Dealer dilema

[Zombie Master]

So now I have to take my new bike to the dealer for the first service. The service dept at the dealer where I purchased the bike is quoting 4 hours for the first service. Looking at the owners manual shows no valve clearance check. Pretty much an oil change with mostly visual checks. Other KTM dealers are quoting 2 hours for the same service. I'd really like to keep dealing with my local dealer but I just can't see 4 hours of work to do. I'm thinking about taking in the service schedule and asking them to justify the time they want to charge me. I'd really rather do the work myself but I'd like to keep the warranty going. They want too much money, but it's not about the money, I just don't like being charged for nothing. What would you do?


BTW This machine is an absolute pleasure to ride, comfortable, flickable, engine is entertaining, and the brakes are the best I've ever experienced.

[ME 109]

engine is entertaining

Comedy routine?

Ask the dealer if you can bring a cut lunch and watch for four hours.

[Zombie Master]

engine is entertaining

Comedy routine?

Ask the dealer if you can bring a cut lunch and watch for four hours.

What's a cut lunch?

[Deleted User 287]

engine is entertaining

Comedy routine?

Ask the dealer if you can bring a cut lunch and watch for four hours.

What's a cut lunch?

Cold-cut sandwich? Something on the side? A receptionist?

[SteveD]

So now I have to take my new bike to the dealer for the first service. The service dept at the dealer ... is quoting 4 hours for the first service.... They want too much money, but it's not about the money, I just don't like being charged for nothing. What would you do?

What will it cost?
I have a mate with a Ducati Panigale. He says the service is $2100! I think he was a little pissed at me when I laughed OUT LOUD!

[ME 109]

Cold-cut sandwich?

You got it.

[dougie]

What will it cost?
I have a mate with a Ducati Panigale. He says the service is $2100! I think he was a little pissed at me when I laughed OUT LOUD!

Ducatis are like boats -
"You wanna ride a Ducati? Give us all your money."

[Garnet]

I bought my Honda from the same dealer that ZM got his KTM from. They have a reputation for being good at what they do, and for being expensive. For example they charge $100 more than Honda Canada (and the other Honda dealer in town) for the PDI and freight on a new bike. Yet they sell a lot of bikes, probably as many as the other dealer.

I did my own first service, but that is not what I would council anyone else to do.

Neil, I would ask them what it is that they do that takes twice as long as other dealers. Perhaps they do check valve clearance, or do other work they feel that is needed over and above factory recommendations.

[Zombie Master]

I bought my Honda from the same dealer that ZM got his KTM from. They have a reputation for being good at what they do, and for being expensive. For example they charge $100 more than Honda Canada (and the other Honda dealer in town) for the PDI and freight on a new bike. Yet they sell a lot of bikes, probably as many as the other dealer.

I did my own first service, but that is not what I would council anyone else to do.

Neil, I would ask them what it is that they do that takes twice as long as other dealers. Perhaps they do check valve clearance, or do other work they feel that is needed over and above factory recommendations.

They don't check valves at the first service. I've got 2 quotes at $250. But they will be twice that.

[Major Softie]

But Garnet's question was the first one I thought of as well, ask them flat out: "Everyone else charges 2 hours. So, what do you guys do that they don't?"

If they have a good answer, great. If they don't, then they just charge double for the same work, and basically lie about the hours. The answer to that question should let you know if they are someone you want to deal with in the future.