When a mechanic damages your bike

[burnszilla]

I took my bike into a dealer to replace the cracked rubber boots on the drive shaft and final drive that were covered under warranty. When I got home I noticed there was small noticeable ding (through the paint and into the metal) on the top of the final drive. Then I remembered when I peeked into the service area to see if my bike was on the lift, the mechanic dropped the final drive and it swung on the bottom hinge and it hit a jack, and he cussed. I didn't think anything about it until I saw the damage a few days later. I called the dealer and he said to bring the bike by to see what he can do.

I haven't had time to swing by the dealer yet and I'm sure they'll do the right thing, but this kind of stuff puts me into an uncomfortable spot. Am I being petty? I don't want to ruin my relationship with my dealer, yet they are at fault. Is he going to replace my whole final drive costing him about $1000, just for a ding?

Has anyone had this happen to them? What was your outcome?

Tip: Inspect your bike fully after every service.

[wezul]

I like to inflict the damage myself, thank you very much.
Petty? Not hardly.

Now, can you control your temper? See how gracefully you can negotiate the repairs. I find that a cool head and gentle persuasion works better than brute force.

That's a bummer, man.
Good luck.

[burnszilla]

I would have done the work myself, but the extended warranty company won't let you.

[PGlaves]

Just take it in a give them a chance to make it right.

[88bmwjeff]

Just take it in a give them a chance to make it right.

+1

We all make mistakes; as such, I think you need to give the dealer a chance to make it right.

On a side note, but similar theme. I take my Bimmer to an independent repair shop, which likes to replace the license plate frames with ones that advertise their shop (instead of the dealer). Well they scratched a part of my car getting the new license plate frame on. My car's about 13 years old, so I thought they were going to fight me on this one. But, to my surprise after taking a quick look, they sent the part off to be re-painted.

As to inspecting your bike (or car) after service is a good idea. Unfortunately, the system is set up against you, since they don't bring your vehicle around til after you pay.

[CHARLES960]

The disappointing thing is that the mechanic must have seen the dammage from the drop and did not own up to it. Now you are put in the uncomfortable position of having to confront THEM rather than their presenting the issue along with an appology and some compensation.

Charles

[dbrick]

Just take it in a give them a chance to make it right.

Yes. Once, the final drive gears on the RS turned to crinkly in the middle of the Nevada desert. The mech had, a thousand miles previously, drained the oil and neglected to refill. The shop paid for a new rear end and a very expensive tow - not happily, I'm sure, but with good grace. I continued to patronize them.

[GlobalRider]

Tip: Inspect your bike fully after every service.

Better still, BEFORE every service so that you know where it stands. Take pics of it as well. Someone I know should have.

I'm always happy when my vehicles go off warranty. I've been lucky enough that none of them needed any warranty work. The only time a dealer sees my vehicles is prior to the time of delivery.