Disheartened with dealers

[ital916]

Hey all,

Well I think I reached the last straw with motorcycle dealerships. Over the last few months I have had three botched jobs, one was a new tyre fitting, one was an indicator repair and the third was a headlight repair when the bulb melted. All three times a severe lack of customer satisfaction and the fact that the headlight unit was fixed by my mate and I after being quoted 500 dollars was quite annoying. I have been sold defective gloves and recently waited four days to order in a new genuine clutch cable, and patiently waiting for it to arrive to find that it is not the correct cable. Supposedly suzuki have been selling the cables to rg150 owners who have been fitting them quite happily, how I wouldn't know as it sure as hell wouldn't fit on mine. After getting a refund *still waiting for it to come into my bank account* and asking how long it will take to get in the proper one was quoted a few weeks to possibly six months. Sigh. I'm sure there are genuinely nice dealers out there who care about noobs and motorcycle troubles but I have been seriously put off dealing with dealers for fear of a botched job. My bike is still immobile in the garage and I havent ridden her for a week and a bit for lack of a clutch cable, I think i'm going cold turkey cos I miss riding her sooooo bad :crybaby:.........can't wait to get back up an running. I'm stuck with the bloody cage for now.

Drider

[Nagash]

I've had a full arm cast on for 9 weeks, you think you miss riding your bike?

But that definately appears like karma's making you it's bitch. Did something mortally terrible did yah?

[Meanie]

Dam they are slack in the big smoke
Dont have the same trouble down here, an occasional botch job but normaly sorted real quick In a smaller city they have to look after all thier clients cause word gets around pretty quickly
Ring some dealers further down the line, someone will help you

[gav]

Is this one shop in particular or have you been trying a few different ones?
You might pick up a s/h cable on Trade Me?

[Macstar]

I crunched the numbers recently on repairing and maintaining an aging bike vs buying a new one. As you know, I bought a new bike. Even with an allowance for depreciation, an $11,000 bike doesn't cost much more weekly than an old bike... AND, you spend your time with bikes doing the thing that's best: RIDING THEM, not repairing them!

[Ixion]

Take the broken cable, and go see the guys at Spectrum Cycles in Barry's Point Rd on the North Shore . They'll fix it for you, like as not while you wait.

[onearmedbandit]

I've had a full arm cast on for 9 weeks, you think you miss riding your bike?



Ahhh, toughen up. :lol:

And to the OP, have you tried to get a new clutch cable made? Simple enough job for the right guys.

[Ragingrob]

Far out that pisses you off ay! I was looking forward to cruising with ya sometime this week but guess it'll have to wait. Well at least the car's mobile now :P

[ital916]

I've been using my mums car, the subie is getting fixed still. sigh yeah missin riding heaps. I'll ring around tomorrow and see what can be done. Oh an it's been multiple dealers being slack.

[HungusMaximist]

I crunched the numbers recently on repairing and maintaining an aging bike vs buying a new one. As you know, I bought a new bike. Even with an allowance for depreciation, an $11,000 bike doesn't cost much more weekly than an old bike... AND, you spend your time with bikes doing the thing that's best: RIDING THEM, not repairing them!

You know, you're missing something out here Mac boy, what about the Nostalgic feeling of riding a old tin box.. ahem.. I mean antique.

[breakaway]

I've had a million qualms with mechanics / shops. In fact, I'm running out of places to boycot now. Certain shop didn't put my wheels back on properly, and another shop missed a completely collapsed bearing (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1366700&postcount=10) (which was causing brake pulse / drifting left under braking) after spending about $1000 on 'repairs' and 'diagnostics'. occasions. They quoted me $380 for a disc. A KBer on here helped me put in a $9 bearing and all my problems went away.

Only way to do it is to learn how to do it all yourself tbh. That way they won't get an opportunity charge you $80 for one flimsy piece of shit indicator that doesn't match your rest, only to come home and find someone selling 4 honda OEMs for $60 brand new.

[thehollowmen]

I've been quoted a total of eight weeks to get a chain and sprocket set for my bike since there are none in the country.

Yep, I'm walking as much as I can because my chain is shagged and at the limit.

(I'm getting a friend to send me a set from overseas to solve this problem)

So yes, may I get in your boat?

[ital916]

Oh if only I knew how to fabricate a new cab;e myself lol lifes problems would go away. One thing i've realised not riding is how calming and relaxed and complete just cruising around on the bike made me, as funny as that sounds. Sure mate, it's not s boat it's a battleship!:ar15:

[Usarka]

Ahhh, toughen up. :lol:


Bahahahahaa! Were u up in the norf island a last weekend? If so you didn't wave back ya snob.

[Roki_nz]

What shop did you go to?
And does anyone else have any dealerships etc that we could give a miss?

[Devil]

I've been quoted a total of eight weeks to get a chain and sprocket set for my bike since there are none in the country.

Yep, I'm walking as much as I can because my chain is shagged and at the limit.

