Motorcycle DIY

I have been a regular @ Looi's motor for quite a number of years now.

But of recent, the prices of their "stuff" has become alittle too expensive.

In the past, they were about 10-15% more expensive than the other places but... for those bikers who knows me knows that I do not mind paying alittle more for the convenience and with the piece of mind that Meng Tong was servicing my bike.

But recently, the prices went up so much... it was scary and I had to make a decision to... DIY.

My bike has some problem starting some time ago and it was concluded that it was the battery that was giving the problem... Funny thing is that the last time I changed the battery was about 1 yr ago and I changed it @ Looi's.
:)

Anyway when I was there, I asked for the price of changing the battery... an old guy sitting there quoted me $120.
*As I did not ride there... (my battery was flat). I intended to change it myself anyway. He still quoted me $120???!!!

I had a feeling that the price was alittle on the high side so I gave a call to Small Boy aka Derick.

And he quoted me...

$80!

My goodness the difference was too much!
$120 vs $80
What was going on?
Was the old guy on commission? Was it another brand?

In the past, it was quite well known that people whom have purchased their bikes @ Looi's usually have priority for servicing and gets a slightly better price compared to walk in customers.

But... Times seems to have changed...

Regular / supporting customer now share the similar "benefits" as the rest now.
None.

Anyway, it was rather easy to change the battery & it took me (I never did this before) only 30 mins to make the change.

Should I continue to give my support to my Favorite bike shop & Mechanic?
For those who knows me... I have been supporting them for years, and have even recommended countless of customer to them too. I even tried to justified their professional service and additional benefits for their slightly higher rates.

But now... I cannot seem to find any more reason to....

Sorry Ben.