Palmy WOF

[DJ]

Realised my Blackbird is due for a wof this week sometime. It'll be the first one since I've taken possession of it.
I'm wondering if I should go to vtnz testing centre in Palmy or take it to a bike shop to get it done? My last bike (GPX250) I used Onroad without hassles, but it only had 1 WOF done in the time I owned it.
I prefer a bike shop, since they are less likely to accidently drop the bike or anything but I'm hearing horror stories about "non-existent" problems being found, etc - depending on what bike shop I visit.

Anyone got any suggestions? ye olde bike shoppe or testing centre? Or shall I just flip a coin?

[Bonez]

I've use the Malden Str during the week (just time it when there are no trucks) and the Tramain Ave testing stations on a regular basis without any problems. But i aways give my bikes a check over prior. Aways freindly.

[phantom]

I've always used the one on Rangitikei Line and never had any problems

[YellowDog]

Looks like you have some good recommendations.

I'd usually only take it to a bike shop if something else needed doing so that the WOF was a small extra.

But then again, I doubt that many bikeshops would be so stupid as to try and rip you off.

Most bike owners know their bikes well and will know if a shop is thrying to take the piss.

[crazyhorse]

I take mine to a VTNZ. There is always a guy there who rides and your bike should fly through anyway

[86GSXR]

There's a testing station on the corner of Tainui St which I've found to be very good. As long as all the WOF items are up to scratch you should be fine. The guy in there is very friendly and you get to see everything he does and he'll get you to check the brakes, lights, etc. You'll be involved in the whole process which is cool.

In my experience, a bike shop will be more thorough which is a good thing if there are genuine issues. Unlikely that they'll make up a problem and they will tell you if there are any. And you can get an oil and filter change while they're at it if you haven't done it yourself.

Major things to make sure are up to it are brake pads, lights, steering and wheel bearings, chain, tyres. If any items are below standard the shop can change or adjust them for you. Good luck.

[chanceyy]

Hi ya Dj

I used Anza last time & great service, although it was strange seeing someone else take off on BB but no probs, and they went through everything throughly & told me what I needed to know ... (she is in great shape)

[DJ]

hey all
Thanks for the awesome responses. The bike seems in WOF condition, so should normally fly through. I'm not that engine minded, so it's a little hard to judge if I'm being taken for a ride....

I'll take it down to vtnz on Rang later this week, and then prob get a service though City Honda before summer kicks in (I guess they would be the best people for Honda stuff?). I'll take a pass on Anza - customer service when I went in looking for a new bike was severely lacking.

Cheers all - I'm definitely feeling better now on where to take it.


~DJ

[ynot slow]

hey all
Thanks for the awesome responses. The bike seems in WOF condition, so should normally fly through. I'm not that engine minded, so it's a little hard to judge if I'm being taken for a ride....

I'll take it down to vtnz on Rang later this week, and then prob get a service though City Honda before summer kicks in (I guess they would be the best people for Honda stuff?). I'll take a pass on Anza - customer service when I went in looking for a new bike was severely lacking.

Cheers all - I'm definitely feeling better now on where to take it.


~DJ

Is the bike under warranty re service,if not grab a filter and oil and save $100 labour lol.Will do my basic services as plugs done at 12km,next major is 24km,so happy to do oil and filter when due.

[DJ]

nah not under warranty. Last owner apparently serviced it himself, but not knowing it's history first hand I figured I'll get someone who knows what he's doing to do it. (plus only filter/oil I've done is a car. wouldnt have a clue on a bike..although I do have the service manual knocking about somewhere...)
No idea when the plus were done last either. Bike is in minta condition, so I'm guessing he didnt neglect it in any way.

[sunhuntin]

not from palmy, but ive always taken my bikes to the AA. last few times, ive had to do the moving of the bike myself. got my last one last week and was asked whether the brakes worked or not and whether the exhaust was loud or not. lol. brakes werent even checked, its just a good thing i test them out weekly. and the guy said that since he didnt hear me come in, the exhaust must be quiet. lmfao. i dont take my bikes through a shop cos im paranoid itll get dropped. plus i dont trust mechanices much.

[bogan]

vtnz, was on road at the time, mad me take my bike to a motorbike shop anyways, they failed it cos the suspension was too soft, told them it was a 250 and it was sposed to be like that, but they made me get anza to sign a thing saying it was all good. Just take it straight to a bike shop these days, if you say you want to do all the work yourself I doubt they would look for problems, and they are also more likely to pick up on dangerous issues that are not on the warrent check sheet.

[dogsnbikes]

Realised my Blackbird is due for a wof this week sometime. It'll be the first one since I've taken possession of it.
I'm wondering if I should go to vtnz testing centre in Palmy or take it to a bike shop to get it done? My last bike (GPX250) I used Onroad without hassles, but it only had 1 WOF done in the time I owned it.
I prefer a bike shop, since they are less likely to accidently drop the bike or anything but I'm hearing horror stories about "non-existent" problems being found, etc - depending on what bike shop I visit.

Anyone got any suggestions? ye olde bike shoppe or testing centre? Or shall I just flip a coin?

Welcome back DJ

Rangitiki line VTNZ get you involved well they did..but one of guys who does bikes there rides to work everyday from the other side of the gorge

if you go to City honda Richard will more than likely work on your bike he does the road bikes and knows his stuff,he will only do work you want done but he will also tell you what you need too watch out for and will always contact you if there is something that needs urgent attention

but if your looking at just doing the basic servicing ie oil change filter change fluid changes and pad changes
why dont you PM yod he has a blackbird and there is plenty of others around that can help you out may cost you a latte of 3

[banditrider]

There's a testing station on the corner of Tainui St which I've found to be very good. As long as all the WOF items are up to scratch you should be fine. The guy in there is very friendly and you get to see everything he does and he'll get you to check the brakes, lights, etc. You'll be involved in the whole process which is cool.

In my experience, a bike shop will be more thorough which is a good thing if there are genuine issues. Unlikely that they'll make up a problem and they will tell you if there are any. And you can get an oil and filter change while they're at it if you haven't done it yourself.

Major things to make sure are up to it are brake pads, lights, steering and wheel bearings, chain, tyres. If any items are below standard the shop can change or adjust them for you. Good luck.

Have been there before but went in with both bikes on a Saturday and the bike guy was not there so no go. Went to Tremaine Ave place and had no hassles except for very slow service at the counter - not the operator's problem, seemed to be crappy computer system combined with a busy morning.

Last time I went to the one on Rangetiki line, they were hopeless...

[86GSXR]

Yeah I wasn't too impressed with Rangitiki Line, they failed my car on a seatbelt. I took it elsewhere and there was nothing wrong with it. Testing stations are fine if the vehicles fine. Yep, Richard at City Honda knows his stuff and is straight up.