Best Approach To First Start-Up In Many Months?

[Mikeinjersey]

I have a question for you all I'd like to know what you would have done.

After two full weeks of the shop having my bike to fix it, I went in yesterday to check on it and discovered that the owner hadn't even touched it, he said he ordered new tires which I did see sitting in the corner and he said he ordered a new speedometer which he said had come in (how long it had been in I do not know), but it was just sitting there in the middle of the shop floor and nothing, not one single thing had been done to it, he hadn't even looked at it.

I contemplated opening up the bay door, pulling the bike out myself, starting it up and driving it home.

Had it not been for it was raining and my bike had other bikes blocking it between it and the door, I did not.

Should I have done just that regardless?

And here I thought the guy was alright and a pro at what he does...

I agree with Sven, I wouldn't burn the bridge right now, that shop may be the best around. Your already invested with the tires and speedo both can be installed in a few hrs. Try to get them to just do that and tell them you will return for the other services you require when it's not peak season. In the meantime you can research the shop and decide if you want to return.

 

[Mikeinjersey]

It's obvious this guy has crap customer service. I wouldn't wait a whole week to go back especially since he motivated you to bring the bike in for service. Give it a couple days and call for a progress report which may motivate him to get it done. Unless he is the only shop in town I'm sure he has lost your future business and anyone else who may ask your opinion of this shop. Look on the bright side the parts are on site so the job could get done any day now.
Don't misunderstand me I am not a passive person but I've learned that sometimes it's best to save your life's energy for things that are really important. Good luck with your surgery.

 

[Sven]

Here is dealer level... Parts in two days. No less than 3 mechanics. Fast guys put out 7-8 bikes a day. I'm a slow ass and take my time so I push out 5-6 bikes on average... no comebacks. If I was hungry with family I'd probably keep up. Factory recall job took 1.4 hr to pay for a warranty. I did so many I told one guy to time me and it took 40 some odd minutes, not an hour twenty minutes.

Segway to playing at my friend's race shop he's owned since I knew him back in the mid 70's. Racing comes first, your bike is in the back burner; when we get to it, sign here. Took one full year to build one of those replica Z1 superbikes. Now we know some PITA nagger that throws 30 or so grand at one, and would have 'called day in and day out'. I said to that guy, just buy the parts and I'll build it at home. Took me more like hours when I have all the parts ready to go. Engine was full race so all I did was assemble the rest.

Not one scratch on the bike. If he had it done there, for sure dings and things would happen shuffling other bikes cycling in and out. The guy that waited a year has hidden patina he'll never catch. Things hangup and couldn't get it out with the race schedules, and building another race bike from scratch on top of that. I'm/was in the trenches experiencing dealer level and privately owned. I see your frustration. I've seen and done some of my own horror; moving strange bikes.

He's got 40 years and has seen a lot. Same goes for my buddy rotating with the new tech evolving thru the shop and kept up racing it. I'd trust that kind of experience. Can't stay open that long if you put out shit work, nor know what you're doing in general.

Can't be your way as if you are thinking it should be done like this or that. Dealer level is in and out, we just so happen to have those parts in stock ... See the cashier on your way out. With an independent... yeah, when we get to it... what's a CSI card? Here is the little secret... say, we are going to hand you a, ['how did this dealer do before we pull their franchise for poor satisfaction'] card for you to fill out. Ever fill out one of those? Did they kiss your ass? Yes. Was the experience like the way you think it should run? Yes. Satisfied with the service to the vehicle; you didn't return for something? Yes. Your dealer remains in your town, thanks for checking the boxes.

 

[mjsk9]

Well, it's in the shop (a former BD shop), for the first time in over 4 years, getting 'everything' it needs fixed that I can't do or don't know it needs...

Perhaps a little different take on this situation. From my perspective, the time to understand and manage expectations is when you and the shop wrote up the work order. Not sure what "everything it needs" (only items listed in subsequent threads are tires and speedo) means as all known service / inspections should be clearly spelled out on the work order so everyone is on the same page. In addition, and probably most importantly, is the "expected" completion date! What was promised when you dropped it off? Two days, a week, etc.? Further, you mentioned your father's experience so not sure why you think it would be different for yours? At this point, sounds like water under the bridge and your option is to hurry up and wait?