Got bike back after 4 weeks, sort of......

[tjohnson]

So, the Friday of Labor Day clutch went out. Tried bleeding to no avail, so after my post here decided that I would put in new clutch. So, found all parts, and then priced a local motorcycle shop for the total bill including labor. Found out that they could do it for slightly more than all the parts, so why not. Besides, then they would warrant their work, as I could do but needed some additional tools, and time just wasn't on my side.

Called last week, not ready. So finally, got the call today that it was done! Ya-Hoo!!! Luckily I didn't have it back to ride during the last 26 days, including one day that rained here, and all days but the last 2 have been mid 60's in the mornings, to mid 80's in the afternoon. Perfect riding weather in my mind, but as I say in the accounting world, those days are sunk to never be gotten back.

I get there, pay the bill. Now since they had it, I had them put a new rear tire on the Phat Gurl, it was getting a little thin. Anyhow, in the saddle again, it scoots well! 2 miles down road, something starts to hiss. I decide to pull over and investigate. After safetly pulling into a parking lot, I turn it off and get off to see this. About a 16" circle of oil accumulates under the bike! Now I'm Pi--- (MAD). (I don't want to get suspended so I'll watch my wording here).  Them stupid sun-o-beaches didn't remove the old oil filter gasket, so once a little pressure built up, it blew right out between them. So, no I have the whole underside, including exhaust and both saddlebags dripping with oil. After I took off extra o-ring, I put filter back on started her up, great no leaks. So, the asshole I am, I went and bought a quart of oil, added it, and drove it right back to motorcycle shop! Parked it right in front of their service door, so they can't miss it in the morning. Then left my key with a nice note to have the general manager call me.

What really has me aggravated is the lack of follow up and double check to cause this kind of stupid thing.  I have a brand new Metzler tire, now with oil covered sidewalls, and was really nervous taking back due to traction issues.

I plan to have a rough conversation with the GM in the morning, what words of advice does anyone here have? The neglagence, and couple that with the fact that they created a potential dangerous situation for me as the rider. I know there are some legal people here, so help on how to address is greatly appreciated.

I have photos, but don't know how to load them here. PM me and I can send.

Thanks all! I love this site!

-Tim Johnson

[fudgie]

What dealer was it? Hope it wasn't lake city.

[tjohnson]

Fudgie, it was not lake city. I have never dealt with them, yet. It was North End Cycle in Elkhart. Going forward I will possibly use someone else. This will depend on how they treat me on this issue.

[Bighead]

Had a similar issue with an HD dealer (won't go into details) but I had a serious talk with the service manager (who was new ) told him that his techs were making him look like an idiot  :tickedoff:because he is the one that has to answer for the shoddy work. He apologized his ass off and did take care of my problem. I also talked with the GM and told him they didn't make a good first impression as the bike was in for its first service and this was the first HD I had owned and after paying $20 k for a bike I expected a bit more out of their service dept. well I got a card good for 3 more services and took it but told him I would give it to a buddy as they would never see my bike or get another dollar from me and they didn't 

[8Track]

Do you have photos of the spurious oil filter gasket in-situ? You'll probably need this to convince him his techs did something wrong!

[old2soon]

You now have first hand experience WHY we call some of them "stealers". Every time I read something like this makes me happy this old fart has the time and the gumption to turn my own wrenches-most of the time. I have a TRUSTED and RESPECTED mechanic when I can't do I myself. He lives in Tulsa Ok. Goes by AtticRat. The other TRUSTED and RESPECTED mechanic I frequent is my brother. He goes by-da prez. Hope you NOT only get some satisfaction from the folks that worked on yer Valkyrie-I hope it's ALL reassembled correctly AND you have NO MORE issues. RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

I wouldn't go back for service work ever again.  Burn me once, gone for good.

I had a horrible experience under warranty for a tech serv. bulletin on my newer dodge grand caravan years ago inspecting under warranty the steering column bolt for proper tightness from factory.  I figured a safety issue in case the steering wheel comes off so had it done at authorized dodge dealer locally.

1 day later wife drove it to work, backed out of parking lot at work, and steering wheel came off in her hands NO JOKE!  Had to get it towed to nearest dodge dealer where she works close by.  I got the truth out of that dealer that the other dealer never tightened it properly no way a wheel can come off unless nut holding it on was not tight. 

Boy,  went back to other dodge dealer and lit their keester up and all heard me LOUD and clear when a potential lawsuit if wife in accident happened luckily it did not kill her on busy large city traffic with wheel coming off then.  I would have sued them for millions putting that dealer out of business for good.  I haven't been back since and NEVER will.

Maybe you can get something from them, but I wouldn't even bother going back EVER again. 

[Hooter]

Do you have photos of the spurious oil filter gasket in-situ? You'll probably need this to convince him his techs did something wrong!

   I think all they would have to do is look under the bike, they would get it then. I "thought" I saw a rating on them some place and it wasn't real good?

[Willow]

were it I I would deliver my complaint politely to the manager and see how they respond.

