Rider Education
REGION RIDER EDUCATION
“THE ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR OIL CHANGE”
Before taking off for the Ride for Kids event in Denver, Colorado this month, I noticed I was overdue for an oil and filter change on our GL 1800. No big deal really, I would just go up to my friendly Honda Motorcycle dealer and either 1) buy the needed products and do the job myself, or, 2) if they could schedule the bike in have them do it. So, I rode up to the dealership to pursue this issue.
Just before doing that task, I stopped at my local doctors office for some medical attention. Upon coming out of the office, I put on my helmet which happens to be a 6 ½ year old HJC flip up face shield helmet. The helmet would not latch properly, so with a little more force I got it to snap into place. Things did not feel right and upon further examination found the gearing and other items securing the helmet together had finally failed. Quandary number one had just occurred, namely, buy one now or wait till Wing Ding and try on some new types of helmets. Now being a Region Educator does not make one bullet proof or exempt from stupid thoughts.
Upon entering the dealership and I meet Jeremy (real name for reasons later) the lead shop tech and service manager. He notes they can get the Wing right in; talk about the service as the place seems full of motorcycles in various states of service work. So it is up to the front to visit with the friendly employees who are glad to see me and welcome me by name, as is the situation with each visit there whether needing something or just kibitzing. Jeremy comes in soon afterward and advises I need to look at my rear tire as it is “shot”. REALLY! The tires had just been checked completely two months previous. And just before leaving for an Arizona trip two weeks previous spot checked. To my great chagrin, he was right, spot, on! The entire left side of tread was well below the wear bars. It was very evident to me that tire was not getting any more mileage on it no matter what sort of riding I was insanely willing to do just to squeeze a few more miles out of the rubber. The front tire was most likely good for another 2,000 miles or so; however, my rule of thumb is replace one given the wear indicating this was essential, replace both. So it was that I was in for two new tires, valve stems, and that needed oil change.
Back to the showroom and a cup of coffee. Might as well get a set of new spark plugs to install before Wing Ding as well, just add them to the bill. One of the other techs had noted that in checking my helmet while moving the bike in that the helmet appeared to have perhaps lived its useful life and was getting a little on the ragged edge. So just for giggles and grins I walk over to the helmet display, and lo and behold they have in just my size a new HJC with all the updated modifications including a retractable sun shield! About this time Lindsey (real name) comes over and assists me in specking out and trying different brands of helmets. Lady knows her helmets for sure! I decide on the HJC, add it to the bill.
That is how things go, don’t you know? Time goes on, things add up, and all at once it appears a person has the national debt on their hands. However, now comes the rest of the story! The total adds to just over $1000.00 including a discount on the items purchased, labor and parts. This sounds like a lot of money, and of course it is a lot of money. Given the sorry shape of the tires and helmet, I figure this is cheap insurance considering the other side of the coin. What does a long stay in the hospital costs these days? And the cost of replacing a motorcycle just because of trying to get by on the cheap. How does one recover from a head injury when a new helmet may have kept this from happening? What I am saying also is this; we can spend the same amount of dollars over time, but there are instances when it all comes due at once, and this was one of those times. And another factor is the dealer; we all want to have work done, get items for the motorcycle or ourselves, and of course at the best deal possible. Often we forget the dealership doing the work needs to get the proverbial $1.98 or else they won’t be in business to take care of our needs or to purchase those new rides, etc. So I expect to get things done right at a fair and reasonable price, which is exactly what our local Honda dealer provides.
Out friendly dealer in Montrose is Davis Service Center, and one can hear all the horror stories real or imagined about any dealer including Davis. I have spent considerable time at Davis and have had nothing but excellent work done, excellent customer service, and just plain good old fashion friendship from Lincoln (the owner) to everyone down the line. I cannot express how much I appreciate Jeremy and the techs taking a personal interest in my motorcycle; and Lindsey who went out of her way to make sure the helmet I purchased was the correct fit. Billy is there to talk motorcycling, and the parts folks are more than willing to make sure to get the items needed even if it needs ordered. This alone is worth the price we pay to purchase items or have our motorcycle worked on. Yes, I or any of us could go anywhere else “shopping” around; and there are times we can do the work ourselves. Lets realize though, that in our town and many towns that are similar dealerships who only want us to be safely dressed, our motorcycles safely maintained, and for all reasonable rates.
The moral of this story is not the cost of the oil change; it is the care, concern, and service that I expected and received. It is the fact that I can now ride with peace of mind knowing the motorcycle is in the best shape it can be as well as myself riding gear wise. So use the moral of the story when considering the condition of your motorcycle and personal gear; and as always RIDE WITH PRIDE AND CONFIDENCE.
Ace Peterson
Region F Educator