Hired motorbike - breakdown while far away from hired shop

Many shops or people willing to help u out.
Don't rent an older bike that may have issues. Can never be sure, but newer is always better.
If it's a flat tire etc, it's your bill, if it's major, it's the owners bill.

In any case, the cost is minimal.
Canman's advice looks good.

Canman62 wrote:

.....Don't rent an older bike that may have issues. Can never be sure, but newer is always better.

Yep, this is sound advice.

If it's a flat tire etc, it's your bill, if it's major, it's the owners bill.

It was kinda major. I was riding along and suddenly I felt front brake lose all pressure. Then it returned. However, when I squeezed, it made a horrible grinding noise.

Figured the pads were worn, so I just used the back brake only until i came across a motorbike shop. It was a honda shop, although hire bike is a Yamaha Nouvo. Was a bit worried if they can fix because it's a different brand. But they said 'no problem'.

I asked how much it would be and how long. 30 minutes and they gave estimate about 450k VND.

I Said go ahead. Was fixed promptly and I was on my way. Total cost came to 480k VND (including 40k labour - but I think parts and labour are more expensive in honda/yamaha repair shops than if you go to smaller repair shop. However, I wasn't sure how well smaller shop would have fixed it. I wasn't taking any chances - particularly with something like the brake.)

Today, when I went to make payment to hire shop, I explained it to the staff and showed receipt from repair shop. I usually pay 1.6 million a month for the motorbike hire (it's a pretty good motorbike and I've been renting a long time from him). He said pay 1.3 million.

I thought this was fair, so paid it.

some hire shops have clearly defined policy of what to do if you breakdown outside city where you hire from:

Outside of city or hoi an roads : Call me immediately (phone number) We will  solve problem with motorbike mechanic , How much ? I let you know , you help me to pay , We will pay money back when you are in Hoi an hotel .

If hire shop don't have a website like this, maybe it's something to ask and confirm when you hire motorbike at the beginning.

Always a good idea to do this BEFORE renting.

Canman62 wrote:

Always a good idea to do this BEFORE renting.

Always worth mentioning at the outset, along with 'If it's a flat tire etc, it's your bill, if it's major, it's the owners bill.'.