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Posted

Went and had my new front tire installed at a shop yesterday. When I pulled my bike with leaning sidecar around to the shop the mechanics facial expression was ....interesting (shall we say). When he finished he took the bike down the road. This raises the question: Why? I have never had anyone take my bike (or my car) down the road after changing tires, I can see why they would but am wondering if this was more the result of the guy taking the opportunity to ride my rig (remember the facial expression). The problem is that my 3/4 helmet was laying on the passenger seat and he assumed it was tied down :confused07::confused07::confused07: . Helmet went flying down the road at whatever speed, visor scratched up, rear vent is flat out gone, scuff marks all over the shell with some serious abrasions on the back. Helmet was only about a year old and though it wasn't the most expensive one, it had never been dropped and had no scuffs period. I am at a loss on what to do with this.

 

In short: is it normal for a shop to take a bike out after a (front) tire change? What if anything does the shop owe me for the helmet?:confused24:

Posted

I think they owe you a new helmet. My shop typically did a test ride of 1/4 mile or so after doing any mechanical work on my bike. However, I feel it was the mechanics responsibility to make sure the helmet was tied down or remove it.

 

Dennis

Posted

Did you show the shop manager the helmet, and explain to him what happened and if so what did he say. The shop is responsable for your rig while it is in there shop. If you waited until after you took the bike home,then you may be screwed. If this is the case, you should still take it back and talk to the owner/manager. If he values his reputation and his bussiness he will take care of this.

Posted

I'm gonna play the devils advocate here. I think it's a case of dual negligence. The helmet should have been secured, especially since you were letting a stranger work on the bike. And.... the wrench should have checked before taking the bike on an unneccessary 'test' ride. :2cents:

Posted

They would definitely owe me a helmet... after I got through throwing a fit with him when he got back from his thrill ride. He changed a tire, he didn't do anything that needed a test ride.

Posted

The shop is responsible for any damage suffered to any property you leave with them, or is under their control.

 

They owe you a helmet.

 

Getting one out of them may not prove so easy, but if they value your goodwill they may help you buy another.

Posted

Shop owes you a new helmet, plain and simple. You shouldn't have left without discussing it with management. Now, unless the mechanic admits to it, it's your word vs their word.

Posted

That's ONE of the reasons I hate to let anyone work on my bike but me. If I break something, I'll sulk and complain but hopefully I'll have learned a lesson and can't place blame on anyone else.

 

When my wife's car was new and still under a maintenance contract, we took it in for regular oil changes, tire rotation, other miscellaneous repairs, etc. It seems like 70-80% of the time when she brought it home, there was a screw missing or a valve cap gone. One time, the car was dripping oil! The drain plug was in but only finger tight!

 

I can understand the mechanic's desire to take the rig for a test ride. Both for the novelty of it and for the need to insure that everything is mechanically sound. But, anytime you operate a vehicle, it is the drivers responsibility to ensure that everything is secure before placing the vehicle in gear.

 

Generally speaking, garages are pretty good about doing what is 'morally' right and taking care of their mistakes as long as it doesn't cost too much. I'm not sure what the garages legal responsibility is in this case, but surely it is their moral responsibility to replace the helmet.

Posted
I think they owe you a new helmet. My shop typically did a test ride of 1/4 mile or so after doing any mechanical work on my bike. However, I feel it was the mechanics responsibility to make sure the helmet was tied down or remove it.

 

Dennis

 

I agree. It's not that unusual (my experience only) for a short run after a tire change, BUT the shop should be responsible for damage to your stuff!!! Ya wore the helmet in right? Why would someone "presume" that it was tied down?

Posted

Before they did the tire change did you sign anything? If so you need to look at the fine print if you haven't already. It might say they aren't responsible for any damage for any reason. I agree w/ the dual negligence but unless other stating so, they may not owe you anything. They may do something just for the PR.

Posted

It was Red's Rods and choppers on Hwy 123 (west side of Greenville). I have been using Cycle Werx, but they are so slow, it is ridiculous, so I figured I'd give these guys a try.

 

I concur that I should not have left the helmet on the (back) seat of the bike but rather have kept it or laid it in the sidecar, which is why I am hesitant to blame them. On the other hand .... if you're that concerned about your tire changing ability that you need to take a test ride ........

They are aware and stated to let them know what they would have to do to make it right. It's not that I don't have another helmet -or two- so I am probably going to suggest he trade some future labor ( maybe a couple of hours) which I think would be reasonable. Let you know!

Posted

When you handed them your key, they accepted responsibility for not only your bike but for everything. When they handed you your key back their responsibility ended. If your helmet was damaged during the time they had your keys they are responsible.

 

Hopefully you pointed out the damage to your helmet BEFORE you left their parking lot...if not, you may not have a case..

Posted

I have never had my Venture in my dealers shop but they test drove it before turning it over to me. I think (just my opinion) that should be a requirement.

Posted

In my shop the helmet would be replaced just for customer goodwill.

Did the tech ask to take the bike, or did he just road test it?

IMO, both parties were at fault, 30% owner 70% tech. But the tech should have made sure before the ride.

We also have a no damage/ theft policy that we are not resposible for anything that happens:080402gudl_prv:. We rarely inforce that.

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