Biker servicing costs - am I being quoted silly money?

[BigDave]

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie to the whole bike scene and KB (cool forum btw. lots of info).

I've just got my learners license and recently got my hands on a Yamaha SRV 250 Renaissa (love it!). I'm wanting to get it serviced and generally checked over, but was pretty gobsmacked at the price I got quoted for servicing. I was told it would be "about $250, but could be more" for a simple service. The way he was talking, i got the impression that didn't include all the parts (plugs, filters, etc). It costs less to do my car, which involves more oil, includes all filters, quick tune and even WOF! Am I missing something or is this normal price for servicing a bike?

I was considering doing it myself as I've done loads of work on cars before so not afraid of getting oily, but I'm new to bikes and don't have a manual etc, so figured I'd just get someone to do it for now.

I know it can be difficult to give a rough idea of price, but I'm in Auckland and I'd be after a service including all filters and also to get a general check over of the bike to include chain, etc.

Cheers in advance guys!
Dave :niceone:

[Mental Trousers]

Seems a bit high but you get what you pay for. Shop around is really the only answer. Check with a whole bunch of different places to see what they charge and what they do for a service. Ask questions.

[nodrog]

will the real big Dave please stand up

[Strang0r]

will the real big Dave please stand up

And put one of those fingers on each hand up...

[alanzs]

Honda of Botany has worked on my bike and they did a really top notch job. Wasn't cheap, but you want it done right, as your life depends on it.
I do general maintenance myself; oil changes, chain adjustments, brake pads. Bigger services and I go to the shop.

[Gremlin]

I was told it would be "about $250, but could be more" for a simple service. The way he was talking, i got the impression that didn't include all the parts (plugs, filters, etc).
I wish my servicing was that cheap... well, actually, the CB900 hornet is around that, anywhere between $200 and $300 normally.

Servicing on my zx10 is just a little more expensive, normally around $600 ish, p'raps a bit more. Since I chuck other things like tyres, chains, sprockets etc in on each one as well, I haven't escaped with change from $1300-$1400 for the last 2 services.

So you ain't so bad actually :niceone:

[kiwicam]

I just had my Xin chen "serviced" (oil changed and filter shaken)

total cost $5

done on the footpath while i had a cup of tea (included in the price)

[PrincessBandit]

Oops sorry - when i read the thread title I thought it was for servicing bikers.....
No idea what that would cost!!:whistle:
Ask your friends who ride where they get theirs done and if they are happy with the work and cost. Nothing worse than not knowing whether you're being ripped off or not, or whether the workmanship is up to standard or not. Word of mouth and repeat custom is the best advertising for any business like this.
p.s. just had the bandit's 6000 km service and the burgman's 1000 km service recently done and the cost of both (read 'each') were comfortably under $200; done where we bought them from.

[geoffm]

Google indicates it is the same motor as the XV250 Virago. You may want to check this with a mechanic.
The manual is at:
http://www.gofastvideo.com/gallery/item/predownload/440/free-racing/videos/yamaha-xv250-shop-manual.html
Geoff

[Squiggles]

Google indicates it is the same motor as the XV250 Virago. You may want to check this with a mechanic.
The manual is at:
http://www.gofastvideo.com/gallery/item/predownload/440/free-racing/videos/yamaha-xv250-shop-manual.html
Geoff

Similar to, but not the same as, different heads, and apparently different cylinders etc as well I believe the bottom ends are the same though

[motorbyclist]

$250 may sound steep, cause it really is, but that's what they charge

tried shopping around bike shops?


$50 for 40minutes labour (oil, plugs and chain)
$40 for oil (number i pulled from the air)
$40 for filter (number i pulled from the air)
$50 for a pair of plugs (may be twice that)
comes to $170....

dunno where the other $80 comes from but that's about 4 tanks of gas (1000km)!

maybe if they balanced the carbies, flushed radiator and bled all the brake lines it would justify the $80.....


if you ran a shop like that you'd either be immensely popular, or go broke within the week...



and to think the SMC has semi-regular free "fix it" days where you can be shown how to do it yourself - just bring your own fluids/parts;)

[Spuds1234]

$250 may sound steep, cause it really is, but that's what they charge

tried shopping around bike shops?


