Service...kinda

[RegalSwan]

Hey all, first post here I'll be sure to get a welcome post and some pics up at some point but for now a quick question. Or long question...

About a month ago I bought my first bike, '83 Yamaha Maxim. Had a great time learning and just generally cruising around town, but then I decided that it was time to get it in for a service seeing as how the Choke had to be half on for it to even run and I thought I heard clicking while riding (turned out to be my backpack so I didnt need valve work.. ) but it was determined that the shop would clean all four carbs and get it back to me. For $300, the sticker shock was harsh but I got over it as the day after I brought it into the shop it snowed...well now a week later my bike is still in for service and apparently there was a part epoxied together (I can't seem to talk to anyone who knows WHICH part) which they are fixing...with more epoxy... for another $150. My question is, does this sound like reasonable pricing? I am not used to this shop at all and I wouldnt be going there if I knew any shops close. I like getting to know a local business for pretty much everything I do but this service has got me questioning if i want a relationship with this department. Also I plan on going into the shop today and if the bike isnt ready at least asking to see the work they are doing. Would anyone consider this to be rude?

Sorry for the long post and thanks for everything, sites great, I wouldn't be riding today without it. Well, at least not riding as informed...

[TechTMW]

You are NOT being rude.

Demand to see what they are doing. Id bet that you'r "Epoxied part" is a float holder in the carburettor. people take these things apart and can't get the pins out and then break the carbs trying.

If that is indeed the problem, you could get a new (used) rack of carbs for the same price they are charging you.

If the problem is NOT the carbs ... well than it's a case by case basis. I'd have to know what the problem is before making a judgement. But in either case you are not being rude by demanding to know why they need that much cash to epoxy a part together

[RegalSwan]

Thanks for the help Tech, they are already doing the work and should be done today. So I really only have the option of asking a lot of questions as I hand them my credit card, but if it isnt done today I will definately get to check things out. They called about the broken part while i was in lab and basically could get out a "ok, fix it" before my partner nearly fried something. If only I was back home in Minnesota id have a service department that didnt charge $36 per half hour...

[CNF2002]

$150 to epoxy a part is ridiculous. If they've already done the work they may have you by the coattails but express your concern, demand a breakdown of the costs of that 'epoxy' work, and never go there again.

It really disgusts me when mechanics take advantage of people.

[storysunfolding]

This is gold flaked epoxy right? The $40 bucks an ounce stuff?

Yeah... never say fix it without knowing what it is even if you're partner is about to kill himself. I agree you can get a nice set of carbs off ebay for $150 for many bikes . A new set for my 85 magna recently cost me $70 which was about the going price of a new diaphram - love ebay.

Then again, if you don't mind dropping $450 to get your carbs fixed the more power to you. Next time ship it to me and I'll only charge you $250 all parts included.

[CNF2002]

On a side note, would you really want to do business with a mechanic who is willing to just jury-rig something and call it a good fix (not to mention an insanely expensive fix). Run from these guys as fast as you can. I wouldnt be surprised if they sheered off a bolt head while putting the carb back in but would be more than happy to duct tape it for $90.

Out of curiosity what company is this?

Would anyone consider this to be rude?

Speak politely and calmly. Insisting on details and explanations is not rude, though they may act like it is because - oops - they tried to take advantage of someone who wouldn't stand for it. They'll make you feel silly for having questions, and might even outright lie when you give them factual information about your problem/part just to make you feel stupid.

Its all a ploy to take advantage of you. And they prey on customers who are afraid to be 'rude'.

[RegalSwan]

So I picked it up today. Didn't bother calling ahead because I wanted to talk to someone in person. I could tell the woman who greated me didn't want to discuss anything just wanted me to sign the form and get my bike out of there. I however had questions and tried to be jovial about it, joking about the $150 worth of Epoxy and she said she had mispoke on the phone and that the technician had actually used Lock-Weld, or something. She finally got the technician in and he seemed like a really nice guy actually, although he had just logged, 5 hours on this bike so who knows. He had the pieces of epoxy which had been on the float assembly and told me I would never have problems with it again. Although I could tell he was the only one which wanted to talk to me. Said there weren't any other problems and that now I could run the bike with the choke all the way off. So basically the work was done, and done right, although really expenssively.


I understand that I could have gotten all new carbs for about 150 or so...but I also understand that I would have no idea how to install them. I don't mind paying for someone to provide me a technical service...I'm an engineering student, I have to bank on someone eventually paying me to do the same. This did seem excessive though. And to top it all off they ran the bike practically out of gas. On the way to school after getting it out of the shop I started to notice a loss in low end torgue...some stuttering...but being as how I'd just gotten it out of the shop I forgot all I'd learned from "Diary of a Squid" and didn't know that I needed to switch to reserve. Well, after an embarassing push into a parking lot...with a friendly officer passing right by me, I figured out the problem after taking what could be years off my starter...that was the straw that broke the camel's back I will never be going back there again...although the gas was my fault i guess.

Oh, and if you are wondering, it was Thompson's Honda in Terre Haute, IN

[storysunfolding]

Oh man. My dad is an old school engineer. He would smack you for even being an engineering student and not knowing how to pull or replace carbs on a bike.

I however am more forgiving and recommend buying a haynes repair manual for your bike. Step by step instructions often with pictures. It's the do it yourself bible that could have saved you so much money.

[RegalSwan]

Yep, had one of those for a Grand Am i did a little bit of work on, have to look into it. Im an Electrical Engineer so carbs arent my strong suit, but after this I'll be doing more on my own for sure..this weekend...fluids.

[CNF2002]

Oh man. My dad is an old school engineer. He would smack you for even being an engineering student and not knowing how to pull or replace carbs on a bike.

Same with my dad!

Doesnt surprise me these days though. With the way engines are laid out in newer cars I dont think the engineers who designed them ever picked up a wrench in their life.