Before the work starts
- Tell the mechanic the problem in your own words and say when it happens. Ask him to find the cause before naming any part.
- Ask for the cost of the repair first, with parts and labour separate. Agree that he will call you before adding any extra work.
- Take a photo of the bike's condition and kilometre reading before you leave it.
Parts and oil
- Ask whether a part is new, used or a local copy, and which make. A different make or a used part should cost less than a new original one.
- Ask for the old parts back. If a part was really changed, you can see the old one.
- For engine oil, watch a sealed bottle being opened, and look at the oil level yourself afterwards.
If the bill is higher than you expected
Prices differ by bike model, part and city, so there is no single fair price we can give here.
- Ask him to go through the bill line by line and show the work done.
- If you did not agree to some extra work, say so calmly and ask for it to be removed.
- For a big repair, get a second opinion from another mechanic before paying for it. Keep your bill, since it helps if the same fault comes back.