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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through August 22, 2009 » Horrible Service » Archive through August 12, 2009 « Previous Next »

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Jake99buell
Posted on Monday, August 10, 2009 - 11:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

...

(Message edited by jake99buell on August 11, 2009)
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 12:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just a head scratch.
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Xnoahx
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 12:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Most of that doesnt really sound like Buells issues, just a lousy dealer. The back brake could have been faulty but what was the problem in the end? You said they replaced the caliper, did it need a new MC or line?
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Andros
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 09:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My dealer in Denmark, CAPS dk, is useless as well. Complete low-tech people. They warned me for 15 minutes about the barkes of the 1125 as if it was something insanely dangerous. I bet they think that when they usually cruise around on wobbly fatboys. hah. They also set up the fork syspension to have as much travel as possible to "absorb the bumps". It was diving like 5 inches into the bends. hahah lame.
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Jdugger
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 09:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

For sure the biggest issue with the Buell brand when it comes to service is that it's at a Harley Davidson shop.

It's just culturally night and day.

For example, I took mine in complaining about how the motor would cut out and stutter at 8k. Turned out to be fouled plugs.

But, I got a huge lecture from the service writer about how this wouldn't be covered under warranty because it's considered abusing the motor to rev it that high.

My dealer does seem to try hard, though, I'll give them that. And, they have a new parts guy that's Buell knowledgeable and helps keep the shop straight with facts. The techs themselves seem dedicated.

But it's definitely a culture issue. Most of the Harley guys just can't ride. They don't corner fast, they don't ride hard, they just putter around the country below the speed limit. It's really different when you bring them a wrung out Buell -- they can't believe the bike has been ridden that hard. It's just not in their mindset.

If I'd wanted *that* experience, I'd have bought a prius.
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Tnxbrider
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 09:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Wow. I'll be on top of this quickly. There has to be much more to this story.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

T
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Carbonbigfoot
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 10:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Nothing like getting the attention of the big dog...

Go BadWeB!

R
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Zac4mac
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jake99 - in case you don't know, Tnxbrider is Tom Bumpus.
I bet this gets fixed quick.

: )
Z
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Chadhargis
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm not sipping the Kool Aid this morning, and I've never bought a bike from Bumpus, but I can tell you that Tom is a heck of a good guy.

I know there are good dealers and bad dealers, and there are good employees and bad employees.

One of the things I appreciate about Tom and the folks at his shop in Murfreesboro is that are truly customer focused. Even if you aren't buying anything, they know you are a customer and a fellow rider, and I've always been treated well.

When the time comes for me to buy my next bike (I wish it was sooner than later), I'll do everything I can to give Bumpus my business because of the way I've been treated even when I just come in to paw on bikes and have a cup of coffee.

Jake, I wish you the best of luck with your situation, and I have no doubt that Tom will make things right for you.
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Tnxbrider
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Something is smelling fishy about this post.

It seems that the initial post may be taking some really strong liberties with the truth.

For starters there has not been a motorcycle in any of our shops from this posters name...

However there has been an employees sons, that we agreed to help sell his lightly wrecked/scuffed bike, free of charge as a professional courtesy, that has certain similarities to this story.

There are many details that seem to have been omitted that I'm digging into currently. Once I find all of the details of what was promised, agreed to, what work was done, not done, etc. I'll post again to let everyone online make their own determinations, be it Good, Bad, or down right Ugly.

More to follow as the story develops,

Tom Bumpus
Bumpus Harley-Davidson and Buell

P.s. I'm in Murfreesboro, about 200 miles west of this Memphis situation, but I'll stay on top of it until resolved.
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Jdugger
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 11:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Tom needs to be very careful or God will send another one!



(Just kidding... but I love this picture. I posted it up on my club board under the thread "God prefers Sportbikes!")

(Message edited by jdugger on August 11, 2009)
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Tnxbrider
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 11:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That storm was was very mean to my little town. It actually got much closer to wiping out the Honda shop across the street.

God loves H-D's he was just saying some days are better for riding than others.

T
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 11:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I hope Tom can help create a good outcome. If it's possible, Tom will make it happen.

I've never been to a staff meeting where Tom didn't make the statement "Look for every opportunity to create a "yes".


