Not Pleased With Cycle Shop Situation

[JetStar]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: JetStar
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
That's why I love owning Harley's....no shortage of parts for any model from the 1900's to present.


There is a reason the parts supply line is well stocked

Yep - more of them on the road

I sure can't argue that!

You guys bring up some good points. A lot of shops in my area have closed, and the remaining ones with good reputations are swamped. Frequently these bikes don't need adjustment at the check intervals, and many have re-useable gaskets. Maybe she thought that would be the case with yours and got surprised. At least they are actually adjusting them. Iv'e heard of cases of people paying for a service that was not done or not done correctly.
I understand your concern about exposing your machine to other people and the shop environment. I don't like taking my vehicles in and will only do it for warranty work. Otherwise I do it. Two times I have gotten a vehicle back from warranty work that required paint work, both times it was doors on black trucks.
Yes they should have verified parts ahead of time and ordered them if they didn't, at the risk you would not show up and be stuck with the parts. Next time ask them about it.
I'm sure things will come out fine.

Ride Safe!

 

[Panzerman]

Perfectly clear. I wouldnt want to do any work for you. I am pretty sure they dont want your motorcycle clogging up their shop either. Probably is a reason they are busy and the Factory dealer is not. If they told you that time frame and then got your bike in and didnt even look at it because they had other bikes over scheduled in front or moved you behind, thats one thing. I feel this is a honest error and not all times does the gasket even need replaced, so why would they stock that particular gasket and also alot of times they use the Silcone gasket maker and dont even buy the factory things. Take it to a factory dealer, pay BooKoo bucks, that they will charge. Dealerships for motorcycles and atvs have never impressed me as being all that. They charge for every minute then some, exactly what are shop charges, isnt that overhead for owning a garage. Id rather pay half as much and wait a week, but thts just me. Have a good day.

 

[pottymouth]

Originally Posted By: Panzerman
Perfectly clear. I wouldnt want to do any work for you. I am pretty sure they dont want your motorcycle clogging up their shop either. Probably is a reason they are busy and the Factory dealer is not. If they told you that time frame and then got your bike in and didnt even look at it because they had other bikes over scheduled in front or moved you behind, thats one thing. I feel this is a honest error and not all times does the gasket even need replaced, so why would they stock that particular gasket and also alot of times they use the Silcone gasket maker and dont even buy the factory things. Take it to a factory dealer, pay BooKoo bucks, that they will charge. Dealerships for motorcycles and atvs have never impressed me as being all that. They charge for every minute then some, exactly what are shop charges, isnt that overhead for owning a garage. Id rather pay half as much and wait a week, but thts just me. Have a good day.


That's all well and good, but being unable to be reached by phone or e-mail for two days is absolutely unacceptable. I can understand that things sometimes change once you get the vehicle in and look it over. I also understand that parts availabiltiy for bikes can often be sketchy, particularly for an independent. They have the man's bike which is clearly his pride and joy. He was quoted a turnaround time which was missed without so much as a peep from the mechanic. Who knows how long it would have been to hear from them if he hadn't shown up in person after two days? I'm betting he had no trouble getting in contact when he wanted to book the job.

At the very least, someone at the shop should have done the right thing and returned this guy's e-mail or phone call and explained what exactly was going on. Ideally, they would have reached out to him proactively as soon as they saw there would be a delay over the time quoted.

As has already been said, this is just another reason to learn to do all your own work.

 

[bigbird_1]

Originally Posted By: pottymouth

As has already been said, this is just another reason to learn to do all your own work.


For most jobs that's not an issue. But where special tools are needed, as in valve spring removal, cam chain fixtures, clutch and gear pullers, etc you have no choice but to go to a shop that can afford to purchase the special tools.

 

[pottymouth]

Originally Posted By: bigbird_1
Originally Posted By: pottymouth

As has already been said, this is just another reason to learn to do all your own work.


For most jobs that's not an issue. But where special tools are needed, as in valve spring removal, cam chain fixtures, clutch and gear pullers, etc you have no choice but to go to a shop that can afford to purchase the special tools.


They are charging him $250 for the job. Even pricing out for the vc gasket and some shims he should still have at least $200 left over for tools. That is more than enough for any specialty tools he would require for a valve adjustment. Not to mention the fact that every time he has to adjust the valves in the future those tools pay him back again. Valve spring compressors and gear pullers are not that expensive and quality tools will last you a lifetime.

I udnerstand your perspective and there is nothing wrong with it. For me, nothing beats the pride in doing the job myself combined with the knowledge that the job was done right.