Biker servicing costs - am I being quoted silly money?

**BigDave** · 12th June 2008, 13:17

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie to the whole bike scene and KB (cool forum btw. lots of info).

I've just got my learners license and recently got my hands on a Yamaha SRV 250 Renaissa (love it!). I'm wanting to get it serviced and generally checked over, but was pretty gobsmacked at the price I got quoted for servicing. I was told it would be "about $250, but could be more" for a simple service. The way he was talking, i got the impression that didn't include all the parts (plugs, filters, etc). It costs less to do my car, which involves more oil, includes all filters, quick tune and even WOF! Am I missing something or is this normal price for servicing a bike?

I was considering doing it myself as I've done loads of work on cars before so not afraid of getting oily, but I'm new to bikes and don't have a manual etc, so figured I'd just get someone to do it for now.

I know it can be difficult to give a rough idea of price, but I'm in Auckland and I'd be after a service including all filters and also to get a general check over of the bike to include chain, etc.

Cheers in advance guys!
Dave

**Mental Trousers** · 12th June 2008, 14:06

Seems a bit high but you get what you pay for. Shop around is really the only answer. Check with a whole bunch of different places to see what they charge and what they do for a service. Ask questions.

**nodrog:Me** · 12th June 2008, 14:16

will the real big Dave please stand up

**Strang0r** · 12th June 2008, 14:43

Originally Posted by nodrog

will the real big Dave please stand up

And put one of those fingers on each hand up...

**alanzs** · 14th June 2008, 12:20

Honda of Botany has worked on my bike and they did a really top notch job. Wasn't cheap, but you want it done right, as your life depends on it.
I do general maintenance myself; oil changes, chain adjustments, brake pads. Bigger services and I go to the shop.

**Gremlin** · 14th June 2008, 13:50

Originally Posted by BigDave

I was told it would be "about $250, but could be more" for a simple service. The way he was talking, i got the impression that didn't include all the parts (plugs, filters, etc).

I wish my servicing was that cheap... well, actually, the CB900 hornet is around that, anywhere between $200 and $300 normally.

Servicing on my zx10 is just a little more expensive, normally around $600 ish, p'raps a bit more. Since I chuck other things like tyres, chains, sprockets etc in on each one as well, I haven't escaped with change from $1300-$1400 for the last 2 services.

So you ain't so bad actually

**kiwicam** · 14th June 2008, 13:57

I just had my Xin chen "serviced" (oil changed and filter shaken)

total cost $5

done on the footpath while i had a cup of tea (included in the price)

**PrincessBandit** · 14th June 2008, 14:34

Oops sorry - when i read the thread title I thought it was for servicing bikers.....
No idea what that would cost!!

Ask your friends who ride where they get theirs done and if they are happy with the work and cost. Nothing worse than not knowing whether you're being ripped off or not, or whether the workmanship is up to standard or not. Word of mouth and repeat custom is the best advertising for any business like this.
p.s. just had the bandit's 6000 km service and the burgman's 1000 km service recently done and the cost of both (read 'each') were comfortably under $200; done where we bought them from.

**geoffm** · 14th June 2008, 19:23

Google indicates it is the same motor as the XV250 Virago. You may want to check this with a mechanic.
The manual is at:
http://www.gofastvideo.com/gallery/i...op-manual.html
Geoff

**Squiggles** · 14th June 2008, 19:27

Originally Posted by geoffm

Google indicates it is the same motor as the XV250 Virago. You may want to check this with a mechanic.
The manual is at:
http://www.gofastvideo.com/gallery/i...op-manual.html
Geoff

Similar to, but not the same as, different heads, and apparently different cylinders etc as well I believe the bottom ends are the same though

**motorbyclist** · 15th June 2008, 01:52

$250 may sound steep, cause it really is, but that's what they charge

tried shopping around bike shops?

$50 for 40minutes labour (oil, plugs and chain)
$40 for oil (number i pulled from the air)
$40 for filter (number i pulled from the air)
$50 for a pair of plugs (may be twice that)
comes to $170....

dunno where the other $80 comes from but that's about 4 tanks of gas (1000km)!

maybe if they balanced the carbies, flushed radiator and bled all the brake lines it would justify the $80.....

if you ran a shop like that you'd either be immensely popular, or go broke within the week...

and to think the SMC has semi-regular free "fix it" days where you can be shown how to do it yourself - just bring your own fluids/parts

**Spuds1234** · 15th June 2008, 02:58

Originally Posted by motorbyclist

$250 may sound steep, cause it really is, but that's what they charge

tried shopping around bike shops?

$50 for 40minutes labour (oil, plugs and chain)
$40 for oil (number i pulled from the air)
$40 for filter (number i pulled from the air)
$50 for a pair of plugs (may be twice that)
comes to $170....

dunno where the other $80 comes from but that's about 4 tanks of gas (1000km)!

maybe if they balanced the carbies, flushed radiator and bled all the brake lines it would justify the $80.....

if you ran a shop like that you'd either be immensely popular, or go broke within the week...

and to think the SMC has semi-regular free "fix it" days where you can be shown how to do it yourself - just bring your own fluids/parts

Your on the right track, but dont forget the tappets, air filter, tyre pressures.

**BigDave** · 15th June 2008, 15:53

Cheers for all the info guys

Unfortunately all my mates that ride have just got their bikes too, so no one has had any work done either, so can't really go by their recommendation. I'll ask about at work though as there are always a few bikes in the car park.

I'll see if I can find a manual at some point as I'd like to learn to do it myself anyway. I miss having oil under my finger nails!

I've been on pain killers all week due to tooth problems so haven't ridden my bike for ages. It's driving me nuts!

Hmm, think I may have to change my user name too!

**motorbyclist** · 15th June 2008, 23:15

Originally Posted by Spuds1234

Your on the right track, but dont forget the tappets, air filter, tyre pressures.

air pressure = 30 secs

air filter - yep i missed that one, and they can be costly to replace if they need replacing

tappets - as part of a minor service? really!? that would make $250 a bargain if it's a 16 valve engine that requires a lot of bike disassembly to access!