Good management is top down.
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Tnxbrider
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ok so here is the story

This bike that Jakov refers to, has been in our C'Ville store 3 times, and Memphis twice they are as follows

C'V pre-delivery inspection new bike
C'V Side stand switch very early, low miles
C'V 1st service

Memphis - collision repairs for rider and pass pegs, shifter, gear case cover (scratched) all of which you can imagine would hurt a bikes resale value if left un-repaired.

Bike stayed at Memphis store as Jakov wanted to sell. Bike was parked and displayed daily(weather permitting) under front porch along "used bike wall". Bike was tagged at $9995 for a 2008 XB1125R (price that was negotiated with Jakov)

As you might imagine this did not get bike to move in it's 30-45 day consignment.

Bike came back into Memphis store with rear brake issues (4000 miles later!) for a warranty replacement rear caliper and rear brake rotor (seems to have been dragging and heated up rear rotor).

Bike has not been back into either store for any further repairs so the rest of the story from Jakov is quite troubling

I'm not attempting to dispute any comments but am posting these facts for BadWeb consideration.

You be the judge.

I will be out of pocket for the next 48 hours, I'm heading to the airport as soon as this post is made, and will not have access to computer again until Friday morning. I will be happy to follow up on the situation after that.

Thank you BadWeb for helping us to remain a strong, loyal and respectable Buell dealer

Tom Bumpus
Bumpus Harley-Davidson and Buell
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Ccryder
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Tom:

Thanks for the facts. Have a good trip.

The truth is there and as Momma used to say:

"There are always at least 2 sides to every story, why do you always take the 3rd side?" Momma is smart lady and is still keeping me in line at 87 years young.

Neil S.
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Jake99buell
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 01:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You are right there are two sides to the story and I would lie to apologize for venting on the internet this really is the wrong place for that. We disagree with some of the details and that's ok but I have been here the whole time paying for the bike and not riding it. I never ment to trash talk the shops I just wanted advice on where to go from here and it turned into a whinning session. Sorry for the inconvenice
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Chadhargis
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 01:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This is what makes BadWeb so great.

Jake, don't give up man. Tom is a good guy, and he will help in any way he can.

If you still want to sell the bike, I have a feeling that your price is a wee bit high as there have been 2008 bikes, brand new, that have sold for less money. I think a shop somewhere was flushing them in the $7000 range or something like that....brand spankin' new.

The fact that Tom is willing to get involved, as a dealer owner, is awesome. That should tell you his commitment to making people happy, and at the same time, defending his livelihood.

And for those who don't know the story of that tornado, it caused some serious damage and death in the area. Tom is not only a good motorcycle dealer, he's a good human being, and he and his staff took their time to help those in need after the storm.

(Message edited by chadhargis on August 11, 2009)
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 06:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rest assured that if something can be done, Tom will do whatever he can to make it happen.
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Court
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 08:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've got to step in here. I've been hosted by Bumpus on two occasions and had the pleasure of dealing with their store on several occasions both before and during the time I was employed by Buell.

This story brilliantly illustrates what I have learned over 22 years of dealing with Buell Customer issues.

Whenever I see a dealer like Bumpus, Harley's House of Harley's, Topeka, Liberty, Don Tilley or Uke's I don't dismiss the story but I try to note the names, dates and facts only.

One thing I have learned about the best dealers in the country, and I count Bumpus among their number, is that they have little problem carrying on a conversation with a customer that may be uncomfortable for some customers and for/with some dealers.

These folks did no become successful and stand the test of time getting luckier than a multiple lottery winner and doing everything perfect every time. Another common trait is that I've yet to meet one that I can't take aside (I prefer to avoid internet show spectacles as a means of resolution . . . of course I also avoid suspending Buells covered in lemons from helicopters too!) and say "look I think I have a problem and want to discuss it".

I've yet, after all these years, had a single dealer tell me . . . "look . . even though you have purchased all those motorcycles from us, had us to your service and been a loyal and polite customer . . we never do anything wrong . . get out of my store".

In the last couple years, perhaps the "instant" and somewhat anonymous characteristics of the internet have emboldened us or removed that natural "count to 10" time . . . an increased to propensity to spew lots of opinions masked quasi-facts and quick jumps to conclusions.