What you describe it a very easy mistake to make and that against the backdrop of all the much more complicated work that the mechanic did for you.  If they're apologetic and do what needs to be done to make it right then you're good.  If they don't it's someone to not do business with again.

By venting your anger on them the most you can hope for is that a single mechanic who made one small mistake will be disciplined or fired.

I'm glad you found it when and how you did.  What might have happened versus what did happen is a little scary.

[The emperor has no clothes]

were it I I would deliver my complaint politely to the manager and see how they respond.

What you describe it a very easy mistake to make and that against the backdrop of all the much more complicated work that the mechanic did for you.  If they're apologetic and do what needs to be done to make it right then you're good.  If they don't it's someone to not do business with again.

By venting your anger on them the most you can hope for is that a single mechanic who made one small mistake will be disciplined or fired.

I'm glad you found it when and how you did.  What might have happened versus what did happen is a little scary.

+1 I hate to admit it , I did that once. Luckily it gave way in the garage within 30 seconds. It sure was slippery in there for a while.  A good dealer will take care of you. A bad dealer is always good to find out before they really F you up. 

[RDAbull]

[/quote] +1 I hate to admit it , I did that once. Luckily it gave way in the garage within 30 seconds. It sure was slippery in there for a while.  A good dealer will take care of you. A bad dealer is always good to find out before they really F you up. 
[/quote]

Me too.  When my normally quiet, loving Wife was done with me, I felt very sympathetic to the mechanic that gets yelled at for screwing up.  Be nice, state your frustration, tell them what you expect them to do about it them let them make it right.

IF that doesn't work, get really loud, stomp out and never go back.

My .02

[tjohnson]

So to end the story here.

I left it right in front of the service door, so no other bike could go in or out without mine getting moved. I found out they opened at 10, so I figured to give someone a half hour to look at my bike and respond. If later than that, it was going to hit the fan. 9:10, the service manager called, his first comment was "I see some drips", and then I politely explained the story of my adventure after leaving him Thursday night. Asked for his email address so I could send pics. I did. He opened, then I could tell from his tone he realized he the mistake. I explained what I wanted, and he quickly accepted my terms.

I arrived there 15 minutes before my stated time to find the Phat Gurl up on the lift, cleaned and waxed from front to back. Even under the saddles were cleaned and waxed. Tire in perfect condition. They were very apologetic, and gave me exactly what I stated on the phone.

So, they made it right. He even gave me the invoice for all the work done, around $225 that they absorbed to make this right. So, I say, they made a mistake, and honored it by correcting the issue as I asked.

All said, my business will be going elsewhere after this. If they were the only dealer in town, then I'd have to use them, however last weekend brand new Indian dealer opened up 1/2 mile from them. Good friend of mine bought bike #2 from them a month ago. So I will try them next.

Thanks for all the good advice.
-Tim

[The emperor has no clothes]

So to end the story here.

I left it right in front of the service door, so no other bike could go in or out without mine getting moved. I found out they opened at 10, so I figured to give someone a half hour to look at my bike and respond. If later than that, it was going to hit the fan. 9:10, the service manager called, his first comment was "I see some drips", and then I politely explained the story of my adventure after leaving him Thursday night. Asked for his email address so I could send pics. I did. He opened, then I could tell from his tone he realized he the mistake. I explained what I wanted, and he quickly accepted my terms.

I arrived there 15 minutes before my stated time to find the Phat Gurl up on the lift, cleaned and waxed from front to back. Even under the saddles were cleaned and waxed. Tire in perfect condition. They were very apologetic, and gave me exactly what I stated on the phone.

So, they made it right. He even gave me the invoice for all the work done, around $225 that they absorbed to make this right. So, I say, they made a mistake, and honored it by correcting the issue as I asked.

All said, my business will be going elsewhere after this. If they were the only dealer in town, then I'd have to use them, however last weekend brand new Indian dealer opened up 1/2 mile from them. Good friend of mine bought bike #2 from them a month ago. So I will try them next.

Thanks for all the good advice.
-Tim

Well it's your bike and your money to do with as you please. You just found a dealer that did the RIGHT thing after their worker made a mistake. And your response is to go elsewhere 

[tjohnson]

Meathead, you're right in your comment. However, this isn't my first bad taste and experience with this dealer. When I had no other decent choice a month ago I was stuck, now I'm going to try another to test their service ability. If they are just as bad, then I'll have to re-evaluate my thinking. Or, just do all the wrenching myself. I could have done this one, just time was against me.

[Bighead]

Meathead, you're right in your comment. However, this isn't my first bad taste and experience with this dealer. When I had no other decent choice a month ago I was stuck, now I'm going to try another to test their service ability. If they are just as bad, then I'll have to re-evaluate my thinking. Or, just do all the wrenching myself. I could have done this one, just time was against me.