(I'm getting a friend to send me a set from overseas to solve this problem)

So yes, may I get in your boat?

You dont need friends overseas.

http://www.sprocketcenter.com/

Chain and sprocket kits cheaper than here.
Took 8 days for my last delivery to turn up from the states (only a few days ago).
Good service, and they have everything.

[jim.cox]

Only way to do it is to learn how to do it all yourself tbh.

Yeah, what he said :)

Learn to do as much as possible yourself - you wont reget it.

For me, I learn best by actually doing it. I'm frigging slow and messy the first time, but by the time I've done it three times I'm up to speed and comfortable

Note you do also need to learn which jobs NOT to tackle yourself...

Just my $0.02

=mjc=
.

[tone_crafter]

I had an interesting experience with a dealer with my FXR150 a few months ago.

I got a puncture one night in my rear tyre and didn't have a repair kit. Luckily I managed to find a dealers nearby that would stay open for me while i pushed the bike there. I left the bike there that night, and got a mate to pick me up. The next day I got someone to drop me at work which was close to the shop.

Called them up that morning and they said it needed a new tyre. Fair enough I thought. Anyway went to pick up the bike that night and they said "oh the tyre had a tube in it so we relaced the tube instead". The tyres on this bike are tubless and they didn't call me up to ask me if I wanted a new tube or just a new tyre. I would have rather had the new tyre as the tread was getting quite low.

Anyway at the time I though it was better anyway as the tube was cheaper than a new tyre.

Went to a mates place that night and on my way home I got another flat! Luckily I was within a few hundred metres of a gas station so managed to get enough air in it to get home.

Once I got home I took the wheel off and took my cage the next day. Took the tyre back to the shop to tell them it had gone flat again. Got a call later on that day saying the inside of the tyre was rough and it had caused the tube to get a puncture and that I would have to get a new tyre. Was pritty pissed off as thats what I was expecting in the first place.

Went back that night and said I wasn't gonna pay for the tube or the extra work as it was their silly fault for doing a botchy job. They eventually agreed to that after groaning for a while. Once I got home I realise they hadn't subtracted the price of the tube from the new tyre and that I had paid for it too. I didn't even get to keep the tube hahaha. All up it only cost me about an extra $40 so I couldn't be bothered going back again to complain but it was more the incoveniece that pissed me off. I guess they were trying to do me a favour and save me some money by replacing the tube but oh well.

Anyway theres my rant! I guess I should have just had a puncture repair kit then none of this would have happened in the first place.

[Waxxa]

It's a hard job finding the perfect bike shop boy!

Go to Atomic wreckers in Barrys Point rd Nth Shore, the guy there will make up a clutch cable for you on the spot and the length you want(take old cable in with you). That will get you running.

Most parts from Japan do take approx. 8 wks to arrive.

[Ragingrob]

It's a hard job finding the perfect bike shop boy!

Go to Atomic wreckers in Barrys Point rd Nth Shore, the guy there will make up a clutch cable for you on the spot and the length you want(take old cable in with you). That will get you running.

Most parts from Japan do take approx. 8 wks to arrive.

I went there to get a rear axle nut and the guy wasn't helpful at all, talked to me like I was 10, asked dumb questions, served someone else before me when I'd obviously been waiting longer, took 10 minutes to find the nut then would only sell it for $50 as the entire axle.

So I went to this place 3 driveways up the road from Cycletreads on the same side and he handed me a nut within 1 minute asking for 10 bucks and having a chat and a laugh with me. :first: Champion!

[Disco Dan]

MotoHaus on Western Springs Road (west)

Henderson Motorcycles on Railside Avenue (west)





In that order. No-one else gets my business.

Too many cunts working at other shops I have been too. I you went to Red Baron for an axle nut you would have to buy the whole f*cking bike (tossers).

Stick to a couple of shops and get to know them, then they will treat you right.

[wofman]

why dont you get a new cable made ? any of the good brake and clutch shops for cars should be able to make one frome a sample even if it is broken.
if you cant find any one to do this small job let me know and i will have a look in my bag of tricks

[MDR2]

Like the others have mentioned, have one made, I bet it works out a heck load cheaper then buying genuine!

Also, not knowing where in aucks you live but you must be localish to Panmure.

Go see Lorrie (sp) at Panmure Motorcycles on Morrin road. Good fulla.

[Waxxa]

Buma RagingRob. Yeah the guy can be un-helpful at Atomic, but if you need a clutch cable made....better than waiting 8wks and not riding...

[thehollowmen]

No sympathy, they didn't just crap out overnight :spanking:


No, hence why I asked them to order them in at my other service, then reminded them two weeks before this latest service.

Sure they don't crap out over night but the dealer has had almost four months to get them in stock for me knowing I'd be in again soon.

[thehollowmen]

You dont need friends overseas.

http://www.sprocketcenter.com/

Chain and sprocket kits cheaper than here.
Took 8 days for my last delivery to turn up from the states (only a few days ago).
Good service, and they have everything.

