Garage or give it a go?

[Laura]

Hi everyone,

I am totally new to all this so please have patience. Always wanted a bike but never known anyone who could teach me the ways. Took my CBT and on advice of instructor went with a twist and go to build some confidence. Having little experience i went for a Lexmoto Titan from a dealer and though its been great to learn on (ill be re-doing CBT on a geared bike and upgrading next year) i just seem to have problems. Been to garage 4 times this year and told nothing wrong but i can hear how awful the bike sounds (it rattles from the belt?), it struggles to start in the cold (not to mention snapped bolts and other rubbish going on with it.) Ive had advice to just go on you tube and check certain things, but really as a newbie should i even risk it. Anyone know any common issues with this bike (please dont say its cheap or lack of maintenance - i know what it is now and im trying to learn )

TiA for any guidance, new garage or give it a go.

[Guest]

Can't really help. I'm generally give it a go. Welcome along though. Maybe there is someone friendly in the area who can help out?

[mikestrivens]

Hello [mention]Laura[/mention] Can’t help with bike. But have you looked at getting a Haynes manual to help you do basic maintenance. Anything safety critical i’d leave to a garage and qualified mechanic to deal with.

[XO71]

I'm a few steps behind you, Laura, so can't advise, but part of the reason I want a bike myself is that I can derive satisfaction from doing some of the maintenance myself, something I can't easily do with modern cars. I say give it a go, there's lots of advice out there on the web, and some great people on this forum who I am sure will be willing to advise.

[Joeman]

Get the Haynes manual, buy some tools, and give it a go!

Its all part of the biking learning process.

Its important for bikers to know their bikes well and fixing them up is a great way to learn.

[Guest]

Might also be worth checking local colleges and things as some run courses in motorbike maintenance. There is one run in London by a motorbike clothing shop, don't know if there is similar round your way.

[fastbob]

Hello and welcome. You say that you bought it from a dealer and every time you take it back they say there's nothing wrong with it . Well they would wouldn't they ? Trading Standards comes to mind here. As soon as you start trying to fix it yourself you've lost any consumer rights that you might have had . If something that you purchase doesn't work , take it back for an exchange or a refund.

[BIKERDAD]

I agree take it to another garage and ask them for a detailed list of what's up with it .They be able to tell you if the other dealer needs to fix this or they will .BUT have it checked before you try and fix it yourself .

[mikestrivens]

Hi [mention]Laura[/mention] do you have a male friend who is knowledgeable about bikes, or at least mechanically minded, that could go to the garage with you. I know in this day and age equality and all that; but it really does seem that the dealer is taking advantage of your lack of knowledge and inexperience.

PS: just read your first post again. Would the school where you did your CBT be able to help you with the dealer.

[Bender]

Welcome, where abouts are you?

[Guest]

......do you have a male friend who is knowledgeable about bikes, or at least mechanically minded, that could go to the garage with you.........

 

As Mike says, distasteful.......but needs be and all that. It would be interesting to see if going to the shop with someone more knowledgeable would produce a different outcome. If it did, I would then write to them asking why. And then refer them to (what passes for, these days) Trading Standards so they can explain why to them, as well. And then let everyone else know about it as well. But don't just let it go.

PS - what was the "snapping bolt" issue? Have you already tried to fix it yourself, or have the bolts broken on their own, from vibration, perhaps?

[fastbob]

I'm sorry that you're not getting anywhere but I would urge you once again to approach this matter purely from a CONSUMER standpoint.