$50 for 40minutes labour (oil, plugs and chain)
$40 for oil (number i pulled from the air)
$40 for filter (number i pulled from the air)
$50 for a pair of plugs (may be twice that)
comes to $170....

dunno where the other $80 comes from but that's about 4 tanks of gas (1000km)!

maybe if they balanced the carbies, flushed radiator and bled all the brake lines it would justify the $80.....


if you ran a shop like that you'd either be immensely popular, or go broke within the week...



and to think the SMC has semi-regular free "fix it" days where you can be shown how to do it yourself - just bring your own fluids/parts;)

Your on the right track, but dont forget the tappets, air filter, tyre pressures.

[BigDave]

Cheers for all the info guys :niceone:

Unfortunately all my mates that ride have just got their bikes too, so no one has had any work done either, so can't really go by their recommendation. I'll ask about at work though as there are always a few bikes in the car park.

I'll see if I can find a manual at some point as I'd like to learn to do it myself anyway. I miss having oil under my finger nails!

I've been on pain killers all week due to tooth problems so haven't ridden my bike for ages. It's driving me nuts! :argh:

Hmm, think I may have to change my user name too! :o

[motorbyclist]

Your on the right track, but dont forget the tappets, air filter, tyre pressures.

air pressure = 30 secs

air filter - yep i missed that one, and they can be costly to replace if they need replacing

tappets - as part of a minor service? really!? that would make $250 a bargain if it's a 16 valve engine that requires a lot of bike disassembly to access!

[Spuds1234]

250 for all that on my katana, tappets included.

[fireball]

i once was told to pay $400 for basic service...... turned out i needed a whole lot of new parts (bull shit) told the lovely mechanic to pull his head out of his arse, just because im female doesnt make me stupid.
be wary of those wanting to take you for a ride....

my last service cost me $100 only a month ago due for another one in under 500km
last work done was new chain and sprockets and breaks checked for $300

but shop around just because some are more exspensive or cheaper than others doesnt mean quality in some cases

[HungusMaximist]

As a student I do have to agree with all the tone of the thread that bringing in your bike to be serviced is expensive.

BUT

Just like anything else, getting a tradesmen doing your burst water pipes is also gonna be expensive. If the price is right, just pay the damm money, at the end of the day people are there to make money. Trust me, from the words of my South African mechanic mate, people in NZ are hold outs and just don't wanna pay for quality service. So what they get basically is crap service.

But if you do find that special mech, build a relationship with him and question his work/quote when needed. Otherwise, learn how to do the basic stuff yourself.

[klyong82]

As a student I do have to agree with all the tone of the thread that bringing in your bike to be serviced is expensive.

BUT

Just like anything else, getting a tradesmen doing your burst water pipes is also gonna be expensive. If the price is right, just pay the damm money, at the end of the day people are there to make money. Trust me, from the words of my South African mechanic mate, people in NZ are hold outs and just don't wanna pay for quality service. So what they get basically is crap service.

But if you do find that special mech, build a relationship with him and question his work/quote when needed. Otherwise, learn how to do the basic stuff yourself.


Does that include you when it comes to paying others for quality work? :shutup:

[Max Preload]

...but shop around just because some are more expensive or cheaper than others doesnt mean quality in some cases

Indeed, some people think the more you pay the better the service, but the two are not inseparable.


Trust me, from the words of my South African mechanic mate, people in NZ are hold outs and just don't wanna pay for quality service. So what they get basically is crap service.

It's a bit of a catch-22. People have come to expect mediocre service, so they want to pay less for it.

[Edbear]

If you're not too far from Whangaparaoa, give Tim a call on 09-424 0477, he's a KB'r. Classic_Z and does bikes.

