Reflections bike painters - service question

**Blackbird** · 18th February 2009, 19:15

Has anyone had RECENT experience with Reflections in Glenfield?

The original owner, Larry Hoggard was a master of his trade and the people who bought the business from him were tops too. Pricey, but happy to pay it as the work was flawless.

Based on that past reputation, I rang the new owners up to get them to spray a fairing side panel to remove some scratches from my pre-Xmas slow speed "off". No trouble they said, 2-3 weeks from receipt. I sent it off and at the end of 3 weeks, I hadn't heard anything so rang to check progress. A guy called Willem (I think) answered and said the base coats were on and the translucent top coats would be applied in a day or so. This was 10 days ago and I haven't heard anything since. All I've got since then is the answerphone and have left messages which have been unreturned. Same goes for an email. I let them know that I wanted the panel for Paeroa and it now looks like I'm stuffed for that.

I hope they're still in business but if they carry on like this on the customer service/feedback side, it's not going to be long before word gets around. I hope it's a blip because of their past reputation but at present, I really can't see any way to recommend them to the motorcycle community.

More on this over the coming days but any recent feedback would be greatly appreciated.

**Blackbird** · 20th February 2009, 16:31

Just to finish the saga, I managed to finally contact Reflections yesterday and the fairing panel arrived a few minutes ago by courier.

I've sent Reflections some feedback and on the downside, I was concerned that as the quoted time for finishing the job had been substantially exceeded; they didn't reply to the calls I left asking for a progress update. The final cost was also rather more than the original pre-sighting estimate although in all fairness; filling scratches and then matching and applying the translucent candy blue paint is not a straightforward job.

On the plus side, their work was flawless. Beautifully done without a single blemish and it's a perfect match.

Would I recommend them? In terms of quality, without doubt. In terms of price and timing, I'd want to make sure that there was a bit more discussion to get a clear understanding of what was expected. I've no experience of any other sprayers so a comparison isn't possible but over the moon that Grace Jones is immaculate again! Next step is that first nervous ride since my "off" at the beginning of December

**The Pastor** · 20th February 2009, 16:33

i had work done from them on my tank - work was about 80% of what it should of been for the price, there was bits not painted and scratches left from the color sanding.

I will not go back

**nallac** · 20th February 2009, 17:53

umm, i think thats who painted my mates ZX9 not a great job done at all......

**Max Preload** · 21st February 2009, 16:52

I've been trying to get get hold of them too - left a message last week - haven't heard back. So I most likely won't bother now.

**Chooky** · 21st February 2009, 17:12

Your taking the "Bluebird" to Paeroa then......?

**short-circuit** · 21st February 2009, 17:23

Reflections are the only motorcycle painting specialists I've heard of. So if you weren't going there, where else do you go??

**James Deuce** · 21st February 2009, 17:32

Crazefox in Wellington.

**Chooky** · 21st February 2009, 17:57

Originally Posted by short-circuit

Reflections are the only motorcycle painting specialists I've heard of. So if you weren't going there, where else do you go??

Mark Hatton in Hamilton repainted my 1300 to match my CBX, even did the decals [stickers] ....he specialises in bike painting and has a good reputation....just dont be in a hurry.

I'm pleased with it and most people that see it say its a neat job....
But a scribbler for one of our bike magazines looked at it and said "what the fuck did you do that for".

**Blackshear** · 21st February 2009, 18:16

Originally Posted by Chooky

Mark Hatton in Hamilton repainted my 1300 to match my CBX, even did the decals [stickers] ....he specialises in bike painting and has a good reputation....just dont be in a hurry.

I'm pleased with it and most people that see it say its a neat job....
But a scribbler for one of our bike magazines looked at it and said "what the fuck did you do that for".

That's a pretty sweet job there, bro.

**MIXONE** · 21st February 2009, 18:22

Mark Hatton is a top guy and does a top job.A top job does take time though.

**Blackshear** · 21st February 2009, 18:25

.How much are we looking at for a full NEKKID bike repaint?
Just the back end plastics, swingarm, frame, tank and wheel-archy bit.
I know it varies alot, but if one could give a ballpark figure?

**Blackbird** · 22nd February 2009, 13:32

Originally Posted by Chooky

I'm pleased with it and most people that see it say its a neat job....

Your paint job is more than neat Graeme, it's superb. I would have gone to Mark but thought I'd get a rapid turnaround with Reflections

My crash mushroom on the fairing saved the panel from serious damage, but the scratches screamed "pillock" so it had to be done. Still cost plenty though as it has to be taken right back.

**vifferman** · 22nd February 2009, 13:49

I'm sorry Geoff that I said Reflections were OK - that's what I'd heard, but it wasn't personally substantiated, so was effectively hearsay.
My sincerest apologies, Sir.