Botany Honda

[Spazman727]

I went to Botany Honda to get a pre purchase inspection on a bike that I ended up buying. I went there because that was the closest bike shop to the guy who was selling the bike.
They pointed out that the steering head bearings needed to be replaced.
What they didn't point out however was that the speedo and tacho lights don't work (a big deal for me since it is my only vehicle and will need to be used at night), the oil pressure switch wire was corroded and subsequently came off and the kick stand engine cutoff thingo was broken. Now I know these aren't a bit deal to fix, but surely they should have told me about them.
I called them yesterday to ask what the story was and they said that the $80 pre purchase inspection is essentially a warrant of fitness check, and that they didn't check whether basic safety precautions were in place. Is this standard, that they charge 3 times a WOF check for a WOF check or are Botany Honda ripping off unsuspecting people?
I called them about the problems and they laughed when I asked them to come fix the problem because I don't have time to go all the way back there, and again when I suggested they pick up the bike (from the Shore) and give me a loan bike.

So basically the point of this post is to say that I would not recommend Botany Honda for a pre purchase inspection. This is the only dealing I have had with them, but if given a choice I would much rather go to Cycletreads who I have had much experience with and they have been nothing but helpful.

I gave Botany Honda fair course to sort out the problem but the just didn't seem interested.

[The Singing Chef]

Two words mate - Motorcycle Doctor.

He even comes to you.

[Woodman]

Not up to them to fix the issues they missed, but maybe a refund or part refund on the inspection fee.

Checking dashlights in the daytime? I bet a lot would have missed that, same with the sidestand switch for that matter.

[Mully]

Not up to them to fix the issues they missed, but maybe a refund or part refund on the inspection fee.

Checking dashlights in the daytime? I bet a lot would have missed that, same with the sidestand switch for that matter.

I agree and disagree - the argument would be that OP wouldn't have bought the bike for the same price had they known about all the issues.

I think Botany should definately apologise and refund the whole fee - surely there's no point in a pre-purchase check with no liability attached.

Maybe free labour if OP buys the parts to repair...

[Spazman727]

Not up to them to fix the issues they missed, but maybe a refund or part refund on the inspection fee.

Checking dashlights in the daytime? I bet a lot would have missed that, same with the sidestand switch for that matter.

I would have thought that was a pretty important thing to check, and I don't care that much about the side stand. I just wish they would have told me. Labour isn't an issue cos I can do it myself, but I would like some sort of recompense which they are totally unwilling to provide.

The point stands, do not use Botany Honda for a pre purchase check.

[pritch]

So if they just do a Warrant of Fitness check why should anyone pay $80.00?

[Woodman]

I agree and disagree - the argument would be that OP wouldn't have bought the bike for the same price had they known about all the issues.

I think Botany should definately apologise and refund the whole fee - surely there's no point in a pre-purchase check with no liability attached.

Maybe free labour if OP buys the parts to repair...

Yup that would be fair.

[sil3nt]

Wouldn't expect them to find sidestand switch (since most are disabled on purpose) or instrument backlights. And it sounds like a small corroded wire they missed which again I wouldn't expect them to find but I guess that depends on where it is located.

I have a bike appraisal from Honda Hamilton and this is what is listed that they checked:

Engine: Oil level and how clean the oil is.
Frame: Visual check (for dents I am assuming)
Wheels and brakes: Pads, discs, and wheel condition
Lights: Headlights, brakelights, indicators - wouldn't expect them to find back lights for instruments
Tyres: Tread depth
Other: They checked fairings and reported damage and old repairs. Also checked charging system with lights at different stages.

All for $60.

$80 is an hours work so I hope you got a better list than I did!

[slowpoke]

Wouldn't expect them to find sidestand switch (since most are disabled on purpose) or instrument backlights. And it sounds like a small corroded wire they missed which again I wouldn't expect them to find but I guess that depends on where it is located.

Yep, my thinking too. Go to any bike with an anolog speedo/tacho and it's a tough call to tell if the backlit dash lights are working in daylight. And if the oil pressure wire was connected at the time with the sensor working how are they supposed to find a problem? Are the supposed to inspect every single wire/connector on the bike? Are you gonna pay for that? As above, lotsa side stand switches are bypassed, and depending on age of bike not even fitted, so not exactly a red card offence.

So they missed a coupla dash lights but picked up the steering head bearings....build a bridge, man.

[Gremlin]

It sounds like you didn't actually ask for a list of what they would do in a check? It would also allow you to request more, or know where you stand... to thoroughly check out a bike would also cost a hell of a lot more too...

I've used them a lot over 5+ years, found their servicing excellent and they're an honest bunch who aren't out to rip people off.

[Spazman727]

Wouldn't expect them to find sidestand switch (since most are disabled on purpose) or instrument backlights. And it sounds like a small corroded wire they missed which again I wouldn't expect them to find but I guess that depends on where it is located.

The wire was on top of the engine, clearly visible. Me, with my very limited bike experience was able to fine it shorty after the bike decided not to start. In my opinion, backlights should be a thing to check, and also say that the kickstand had been disconnected.

[Spazman727]

It sounds like you didn't actually ask for a list of what they would do in a check? It would also allow you to request more, or know where you stand... to thoroughly check out a bike would also cost a hell of a lot more too...

I've used them a lot over 5+ years, found their servicing excellent and they're an honest bunch who aren't out to rip people off.

I do have a list of what they checked, and under the lights heading it says tacho and speedo. I have next to no knowledge of bikes and discovered the oil pressure wire was disconnected.
I'm not disputing that people have had years of good experience, but my first and last has been bad.

[Tigadee]

Yet another dealer that said the steering bearing needs to be replaced but missed other (what should've been more important) things...

Is it easy money, saying that the steering bearings need replacing? Haldanes did the same thing for a pre-purcahse inspection.

[flyingcrocodile46]

So they missed a coupla dash lights but picked up the steering head bearings....build a bridge, man.

I agree. It's unreasonable to expect perfection for pocket money.

However if their checklist specifically stated 'Lights, tacho & speedo' then imo they should sort his lights out in the interest of fair play. The bike should be delivered to them and they should give him a coffee and hold his hand while his lights are fixed up.

Perhaps being laughed at didn't help matters, but neither does unrealistic propositions about off site service, bike pick ups and loaners for an issue that can be sorted in an hour or so.

All a bit silly really.

[onearmedbandit]

I'm in car sales. $120 will get you a comprehensive inspection on a car, including compressions. That's for a car. And they are generally 120 point give or take. So for $80 for a bike inspection I'd expect to know everything that is easy to inspect to be inspected. Anything less is a rip.

As far as coming to do the repairs, good luck. Find a franchise dealer that will do that for you if, even if you bought your new car/bike from them. They will want to fix it at their premises. As far as getting it to their premises, sure maybe if you bought the vehicle from them they might come pick it up. And getting a loan bike? They will have limited loan bikes, and a waiting list for those from people that bought their bike from them. You don't stand a chance.