[Roki_nz]

$250 yeap thats what i was quoted, my cage costs less to service

[rok-the-boat]

Bloody expensive if you ask me. Spend the money on tools. All you need to buy is oil and an oil filter. Odds are you'll do a better job of it than they will. I can't believe how much people are paying here.

[Max Preload]

I can't believe how much people are paying here.

That makes 2 of us. Not to mention not getting any experience and enjoyment from doing things for yourself. It used to be the case that motorcyclists worked on their own bikes and there's no reason why that can't be done now for basic maintenance by 99% of people.

[Pedrostt500]

Im certain that I saw a Thread here some where about bike maintenance groups, look it up and see if you can go and learn how to service your bike your self, it will make the experience so much more enjoyable.

[gunrunner]

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie to the whole bike scene and KB (cool forum btw. lots of info).

I've just got my learners license and recently got my hands on a Yamaha SRV 250 Renaissa (love it!). I'm wanting to get it serviced and generally checked over, but was pretty gobsmacked at the price I got quoted for servicing. I was told it would be "about $250, but could be more" for a simple service. The way he was talking, i got the impression that didn't include all the parts (plugs, filters, etc). It costs less to do my car, which involves more oil, includes all filters, quick tune and even WOF! Am I missing something or is this normal price for servicing a bike?

I was considering doing it myself as I've done loads of work on cars before so not afraid of getting oily, but I'm new to bikes and don't have a manual etc, so figured I'd just get someone to do it for now.

I know it can be difficult to give a rough idea of price, but I'm in Auckland and I'd be after a service including all filters and also to get a general check over of the bike to include chain, etc.

Cheers in advance guys!
Dave :niceone:

Seems steep it should be that with everything included , google your bike make and model and get a manual online , then go get what you want and do it yourself its a good way to learn bout your bike and easy enuff to do yourself:niceone:

[gunrunner]

i once was told to pay $400 for basic service...... turned out i needed a whole lot of new parts (bull shit) told the lovely mechanic to pull his head out of his arse, just because im female doesnt make me stupid.
be wary of those wanting to take you for a ride....

my last service cost me $100 only a month ago due for another one in under 500km
last work done was new chain and sprockets and breaks checked for $300

but shop around just because some are more exspensive or cheaper than others doesnt mean quality in some cases

Good on ya , i remember years ago at the sprints out of Ash Vegas all my mates were giving this very attractive blonde in a race suit shit as she was looking at the bikes well later on in the day she jumped on a late model Triumph (Daytona i think ) she went out and broke the speed record .:Oops:

[tate35]

Welcome Dave and congrats on getting your learners and your Yamaha.

Happy and safe riding:scooter:


Hi guys,

I'm a newbie to the whole bike scene and KB (cool forum btw. lots of info).

I've just got my learners license and recently got my hands on a Yamaha SRV 250 Renaissa (love it!). I'm wanting to get it serviced and generally checked over, but was pretty gobsmacked at the price I got quoted for servicing. I was told it would be "about $250, but could be more" for a simple service. The way he was talking, i got the impression that didn't include all the parts (plugs, filters, etc). It costs less to do my car, which involves more oil, includes all filters, quick tune and even WOF! Am I missing something or is this normal price for servicing a bike?

I was considering doing it myself as I've done loads of work on cars before so not afraid of getting oily, but I'm new to bikes and don't have a manual etc, so figured I'd just get someone to do it for now.

I know it can be difficult to give a rough idea of price, but I'm in Auckland and I'd be after a service including all filters and also to get a general check over of the bike to include chain, etc.

Cheers in advance guys!
Dave :niceone:

[scracha]

$50 for 40minutes labour (oil, plugs and chain)
$40 for oil (number i pulled from the air)
$40 for filter (number i pulled from the air)
$50 for a pair of plugs (may be twice that)
comes to $170....


