Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
Warning of Touratech in Lima Warning of Touratech in Lima
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Homers GSA

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Oct 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 9
Warning of Touratech in Lima
Hi to all motorcycle travelers in South America!
This is my experience with Touratech in Lima: I got a set of new tires from them, and while there, I also asked for an oil change. The bill was a bit unpleasant: they charged 170 Euro for the oil change. The price of the oil was 45 Euro, and the filter costs 10 Euro in Europe. Say it costs 25 in Lima, that still leaves 100 Euro for the labour. This is an absolute ridiculous price for an oil change!
After complaining, I got 30 Euro back. This was by far most expensive oil change I had anywhere in North and South America, as well as in Europe and Asia.

I reported this to Touratech in Germany. First they ignored me. Later on they replied and said they have to check, but never came back to me and continued ignoring my emails.

This was the last time for me to deal with Touratech. I am happy with paying a fair price for a service. But I don't like to get cheated.

Go to any other place in South America for an oil change - it will save you 100 Euro.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Oct 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Not a surprise, Touratech UK have a similar business model. They seem to be franchises so TT Germany have no control.

May I ask why you chose to use them instead of a local name?

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Oct 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Not a surprise, Touratech UK have a similar business model. They seem to be franchises so TT Germany have no control.

May I ask why you chose to use them instead of a local name?

Andy
Hi Andy,
I choose them because they had the tires i needed on stock. And as I was already there and needed an oil change, i had it done there. I didn't expect that they charge such a high price for a small thing like an oil change.
Lessons learned - I would never go back there.

Seems this is a common thing with Touratech. As I read in facebook, they are doing similar things at Touratech Buenos Aires.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Oct 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
not to be flippant, but the real lesson to be learned here is ask for price (proforma in spanish, gets you a written quote) BEFOREHAND, especially while traveling in central and south america, where the M.O. is often gringo pricing. any place that refuses to give you a proforma should be thee last place you have work done.
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Oct 2019
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 563
Sorry to read of your unpleasant bill, but tally with Teevee on this. I would feel it is time for me to stop travelling if I got caught like that. In fact to be honest it aint really a travel thing, it's just everyday common sense as far as I'm concerned - agree cost up front for everything. Every £$€ spent... is less tank fuel remember
But one good thing has come out of it, you won't pay €170 for an oil change again, ever
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Oct 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Tucson
Posts: 70
Ever take a Taxi in CA or SA?
Quote:
Originally Posted by teevee View Post
not to be flippant, but the real lesson to be learned here is ask for price (proforma in spanish, gets you a written quote) BEFOREHAND, especially while traveling in central and south america, where the M.O. is often gringo pricing. any place that refuses to give you a proforma should be thee last place you have work done.
Its like getting into a taxi in any CA or SA country and not asking the fare BEFORE you get in! I learned the hard way, after I hired a taxi in Mexico to take me to the store, he asked if I wanted him to wait, I figured sure, I should get a discount for the return fare,,, wrong, he charged me double,
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Oct 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kino Jeff View Post
Its like getting into a taxi in any CA or SA country and not asking the fare BEFORE you get in! I learned the hard way, after I hired a taxi in Mexico to take me to the store, he asked if I wanted him to wait, I figured sure, I should get a discount for the return fare,,, wrong, he charged me double,

HA! yeah, taxis. spent a little more time than i had planned to in a cigar bar/funhouse in panama city. my hotel was only a short walk away, but it was pouring down like MAD. so i did the smart thing and jumped into a cab sitting feet from the front door.


since it was literally a 3 block ride, i figured it'd be 2-2.50 max. arrive at hotel and ask the guy how much. he tells me with a dead serious voice, $10. i literally laughed, tossed $2 into his lap, told him to call a cop if he felt he was robbed, and walked into the lobby.


truth is like jeff says, always ask first.
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Oct 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by teevee View Post
not to be flippant, but the real lesson to be learned here is ask for price (proforma in spanish, gets you a written quote) BEFOREHAND, especially while traveling in central and south america, where the M.O. is often gringo pricing. any place that refuses to give you a proforma should be thee last place you have work done.
Of course I asked for the price before I got the oil change done. I always ask for the price before I get something done. After traveling the world for many years I know to do that.

Without going into too much confusing details: the price he quoted was partly in Dollar, partly in Pesos, and add ons appeared. It was made a bit confusing, and only after I got the bill I realized the real amount.

I don´t want to open a discussion here about asking for the price before you get something - I think everybody knows to do that. I just want to warn other travelers of how Touratech is dealing with customers.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Oct 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Tucson
Posts: 70
Good experience
I actually had a great experience with them a few years back, when they were just getting started in their new building,, I stopped in each time I visited Lima to update my GPS chip, (fantastic) and buy a few supplies. They were quite active in the ADV riders.
I understand your complaints, I found that dealers and representatives, are usually priced higher, but you pay the price for their convenience, hopefully this is just an isolated experience, it would be great to hear their response, I think you meant soles, not pesos?

I think this thread just reminds us all of our experiences in our journeys, of situations where we think we were had, and actually been had, BUT also of some of the great help we received either free, at a moments notice, or the just plain great service at CA or SA prices. ah yes, the memories!!!
Last edited by Kino Jeff; 22 Oct 2019 at 16:01. Reason: soles
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Dec 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 2
I also had a disappointing experience with TT in Lima. I had my bike there for some overhauling. After getting my bike back, and paying the (not so cheap) bill, I figured out that they charged me for a lot of things what they actually did not replace. When I complained, they were ... let's put it in nice words .... nor very cooperative.

Friend of mine had a similar experience with TT in BA 2 years ago. Charging a lot of money for a job which they had not done.

I wonder if TT headquarters in Germany has any say in that. When I complained, they said they have to talk with them first. And then I never heard from TT again, even I sent them several mails.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Dec 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Geneva
Posts: 198
Careful please
Touratech as a trademark is one thing, they design and manufacture top of the line products, and a local garage/shop over pricing foreigners seen as walking wallets is another. Real men change both, tyres and oil.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Dec 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 206
[QUOTE=Squire;607106 Real men change both, tyres and oil.[/QUOTE]

Often when travelling it is difficult to dispose of used oil and tyres responsibly - particularly on a bike.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Touratech Australia KevOK Australia / New Zealand 14 3 Dec 2016 05:17
WARNING about shipping company Amber Worldwide Peru in Lima, Peru moto_girl SOUTH AMERICA 5 13 May 2015 22:22
Touratech UK really are muppets Peter4d The HUBB PUB 10 25 Mar 2015 12:52
Best routes from Bolivia to Peru, Cusco to Lima, Lima to Quito TravelBugBlues Route Planning 8 9 May 2014 18:07
Garmin GPSMAP 278 (Boxed) + Touratech Mounts x 2 - For sale UK Jerome TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 4 28 Aug 2013 08:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:22.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top