One thing you MUST consider is does the service tech even know what a Valkyrie is where you are going next? I have seen Honda techs ask what is that

[The emperor has no clothes]

Meathead, you're right in your comment. However, this isn't my first bad taste and experience with this dealer. When I had no other decent choice a month ago I was stuck, now I'm going to try another to test their service ability. If they are just as bad, then I'll have to re-evaluate my thinking. Or, just do all the wrenching myself. I could have done this one, just time was against me.

Well with that, I revize my comments. I completely understand how it feels getting shitty service from dealer. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Meathead, you're right in your comment. However, this isn't my first bad taste and experience with this dealer. When I had no other decent choice a month ago I was stuck, now I'm going to try another to test their service ability. If they are just as bad, then I'll have to re-evaluate my thinking. Or, just do all the wrenching myself. I could have done this one, just time was against me.

One thing you MUST consider is does the service tech even know what a Valkyrie is where you are going next? I have seen Honda techs ask what is that

I`ve had a few that didn`t also. I inherited many genes from my Dad. Some good, some not so good. He ALWAYS did his own work on his vehicles (mostly because he couldn`t afford otherwise). Though it is reassuring to know that there are some good Valkyrie mechanics nearby if needed. 

I do have a Scion XB with a rear window stuck 1/2 way down because I`m too cheap to have a new motor put in $500  (one of these days its going to cool off) 

[tjohnson]

I am a wrencher first, unless time is restricted. I learned through school of hard knocks. Had to keep stuff running and moving, my wife absolutely hates it. Duct tape and WD-40 are right next to one another in my garage.

The dealer is the largest Honda certified repait place for 50 mile radius. Now there are 2 others that I considered, but distance kept that from being realistic. In the 30+ years of visiting this place, I have only bought 1 bike there, and lots of accessories. However new ownership a few years back also apparently included new technicians. I chuckled today because the tech that did all the work yesterday didn't touch it today.

Good friend of mine has 1 2008 goldwing trike, (paid $38,500) from another dealer, had them put a new front tire on it last summer. He felt some loosness so his son looked and found they didn't tighten the front wheel bolt.

I would rather take it to another VRCC member and together work on it. I want to get to some VRCC functions locally. I have seen some VRCC members that might be close, looking to get face to face and then go from there. Additionally, would like to be able to help other members on this site if I can.

Ride Safe
-Tim

[The emperor has no clothes]

I am a wrencher first, unless time is restricted. I learned through school of hard knocks. Had to keep stuff running and moving, my wife absolutely hates it. Duct tape and WD-40 are right next to one another in my garage.

The dealer is the largest Honda certified repait place for 50 mile radius. Now there are 2 others that I considered, but distance kept that from being realistic. In the 30+ years of visiting this place, I have only bought 1 bike there, and lots of accessories. However new ownership a few years back also apparently included new technicians. I chuckled today because the tech that did all the work yesterday didn't touch it today.

Good friend of mine has 1 2008 goldwing trike, (paid $38,500) from another dealer, had them put a new front tire on it last summer. He felt some loosness so his son looked and found they didn't tighten the front wheel bolt.

I would rather take it to another VRCC member and together work on it. I want to get to some VRCC functions locally. I have seen some VRCC members that might be close, looking to get face to face and then go from there. Additionally, would like to be able to help other members on this site if I can.

Ride Safe
-Tim

I know the guys in your area are doing rides all the time. I also remember seeing posts of wrench parties near you. 

[fudgie]

Take it to Lake City in Warsaw. They are good people. They been dealing with Valks and wings for yrs. All 3 of my bikes came from there. I wont go anywhere else. When I first bought it in 2000 the nipple on the coolant resv tank was cracked. He replaced it with one off the floor so I wouldnt have to wait.

[Dave Ritsema]

So to end the story here.

I left it right in front of the service door, so no other bike could go in or out without mine getting moved. I found out they opened at 10, so I figured to give someone a half hour to look at my bike and respond. If later than that, it was going to hit the fan. 9:10, the service manager called, his first comment was "I see some drips", and then I politely explained the story of my adventure after leaving him Thursday night. Asked for his email address so I could send pics. I did. He opened, then I could tell from his tone he realized he the mistake. I explained what I wanted, and he quickly accepted my terms.

I arrived there 15 minutes before my stated time to find the Phat Gurl up on the lift, cleaned and waxed from front to back. Even under the saddles were cleaned and waxed. Tire in perfect condition. They were very apologetic, and gave me exactly what I stated on the phone.

So, they made it right. He even gave me the invoice for all the work done, around $225 that they absorbed to make this right. So, I say, they made a mistake, and honored it by correcting the issue as I asked.

All said, my business will be going elsewhere after this. If they were the only dealer in town, then I'd have to use them, however last weekend brand new Indian dealer opened up 1/2 mile from them. Good friend of mine bought bike #2 from them a month ago. So I will try them next.

Thanks for all the good advice.
-Tim

Glad to hear they made it right for you. My friend had sub-standard repairs done by them as well that stranded him in Bloomington IN after the second Hoosier Ride-In.

I live in South Bend and have been doing business with Lake City Honda in Warsaw since 1986. Wouldn't even CONSIDER taking my Honda's anywhere else.