First Service....a little expensive?

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 3:25 pm

Just had my 2009 Buddy 125 first service....came to a bit over $200. Scoot was around 600 miles on the ODO. Tires were quite low on air, guess I should check more often.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:01 pm

That is a bit steep! I had to pay around that as well, not because that's what the shop charged but the expense of getting to the shop cos I had to rent a truck, drive an hour and a half, then gas it.

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:13 pm

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:26 pm

I got an oil filter, washers, oil and hub lube change, safety check, and tire inflation. The shop charges 99 bucks an hour. Next time I will go elsewhere, but wanted the first service by an authorized Buddy dealership to keep the warranty.

theflash784 · Post by **theflash784** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:31 pm

Mine was only $40. The dealer tightened up the loose mirrors for me and even wiped down the scooter.

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:51 pm

The first service should be both oil changes and a valve adjustment.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:08 pm

Here's a video of what is done on the first service.

http://vimeo.com/5377019

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:39 pm

Sounds to me like this shop hasn't a clue...

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:24 pm

Thanks Skootz. I enjoyed watching the video. I feel I'm being sucked more and more into all the aspects of scooting. Not just riding. I'm thinking bout taking an automotive class.

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:07 pm

seems a bit steep.. $100/hr pretty high also..

I hate paying people by the hour

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:36 am

They are the only Buddy shop in town. Didn't even get a dinner,

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:48 am

DIY when you can, tenchi. buddy is pretty simple maintenance for basic stuff. that way when real repair is needed or something beyond your skills is necessary the bite won't be so bad

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:13 am

Raiderfn311 wrote:The first service should be both oil changes and a valve adjustment.

Valve adjustment?

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:16 am

First maintenance discussions come up here every once in a while- the video Skootz linked is good to help out with education as to what should be done at the first service.

Prices definitely vary and, as has been pointed out, it sounds like your shop has a pretty high hourly rate. My first service was free (and others have had that experience as well) but the range of first service price is pretty wide.

At that hourly labor rate, I'd be looking for another shop too!!

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:42 am

There appears to be mixed signals on whether valves get done at first service. Everybody 'round here says so, but the Genuine video doesn't call for it, and the owner's manual says "when necessary". Huh?

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:46 am

First service for my Stella was 90, and that's at a Harley dealership mind you.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:38 am

PeteH wrote:There appears to be mixed signals on whether valves get done at first service. Everybody 'round here says so, but the Genuine video doesn't call for it, and the owner's manual says "when necessary". Huh?

The video I posted above, which is the Genuine training video for the 500mi first service, does include valve adjustment.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:49 am

Hmmm. Gotta watch it all again. I coulda swore it stopped pretty much after the oil and filter change.

Of course, the service manual, in all its translational glory, instructs you to remove the cylinder head cover AND the cylinder head to adjust the valves. Cute trick, eh?

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:56 am

Sportique charges $160, each interval. It does pay to get their service plan, which covers a lot and insures you'll buy all your parts and accessories from them. I don't really mind it, but it is expensive!

I figure it will give me a few years to learn some of it myself as well as get a a garage and tools.

Also, labor is fair. I used to charge nothing for computer service, and then people whined when it was $100 to rebuild/reload their computer or clean it up, etc. Well, it's a few hours of my time, plus I have to have the disks, the knowledge, etc.

so long as your local shop does a good job that's OK. if they don't but still charge that much....call Genuine.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:57 am

PeteH wrote:Hmmm. Gotta watch it all again. I coulda swore it stopped pretty much after the oil and filter change...

Na, there is more. It includes, oil change, new oil filter, gear oil change, carb adjust and cleaning, valve adjust, spark plug check/replace, and slew of safety inspections: brakes, forks, suspension etc.

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:27 am

$200 is not unusual for a first service, depending on whether it's done properly (all checks) and where you live.

Labor charges vary greatly by location. $100/hr. is on the high side, but for California isn't unusual.

