Who to believe..

Stay Hazed · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 13 Jul 2014 Karma :

Just joined the forum but browsed for a while.
I know absolutely nothing about bikes, mechanics in general. I have owned a Honda XR 125 for the last 3 months, had no problems with it other than a few minor things which i've always just taken to the garage down the road. This is where my possible problems are. I really should learn the basics, but as of now I don't know anything. The bike shop I usually use was closed yesterday so I went to an alternative as my chain was very loose.

The one I usually use, is an independent mechanic who owns the business himself and it's only him that works there.

The one I used yesterday was also an independent garage it seemed, but are a dealer for Peugeot, Sinnis, WK and the likes.
He informed me that when I'd had my tyres changed a few weeks ago, the rear wheel hadn't correctly been put on and was coming loose.

My problem is, who do I believe? My bike is due MOT next month and garage 1 that I usually use has said he'll go over the bike for free, run it to the MOT etc for free, the only thing I'll need to pay for is the MOT cost itself and any work that needs doing. Garage 2 does MOT on site and he said he'd also go over the bike for free but as with the first I'd need to pay for work if any.

TLDR, who do I trust with my bike? Sorry if anything doesn't make sense, just let me know and I'll try to explain.

SL.

yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

Picture of back wheel from both sides and from behind.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

Stay Hazed · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 13 Jul 2014 Karma :

Boxing · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Karma :

Is your chain still loose?

If not, then maybe garage #2 was in fact correct.

The only other explanation I have for this is if A) you messed with the rear wheel nuts (I doubt) or B) Someone tried to steal your rear wheel. If the chances of them are slim, then garage #1 messed up, with something potentially life threatening, therefore I'd never go back. Thumbs Up

Although I and a few others on this forum don't trust mechanics, and IF they have to work on my bike I'll watch them like a hawk. Usually I'll just do it all myself. Plenty of help on the internet. YouTube helps with near enough everything. Thumbs Up

P.S Them garages are counting on something to go wrong during the MOT. To make money. Go and MOT it yourself. If you're insured you can ride it to the MOT station perfectly legally as long as you're booked in. You don't need tax to go and MOT it, just insurance and you can ride it down. Thumbs Up

£28-£30 for a MOT.

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Confucius say; Man with clock always know time; man with two clocks, never sure.
Buy a Haynes Manual and some spanners; sod the clock, spend time with your bike. It's all part of the fun.
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

Trust no-one Wink

____________________
Space Is Deep

Wonko The Sane · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2013 Karma :

I agree with above, doing things yourself and being sure is enjoyable, being knocked off my bike was probably the best thing that's happened for me with biking.

The only thing I had been doing myself was to adjust the chain tension and keep it lubed.

this weekend I have changed my oil, oil filter and oil cooler (the latter due to a leak, it's not routine)

best tool aquired? an off cut of carpet, makes it more comfortable sat on the floor taking my time and making sure I know how each step should be.

would have sorted my brakes too if I the retaining pin hadn't seized.
____________________
Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251

Stay Hazed · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 13 Jul 2014 Karma :

Stay Hazed · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 13 Jul 2014 Karma :

Also, in regards to the spanners post from Teflon Mike, is there a sort of 'starter' set sold anywhere as I literally have nothing! It cost me £120 for a full service a month ago, so having to get that done again would be almost certainly near the cost of a set of spanners/tools I guess?

Kind regards

Benjums · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Karma :

Have you not got any mates who are into bikes and handy with spanners? Failing that your parents mates. Who can go over things with you? The other option is to see if there is a friendly bcfer near you, who won't mind showing you the ropes for some beer tokens or a crate of beer?
I was the same as you, as in I didn't have a clue on mechanics but luckily I have a few mates who have been over my shoulder watching and explaining.

Shaft · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Karma :

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

Andy9934 · Nova Slayer Joined: 19 Apr 2014 Karma :

P.addy · *Formerly known as* P. Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Where abouts in the country are you S_L?

Stay Hazed · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 13 Jul 2014 Karma :

Commuter_Tim · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 May 2013 Karma :

P.addy · *Formerly known as* P. Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Cashhead · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Jul 2011 Karma :

Where abouts in Worcestershire, I've used Streffords (in Worcester) before with no issues, having said that it was only for an MOT and a new tyre!

Cashhead · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Jul 2011 Karma :

Also I'm fairly handy with spanners, however pretty busy with a baby on the way but I'm sure I could find some time if you need a hand, I live out near Inkberrow between Worcester and Stratford.

Stay Hazed · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 13 Jul 2014 Karma :

Cashhead · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Jul 2011 Karma :

It really is, feel free to drop me a PM if you need a hand!