I get people writing me with incidents like this and my first question is always "what did your dealer say when you discussed it with him/her?". The response is generally along the "I'm not ever going to try to talk to them". If you're not, you have an obligation to accept full responsibility, right or wrong, and go on about your business. Folks, even Gitmo detainees, get their day to respond and state their opinion.

I also see many instances in which the "stated facts" quickly erode as the light of fact begins to shine.

I sincerely hope you get your problem resolved but at the very least you owe the folks at Bumpus an apology for handling this in an immature fashion.

Court Canfield
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Redscuell
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 09:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

""look . . even though you have purchased all those motorcycles from us, had us to your service and been a loyal and polite customer . . we never do anything wrong . . get out of my store". "

However well-intentioned your remark, it reflects only your own experiences. I've had very close to this from Harley City; seems they didn't appreciate that I'd damaged two screws (one that holds the seat to the frame) on my own bike, so they refused to continue to service it!

Meantime THEY buggered up one of the repairs that they DID agree to make and advised they had completed (replacing the rivnut in the frame for the seat screw using the Buell p/n supplied); regarding which I wrote to their owner (no answer) and to H-D customer service in Sydney (no reply) because the fastener hadn't been set even been clinched. Did it myself, at some considerable expense.

I'm happy to debate the 'truth' of all this with you, Court; and with Harley City; and with H-D; and with Erik himself if need be.

Gotta have a bit of fun in life, eh?
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Court
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 10:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You've lost me as to just what it is you are adding to this thread?

If you are trying to convince me that a dealer told you to not ever come back because you damaged two screws you're going to have to really hone your story.

If you can't resolve a "two screwed up screws" problem with a motorcycle dealer . . .life's gonna be a damn tough journey.

Sounds like a perfect example of what I was referring to . . . .I sense there are some facts absent.

Others opinions may vary . . . that's mine and mine alone.

Court
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 11:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jake,

Why did you delete your original post?
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 12:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

And why did you JUST delete you last post where you expressed your displeasure at "Tom calling you a liar"?

Make a statement and stand by your words.
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Rfischer
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 12:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ah, the trolls are out, and it isn't even dark yet...
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Buellsrule
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 12:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Tom Bumpus is a stand up guy and runs a good dealership for the Buell brand. Thanks Tom for everything you do for the Buell enthusiast. I'm glad we have you in Middle Tennessee.

Frank
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Jake99buell
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What will I win buy proving him wrong? A pissing match on this board will get me no where. I rather just get my bike back and in working condition. Tom has nothing to do with how Tim runs his stores in memphis. They are hundreds of miles apart. I have talk to tim already today and he is doing what he can for me tom was trying to do damage control with what little information he had about this situation
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 01:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

so they refused to continue to service it!

If you cop even a portion of the attitude you've displayed here towards your service department, it's not surprising.
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 01:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What hurts one Bumpus dealership hurts them all.

It's not to say that the Memphis DIDN'T mishandle things, but the ONLY reason that you are getting any traction is that Tim and Tom are stand up guys.

Normally when you bring a rant to a bulletin board like you have, the dealer tells you where you can stick your bike.

Additionally given YOUR affiliation with the dealership, you should have known better.

Tom and Tim will work to help you out the best they can.


Additionally, just because your bike isn't "on the floor" it doesn't mean that it isn't being sold. The dealership has an on the floor showroom and an off the floor show room. Both have clients looking at bikes. Additionally the sales guys have the ability to search listings of bikes. If someone were looking for a used bike, they'd check the list to see what was in.
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Sparropie
Posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 - 08:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

blah, blah, blah. just my opinion.

I know the people at my dealership know nothing about Buells. Buell owners are the idiot bastard children at a Harley shop. At my shop, if you can't double check all their work, your in trouble. They can''t order parts correctly (they NEVER have any Buell parts in stock) (have sent parts back for exchange multi-times). While looking for a part at an Oly, WA HD shop, I was told they don't sell 'crotch rockets'.
I mention these facts only to show that it is a TRUTH (imho) that Harley needs to give more respect to the owners of one of their corporate products. You shouldn't have to go back multi-times untill they get it right. Buells are machines. They only react in one way to any given input, while riding, or wrenching.
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