10 Tips On Chosing A Mechanic
Winter is an ideal time to get your bike serviced and don’t wait too long though to book time at a shop. Good ones book up quickly and if there is work that needs to be done, you don’t want to wait until spring is in the air before trying to take it in.
- Look for a mechanic before you actually need one. Start with something simple to get to know him/her, e.g. an oil change.
- Remember that at some point you will almost certainly need to leave your bike so make sure that the location is convenient and secure.
- Get credible information on the service level. Make sure you understand their Customer Satisfaction Policy. Word of mouth can be good - ask other riders about their experience. Use advice from forums cautiously; you don’t know who you’re talking to and some people can sound very good and be very inaccurate.
- Base your decision on the complete service package rather than on price alone. Cheaper service doesn’t always mean better service.
- Visit the shop. Look for proof of certification and licenses. The shop and maintenance bays should be neat and organized and carry up-to-date equipment that can accurately diagnose your bike.
- Ask for references from previous customers; ask customers that are already in the shop. Be objective.
- Ask what types of parts they use when repairing your bike and if they are brand name, used or refurbished.
- Talk to the service representative. Look for staff that are helpful, courteous and explain the procedure in a manner that you understand.
- Inspect the bike before paying the bill. Take a test drive to see that all is working well.
- Since most repair shops highly value customer satisfaction, give them objective and constructive feedback. Let them know what excelled about their service and what opportunities there are for improvement.
Bonus: Trillium Motorcycle Tours offers Basic Maintenance courses where you can ride in and learn on your own bike – including oil changes. These are extremely cost effective and even if you decide not to do the service yourself, you can save valuable time and money by knowing what to look for and catching potential problems before they become debilitating – for you or your bike!