Motorcycles & scooters becoming too expensive to maintain these days?

While 2 wheeler is convenient, economical to run, I find the maintenance cost, arrogant service centers too much of a hassle.

BHPian PrideRed recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Was discussing with few folks, I was surprised to hear servicing cost of 2 Wheeler at authorized service center. Most of 2 Wheeler need service every 3-5K KM and service cost of say a bike costing 2L+ is easily is around 3K. That translates to 6-8K for every 10K KM's. Even for a commuter bike I hear service cost every 3K is 1-2K. In comparison, a 6-8L rupee car, a major service cost is around 8-10K with inflated bills from service center. And despite paying high amount, the reviews for 2 wheeler service is pathetic irrespective of brand. Not that 4 wheeler service center are great, but I find relatively better reviews and customer have better manufacturer support.

Relatively higher cost can be attributed to labour, rental costs but then a two wheeler need much lesser parts than 4Wheeler. While 2 wheeler is convenient , economical to run, I find the maintenance cost, arrogant service centers too much of a hassle.

Below is a comparison for Wagon R and Bullet 350 in Bengaluru. While Wagon R is budget/commuter car, Classic 350 may be slightly premium offering. The service cost of Wagon R seems off in website, as every 10K would easily be 6-8K. Bullet on other hand i assume would be about 5K. That said for a commuter like Honda Unicorn, I hear service cost is easily around 2-3K for every 3K KMs at authorized service center.

Bullet service cost calculator

WagonR service cost calculator

Here's what BHPian SmartCat had to say on this matter:

It is just the infamous "inflation" doing its damage. 7% pa inflation means costs double every 10 years.

If you are paying Rs. 3,000 for servicing a bike now, you were probably paying Rs. 1,500 ten years ago and Rs. 750 twenty years ago. Very likely, you will be paying Rs. 6,000 to service your bike in the year 2034.

These days, most car manufacturers have increased the recommended service interval from 5,000 kms to 10,000 kms. And that does help in lowering service costs.

Meanwhile here's BHPian ashis89's reply:

Servicing our Honda Activa at the FNG used to cost 300-400 bucks at max, less than 10 years ago. Even servicing my Pulsar 180 at the Bajaj service center cost 700 bucks.

Last month, I paid 1500 bucks for a general paid service of my Suzuki Avenis, including 450 for service charges.

Definitely surprising for me and very expensive for a humble scooter.

Edit: found the bill. Wonder what they do with 4 units of grease and 4 pieces of emery paper on a barely run fairly new scooter

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.