Topic: Shop won't return my calls or let me get the bike

[vonvendetta]

So about 3 months ago I hired a local shop, one that is registered as so. I just wanted someone to rewire the bike and tune it. Found this guy who said he knew the bikes well and he could do it no problem. I signed over the first three hours at $80 an hour and gave him the bike to take to his shop. 1.5 months go by and he has not done a single thing other than call me and tell me he is charging me 2 hours to research the electrical system of the bike. At which point I told him I wanted to see some results or I was picking up the bike and that I was not going to pay him $160 to do some research. 2 weeks ago I asked to pick up the bike because I heard nothing from him and what was done. He doesn't respond to my calls, emails or text messages. What do I do now? Will calling the police do anything?

Thanks guys, seems no matter what, I get myself in a pickle.

[ken65]

Sorry to hear your woes, personally i'd just go in and "repossess " the bike. However I'd never have waited so long for results. We try to give the benifit of the doubt to people  but it seems as though you missed out with this dodgy operator.   Good luck.

[madmtnmotors]

You might be getting off cheap for just two hours labor. Mechanic shops in Florida can place "mechanic's liens" and ultimately take ownership of a vehicle for unpaid bills (including storage) after notification to owner by certified mail. I might be inclined to cut my losses, offer to pay the two hours labor, and chalk it up to valuable lesson learned. Then learn to read a wiring diagram:
 
http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/wiring750K1.html

and how to use a multimeter.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CE4QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnadp.sws.uiuc.edu%2Fcal%2FPDF%2FMultimeterUse.pdf&ei=98vJU67EJpLNsQSm1oGoCg&usg=AFQjCNFV6VPvPy0vTWBEGGc6gXk0KIJxjQ&sig2=GxFMhYD6kv1aElHubfXHhA&bvm=bv.71198958,d.cWc





Hell, we even taught Seth how to do a continuity test!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=139066.msg1572865#msg1572865

[goldarrow]

Go get your bike already

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Better Business Bureau.

If you paid him 3 hours then he still owes you one. Call the cops and ask them if they will meet you over there.

[vfourfreak]

Find out where he lives.

Kev

[flatlander]

he's got a physical shop so why not walk in there and clarify the situation with him directly? take someone with you just in case, to have a witness. and as the others said, either settle for some payment with him or not but in any case, take the bike with you.

don't know about the cops in your neck of the woods but over here, they would not be too keen on accompanying you without good reason if you hadn't tried sorting things out with the guy first yourself "in good faith".

[Duke McDukiedook]

Get the bike back IMMEDIATELY from this clown.
Pay the two hours and consider this a lesson to learn about repair on your own or use a reputable place that you personally know people have brought their bikes to get repaired and are happy with the work.

This two hours research talk would make me run far away from this repair clown posing as a real mechanic.
Like was said above bring the police if you have to and claim your bike stolen if they won't let you pay your bill and collect your bike.

[dhall57]

You the owner is the best mechanic your Honda will ever have I don't think their is anything you can't find on this forum to help you out. Whole lot of clowns who talk a good game and claim their pros at bike repair, car repair, etc. and don't know squat about nothing    Do * ALL* the work on your bike and if by chance if their is something you can't handle always get references and more references of the person or shops work before turning your sohc over to anybody to turn the first bolt on it. Hope you get all this taken care of.

[dusterdude]

Not sure about fl,in va,we go to a magistrate,give in the money,he will sign a release statement,you take it to the shop owner then ya'll work it out in court


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dave500]

sounds like a job for judge judy?

[Duke McDukiedook]

Or Judge Dredd. 

[Don R]

My brother just reclaimed his 70 dodge dart fron such a deal. He talked to the states attorney first. They said go to the police. He did and on pickup day the police showed up and auctually escorted him home while he drove the dart through town with no lights or fenders.

[vonvendetta]

Some excellent advice. I was able to track the guy down at the shop and nicely told him I want my crap back. He said I could pick it up Wednesday. Hopefully it will go smoothly. I would do more work on my own but living in a historic district gives me limited space and I have no garage.

[goldarrow]

You were down there but didn't get your bike back?

[dave500]

now hes got time to put gravel in the crankcase?

[adrianm413]

I know some crack heads who would beat him up for $20. Just saying.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Duke McDukiedook]

now hes got time to put gravel in the crankcase?

I say gravel in the crankcase and pee in the tank.

You should have just cut a check right then and there and taken the bike with you. Why did you leave it in his possession when you said you did not want him to work on it??
I don't mean to criticize too much but so far you are batting 0.000 in the correct decisions department.
Hopefully the guy is not a total #$%* and does not do some dirty tricks to your bike as Dave alluded to.
 

[vfourfreak]

now hes got time to put gravel in the crankcase?

I say gravel in the crankcase and pee in the tank.

You should have just cut a check right then and there and taken the bike with you. Why did you leave it in his possession when you said you did not want him to work on it??
I don't mean to criticize too much but so far you are batting 0.000 in the correct decisions department.
Hopefully the guy is not a total #$%* and does not do some dirty tricks to your bike as Dave alluded to.
 

Could be a tricky situation. Could you ask the police to have an officer to accompany you as you fear there could be a breach of the peace when you go to collect ? If they can't / won't help, DO ABSOLUTELY DO bring at least one witness, preferably two. The meaner looking the better (you can have my ex for the day, hell forever if you wish) and get them to note everything that happens. If they guy starts getting awkward in concluding the affair, get one of your witnesses to announce LOUDLY that he is taking notes.
I wish I could be there to help.

best of luck

Kev

[vonvendetta]

I drive a two door car and can't fit it in there quite. My main goal was to get a hold of the guy to schedule a time. He seems like a nice guy, very friendly and willing to help but, he is slow and inexperienced. I didn't and won't have access to a trailer until Wednesday, picking it up then just wasn't an option. Trust me, I want it back in my possession yesterday! I will let you guys know how it goes.

[vfourfreak]

He seems like a nice guy, very friendly and willing to help but, he is slow and inexperienced.

that's OK as far as it goes, but he seems to expect you to pay for him to gain the experience necessary to operate as a mechanic.

I hope it works out OK for you.

Kev

[vonvendetta]

Was able to pick it up but kept "forgetting" my other parts like exhaust etc. Took it home and disputed all but $50 which is what he charged to tow. I consider that the only service he actually performed.

[goldarrow]

You left your exhaust pipes at the shop? How they were good stock ones

[vonvendetta]

He kept forgetting to give them to me when I picked up the bike. I did get them but it was still an awkward situation. I had to list everything I gave him.

[dave500]

hed probably take you more seriously if you didn't wear that bow tie when you went there?