Interacting with your motorcyclist

If you are not a mechanic yourself and do not have a workshop, you give your motorcycle to a motorcyclist. The position of the professional minority has given bikers a certain amount of paranoia about which falls should be avoided. Obviously, we want the job to be done well, but not torpedoed by the score. Here is the procedure for rounding corners.

1- Prepare your motorcycle

If you bring your bike in for repairs when it's dirty, do you think whoever gets to it will be happy? He will think that she is not well looked after, which is not a good motivation for neat work. At a minimum, clean the motorcycle with a water jet (photo 1a opposite) or a high-pressure cleaner. And while you're at it, a small polishing cloth (photo 1b below) won't hurt. For the work you are requesting, do not ask in advance for an exact repair estimate. Ask for a price range because an accurate offer can only be made after a minimum of disassembly. Don't make the mistake of being suspicious right away. If you encounter an unscrupulous person, it amuses him, and annoys the conscientious professional. Explain in a simple and clear way what you want out of the job, which is listed on the maintenance sheet for the serious rider.

2- Communicate clearly

It is imperative that the mechanic is informed of any repair attempts you have made, as well as the parts you have replaced, before arriving. You were able to fix the symptoms of the problem and perhaps even created other faults due to your clumsiness. If you are not playing the Mechanic franchise, you are confusing him. The relative complexity of modern motorcycles can already cause a serious headache when looking for the cause of a malfunction. Don't hide anything about what you were trying to do so that a significant amount of hours are not wasted on complex research that will add to the bill.

3- understand billing

For billing for working hours, two systems coexist: real-time pricing by the mechanic (photo 3a below), or according to the times set by the manufacturer's technical services (e.g. BMW, Honda) for classic overhauls and repairs. For routine maintenance, Yamaha offers a service package (photo 3b opposite) with mileage and price indication, a service package that can be reviewed even before buying a motorcycle. Even if your motorcycle brand has established a labor scale, understand that if the mechanic falls on a pin or a jammed bolt, he will certainly calculate the time it will take to solve the problem for you. Return the motorcycle in good condition (photo 3c below). If you have any doubts, include the time and ask about the reasons for the overspending, if you notice one of them.

4- Replacement of “consumables”

For spare parts, you can ask in advance to collect the used parts that have been replaced. Thus, you will see their wear and tear. For the prices of new parts, the importer sets the recommended retail prices, but the motorcyclist has every right to increase his mark-up. A conflict can arise if a repair was made that you did not request. If the motorcycle has been removed for overhaul or periodic maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer, it is the responsibility of the mechanic to replace any worn part. Example: Your brake pads were replaced when they could last 2 or 3 km. The mechanic changed them because there would not be enough until the next service. You can insure against such a surprise by ordering a repair. The specialist then indicates on the invoice the operations that need to be performed in the near future to ensure safety and proper functioning.

5- Observe, negotiate

When picking up your motorcycle, do not hesitate to ask for an explanation about anything that seems incomprehensible to you. Do not sit on a high horse, do not be shy. Good negotiation with a mechanic is better than not understanding. If the bill turns out to be higher than expected, ask for clear explanations on issues that seem controversial to you. If there is an unresolved issue with your motorcycle, please report it as soon as you know. The mechanic has a “responsibility for the result” as soon as he invoices you for the repair. The more time you let go, the less bother it will be, especially if you are skating a lot in the meantime. If your dealer remains adamant about an issue that you believe depends on the manufacturer's warranty, you can contact the importer by calling or writing to him.

Etiquette

– Neglect of keeping accounts for previous interventions.

- Distrust and feeling "cheated" is very easy to come by when you're not mechanically savvy, but DIY is there to inform you, even if you're not a handyman at all.

- An unscrupulous professional can lead you by the nose when he simply does not consider you a passing "badger". A good solution is to win loyalty to the motorcyclist. His choice is determined by intimacy, experience or relationships. Listen to the advice of friends, the world of bikers is united.