Everyone, my bike broke down…
I fired up Google and searched for “nearby bike shop.”
I called them.
Even when we get phone calls for help, Decoboco doesn’t handle small-displacement bikes or emergency repairs at all.
We just don’t do it.
This is just my opinion, but I think most bike shops aren’t always welcoming to repair requests. You shouldn’t assume that if you ask, they’ll handle everything for you.
So what should you do?
The troubles most common with small-displacement bikes are
• Flat tires (usually the rear)
• Sudden engine shutdown
• Dead battery
Based on the phone calls we’ve received at Decoboco over the years, I’d say those are the main ones.
First, flat tires.
Most of the time it’s not actually a flat—
it’s “the tire has been run constantly without air, causing extreme wear and a slick condition, which then leads to a puncture.”
In that state, a tire replacement is always necessary.
But here’s the thing: bikes in that condition (run-and-forget) usually have hidden traps waiting for you! *We don’t work on small-displacement or neglected bikes, but…
With scooters, you have to remove the muffler just to get the rear wheel off.
That’s when bolts around M10 snap. The threads on the case are already stripped.
There’s a loud aftermarket muffler with cracks in it. The M6 nuts on the exhaust pipe are practically rusted away.
Just hearing about it makes the job way more complicated than the tire replacement itself.
Sudden engine shutdowns and dead batteries are common too.
If the starter turns on a fuel-injected bike but the engine won’t start, the fuel pump circuit could be the culprit.
But before that, the battery is already weak, it’s never been charged before, and it hasn’t been replaced in years—or ever given a thought.
Motorcycle batteries have very small capacity, so it’s better to replace them with a fresh one at regular intervals.
When choosing a battery these days, there are options like AGM gel batteries. They’re affordable, durable, and come with long warranties, so they’re worth considering.
Finally, optional insurance typically includes a tow truck rider, so that alone is a real plus. ← We’ve been pushing Zurich lately.
I’ll say it again: we do not accept “emergency repairs,” “bikes that don’t require inspection,” or “scooters in general.”
Please be aware! (^^♪