Shops should be able to tell you in advance what they'll charge for a standard service such as this.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:30 am

I think mine was 120... I may have picked up a part I ordered at the same time, though, can't remember.

johnnyrocketman · Post by **johnnyrocketman** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:42 am

So how much would it cost, on average, to maintain a Buddy 125 for the duration of the warranty...a two year period? $200 for a few simple adjustments kinda takes a hit on the thriftiness of scooter ownership.

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 4:17 am

johnnyrocketman wrote:So how much would it cost, on average, to maintain a Buddy 125 for the duration of the warranty...a two year period? $200 for a few simple adjustments kinda takes a hit on the thriftiness of scooter ownership.

I don't remember doing any of the scheduled maintenance. I bought it at ~180 miles and 7300 miles later I've probably put $4-700 for upkeep/maintenance. I really don't know how much though, cuz I've spent alot, but most was on upgrades/repairing after theft. I also didn't have a warranty.

I think $500 for 2 years would be a good amount to set aside for repairs/emergencies/upkeep. not sure what the warranty covers, so adjust accordingly.

the dude was being charged $100 per hour, so anything that gets done is going to be expensive.

johnnyrocketman · Post by **johnnyrocketman** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 5:39 am

I have to agree with somewhere around $500 for maintenance for a couple of years if you have the shop perform the work. I would imagine if one could do the labor themselves, it'd probably be around $100 or so...just guessing...for maybe a belt, tire, plug, and filters and oil. Even if it cost more, they're still a hoot to ride everytime you hop on the thing! So much fun for a few bucks an hour in operating expenses

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 5:54 am

$500 would cover my tires and installation for 2 years. That's about it.

Edwub · Post by **Edwub** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 6:12 am

Skootz Kabootz wrote: Na, there is more. It includes, oil change, new oil filter, gear oil change, carb adjust and cleaning, valve adjust, spark plug check/replace, and slew of safety inspections: brakes, forks, suspension etc.

Hmm. They didn't change my oil filter at my first service, I was told it didn't actually need to be done for the Blur.

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 6:39 am

Skootz Kabootz wrote:$500 would cover my tires and installation for 2 years. That's about it.

you sir are an outlier..

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:24 am

slusher5 wrote:
Skootz Kabootz wrote:$500 would cover my tires and installation for 2 years. That's about it.
you sir are an outlier..

It's miles, not years, that matter!

smithrw · Post by **smithrw** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:23 am

My dealer had not seen or even heard of the training video and really didn't even care to know that there was such a thing. Too bad because I think it's a good training aid.

Chilly · Post by **Chilly** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:32 pm

Yesterday was one year with my buddy(10k miles), spent about $400 in matienence mostly on rear rubber(just installed my fourth tire). Also new belt, sliders, plug, battery, half as dozen oil changes. Did all my own work except for tire install(my shop charges $10 for off the bike change!). If I had been going to the Vespa shop(my only local genuine dealer) I'm sure I would have topped $1000 in a year easily. Luckily I love to work on my Buddy.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 4:41 pm

smithrw wrote:My dealer had not seen or even heard of the training video and really didn't even care to know that there was such a thing. Too bad because I think it's a good training aid.

Genuine is going to be ramping up its dealer tech training this year. I don't have any details, but I think dealers will no longer be able to blow stuff like this off. Some that do ignore the training materials may already know how to fully and correctly do a first maintenance or prep a scoot for delivery. Others will now be better trained.

readinweeden · Post by **readinweeden** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:51 pm

ericalm wrote:
smithrw wrote:My dealer had not seen or even heard of the training video and really didn't even care to know that there was such a thing. Too bad because I think it's a good training aid.
Genuine is going to be ramping up its dealer tech training this year. I don't have any details, but I think dealers will no longer be able to blow stuff like this off. Some that do ignore the training materials may already know how to fully and correctly do a first maintenance or prep a scoot for delivery. Others will now be better trained.

