Dealership parts guys

[Rocketman]

OK, I'm curious if other folks have had similar experiences.  I just called two different dealerships, looking for the same part.  Neither said they had it in stock, although I'm not sure I trust them.  I asked each if they would tell me the nearest dealership that had it in stock.
One guy (located in Alabama) told me that the closest was North Carolina.  The next guy (located in Mississippi) told me that the ONLY one in the system was in California.

Does Honda have multiple systems?  How many phone calls should I make to ensure that I tap all the systems? 
I'm just a bit frustrated with this whole thing.  This is not the first time I've heard similar results.

Mark

[The Anvil]

Does Honda have multiple systems? 

They might be grouped according to region. What part? Did you try online sources yet?

[Rocketman]

Spedo sending unit for an I/S.  I really want it today.  I'll check online soon, now that "today" isn't possible.

[The Anvil]

Spedo sending unit for an I/S.  I really want it today.  I'll check online soon, now that "today" isn't possible.

In my experience Honda dealers often don't carry much for parts stock, especially for a rare model. But partsfish is an online site that networks national dealers and you can order overnight. I found the part in the Valk under "Instruments" PN: 37700-MBY-008

[old2soon]

Even simple stuff has to be ordered at my ste er dealer. He is (parts guy)not shy about a reminder-the m/c IS 12 years old. My next closest dealer is 80 miles away. Some times if the shipping is more than the part-it's stealer time. Small items come in on their order with no shipping charge to me. See some of it is good. Hope they get ya took care of. Luck bro. RIDE SAFE.

[Hoser]

If yer goin somewhere else, your probly gettin screwed.  JMHO  Hoser
http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_select.asp

[Ricky-D]

So did you determine that it is the sending unit or, are you taking a shot in the dark?

***

[RonW]

When the dealership orders a part for you, they order it from the same or similar OEM website, clicking to the same pages, filling in the same info with the keyboard, that you would do yourself ordering the part from the same website, and charge you for the privilege, and in the same process, make you feel that they're doing you a huge favor. Yea, right. The only reason I would buy a part from the dealership is if they "stocked" the part, which they seldom do. And never for a Valkyrie part. The disadvantage of stocking parts on the dealership behalf is that there'll inevitably be unsold inventory left collecting dust on the shelf or in the stockroom for deadbeat items. Every month that unsold merchandise sits unsold on the shelf is added cost on top of fixed cost for the particular item which reduces the profit margin, at least on paper, and we certainly can't have that. However, that's their problem, and traditionally part of the cost of doing business, otherwise anybody and their cousin could set up shop.

[Tx Bohemian]

I've had a similar experience.
I needed a rear Brake master cylinder.  I called the local Honda dealer and the parts guy (not the one I normally deal with), after fiddle/farting around like he didn't really know what he was doing, told me it can't be purchased as a complete unit.  I'd have to piece it together.

Not being happy with that I called a dealer in Pasadena, Tx (140 miles away) and the parts lady not only could order the complete cylinder, she had it sent directly to my house instead of the dealer first, which I'm sure saved a few days.


In my previous life I was an auto mechanic in 2 car dealerships totaling 17 yrs so I can talk expertly about dealership parts people and how they are!!!!

This was always a sore spot.  Waiting to get waited on at the parts counter, then getting the wrong part cause the parts guy looked up the wrong year, or say they don't have the part but the next parts guy finds it in the back...
As a mechanic on commission you weren't getting paid for standing around, but the parts guy got paid by the hour so it didn't matter to him if I got the part now, tomorrow, or next week.

What I derive out of my experiences is it all depends on the quality of the parts person, how mechanically knowlegable they are, and/or how much effort they want to put forth.

[valkyriemc]

"What I derive out of my experiences is it all depends on the quality of the parts person, how mechanically knowlegable they are, and/or how much effort they want to put forth"

Exactly!

[Rocketman]

I understand that there are varying levels of competencies out there.  I expect the average competency level to be quite low.  Therefore, while I'm not happy about it, I expect the kind of crap that folks are commenting on here.
What surprises me, though, is that two different people can type in the same part number into supposedly the same system, and come up with two different answers on where the nearest one is.  This sounds like "trained monkey" level of effort to me.  Therefore, I am left thinking that they are not tied into the same "dealer-wide" system.  Has anyone heard any rumors to the effect that there is more than one system?

[Rocketman]

So did you determine that it is the sending unit or, are you taking a shot in the dark?

