Topic: What would you expect to pay for a quick lube oil change for your bike??

[ElCheapo]

Just looking at what you guys think you should pay for an oil change. I know most of us do it ourselves. But I would pay $35 just so I would not have to do it if the bikes were more transporatation (thinking to average owner). Maybe a $5 off coupon with each change.

[heffay]

my first thought was 40 so, with a 5-10 dollar off coupon... we're on the same page

[ElCheapo]

my first thought was 40 so, with a 5-10 dollar off coupon... we're on the same page

I was thinking to the $5 off coupon so you could keep going on as many bikes as you had or you could collect them and use them for free parts in house. I guess I would have to set a limit to how many you could redeem at once.

Really I have no prob with a dedicated customer redeeming $20 worth at once.

I guess this would include fluid top offs and a good chain lube.

Sorry for the bit of market research here.... notice no advertising.....

[Jonesy]

I could be delving into customer psychology here, but one thing to consider would be that most bikes only need the oil changed once a year, unlike a car that needs numerous oil changes over the course of the year. So if the price was set at premium and was ever an issue with someone you could remind them that it's not like they are dropping that kind of money every few months... Besides, if all the other stuff was lubed for a full LOF (swingarm, chain, cables...) I think $50 would be reasonable, considering the cost of supplies and consumables.

[ElCheapo]

Actually most bikes even in the snow belt need an oil change 2 times a year.

[medic09]

Picking up on what Jonesy said, you want to look for those of us that are commuting on our bikes much of the year.  I do 600+ miles/week.  Folks doing that are going to change their oil quite a bit, or should anyway...  That makes that additional question how to find and target that market.

Your were a sniper (weren't you?); locate and aquire specific target:  commuters.  The others will just be a little additional gravy.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I might drop 40 bucks but only if it was synthetic. Maybe $25 for regular oil. I can get it done cheaper than that for my car and it uses more oil. 1 Fram filter & 3.5 quarts of bulk oil or perhaps a little more for Honda filter & non bulk oil (not that its any different). Use the Quick Change to get them in your door!

[heffay]

have you priced synthetic?  it would be more than that just for the cost of oil.

[medic09]

Believe it or not, I think some of the places around here charge an hour's labour for an oil change.  So, that runs then between $60-$70 !!!

[sparty]

My local Honda shop charges: Oil (non-synth) $22  Oil Filter $9.50  Labor $40  Total:$71.50

That is why I do it myself!

Sparty

[ElCheapo]

I figure all Japanese bikes and Harley's

Filter $3 and about $5 a quart for non synthetic

There is no reason why oil changes can not be done for a flat rate price. The shop will make more on one than the other. And one might be easier thna the other. Just like car quick lube. And ones that are "exotic" you charge a little more to cover the filter.

I also know that when a bike is on it center stand it is completely drained in less time that it takes for you car or truck to drain.

What I am getting at is there is no REAL reason that changing the oil in your bike should cost more or take more time than your car or truck.

[Klark Kent]

i think people would be into it if it was cheap.  the people who woul dbe into it are those who hate disposing of their oil and dont have the space and or time to do it themselves.  not neccessarily the wealthy.  i think if  you keep it cheap it will pay off in increased store traffic, but if you charge a premium you will be much less likely to get any NEW customers out of it.  but that depends on whether this is a way to make money or a way to foster customer loyalty, which is a harder decision to make, although my instinct would gravitate toward the latter it isnt based on any real business knowledge. 

just dont start rotating tires and i think you will be fine though.
good luck
-KK

edit: oh and screw the coupon, i would be more likely to appreciate a low cost oil change and the let that persuade me to buy my consumables from you than a coupon that says i HAVE to buy something from you.  just my HO.

[heffay]

What I am getting at is there is no REAL reason that changing the oil in your bike should cost more or take more time than your car or truck.

until you consider what i'm going to be doing today.  oil changes on 4 bikes, only one of which is an "easy oil change".  that would be the cb350f.  the ex500 will not be that much of a problem either i suppose but, the zx7r and vfr800 are covered with plastic that must come off and go back on.  the 7r will be ok just added time but, since the vfr800 was wrecked 2 thanksgivings ago and much of the plastic replaced it doesn't go back together as well (i didn't replace any of the mounts just reshaped them).  now, i know the tricks because i've done it enough.  i know which bolts to thread first and i also know not to tighten any of them more than a few turns before i get them all threaded. 

time consuming and something that never has to be considered when lubing cars.

