Cost of repairs...

[simpy1]

Dropped my bike off for a WOF yesterday, and was told that it needed new fork seals and the spokes tightened on the back wheel. Estimate was $450.

Does that seem really high to people? I don't have a garage (keep my bike at work) or anywhere to do it myself so I really just had to agree to it. But still, that hurts!

[SS90]

I Must admit, that does Sound a Bit on the high Side, it just depends on their Labour rate... If it is say $80 per Hour, then, when you Factor in Oil and Seals into it (and the WOF Fee), then that does seem a litle Bit high. Perhaps if they are allowing for New fork bushes and a worse Case scenario involving the rear Wheel, it Might well make Sense.

I suggest taking the Time to speak with the Workshop Manager and Getting him to explain the quote.

Some times, when a workshop manager explains exactly what is required, things start to become clear.

You may find the quote actually involves much much more work than a set of fork seals and tightening the rear spokes.

[White trash]

I hear of prominent Wellington bike shops that are currently getting $107.00 per hour for their charge out rate.

Holy shit!

[simpy1]

Well this is TSS who have a really good rep. I'm sure they are justified, it just hurts!

[Paul in NZ]

Or get a few mates together in a shed and do it yerself. Not hard...

Hell - shout the beer and someone here will provide help? It would be a good project to take a few piccies of and post up on KB...

All bikes are different but I can change out fork seals on the Guzzi in - an evening? The Triumph? Hmm - bit longer (but I have the special tools etc)... Spokes is only marginally trickier...

[Paul in NZ]

Oh! Btw - it aint that expensive... factor in replacement fork oil and seals and its not too bad. Bikes have never been cheap... well, some are cheap, i mean bikes have never been inexpensive...

[swbarnett]

I've got George from Motorcycle doctors doing my front fork seals as I type. The quote he gave me is $220 and they come to you. Unfortunately they only do the Acukland area.