I took my 125 in for its 500mile maintenance today. The mechanic (an authorized Genuine mechanic) previously worked at a scooter shop, but since they closed recently, he's doing it alone now in a garage he's leasing. He was a half hour late for our appointment and then helped some other people who showed up after me.

It was about 20 minutes later that he finally got started...and then finished within 30 minutes...is that normal for the first 500 mile maintenance? The video you guys have above (http://vimeo.com/5377019) makes it seem like this should have taken at least an hour. He charged me about half price because he was late, but when I got home and checked the oil filter and it hadn't been changed. As far as I can tell, it hasn't even been unscrewed, like he just drained the oil and then said I was good. When I called he said he didn't change it because he didn't have one (and didn't charge me for one), but that it would be fine until the 2000mile service.

This is the only authorized Genuine mechanic in about 150mile radius. I feel like I'm being taken advantage here, but I don't want to void the warranty...what to do...

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:55 pm

complain to genuine customer support, main office, or whatever it's called

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:59 am

readinweeden wrote:
ericalm wrote:
smithrw wrote:My dealer had not seen or even heard of the training video and really didn't even care to know that there was such a thing. Too bad because I think it's a good training aid.
Genuine is going to be ramping up its dealer tech training this year. I don't have any details, but I think dealers will no longer be able to blow stuff like this off. Some that do ignore the training materials may already know how to fully and correctly do a first maintenance or prep a scoot for delivery. Others will now be better trained.
I took my 125 in for its 500mile maintenance today. The mechanic (an authorized Genuine mechanic) previously worked at a scooter shop, but since they closed recently, he's doing it alone now in a garage he's leasing. He was a half hour late for our appointment and then helped some other people who showed up after me.

It was about 20 minutes later that he finally got started...and then finished within 30 minutes...is that normal for the first 500 mile maintenance? The video you guys have above (http://vimeo.com/5377019) makes it seem like this should have taken at least an hour. He charged me about half price because he was late, but when I got home and checked the oil filter and it hadn't been changed. As far as I can tell, it hasn't even been unscrewed, like he just drained the oil and then said I was good. When I called he said he didn't change it because he didn't have one (and didn't charge me for one), but that it would be fine until the 2000mile service.

This is the only authorized Genuine mechanic in about 150mile radius. I feel like I'm being taken advantage here, but I don't want to void the warranty...what to do...

slusher5 wrote:complain to genuine customer support, main office, or whatever it's called

Won't really do any good, as he's not working through an authorized dealer. If you have work done somewhere other than a dealer, there's not much you can do about it (as far as Genuine's concerned) if there's an issue.

There are no such things as an "authorized Genuine mechanics." Dealers are authorized, not individuals. (It's not like Vespa, which has a certification program, though not all mechanics at Vespa dealers are certified.)

That said, each dealership is an individually run business and they're all responsible for the quality of service they provide. Genuine can only do so much.

hal888 · Post by **hal888** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:17 pm

ericalm wrote: Won't really do any good, as he's not working through an authorized dealer. If you have work done somewhere other than a dealer, there's not much you can do about it (as far as Genuine's concerned) if there's an issue.

There are no such things as an "authorized Genuine mechanics." Dealers are authorized, not individuals. (It's not like Vespa, which has a certification program, though not all mechanics at Vespa dealers are certified.)

That said, each dealership is an individually run business and they're all responsible for the quality of service they provide. Genuine can only do so much.

The situation is a little different here, as there is no longer any GB retail outlet or dealer. Without a constant infusion of scoots to the local market, the number of Buddy and Blur models will diminish rather quickly, such that in a few years there will be effectively zero.

