Pancakes]

Yeah, loosely agree with what you say. I commute so the cleaning and whatnot is more frequent than what you seem to do but the rule is a little bit often and regular cleaning helps stop dirty crud piling up.

I have to reiterate tho. It did not fling off the sprocket!! The direct spray got the rim, swingarm, tyre (sidewall, most of whats on the tread crept there by centrifugal force) brake rotor and caliper on the other side. I normally lube after riding too so the stuff sets up and also so the metal is protected from water, air and other crap by a layer of clean lube. The stuff he used seems to stick pretty well from the start. The first time I had this result from a lube at the same shop I thought it had benn test ridden too soon after the chain was done but I WATCHED THIS GUY SPRAY THERE DIRECTLY!

You say he was customer focussed for offering, yeah maybe. First off. If I don't have time to do something right I would say I don't have time I'm sorry. My point of the whole thing is that he did this right infront of me and seems to think this is how to apply lube.

Anyhow. I'm gonna talk to the shop owner this week and am going to want some assurance this guy gets "the word", after all , this isn't the first time and the first time I was really polite about it, didn't demand anything exept that the owner was made aware of what happened.

Time will tell eh.

[Pancakes]

I have now got into the habit of cleaning and lubing my chain every 4 tanks or (2months if I haven’t done much riding)


You should probably lube it a small amount even if you aren't riding as the volitiles (sp?) in the lube will have begun to dry out even in the garage.