bcjohn
06-14-2006, 02:45 PM
As some of the regulars know, I've been off the ride for awhile due to health, blah blah. Anyhow, the bike went in this last winter for a engine freshen, ie the je 1146s and a full head rebuild (oem except for the Ferreas). This plus a number of other things on the work order put the final bill at around $3000CDN, which was within the budget I'd set for the job. Realise that I can no longer do any of the work myself, and I have an excellent shop / mechanic and the rapport and goodwill that goes with it.
OK, fast forward. My ex, who was going to foot the bill (I'm on fixed $ disability) lost her job.....my bike lost its rebuild patron. OK, so we thought maybe the shop credit card would do the job. Nyet, the CC company did a credit check, since we'd never used it, found out she was unemployed and said fuck you to her.
Here I stand, in the shop, the bike is ready and I have no way of paying the bill up front. I can do $500 monthly max, but how does that help. I helps when the owner of the shop steps up and says to just give him the post dated cheques and he will carry my debt, no interest. Something to do with having been a good customer for all these years. These things don't happen in business. There is no lien on my bike, no note, no nothing. Just between us. Realise that this is a BIG shop with an aggressive sales team and can raise the hackles on prospective customers from time to time. Being treated with empathy and warmth was fabulous.
I get the bike permanently at the end of the month with $500 down and the first payment coming on July 1st. I am happy. The service manager is happy. My mechanic is happy and, well, shit. I must have pulled in some good karma on this man.
Which reminds me, I've been a shit bud to Brian, so I'd better get out to see him, and get my red R updated :) !!
Given all the creeps in the biz, thought you guys would like to know that some shit doesn't happen for the worst. :punk
OK, fast forward. My ex, who was going to foot the bill (I'm on fixed $ disability) lost her job.....my bike lost its rebuild patron. OK, so we thought maybe the shop credit card would do the job. Nyet, the CC company did a credit check, since we'd never used it, found out she was unemployed and said fuck you to her.
Here I stand, in the shop, the bike is ready and I have no way of paying the bill up front. I can do $500 monthly max, but how does that help. I helps when the owner of the shop steps up and says to just give him the post dated cheques and he will carry my debt, no interest. Something to do with having been a good customer for all these years. These things don't happen in business. There is no lien on my bike, no note, no nothing. Just between us. Realise that this is a BIG shop with an aggressive sales team and can raise the hackles on prospective customers from time to time. Being treated with empathy and warmth was fabulous.
I get the bike permanently at the end of the month with $500 down and the first payment coming on July 1st. I am happy. The service manager is happy. My mechanic is happy and, well, shit. I must have pulled in some good karma on this man.
Which reminds me, I've been a shit bud to Brian, so I'd better get out to see him, and get my red R updated :) !!
Given all the creeps in the biz, thought you guys would like to know that some shit doesn't happen for the worst. :punk