My suggestion to realdnweeden is that the situation is not so bad. The mechanic performed a minimal service at 500 miles, but your warranty should be OK as you met your obligation for the service. He didn't charge you the cost of a full check-out either. However, if you are concerned about your bike, maybe you can use the information from the video and go back to the mechanic and ask him to look at a list of specific items. My guess is that he would be happy to do it. He'll charge, of course, but since his original charge was so low perhaps it will all balance out.

readinweeden · Post by **readinweeden** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:37 pm

@ericalm
Thanks for the explanation. It makes more sense now, though its kinda shady that he still calls his shop an *authorized Genuine* mechanic. I still wrote Genuine an email because I want them to know that there are frustrated Buddy owners here.

@hal888
Good to hear from another Middle Tennessee Buddy owner. I am going to try and be more diligent about checking oil levels and making sure everything sounds good while riding. More than likely I'll take it back at 2000miles, but what's the difference between having him work on it and having a Honda shop work on it (if I get them a service manual)? It seems as long as I meet my warranty obligation, I should be fine. I hope Genuine gets back to me soon so I can talk to a real person.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:47 pm

As also a Buddy owner in Middle TN, I am wondering this same topic as I just bought mine as well.

readinweeden · Post by **readinweeden** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:29 am

To help out us middle TN Buddy owners, this is an email I got back from Genuine's corporate offices. Hope this helps:

Hi Jeremiah,
It is news to me that someone in Nashville is calling themselves an Authorized Genuine Service Center. I do thank you for bringing this to our attention and I will look into this matter. We are aware that Eastside Scooters is closed and we are actively seeking out a new Authorized Dealership in Nashville and we will have someone signed as soon as possible.
In the meantime if you feel that you wish to do your own oil changes ( torque spec for oil filter is 6 foot pounds) or repairs please feel free to do so. This will not void your warranty. However if you need warranty work done you will have to take your scooter to the nearest authorized Genuine Dealership. The dealerships in Tennessee are :
Scenic City Scooters, Inc.
2248 Dayton Blvd.
Chattanooga, TN 37415
(423) 875-6445

Scoots
5144 Old Summer Rd.
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 672-8859

Kind Regards,
Dean Christofano
Genuine Scooter Company

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:44 am

Bzzzzt. Genuine video says 12 lb/ft. See the above video link at the three-minute mark. And having done it at least once, I'm inclined to agree with the 12. Six would be really loose.

readinweeden · Post by **readinweeden** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:22 am

I just pasted what the rep sent me.

(but you're probably right, 6ft/lbs seems like nothing)

hal888 · Post by **hal888** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:45 pm

readinweeden wrote:To help out us middle TN Buddy owners, this is an email I got back from Genuine's corporate offices. Hope this helps:

Hi Jeremiah,
It is news to me that someone in Nashville is calling themselves an Authorized Genuine Service Center. I do thank you for bringing this to our attention and I will look into this matter. We are aware that Eastside Scooters is closed and we are actively seeking out a new Authorized Dealership in Nashville and we will have someone signed as soon as possible.
In the meantime if you feel that you wish to do your own oil changes ( torque spec for oil filter is 6 foot pounds) or repairs please feel free to do so. This will not void your warranty. However if you need warranty work done you will have to take your scooter to the nearest authorized Genuine Dealership. The dealerships in Tennessee are :

Scenic City Scooters, Inc.
2248 Dayton Blvd.
Chattanooga, TN 37415
(423) 875-6445

Scoots
5144 Old Summer Rd.
Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 672-8859

Kind Regards,
Dean Christofano
Genuine Scooter Company

So, this is a big deal for us Tennesseans, because I was under the impression that GB supported warranty work through East Side Motorwerx (the new motorcycle repair shop started by former East Side Scooter mechanic). This letter sounds like they never even heard of this arrangement. Confusing...

Let's hope GB corporate gets this sorted out ASAP, because the GB towing package won't cover moving a scoot to Chattanooga or Memphis without substantial payment.

