Christchurch bike shops: I want the best - sick of the rest

[Muppet]

Jimmy Tunnicliffe at BMS. They're in Wilsons Rd in the same shop as Motorcycles Downunder. BMW trained tech who can also do number 8 wire repairs when needed. I get my private work done by him. I'd take the work bikes there too if I could.

I'll second that, very good mechanic, nice guy, does work for charity n shit....

[Flip]

I have had my scoot serviced at Rolling thunder many times.

Their service has been 100% and I have had no problems. The bike usually comes back washed. They have a lounge/seating area with free fresh coffee and sometimes scones. I believe all the mechnics are factory trained and they are required to have all the correct tools. They are also required to carry all the necessary parts required to do day to day work on their bikes.

I broke a headlight recently, went in and asked if they had one expecting the reply to be no. They said is it the crystal, jeweled or smoked patern? I said it was clear which was the crystal one. They went out back and came back with a box that contained a new headlight. I was expecting to pay $400-800 for a headlight based on my experiences with TriumphNZ. They rang it up and said it is $72. For under eighty bucks I got a new headlight and it came with a new bulb and wiring harness.

As far as paying $230 for a $22 part goes, I can get some parts from overseas suppliers for a little less usually about 10-20% but thats about it. When I shed a belt I could get one for about $50 less on a $380 belt but the local dealer had one. I busted a front motor mount (they fail) and got one in from overseas but when it arived I found it was the old part no (that fail) thats why it was cheap so I ended up again going to the dealer for a new part no one. About the only thing I can remember importing was a set of Heat Demon heated grips after the 2nd set of HD ones stopped working.

Dimetrically opposed was the complete lack of service I got from TriumphNZ who have my money and never supplied me with any parts. How do you calculate the markup on those parts its a bit more than 1000%.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'll second that, very good mechanic, nice guy, does work for charity n shit....

........but doesn't like to talk about it?

Harry Enfield, right?

[Muppet]

........but doesn't like to talk about it?

Harry Enfield, right?

Yes, well done!

[SpeedMonger]

Yerp, agreed plus the Suzuki shop were friendly and engaging, and the Yamaha shop too.
Being new down here I have visited most of the shops trying to find the right fit for me.
Sadly the Aprilia shop were well below par and to be honest I think I'll travel to have our Aprilias serviced while still under warranty.

Yep, the fella there is a knob end to be sure. Absolutely no help or charisma whatsoever. And one of the main reasons why I got a Speed R instead of a Tuono.

I have always had good service from Hamptons and would recommend them, plus they have loan vehicles available which is very handy. Now going to Street and Sport for the Speed, but am reserving judgement on that one due to an issue at the last service.....

[Swampsta]

Retrieved my bike back from Norjo - they also advised me that the sprocket was Very Warn (which was, so i'm very thankful they picked up on it); however they attached the CHAIN way too tight and was making a horrible grinding noise; again i'm new to all this so firstly i trusted that they did it correctly, but then I checked the internet - thankfully i'm getting more confidence to start doing more myself.

I'll make sure I go to one of the recommendations above; won't be returning to Norjo

[Flip]

Cheers for the red bling swampstick.

[Berries]

Before the earthquake the only bike shops I knew in Chch were within walking distance from the CBD all down at the bottom end of Manchester Street. Is that still the case or are they all over the shop now?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Before the earthquake the only bike shops I knew in Chch were within walking distance from the CBD all down at the bottom end of Manchester Street. Is that still the case or are they all over the shop now?

the only two left in Manchester street are Rolling Thunder (H-D) and Casbolts (Honda and Ducati).

Street and Sport (Triumph, MV, Guzzi) are within walking distance of them across Moorhouse Avenue in Carlyle Street. Sportzone suzuki went bust unfortunately, they were nice people. Main Suzuki dealer is Avon City Suzuki out Riccarton Road (its part of Avon City Ford at the Sockburn Roundabout). They're pretty good too and have picked up some of the staff.

Hamptons is out Hornby. PitLane (tyres) moved to Darfield. Darfield! Where am I gonna get my tyres from - easier to just trade the bike in!?

[GrayWolf]

Cheers for the red bling swampstick.

it's BLING.. ya ride a HD, ya like BLING!!!!!

[jasonu]

Norjo were my first choice, cause they were close; however it's a cheap fix (they said around $80) and require a third party to do the welding!

Wot, a bike shop that doesn't know how to weld???
Take your business elsewhere.

[Oakie]

Main Suzuki dealer is Avon City Suzuki out Riccarton Road (its part of Avon City Ford at the Sockburn Roundabout). They're pretty good too and have picked up some of the staff.

I've put a bit of work their way on the GSR over the past couple of months and was impressed with the quality of their work and their customer care. Not stupidly expensive either (and they gave me a loaner bike both times)

PitLane (tyres) moved to Darfield. Darfield! Where am I gonna get my tyres from - easier to just trade the bike in!?

You're gonna go out to Darfield and get them of course! Don is open on Saturday and it's just a nice way to spend half a day. Ride out ... have lunch ... ride home. Sweet!

[AllanB]

Pit Lane is open Sat 10-4, Sun 10-2.

Ride out, do a burnout, scrub em in on the way home. Best to order them first - only needs a couple days to get your fav.

Avon City Suzuki are worth a look re tyres - they often have bulk deals on.

[Berries]

the only two left in Manchester street are Rolling Thunder (H-D) and Casbolts (Honda and Ducati).

Street and Sport (Triumph, MV, Guzzi) are within walking distance of them across Moorhouse Avenue in Carlyle Street. Sportzone suzuki went bust unfortunately, they were nice people. Main Suzuki dealer is Avon City Suzuki out Riccarton Road (its part of Avon City Ford at the Sockburn Roundabout). They're pretty good too and have picked up some of the staff.

Ta muchly.