New Bike and Dealer "Service"

For the same reason some people call plumbers, electricians or take their cars in for service; they either don't have the necessary skills/ability/tools or, they simply don't want to do it themselves.

I used to work for a dealer as a service writer. The reasons I’d see customers bring bikes in for service work either weren’t knowledgeable/comfortable enough to do it, didn’t have a specific tool and didn’t want to purchase one, didn’t have the time, or just didn’t feel like it.

My riding buddy takes his 3 KTM’s in annually for service. Check valves and what not. He’s a busy guy who works 10 hour days in finance. Its a time thing.

Right now my career is ramping up and taking more of my time which means I will now pay for any repair below the top end... begrudgingly.

If i were buying a street bike i would consider the dealer.

For dirtbikes its not worth considering.

I think you would be surprised how many dealerships that deal with brands other than TM/Husky do an unwritten warranty....

Your right I would be surprised. A "unwritten warranty" is as good as the paper it's NOT written on. Worthless.

Congratulations, you completely missed my point by turning it into something that I did NOT mean

I worked at a couple shops back in the day and most machines on lifts in the service dept were mini's, road bikes, 4 wheelers and jet skis. I think the road bikes owners go in to keep up with routine maintenance.

Moto racers are super particular and learning repairs is a big part of the fun keeping your bike fresh.

I kinda felt bad for the service mechanics because they had to buy their own tools, particularly specialty tools for bikes the shop sold. I still remember arguments unsatisfied clients had bringing their bikes back in after work was done.

Shop mechanics who care about quality have my respect. Many times they are racing the clock due to how the repairs were estimated, they spent a lot of unpaid hours one the shop was closed.

Just sharing my story here, not trying to pile on anyone's opinion.

I'll be blunt. Most service guys are whores who drive pieces of shit and have no pride of workmanship.
You have to 100% check their work as best you can.

That said, the quicker it breaks, the sooner you are back to spend money. Job security. As long as it lasts till you get out the door it is good.

Take vehicles, do you think some 12 dollar an hour guy who was just laying on the ground gives a shit if he sits on your 150K leather? Nope. Because he wears the same shit when he gets in his 1980s 2wd pos D-50 to go drink beer and play video games in his pos apartment.

Here is a perfect example. Video on YouTube Guy gets his new diesel engine serviced before a trip.
Most people check their oil once a day. Not this guy.
3500 miles later decided to check the oil and there is no oil cap. It is sitting in a nice spot to set it when you are putting oil in. Full of dust and dirt.

Warranty paid for a new engine.
Sounds OK. Until you realize that when working on engine etc, they pull the whole cab.

Had he simply checked to make sure they actually changed the oil and filter (most dont on gassers because the oil stays clean so long and most people never look at anything) he would have seen they didnt put the cap back on before leaving the lot.

Here is a test. Next time you have a dealer do a top end, check the compression. And take it in dirty.
When they hand it back all cleaned up, check the compression.

I know a dumbfuck who drops his bike off and spends 300 bucks for them to check the spokes, change oil and adjust the chain and go over everything as most people do off and on.

He pays this After every ride.
I offered to do it for 150.
"You're not a certified tech"

True, but I could split cases 45 years ago. Which is 25 years longer than you've been alive or the dildo who is charging 150 for 1 hour to "true and balance" your wheels.(No wheel weights BTW)

Still no. I'd love to see him run it down a road so he could feel how out of balance his wheels really are.

Offered to show him how easy it is for a quart of oil and 15 minutes all in to check the spokes and chain and another 5 to do a once over.

Nope. Would rather pay 300. Dude is a dealers dream.
I guess for all of us who do our own shit, there are plenty keeping them in business.

Boom, drop the mic!

In my shop, (single line Kawasaki dealer for 40+ years) I see more dirt bikes than street bikes usually. We always did a lot of dirt repair, back in the '80's and '90's I had engines shipped to me often. I remember a period of time I always kept 10-12 KX80 pistons in stock, I would mic them and record the sizes for selective assembly. And if you show up with an off-road machine dirty at my place, you don't get in.

Funny you say that about the dirty bikes. Often times i go into my dealership and you can see a muddy engine/frame with the head and cylinder apart. Whatever i guess.

Yes, there is no way you can do good work on dirty stuff.