| Many people have developed a certain level of | | | | The kind of service done by branded service centers |
| dependency to mechanics when it comes to handling | | | | can actually be done by any qualified service |
| their problematic bikes. Perhaps many of these | | | | technician. The pretty much works similar to car |
| people are plain busy or do not have any clue on | | | | mechanics. Their training background should determine |
| how to handle the problem. To those who are gifted | | | | their capability of doing motorcycle repair that you |
| with enough mechanical skills, they can personally | | | | require. They also ask cheaper service fees which is |
| attend to their bike's minor repairs. But those who do | | | | a big plus. If only you can find one that is honest and |
| not have any understanding on how the machine | | | | trustworthy. |
| works tend to submit their bikes on the hands of a | | | | But just because someone works at a BMW service |
| motorcycle mechanics. In any relationship, such act is | | | | center, don't expect them to understand BMW's. The |
| called 'trust'. Trust is something that should not be | | | | mechanic has probably done a brief course on how |
| easily given. | | | | the bike is put together and not much else. A better |
| As you submit your vehicle for repair, expect the | | | | option is to find a mechanic who SPECIALIZES in a |
| mechanic to quiz you on your problematic bike. He will | | | | certain band and who has been specializing int hat |
| ask you of your knowledge on the problem, the | | | | brand his/her entire career. A BMW has very little in |
| information that you provided will help him/her | | | | common with a Kawasaki. Actually, the only thing the |
| diagnose the problem and recommend what kind of | | | | two bikes have in common is that they both have |
| repairs are needed; or give him the idea on how little | | | | two wheels. |
| you know about motorbike repairs. | | | | It is hard to find an honest mechanic. The task is |
| If you happen to end up with a nasty mechanic, that | | | | even harder for first-timers. We surely want the best |
| puts him/her in full control of the situation. He may | | | | mechanic to do the repairs that we require. This is a |
| advice you to do expensive repairs that are actually | | | | way of assuring ourselves that our precious bikes will |
| not necessary. He may advise you to do part | | | | be well taken cared for. |
| replacements, on which he will earn quite a sum of | | | | To avoid being victimized by opportunistic mechanics, |
| commission. He can possibly exaggerate your bike's | | | | entrust your motorbike only to highly recommended |
| problem and recommend expensive repairs when all | | | | individuals and reputable motorbike repair and service |
| your bike actually need is an oil change and some little | | | | centers. All reputable service centers pay careful |
| adjustments. | | | | attention to evaluating the qualifications of their |
| Nowadays, motorcycle brands, as in BMW and | | | | mechanics. They require their mechanics to present |
| Honda, have service centers that specifically cater to | | | | certificates and documents that prove their |
| the problems of their model bikes. This is a way of | | | | attendance to one or more service trainings, which |
| studying the common problems experienced with | | | | are usually paid or sponsored by motorcycle brands. |
| their product, which will guide them in coming up with | | | | Many service centers are even strict on hiring |
| a highly marketable motorbike design. In addition, this | | | | experienced mechanics to make sure that they can |
| is their way of helping their clients maintain their bikes. | | | | deliver the kind of service that their company offers. |
| However, these service centers do not come cheap. | | | | After all, their team of mechanics is the backbone of |
| The services of a 'branded' service technician are | | | | their business and it is those mechanics that have a |
| never cheap, unless covered by warranty or | | | | significant role in how safe your motorbike really is. It |
| insurance. | | | | is your life, so it pays to stay safe. |