Vehicle maintenance is the key for every owner’s satisfaction. However, this is mostly attributed’blindly’ to the manufacturer. The following is a summarization of my experience and observation over the last 15 years about various bikes/scooters and service centers.
I have used some of the popular 2-wheelers in our country starting from Hero Majestic, Luna, Kinetic Honda, LML Vespa, Bajaj Chetak, 4S Champion, Hero Honda Street, Honda Activa, TVS Max 100R, Scooty Pep. Though I did not own all of these, I did have the privilege of using them for long durations at different intervals. Also, I have got these vehicles serviced at their respective authorized service centers, sometimes at local workshops and also in different cities.
List of observations common to most of these.
Good ones:
Job card that lists all problems and action items.
Take customer’s confirmation regarding any replacements.
Timely delivery of the serviced vehicle(with some exceptions)
Availability of spares. Sometimes you may feel they are expensive.
Bad ones:
Oil change - It is a little difficult to find out if this was truly done or not, but we end up paying for this. Its better to get this done by supplying the oil on our own.atleast you are sure that the oil is now NEW.
Does not check for any EXTRA problem that is observed while carrying out the service, as this was not listed in the job-card.
Use customer’s petrol for cleaning the carburettor. Some times more than 2/3 litres have been emptied.
Vehicle is washed prior to carrying out service. By the time service is completed, there will be grease all over the place.like the handle bar, seats, etc., which are just wiped and not washed again. This is the most irritating part of the whole exercise.
Engine Idling gets disturbed and have to adjust again.
Buzzer stops working due to water seepage during washing. Have to blow air and get it back in shape.
Ignore to correct minor problems such as adjusting the break nut, etc.,
All in all, I find the level of service or u call it Quality of Service is at par, irrespective of the make, service center and also city. There could be some cases who have had much bitter experiences than what I have mentioned above which I guess should be considered as exceptions and may not fall under the majority.
Hence, I feel that there is no vast difference between brands as far as their service is concerned and this should not influence while making your decision to purchase. Many brains come together to put forth these machines that satisfy the various tastes.economy, executive, power, style, convenient.what ever u want to call them. Let us not try to expect more than what they are meant to be and feel disappointed.
Love your bikes/scooters.they are your reflection.
Cheers.