It's an educated guess.  I haven't put a voltmeter on it, because I haven't had access to one until today, and I'll do it later today before I order any parts.
If you have a different diagnosis, or input, that would be welcome.  I started a diagnosis thread at:
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,29870.0.html

[hubcapsc]

When the dealership orders a part for you, they order it from the same or similar OEM website, clicking to the same pages, filling in the same info with the keyboard, that you would do yourself ordering the part from the same website, and charge you for the privilege, and in the same process, make you feel that they're doing you a huge favor. Yea, right. The only reason I would buy a part from the dealership is if they "stocked" the part, which they seldom do. And never for a Valkyrie part. The disadvantage of stocking parts on the dealership behalf is that there'll inevitably be unsold inventory left collecting dust on the shelf or in the stockroom for deadbeat items. Every month that unsold merchandise sits unsold on the shelf is added cost on top of fixed cost for the particular item which reduces the profit margin, at least on paper, and we certainly can't have that. However, that's their problem, and traditionally part of the cost of doing business, otherwise anybody and their cousin could set up shop.

A lot of times the dealer won't have a part, especially a Valkyrie part, but can usually get it in couple or three days...

Online is usually cheaper, and HDL can get you a tire or something in a few days, but I've waited a couple of weeks on stuff
like rear brake master cylinders...

-Mike

[LL]

What led me to looking at the sending unit on my I/S was the the speedometer dropping to 0 mph and then back up to speed AND... the AVC not operating correctly. Did the usual checking connections and turning parts and after pricing a new one, ordered a used one from PinWall for a lot cheaper and same shipping time (if not faster).

[captsharky]

Hello I was a Honda Motorcycle Parts guy many years ago.

I got out of it because I needed to make more money. It kills me everytime I try to get parts. You might need a 6 X 25 cap head screw, with a honda parts number of ( XXX XXX XXXX ) well they don't have that part number. I good parts guy can go to that section and find a 6 by 28 that will work. It has a different Honda parts number, so as far as the parts guy of today is concerned it will not work. This holds true for other parts. A good parts guy should be able to find you a part that will work. Or I have had a parts guy go on line and find the nearest shop with the part, give me their number and let me call and order it from them.

I order from HDL sometimes on stuff I don't need today. I have waited longer then I should from them. If I can find a shop that has it in hand I will order it from them if I need it right away.

I am turning 60 and would like to go back and do it again, but have to wait till after I retire from this computer job. Can't take the cut in pay right now.

[Rocketman]

Hello I was a Honda Motorcycle Parts guy many years ago.

Maybe you know the answer to the heart of my question, although "many years ago" may modify that:
Are there multiple systems?  If one guy tells me the only one available at any dealership in the country is in California, why would the other guy tell me there's one in North Carolina?

[The Anvil]

Hello I was a Honda Motorcycle Parts guy many years ago.

Maybe you know the answer to the heart of my question, although "many years ago" may modify that:
Are there multiple systems?  If one guy tells me the only one available at any dealership in the country is in California, why would the other guy tell me there's one in North Carolina?

When I was with GM (long time ago) our parts system was grouped in regions. But we could do national searches for for things our regional warehouses were out of.

[captsharky]

 
When I was with GM (long time ago) our parts system was grouped in regions. But we could do national searches for for things our regional warehouses were out of.

[Rocketman]

Well, the two dealerships I talked to were quite close.  One was in Decatur, Alabama, and the other was in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Yet one couldn't find the part in NC, but could find the part in CA?  That doesn't sound like regional grouping to me.

[The Anvil]

Well, the two dealerships I talked to were quite close.  One was in Decatur, Alabama, and the other was in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Yet one couldn't find the part in NC, but could find the part in CA?  That doesn't sound like regional grouping to me.

Hm, well being close geographically doesn't necessarily mean you're in the same "region" but odds are the parts guy just sucked.

[X Ring]

Well, the two dealerships I talked to were quite close.  One was in Decatur, Alabama, and the other was in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Yet one couldn't find the part in NC, but could find the part in CA?  That doesn't sound like regional grouping to me.

From talking to the Honda dealerships in Mobile, AL and Pascagoula, MS their regional warehouse is in GA.

Marty

[DFragn]

When the dealership orders a part for you, they order it from the same or similar OEM website, clicking to the same pages, filling in the same info with the keyboard, that you would do yourself ordering the part from the same website, and charge you for the privilege, and in the same process, make you feel that they're doing you a huge favor. Yea, right.

Sorry,  
That's not even 10% correct. You've been misinformed or formed an inaccurate opinion of your own.

Honda Dealers use proprietary software called "LightSpeed". The general public has no access.
They can see immediately which Honda Distribution Center has the part and order from the nearest.

Depending on your location and your Honda Dealer orders any day of the week [before 3 p.m.], besides Friday, you can pick up your part the next day.
That's if your Dealer is within a 1 day UPS shipping range of the Distribution Center. There are several Distribution Centers in the U.S. Three day shipping is very rare.

