Ask an expert

My motorcycle (500cc), less than 2 years old, suffered a major engine failure (out of warranty period). I attempted to fix it myself, but "got it wrong". When I took it back to the dealer he told me they don't like to try to fix things other people have "had a go at". But he accepted it into his workshop. Over a month later, he still hasn't started work on it. Is he entitled to refuse to fix it? If so, why?

Any trades person has the choice of whether to accept a job or not. If they feel a particular job is one they would rather not be involved in, they should simply ask the customer to find another repairer.

They don’t actually have to tell the customer the reasons why, but out of courtesy I’m sure most would.

Once they have taken the job on however, they should get on with it and give their customer a time frame of completion and provide regular updates if there are reasons an agreed timeline can’t be met.

If the bike is out of warranty then you should be treated as a standard retail customer and be treated accordingly.

A meeting with the business owner or senior on-site staff member may be required to sort out any issues and to agree a timeline to start and complete the required work.

If you have already tried that and failed, then you should consider taking the bike to another workshop.