40 minutes to change plugs, oil and tighten chain. It's a ginny FFS.
$25 a plug? It's a ginny FFS.
$40 for oil? It's a ginny FFS


Shop around.

[CookMySock]

It's a bit of a catch-22. People have come to expect mediocre service, so they want to pay less for it.Yeah well thats what we get when we keep playing them off against each other for the best deal. It's not fair that they charge $150/hour but its not fair on us dutch-auctioning them either.

I love my bikeshop. (Underwood and Wilkins). After each service they stop and talk to me and tell me "ok we checked this also, and this was loose so we sorted that out, and this is how to adjust this properly coz it was a mile out ok? and watch out for this, this, and this over the next few months. cool?" And if I have a problem I just wander in and pester their sales dude (heya John!) and if its over his head I just get sent in to talk to the service folks and interrupt their work! (which I feel really nervous about doing - I get outa there pronto!)

I have no idea how much they charge me. I've never looked at the bill. I just want them to still be there next month - it will be a tragedy if they aren't.


DB

[sinfull]

I'm currently in the process of downloading a heap of yamaha workshop manuals on pdf (1.5 gig of em) and there's an SR 250 in amoungst them , not 100% sure if its the same as yrs but its gonna take a few days to get them all anyway lol i only got 900 odd mhz of processor and with lime running it gets damb frustrating ! Will be posting up a list of manuals i have already and keep updating it as i collect more ! Will come find ya when i have the SR manual !
If ya aint riding many k's (up to you if ya hold off on ya service) but most yamaha dealers will give ya a copy of service schedule sheet which tells ya what it needs at how many ks ! If in doubt do ya oils and filter anyway, before ya do any more ks (that aint hard to work out) check ya chain aint slack (take it off if ya feel inclined and turn it sideways if it seems limp it prolly is haha) Sprockets etc obvious check !
Thing to be carefull of is have the scheduled services been done on time in the past if at all !
I make a point when buying second hand bikes to have a full service done to start with ie clearances etc so i know where i'm at !

[motorbyclist]

40 minutes to change plugs, oil and tighten chain. It's a ginny FFS.
$25 a plug? It's a ginny FFS.
$40 for oil? It's a ginny FFS


Shop around.

it's a yamaha V-twin FFS


and i believe i did say to shop around; i was pulling high numbers to see/show how a shop could possibly come to such a ridiculously high bill

[scracha]

it's a yamaha V-twin FFS


and i believe i did say to shop around; i was pulling high numbers to see/show how a shop could possibly come to such a ridiculously high bill

My bad...but yeah...seems stupidly high. Maybe they're gonna check the valve clearances and camchain tension too?

[svr]

Ok do some checks- brains, check. balls, check. Ok you can do it yourself.
Do some shopping:
1. Buy a service manual (don't bootleg - someones gotta pay for them) $30
2. Buy some tools $200.
3. Buy a 6 pack $2.50 (Rheineck)
4. Service your own bike.
Net saving `dunno' but certainly worth it. And now you know how your bike works.

[Robert Taylor]

Id just like to add some comments:

1) The cost of just opening your doors everyday is very significant and that cost has again gone up horrendously with all the inflationary pressures going on.

2) Yes there are too many monkeys working in bike shops but there are also some very good people here and there. Spare a thought about the common denominator, with very few exceptions they are all poorly paid.

3 ) If the industry was ever able to sort itself out and price negotiations werent all dutch auctions charge out rates should in fact be higher.

4 ) Stop to think why there is always a turnover of motorcycle shops.

Etc.....

[motorbyclist]

Ok do some checks- brains, check. balls, check. Ok you can do it yourself.
Do some shopping:
1. Buy a service manual (don't bootleg - someones gotta pay for them) $30
2. Buy some tools $200.
3. Buy a 6 pack $2.50 (Rheineck)
4. Service your own bike.
Net saving `dunno' but certainly worth it. And now you know how your bike works.

and you're more likely to know if/why something is broken, and maybe even prevent things breaking in the first place;)