Free first service when buying a new bike, standard or no?

**JudaBaker** · 28th August 2010, 15:29

Bought myself a brand spanking new bike not long ago, not the most expensive piece of machinery out there but still over 8 grand thrown down..

Would I be a cheap cunt to expect a first free service or is it expected? Quite a few people have told me it should have been free but I have no idea if it is common for people buying new bikes to get a free service.

There's a few other things I'm unhappy about (like an empty gas tank and scratched paint job) which means I doubt I will ever go back there for anything at all , but would still like to know in case I ever buy another bike new from anywhere else. So how many people here got their bike serviced for free when buying new?

**BMWST?** · 28th August 2010, 15:37

i wouldnt expect it to be free.But would be very pleased if it was

**paulmac:Me** · 28th August 2010, 15:48

Should have addressed the gas and the scratches asap with the dealer. Not usual to get a free service. Sometimes we offer a discounted service or discounted helmet.

**AllanB** · 28th August 2010, 16:05

Honda have (or did when I got mine new) a free labour on the first service - you only pay for the oil & filter.

Darn fine idea too if you ask me and it should be adopted by all dealers.

Best bet is to phone, I don't think Kawasaki do, but the dealer may offer it.

And if it is not ask them specifically what it will cost - really one hours labour maximum - it is only a oil/filter, quick check over job.

**Mom** · 28th August 2010, 16:10

Back in the olden days it was usual to provide a labour free first service, customers paid for materials. It was a good thing for the apprentice to do

**Bassmatt** · 28th August 2010, 16:10

Not from kawasaki in my experience. In fact they had the balls to try and charge an hours labour to "check all the nuts were still tight" on a first service.

**Genie** · 28th August 2010, 16:52

These guys were awesome...got me some nice wee discount on my gear, bit of discount for cash, couple of coffee cups (don't drink coffee though), key ring thingy and first service was free. Plus, those guys ring me when they have something I may be interested in....they also do group rides and offer loads of encouragement, support and advice.

**hellokitty** · 28th August 2010, 18:51

I bought a new bike Suzuki from Colemans and was told around $300 for the first service.
I bought a new bike Honda from Cyclespot and the first service is free, just pay for oil and filter.
No idea what other places charge, but I thought that paying for a brand new bike, it would be nice to get the first service free

**Genie** · 28th August 2010, 18:53

Originally Posted by hellokitty

I bought a new bike Suzuki from Colemans and was told around $300 for the first service.
I bought a new bike Honda from Cyclespot and the first service is free, just pay for oil and filter.
No idea what other places charge, but I thought that paying for a brand new bike, it would be nice to get the first service free

Geez...now I'm starting to feel very special. Another reason I love Nelson. Filco's is here!

**AxN** · 28th August 2010, 19:04

Having bought my bike new recently, I specificly asked for the first service to be included but the dealer told me NO upfront but he did give me a estimate for the likely cost.

Having dealt with Norjo before (assuming that's where you got your Ninja from) I doubt they will do anything for free

Saying that, you probably should have your scratched paint on the tank rectified.

**ukusa** · 28th August 2010, 20:57

Not free with Triumph dealer either, but a full tank of gas when new was good. Bikes also used to be washed with the service a few years ago (was a nice touch), but not any more.

**Genie** · 28th August 2010, 21:02

Originally Posted by ukusa

Not free with Triumph dealer either, but a full tank of gas when new was good. Bikes also used to be washed with the service a few years ago (was a nice touch), but not any more.

and again I feel so special...the boys at Filco wash my bike just about every time I go down. Went and got the chain checked out for slackness the other day...nice young fella gave it a quick wash as well...at no charge. You guys all live in the wrong town!

**danchop** · 28th August 2010, 21:05

margins in new bikes are not much,back in the day(80s)first services were free but they were subsidised by the importer not the dealer,honda or blue wing may still do this for thier dealers but the likes of suzuki just offer cut throat pricing for your your new bike,so dont expect a free service from them
as an example bill russell honda sold over 2000 xr200s in one year back in the day of real bike sales so things could be given

**AllanB** · 28th August 2010, 21:54

Yep - I understand Blue Wing fix it up - the Honda dealer sends them the info and gets reimbursed.

And I don't want any shop washing my bike thanks, I shudder at the thought of the grubby old sponge and the grit lined bucket

**T.W.R** · 28th August 2010, 21:57

Unless things have changed in the last 12mths 1st service was free on kawasakis

And Kawasaki service bulletins quoted that Kawasaki genuine parts (mainly oil filter & specified oil) to be used otherwise warrenty issues could arise.