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:49 pm

My local place (an, ahem, a-hole-y Vespa Dealer) wanted $225 to do the first service on MY 170i... however he told someone else that he was looking for $165 for the same service. I had had a really, absolutely terrible experience just trying to take delivery of my scooter after I had paid IN FULL two months beforehand... BUT he's the only one in town that is a "Certified Genuine Dealer" sooo whatchagonnado?!
Well, what I did was this: my own oil and filter change, my own gear oil change and valve adjustments... and in the spring I will be riding up to Burlington, VT to have the sucker hooked up to the computer to make sure everything else is all good.
Dang fuel-injected motors and their silly computers!

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:53 pm

Nice Ali!

We too have one dealer, but fortunately they seem to be darn good! I figure I'll learn to do the changes anyway, and I saved a copy of that maintenance video just in case.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:02 am

Good video Skootz Kabootz. I should have found it about 1700 miles ago. According to the vid if I don't get this "first" service at 500 miles my warrenty is null and void. Bummer. I live about 120miles from the dealer and I don't have a pickup to get it there and the only sensable way there is on a 75mph highway, I could zig-zag my way there on 55mph roads but I would have to drive over 160 miles. so riding my scoot there is out of the question (weather is another issue) so I guess if anything goes wrong with the scoot I'm on my own.

rfman81 · Post by **rfman81** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 4:48 pm

So I also emailed Genuine asking about East Side Motorwerx shop to do work in Nashville. This is there response. Seems we are getting 2 different response from Genuine right now.

Hello xx,

Chris over at East Side Motorwerx is Genuine approved to perform your 500 mile service.

Regards,
Massimo

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:38 pm

AWinn6889 wrote:My local place (an, ahem, a-hole-y Vespa Dealer) wanted $225 to do the first service on MY 170i... however he told someone else that he was looking for $165 for the same service. I had had a really, absolutely terrible experience just trying to take delivery of my scooter after I had paid IN FULL two months beforehand... BUT he's the only one in town that is a "Certified Genuine Dealer" sooo whatchagonnado?!
Well, what I did was this: my own oil and filter change, my own gear oil change and valve adjustments... and in the spring I will be riding up to Burlington, VT to have the sucker hooked up to the computer to make sure everything else is all good.
Dang fuel-injected motors and their silly computers!

Ive done both oil changes and Im getting ready to do a valve adjustment. Scooter dealers are a bit lax IMHO.

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 9:35 pm

Raiderfn311 wrote:
AWinn6889 wrote:My local place (an, ahem, a-hole-y Vespa Dealer) wanted $225 to do the first service on MY 170i... however he told someone else that he was looking for $165 for the same service. I had had a really, absolutely terrible experience just trying to take delivery of my scooter after I had paid IN FULL two months beforehand... BUT he's the only one in town that is a "Certified Genuine Dealer" sooo whatchagonnado?!
Well, what I did was this: my own oil and filter change, my own gear oil change and valve adjustments... and in the spring I will be riding up to Burlington, VT to have the sucker hooked up to the computer to make sure everything else is all good.
Dang fuel-injected motors and their silly computers!
Ive done both oil changes and Im getting ready to do a valve adjustment. Scooter dealers are a bit lax IMHO.

It's just this kid that's running the dealership.. out of his father's auto parts and rebuild shop. They are horribly unorganized and about 99% of the time he's not even there, and doesn't tell his father (whom he lets run the shop in his absence) anything about what he has going on with customers, or their scooters. Long story short it was a horrible experience, and I don't trust any of them in that shop to touch my 2 wheel death machine... just like I don't trust anyone but myself, my bf, and a couple of close friends to do any work on my car.
I have however, heard great things about the shop up in Burlington, and since I don't have the software or cable needed to do my own diagnostics on the scooter, I'll have to leave it up to them. Hopefully they don't charge me the whole first service price just to do that... we shall see come March/April.

Modern Buddy

First Service....a little expensive?

First Service....a little expensive?

First service...a little expensive

Unfortunately....

For Us Middle TN folks