My experience with Colemans Suzuki K Road

[Big Dog]

Last time I got lazy paid for an oil change it was about $180, with 2 filters, in a car that takes 10 litres

In saying that, we have the same problem with little jobs. You're still paying a qualified mechanic (hopefully!) to work on your bike and as such they command a qualified mechanics rate. You're taking them away from other difficult work (in theory) so why should they devalue themselves by charging less for their time according to difficulty? They are still using their time and they still have to be paid a wage.

To be fair a good car mechanic costs less than a good bike mechanic.
2 reasons I can think of.
Jolly sight more cars.
Motorcyclists tend to be a bit more donut yourself including a culture of bullying people who don't and then crying because nothing for sale second hand has a service history.


Oil also costs about 2x as much for a bike because it is of a higher spec.

The last time I did an oil change on a petrol car (fairmont) it cost me $45 for an oil at 5l, and filter and the list of models it fit was pages long and covered 30 years.

Last oil change on a petrol bike (CB1300) had I paid retail was 70 for the oil at 4l and 45 for the filter. Rags only some old clothes. Found I needed to do coolant while I was there.... Another $60

Last oil change for a petrol car at a mechanics. $45 can have a warrant for another 30 ($15 off their normal price.)
Last oil change for the Hayabusa at a mechanics? $200, or I could have a full B service for $225 or C for $195. They topped up the coolant adjusted my chain checked the filters and plugs and adjusted something to make it run smoother in the midrange.

Granted until about 7 years ago that also included detailing of my bikes... but not as bad a value as it sounds at first.


I used to get it done at a shop religiously for two reasons.
I had no tools or appropriate space.
I had no time.

I still have no time, but I no longer have the same disposable income so I do it myself.
So far more than what I have saved has gone on tools but sooner or later I'll get back in the black. I have done the DR myself for years, but the bigger bikes need better tools.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[unstuck]

Lol. I think we're gonna have to put a stop to this whole *Pete's coffee is poos* saga. It's costing me business...and it's slander I tell ya! It's fucking shit hot, and if I drank coffee I'd be addicted to my brew. Don't listen to the fairy tales...come get some. Brewed fresh. Once a year.

Got a package from American Bobbers in Nelson last week and it had a Wellington Motorcycles sticker on it, Im sure it stank of coffee.

[awa355]

Even the small town dealerships are $120 per hour. The servicing requirements of my next bike will be a factor in which bike I buy. Will be retired with buggarall income, so I can cross the big complex models off my wishlist.

[BuzzardNZ]

wtf $120 a hr???? WTF???

I doubt Doctors or Lawyers get paid that much

[Robbo]

Around $220+ sounds ok to me, it's what i would expect to pay for a WOF and Service at a bike shop.

[tippersv]

I doubt Doctors or Lawyers get paid that much

haha when was the last time you engaged a good lawyer??

[ducatilover]

I'll try if I get time before my ferry next week. Got to get seasick somehow

[unstuck]

I'll try if I get time before my ferry next week. Got to get seasick somehow

Hang around in the toilets on the ferry for awhile, some of those crew members who are batting for the other team will make you sick.

[TheDemonLord]

I like Colemans Suzuki

They let me take a brand new GSX650 FU for a test ride (because they didn't have a demo bike).

When I get my funds in order, I intend to buy the above bike through them

[EJK]

Nothing wtf about it mate. Go to any big city dealership...with the overheads they have...and check their hourly rate. Car dealer ships are far more expensive. Trust me.

But then, if they promise to deliver quality of workmanship from the price they ask for, I'd happily pay the premium.

[imdying]

I have no problem with the $120 an hour, charge plenty more than that myself. Every smart workshop fills vehicles from a bulk supply, so they're actually charging you quite a lot extra for the oil than you think! That sort of raping of a captive market is why I'm happy to buy all my bits overseas... the industry deserves it.

[jellywrestler]

no, its business. Steak is cheaper in the supermarket than it is in a restaurant. If its no good, you can send it back, unlike if you burn it on your BBQ.

poppycock, it's a raw product and is supplied in a large barrell, unlike the stuff on the shelf in the shop part, the very least they could do is charge the same price.

[tippersv]

poppycock, it's a raw product and is supplied in a large barrell, unlike the stuff on the shelf in the shop part, the very least they could do is charge the same price.

they are a business, who pay rent and wages, stock spares,and who are expected to warranty their work to you the client; that is why a margin is required.

No margins = no business.
Get someone else to do your laundry - they will charge more than the cost of the water and powder.
Maybe try whining that beer in Auckland bars is more expen$ive than at the wholesalers!

Do it yourself, save a few $, and carry your own risk.

[ducatilover]

Hang around in the toilets on the ferry for awhile, some of those crew members who are batting for the other team will make you sick.

Bloody tappashittalk didn't quote Crasher. Must be a sign to stay the fuck away?

Gay boat people? Meh, I'll try anything on a boat, I have a Honda again.

[ducatilover]

they are a business, who pay rent and wages, stock spares,and who are expected to warranty their work to you the client; that is why a margin is required.

No margins = no business.
Get someone else to do your laundry - they will charge more than the cost of the water and powder.
Maybe try whining that beer in Auckland bars is more expen$ive than at the wholesalers!

Do it yourself, save a few $, and carry your own risk.

No kidding, but... the markup on the oil in the workshop is a wee bit silly. If you supply them with the same oil, will they chaarge extra for that? The cost per litre when buying bulk is far less than when buuing a bottle of 5100 (well, seems to be with our oil people for the work I do). So even selli.g at shelf price would be a decent mark up.
It's rude.