Bling for that, many thanks

[crashe]

Most parts from Japan do take approx. 8 wks to arrive.

Nup, not at all........ I ordered a part from Henderson bikes and I was told 10 working days...... and it arrived on the 9th or 10th day.

I was dubious as well when I was told 10 days...... as everyone that I had spoken too, reckoned 8 weeks...... so I am picking that they have improved their service and parts department over there in Japan, these days.

[onearmedbandit]

Nothing to do with the service in Japan at all, more to do with NZ being at the very end of the supply chain. In fact service in Japan makes going to your local dairy over here more akin to torture.

[cowpoos]

Take the broken cable, and go see the guys at Spectrum Cycles in Barry's Point Rd on the North Shore . They'll fix it for you, like as not while you wait.
I've heard they are very good there!! for everything! also Trashy raves on about motorcycle surgery...not totally sure where they are...but he insists they are on top of there game in aucks!

[onearmedbandit]

Bahahahahaa! Were u up in the norf island a last weekend? If so you didn't wave back ya snob.

Wasn't me, must've been the other onearmedbandit.

My old boss used to say that to me. "Saw you the other day on your bike, didn't wave to me did you though?", in a serious voice in front of clients and co-workers.

[Ixion]

I think it may have been Atomic I was thing of. But, anyway, any half decent bike shop should be able to fix a cable for a few bucks.

[Renegade]

my mate dropped my bike off its stand and scratched a few bits, he took it to the shop (tss) and they said 6 weeks for the parts from hyosung NZ, i gave him the richard hyosung website, he ordered the parts friday morning and they arrived monday arvo, from KOREA!!! at a third the price, wankers, they organised the painting of the fairing and when he told them they missed the other fairing that got a chip in it they told him not to worry cos i wouldnt mind?????

got the same thing from motorad when they mis-quoted and didnt change a bar end, told me i could hardly notice and not to worry???

not the point cos i didnt cause any of the damage!!!!

bike shops aye?? :gob:

[madbikeboy]

We're lucky to have a couple of stores on the Shore that are pretty good. I tend to shop at holeshot (parts, servicing, bike porn, leathers, boots). I also shop occasionally at CycleSpot (just bought some nice AStars one piece from them). Both are good guys, pretty reasonable about stuff, and so far, no dramas. I've had a succession of bikes wrenched at Holeshot, I farm out all the shit work like cam tensioners etc. Cyclespot let me ride a new blade recently, good experience, they weren't anal about it (is it just me or do Blades lack a little, something?? Can't justify what, they're fast, but...).

I also spend a shitload of income over at cycletreads. I've done regular chains, and I replace rears regularly there.

Barry's point Road is boy heaven. Holeshot. Cycletreads. Cyclespot. multisport bikes. The Den.

Now for the bad news. The rest of AK is fucked. In my humble opinion Haldanes are a bunch of asses (had folding to buy a new 1098, went in to test ride, got told to piss off, can't test ride it blah blah blah. Bought my Cooper S instead). Reb Daron are hopeless, and expensive. Colemans? Not likely. I've walked in there three times, and felt the urge to go hug the guys at holeshot...

[ital916]

I would love to find a dealer that I can rely on for parts, service, gear etc without being bullshitted around aye. I will keep looking, but for the moment I have found a fantastic motorcycle repairer close by who did the job on the cable. :niceone: The cable is still short thoug so the clutch bites on at full lever extension, getting used to it, basically have to dump the clutch to get it to go haha lucky it's a 150cc two stroke or that would make for interesting riding. lol

[xwhatsit]

HTFU. DIY. KTHX. <img src=foobarghey></img>

[ital916]

HTFU. DIY. KTHX. <img src=foobarghey></img>

STFU.YRAH.KTHX

[Katman]

Here's an idea.............

Forget the big dealers. Support the local small workshop. They probably have access to all the parts that the bigger shops have with the added bonus that they actually want to be helpful. (Speaking from first hand experience).

[scracha]

rts from hyosung NZ, i gave him the richard hyosung website, he ordered the parts friday morning and they arrived monday arvo, from KOREA!!! at
:gob:

If bike shops want to keep their particular manufacturer[s] franchise they have to go through the official wholesalers who are expensive, hardly carry any stock and take weeks to get parts. They get caught imprting parts from Australia or the states themselves and they risk losing the franchise.

Do the hard work yourself, get the part number[s], try your franchised dealer and if the part isn't in NZ then don't hesitate to try dealers not franchised with that particular manufacturer as they can import the parts from alternative sources within a few days.

[Gaz]

I agree, Lots of Auckland dealers are shocking. So I don't encourage them to remain in business... I bought a New GT250 from Mt Eden MC early last year. A few days after it was delivered, I found the RH mirror broken one morning. (yeah right) No, nothing touched it, I think it must have been a stress/heat fracture.

Well, I took it in - everyone looked at it (must of had their doubts) and then they replaced it. free of charge.There are good people out there, that know the value of looking after their customers.