[ElCheapo]

time consuming and something that never has to be considered when lubing cars.

You have not changed oil on BMW's or Mercedes Benz that require removal of the entire belly pan to do so. Now Hondas are a 3-4min oil change. But a 300 series BMW is another story. But they would have to be done is a short time just the same.

I would tell my workers, stop #$%*in and keep moving. Funny how many cry when all of the work is not easy. If it was all easy, "they" the customers would do it themselves and you would be without a job.

4 bikes? That means 3 oils changes and $15 bucks off the last one.

[scondon]

     I change my oil 5-6 times during the year. Doing it myself is no problem but there are times that I just don't feel like spinning a wrench and had there been a easy and affordable option I would have taken it. I spend about $20 on Motul and filter so if there was a place that I could ride to, sit down and have a smoke and a cup of coffee while someone else got their fingers oily, then an extra $20 is worth the convenience. If that shop existed they'd get my business a couple times a year. Oh, the added bonus is I wouldn't have to deal with taking the waste oil to the recycler.

     I agree with the posters who say that convenience and price are the major selling points. A range of service, as previously mentioned, is a good way to cover the different rider types i.e. Basic Change:$35 - Full Maintenance Oil & Lube:$$?(cost depending on range of service. Brakes, forks,wheels,etc..).

[heffay]

yes cheapo... never was a strong word for me to use but, cars are easier than bikes.  IMO  unless, beemers or things of the like are around cause then all hell breaks loose.  even my old SHO had to have the top of the motor removed to get to the back 3 spark plugs and you still needed a special wrench after that!

and the multiple bikes idea definitely puts the cost of oil changes in perspective... especially as a student.  i paid just shy of 80 dollars for oil and filters.  at 40 bucks i'm in the 160 range.  at 75 i'd be paying 300 for 4 oil changes! 

i'd rather get my own hands dirty and save the 80 bucks
i'd rather bathe in oil and save the 220 dollar premium!

    Doing it myself is no problem but there are times that I just don't feel like spinning a wrench

my sentiments exactly scondon!  i walked out to the garage, got ready to work then started touching all the 35 degree aluminum.  i'm now searching craigslist for garage heaters and have put  the oil changes off till tomorrow when the high is 49 instead of 39...
brrrrrrrrrrr

[ElCheapo]

Figures now when I mentioned this idea to my uncle, he tells me of all this folk lore about reving to and making sure the motor is hot and squeezing two chickens and molesting a hamster before or during changing oil on a Harley. WTF!!! I say if the bike is built stupid like Yugo's and is hard to change oil on then they should be kept the parked right under the crushing force of dust. 

[heffay]

dude... put down the crack and walk away...

i know that was supposed to mean something e.c. but, what?

[Rsnip988]

Figures now when I mentioned this idea to my uncle, he tells me of all this folk lore about reving to and making sure the motor is hot and squeezing two chickens and molesting a hamster before or during changing oil on a Harley. WTF!!! I say if the bike is built stupid like Yugo's and is hard to change oil on then they should be kept the parked right under the crushing force of dust. 

OMG molesting a hamster  I almost laughed till i passed out

[Rsnip988]

or was that due to the coughing?

[Roach Carver]

congestive heart failure.

[Rsnip988]

quite possibly, it runs in the family

[seaweb11]

Ja think

[Rsnip988]

$1 Bob

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

have you priced synthetic?  it would be more than that just for the cost of oil.

#$%* Geoff, I still use "car" oil. That oughta start some shiite (transposed to #$%*)! Isn't synthetic "car" oil like $5 a quart? My Castrol "normal oil" on sale is about $2.38 a quart (946ml for you overseas dewds). I knew there was some reason a $20 oil change sounded expensive