Reid's Motorcycles - www.reidsmotorcycles.com

A cautionary tale to bikers who rely on their chosen mechanics for sound advice and trustworthy service.

Reid's recommended as a mechanic who can service BMW's and his preferable rates make for a saving over official dealers, an attractive proposition in itself.

But imagine the scenario where you take your bike for an annual service only to return a few days later with warning lights flashing and clearly something not right - you're fobbed off with excuses about sensitive sensors, levels not topped up and explanations about what caused the issues (which you know to be wrong because you've already done your homework online and are armed with the facts). You wonder if the bike had been checked at al post service because all of these things seem fairly obvious if you've ridden the bike.

When you go to collect you're informed that there's a fault with the sealed drive unit, bearings breaking up, could just come apart whilst you're riding it - dangerous, don't recommend riding. Worrying stuff and with no desire to orphan your children you agree to replace the offending part (and the oil leak they've also found which clearly didn't show up during the service). You part with £1k for repairs, collect the bike but don't really think it feels any different to before, you get the sinking feeling that you've been conned.

You decide to do some research on the replaced part and are horrified to see the part from your bike on ebay being sold by Reid for £000's and described as good condition (remember you were told this sealed unit needed replacing). Disgusted you call Reid to challenge this but are told it's been repaired (this is after anonymously querying the part via ebay and being told by Mr Reid himself that the part came of a broken bike and all in good condition).

Make your own mind up friends, the work of a trustworthy mechanic or a cheap trick to con the unwary.