How not to get repeat custom
- Kwacky
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How not to get repeat custom
I used a place near to where I work. They've been recommended by several riders on a Facebook group.
Turn up 12.30 to get the bike fitted with chain and sprockets.
It took them just over 90 minutes to do it.
They told me that the Renthal alloy sprocket I've got won't last more than 3000 miles as they're for race bikes only
Complained the front sprocket was on too tight (it's a Kawasaki, they all do that)
Said that the chain was too short (lads, you need to reset the chain adjuster)
Said that the pinchbolts in the swingarm for the adjuster were too tight
Put so much lube on the new chain that it looks like I've decided to whitewall one side of my rear tyre
I was left on my own for most of the time
No updates
No offer of a drink
No general chat to see if they could get any more work out of me.
Thanks but I'm in no rush to return.
Turn up 12.30 to get the bike fitted with chain and sprockets.
It took them just over 90 minutes to do it.
They told me that the Renthal alloy sprocket I've got won't last more than 3000 miles as they're for race bikes only
Complained the front sprocket was on too tight (it's a Kawasaki, they all do that)
Said that the chain was too short (lads, you need to reset the chain adjuster)
Said that the pinchbolts in the swingarm for the adjuster were too tight
Put so much lube on the new chain that it looks like I've decided to whitewall one side of my rear tyre
I was left on my own for most of the time
No updates
No offer of a drink
No general chat to see if they could get any more work out of me.
Thanks but I'm in no rush to return.
- Cav
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Lol.. I bet you have confidence in the work they've done for you!
You can tell them I got numerous trackdays and over a year of riding out of my AFAM Aluminium sprockets if you like?
Did they also put the axle bracket with the adjuster lines in sideways? Had that happen to me one, my wheel was about 5 degrees out of alignment !!!
You can tell them I got numerous trackdays and over a year of riding out of my AFAM Aluminium sprockets if you like?
Did they also put the axle bracket with the adjuster lines in sideways? Had that happen to me one, my wheel was about 5 degrees out of alignment !!!
- Blade
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Done 10000 miles on a HA alloy sprocket no problem but less than 2-3000 miles on an alloy sprocket. If it's HA it will be fine if you look after your chain and lube and adjust regular.
- Kwacky
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- Blade
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Renthal do good sprockets and even if they do need replacing there not expensive.
- Kwacky
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
You're right on both counts.
I always keep an eye on sprocket wear. These should be fine.
I always keep an eye on sprocket wear. These should be fine.
- Cav
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
You can always feel sprocket wear too. I thought I was losing drive out of the corner as if the chain was skipping despite correct tension, the sprocket was very slightly visibly worn. Replaced the sprocket and the drive was insane!!
- Rossgo
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
yep I agree that's bad! Clearly they must be OK if riders do go back there time and time again but there's no reason for them not offering a drink or general chit chat. Its a shame really because we do tend to base of everything on the one experience, I know I certainly do!
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Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
- Blade
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Tbh Kwacky thinking about it I had the same issue of excessive chain lube when I installed my chain and it also was the horrible white muck.
As I never put a drop on it was the wax the manufacturer had applied. Even though I wiped the excess off I still got white jizz on my tyre for a while
As I never put a drop on it was the wax the manufacturer had applied. Even though I wiped the excess off I still got white jizz on my tyre for a while

- Kwacky
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
That must be it then. It looks like it's been to a bukkake partyBlade wrote:Tbh Kwacky thinking about it I had the same issue of excessive chain lube when I installed my chain and it also was the horrible white muck.
As I never put a drop on it was the wax the manufacturer had applied. Even though I wiped the excess off I still got white jizz on my tyre for a while
- Blade
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- Blade
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
I would not ride up to any dogging sites for a while. You may give the wrong impression and be in for a surprise lubingKwacky wrote:That must be it then. It looks like it's been to a bukkake partyBlade wrote:Tbh Kwacky thinking about it I had the same issue of excessive chain lube when I installed my chain and it also was the horrible white muck.
As I never put a drop on it was the wax the manufacturer had applied. Even though I wiped the excess off I still got white jizz on my tyre for a while

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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Kwacky wrote:That must be it then. It looks like it's been to a bukkake partyBlade wrote:Tbh Kwacky thinking about it I had the same issue of excessive chain lube when I installed my chain and it also was the horrible white muck.
As I never put a drop on it was the wax the manufacturer had applied. Even though I wiped the excess off I still got white jizz on my tyre for a while

- kiwikrasher
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Nothing worse than paying someone to do something you could do better yourself. My ex used to think I was hard on Tradies we had to the house, but I just wanted the professional job that I was paying for!
Sounds like they put the green apprentice on the job Kwacky. How did they join the chain? If it was riveted I would give it a check just for piece of mind.
Sounds like they put the green apprentice on the job Kwacky. How did they join the chain? If it was riveted I would give it a check just for piece of mind.
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
- Kwacky
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- Blade
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
Did you let them know of your disappointment?
If so what did they say ?
If so what did they say ?
- Kwacky
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
I did complain about the amount of time it took them and mentioned the sprocket being HA.
The reply was that everything was on too tight and that I should use JT steel sprockets.
The reply was that everything was on too tight and that I should use JT steel sprockets.
- Blade
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
In fairness if things were on tight better they took there time rather than rush it and round off fasteners and make a complete hash of it.
Have a go yourself next time. You would do a better job and do it quicker by the sounds of it
Have a go yourself next time. You would do a better job and do it quicker by the sounds of it

- Kwacky
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Re: How not to get repeat custom
I am tempted to do that. I've spoken to a couple of people and they reckon if you can get the front sprocket off then it's a relatively easy job.