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worth of repair parts fertilizes the backordersituation and eventually results in increasedvehicle prices. But given that the warrantyclaim had been denied, that the damage wasvery minimal, and that the necessary repairwas actually quite simple and inexpensive, doesthis repair strategy make sense on a customerpaidrepair? Of course not.But if the technician doesn’t understandwhat caused the damage or isn’t accomplishedat repairing electrical systems, he’s unlikely tohave knowledge of or confidence in anythingother than complete replacement. As you’veseen suggested before in these pages, decisionslike these separate technicians from partsreplacers.Cover Your AssetsSo much for the first option, but whatabout the last? If we believe, based on assurancesfrom dealership personnel, that there’san even chance they can get the warrantydenial reversed, then isn’t there also an evenchance that they can’t? Would it therefore beprudent to authorize a tremendously expensiverepair based on these assurances? I thinknot.And consider the reason in this case thatthe claim was denied—the tech told the companythat the damage was caused by aftermarketparts. That’s a deal-breaker. No way, nohow is the denial being reversed unless thetechnician tells the company he was mistaken.Likely? I don’t think so. Nevertheless, this wasthe option selected by the bike’s owner.That’sMajor Bad Decision #1.Having authorized the now completedrepair, and being presented with a repair ticketthat clearly stated all the charges are customerpaid—none shown in the warranty column—Major Bad Decision #2 was in paying the ticketin full and removing the bike from the dealership.Once that happens, the deal is done.There’s no further incentive for the dealershipto intercede with the manufacturer, and themanufacturer will have a devil of a time resolvingthe issue with the dealership.My hunch is that this hapless GL1800owner is $2200 out of pocket, and that no furtherresolution will be coming his way unlessthe manufacturer’s inspection of the harnessyields a verdict in his favor.Recommended Steps to ProblemResolutionAs consumers, we need to keep our witsabout us in situations like these and apply a bitof critical thinking. Act in haste, repent atleisure.When faced with an unusual and potentiallyexpensive repair, one should:1. Get a copy of the written cost estimatethat includes all work to be performed.2. Make certain that the dealer notifiesyou before making any additions to theRepair Order.3. Get a firm determination from thedealer, preferably in writing, whetherthe repair will be covered by the OEMwarranty. And do so before authorizingthe Repair Order.4. If not satisfied with any part of the precedingprocess, escalate your concernsto the store owner/manager.5. If still not satisfied, refer to yourowner’s manual for information oncontacting the Customer ServiceGroup at the OEM distributor(American Honda). They are there toassist with resolving differencesbetween dealers and customers.The preceding five steps are no guaranteethat a customer will get what they want ormay feel they deserve. But if followed, they willat least prevent the sort of unnecessary financialheartache this particular customer suffered.●Honda Gold Wings for Less!2008 & 2009 MODELS AVAILABLE AT ALL LOCATIONS!LOS ANGELES HONDAOTD CYCLESPORTS OFOakland and Auburn, CA and Denver, COCall for “OUT THE DOOR” Prices at 800-261-8397www.otdcyclesports.comAlways wear a helmet, eye protection and protective gear.50 Wing World