Now, there may be a few precious Dealers who opt out of LightSpeed. I don't know. And these may order as you suggest. That, however, wouldn't do themselves [other then the LightSpeed subscription] or you any favors. And in my view would be inconsiderate to their Parts Customers, Service Dept. & Service Customers.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Mark don't you have a spare sending unit on the bike that Ike got. It might be good. Also have you check the drive mech. in the wheel itself to be sure it is turning the sending unit drive. Call me if you don't follow me. 713 818 9703

[Rocketman]

Mark don't you have a spare sending unit on the bike that Ike got. It might be good. Also have you check the drive mech. in the wheel itself to be sure it is turning the sending unit drive. Call me if you don't follow me. 713 818 9703

Well, I did have one, until I put it on this one.  That fixed the problem. This was more about getting one before I started my 750 mile run home.  I failed at that, since no one nearer than California (or was it North Carolina?) had one in stock.  When I got home, I swapped them out, and I'm in business.

[RonW]

When the dealership orders a part for you, they order it from the same or similar OEM website, clicking to the same pages, filling in the same info with the keyboard, that you would do yourself ordering the part from the same website, and charge you for the privilege, and in the same process, make you feel that they're doing you a huge favor. Yea, right.

Sorry,   That's not even 10% correct. You've been misinformed or formed an inaccurate opinion of your own. Honda Dealers use proprietary software called "LightSpeed". The general public has no access. They can see immediately which Honda Distribution Center has the part and order from the nearest.

My impression is from watching over the shoulder of the parts guy submitting the order for my part. The parts department happens to have a handy computer station set up in one of the aisle not only behind the counter, so from that vantage point, I'm seeing the same exploded view parts page with its associated part numbers, and duplicate order page that I would have to fill out myself ordering the same part online from an OEM website of my own selection instead of from a website of a participating member of the Honda Distribution Center network within the "LightSpeed" pool. Whether my dealership is using "LightSpeed" or not, I don't know for sure, but whatever the case, "LightSpeed" only amounts to a software that checks if a particular part is available in the general inventory updating or refreshing the database daily or hourly. "LightSpeed" does not search out the most inexpensive vendor as Travelocity or Priceline software programs would do for plane tickets and hotel rooms mainly because these websites are customer oriented. They derive their revenue instead from web ads displayed on their home page based on the number of visitors at a rate of $70 per 1000 unique visitors per day, and they wouldn't have much bread n' butter traffic providing a service that simply directs viewers to where plane tickets and hotel rooms are available when the same viewers are seeking out the best deals. Yes, some dealerships will match a lower price, but that's all after the fact. Other than that, the dealership parts department, specifically the parts guy, is not some kind of official gatekeeper which you have to pass through, say to get out of Iraq to Jordan. They might prefer it to still be so, but it's not the reality today with the Internet option. If you have a good rapport with your particular dealer parts department....that's about the only reason I'd let them order parts for me that they don't have available in stockroom.

Depending on your location and your Honda Dealer orders any day of the week [before 3 p.m.], besides Friday, you can pick up your part the next day. That's if your Dealer is within a 1 day UPS shipping range of the Distribution Center. There are several Distribution Centers in the U.S. Three day shipping is very rare.

FedEx and UPS offers the same expedited shipping service to anyone, as well, from other points of origin. Faster delivery is not reserved exclusively for dealerships. True, the parts department guy might...."We can have the part delivered overnight for you"....simply because you're the party shelling out the added $50 cost for the premium service.

[RudyF6]

In my previous life I was an auto mechanic in 2 car dealerships totaling 17 yrs so I can talk expertly about dealership parts people and how they are!!!!

This was always a sore spot.  Waiting to get waited on at the parts counter, then getting the wrong part cause the parts guy looked up the wrong year, or say they don't have the part but the next parts guy finds it in the back...
As a mechanic on commission you weren't getting paid for standing around, but the parts guy got paid by the hour so it didn't matter to him if I got the part now, tomorrow, or next week.

What I derive out of my experiences is it all depends on the quality of the parts person, how mechanically knowlegable they are, and/or how much effort they want to put forth.

I was a parts manager at a Ford dealership for 32 years. I saw to it my guys were on commission also. If the techs weren't making bank, we weren't either! Our operation didn't have much of the "us vs. them" mentality it sounds like you had. We all worked for the same guy - the customer! 

[Rocketman]

We all worked for the same guy - the customer! 

Now that's crazy.  A dealership employee thinking he works for the customer???  What will they think of next?

[RonW]

I received this Email. Free shipping (*over $99*).