When Your Bike is In a Fix - Motorcycle Repair

Beyond regular maintenance, there will come a time when your precious bike will require repair.  If you are like most owners of motorcycles, you are particular about who touches your bike.  Here are some tips for making sure that next motorcycle repair shop experience is a good one.

Check the Reps

Selecting a motorcycle repair shop is not difficult if you do your homework.  It is best to look for one before the need arises.  First check the reputation of the shops you are considering.  Ask you friends and fellow riders who they like and trust.  Or, check the Better Business Bureau.  Avoid any motorcycle repair shops that have issues or complaints, no matter how seemingly insignificant. 

Once you have a short list of possible mechanics, check the qualifications.  What types of certifications or trainings have your candidates had?  Even if they have been in business forever, make sure that all credentials are up to date.  Also make sure that they have experience working on the particular problems your motorcycle may be experiencing. 

If your motorcycle is covered by warranty, then make sure that whoever performs your motorcycle repair is an authorized mechanic.  Work done by a repair shop that is unauthorized will void your warranty and prove costly.

Finally, go on a field trip.  Go by the motorcycle repair shops and look around.  Is the equipment up-to-date and of professional quality?  Is the work area clean and well-lit?  Ask questions about customer services as well.  Does the repair shop provide transportation services?  Are written estimates provided?  How do their costs stack up against the competition?

After Your Motorcycle Repair is Complete

Once your bike is fixed, you might think that all is well.  Still, it pays to check.  Test ride your bike to make sure that all issues have been resolved (and no new ones exist).  Ask for any replaced parts.  This way, you have them if something goes wrong later, both as proof of the repair, and for comparison should a new part need to be replaced.  If there are any disputes, try to talk to the manager directly, before you leave the motorcycle repair shop, or as soon as possible.  Try to resolve these issues directly with the shop and its management.  If this is not possible, there are many remedies available to you, ranging from filing a formal complaint, to seeking damages through litigation.