Mechanics rebuttle
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,289
Likes: 3
From: Rowlett, Texas
Mechanics rebuttle
You bring a car or bike in and tell them part of a problem. You don't explain the entireproblem or didn't tell them you rode the bike for a year with a quart low of oil or that you drive in 5th gear going 30. I'm just helping the poor guys out. They are just trying to do their jobs and I'm sure they don't want to screw you. Being a ASE certified mechanic, I assure you that I take pride babying your machine. Nobody is out to screw you. We recommend things if you haven't done them yet. We are looking out for your safety. If you don't want their service, do it yourself.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Dothan, AL
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
I like a man who takes pride in his craft. HOOORAY!!! it is like any profession though...a few unscrupulous individuals cloud everyones reputation. If you find a mechanic you like, treat him right. I have a couple that I would trust anything with.
Administrator Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 252
From: Walker Basin, CA
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
I managed an auto parts store/machine shop for 20 years before becoming a fireman. I have dealt with the goods ones and the not so good ones.
The good ones spend time to learn, take more classes to keep up, are willing to spend money for diagnostic equipment.
The not so good ones make a guess as to a problem, "borrow a part" from the parts house to see if it is what fixes the problem, Claims it is 1) wwrong part 2) defective 3) too much money or some other reason it didn't fix the problem.
A good mechanic has many dollars invested in tools and equipment. He charges accordingly. His labor rates sound expensive because they are also making a return on his investment and paying overhead on the shop.
A good shop will look at the entire bike and try to give an estimate to fix what is wrong. A poor shop says I can fix it for $100.00 and then calls you repeatedly to get increases because he found more wrong when he got into it. Some folks try to hide what is wrong to save money and then bad mouth the mechanic when he has to raise his estimate upon inspection.
The cheapo can work cheaper because he doesn't have the money invested or have the shop overhead expenses of the big shop.
Some things are simple to fix. It is all relative to your confidence and expertise and mechanical knowledge. The factory manual will walk you through the procedures. It cost less than one hour's shop time at a good shop. You save the cost on the first service you do.
You are in control of the service on your ride. Pay for what you need and do the rest yourself. We have guys on here that have done an engine upgrade that had never worked on a Harley before.
Like Dallastx said work with your mechanic or work on it yourself.
The good ones spend time to learn, take more classes to keep up, are willing to spend money for diagnostic equipment.
The not so good ones make a guess as to a problem, "borrow a part" from the parts house to see if it is what fixes the problem, Claims it is 1) wwrong part 2) defective 3) too much money or some other reason it didn't fix the problem.
A good mechanic has many dollars invested in tools and equipment. He charges accordingly. His labor rates sound expensive because they are also making a return on his investment and paying overhead on the shop.
A good shop will look at the entire bike and try to give an estimate to fix what is wrong. A poor shop says I can fix it for $100.00 and then calls you repeatedly to get increases because he found more wrong when he got into it. Some folks try to hide what is wrong to save money and then bad mouth the mechanic when he has to raise his estimate upon inspection.
The cheapo can work cheaper because he doesn't have the money invested or have the shop overhead expenses of the big shop.
Some things are simple to fix. It is all relative to your confidence and expertise and mechanical knowledge. The factory manual will walk you through the procedures. It cost less than one hour's shop time at a good shop. You save the cost on the first service you do.
You are in control of the service on your ride. Pay for what you need and do the rest yourself. We have guys on here that have done an engine upgrade that had never worked on a Harley before.
Like Dallastx said work with your mechanic or work on it yourself.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
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From:
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
I wonder how dallas has the insight to know "nobody wants to screw you" When,clearly many people here HAVE been screwed. And work with my mechanic? What do you think they personally introduce you to the guy that's going to be working on the bike? They don't even know who's going to be working on it when I bring it in.
Administrator Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 252
From: Walker Basin, CA
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
Micky
All the more reasons to do your own work for everything except warranty work. I would go to a shop where I can talk to the person working on my bike. If the dealer won't let me, I would go somewhere else.
I certainly don't go to the doctor's office and only talk to the receptionist. I won't do less for my vehicles.
All the more reasons to do your own work for everything except warranty work. I would go to a shop where I can talk to the person working on my bike. If the dealer won't let me, I would go somewhere else.
I certainly don't go to the doctor's office and only talk to the receptionist. I won't do less for my vehicles.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
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From:
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
We must be from seperate worlds here.I've been to three dealers in my area,and none of them let you into the shop,you talk only to a writer.Who I've watched f-up my request's right in front of me on paper.(sad) But if you ask who's working on it,they look at you like HUH? They never know which wrench,however,after the work is done,you do get the guys identity on the workorder.Makes me wish it was more personal,but it isn't round here anyways. Your right on working on it myself,but I'm a shitty wrench.
Administrator Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 252
From: Walker Basin, CA
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
Micky
I feel for you Bro.
Sometimes bigger isn't better.[:-]
At my dealer I can talk to the service manager and to the mechanic working on my ride.
Good relationship to have.
I still do most of my own work and leave the warranty work to them.
I feel for you Bro.
Sometimes bigger isn't better.[:-]
At my dealer I can talk to the service manager and to the mechanic working on my ride.
Good relationship to have.
I still do most of my own work and leave the warranty work to them.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Chelsea, Alabama
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
I feel Micky's pain. I have 2 dealers in my area. Depends on who you get if they will allow you in the shop or get descent service. I have personally seen them **** up my request as well. I have had good and bad service at both, like I said, at these 2, it depends on who you get that day.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
RE: Mechanics rebuttle
You can find out what tech has the best reputation for his work and request that individual.It really boils down to the service manager overseeing the quality of work that goes out of his department.