Why is fixing motorcycle so expensive?

Question

I towed my motorcycle to a mechanic, and I'm wondering why it's so expensive.
If I remember correctly, he told me due to my HID kit, my stator and rectifier blew and
needed to replace them. He called me today and told me my estimate is $815.32.
I did research on how much those two parts cost, and both put together don't add up anywhere near that number (the cost is including hourly charge).

I was just wondering why it's so expensive when the parts aren't that expensive.
I have a 2008 Honda CBR 600RR if that matters.

Thank you.

Duke of URL · Accepted Answer

It's always a good idea to know a little something about your very up-close and personal recreation vehicle. Knowledge is power. Research is the muscle building of that power. 

Know what you're getting into. Have some knowledge about the parts you need, and what it takes to install or rebuild them. If you're comfortable around tools, and machines, a lot of bike repairs and maintenance is fairly straight forward, and not that difficult.

If you don't have a little knowledge about what you're getting into, ask someone who does. Shop around for the best deal. If you just grab some shop because it's convenient, you'll pay for that privilege.

This is America. Caveat Emptor. Let the Buyer Beware...

guardrailjim · Answer

Get a second opinion.
An HID kit will not affect the stator or rectifier.

mn · Answer

$140 for the stator..  but you may be getting a heavy duty one if the original burnt out....so lets say..$200..plus $50 for the rectifier..

then its removing the covers.. pull the old parts..  refit new parts.. test & check its all working ..put it all back together...

labor rate plus they have to have the correct gear to test it plus the overhead of running a bike shop..

if it takes most of the day to do it then $800 is reasonable...  if you can get it apart .. fix it & put it back together quicker...  do it yourself..

or ring another bike shop & ask for a quote to replace the stator & rectifier on the CBR600

pinemiser · Answer

If you don't feel your getting your moneys worth than buy a manual and do your own work. Repair shops of all sorts are very expensive and some do poor work

08 700R SE · Answer

That's just the life of taking your toys to "CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS IN THE SHOP".  You pay for it, and they rarely undercharge you, that's for sure.

I do my stuff myself, haven't had to have anything done by "CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS" yet.

                                                                                                              ^       ^      ^
                                                                      That just has a nice ring to it, now doesn't it?  :)

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Why is fixing motorcycle so expensive?

5 Answers