| Author | Message | ||
     Redster |
I bought my Buell xb9sx and paid cash for it with out haggling on price.A week later the check engine light lights up.They tell me it's like 3 wks back logged.I complained to the manager that I can't wait 3 wks for them to check a bike that is a week old.I got them to see the bike a few days later.They said it was just an error code.They said if it comes on again we should keep the appointment set for me that is 3 wks.Not even 10 miles away from the dealership it lights up again.So,I waited 3wks for the appointment.They said i seems to be the oxygen sensor,we need to order it.A week later no call,so I called.She said it's not in yet 5-10days.A week passed again no oxygen sensor.I left a message,no call back.I know this is a warranty issue but I'm starting to feel that I got pushed a side cause it's a warranty.I do know they sell more Harley than Buell,but please take care of your Buell customer.If not just drop the Buell line and not frustrate customers,let them go to shop worthy of my hard earned cash. Redster | ||
| Fullpower |
sorry buddy, you are gettin screwed. plenty more where that came from. but dont think it gets any better down at the ducati dealer, it is endemic in the industry. | ||
| Xb12burner |
I agree, it is very common at any motorcycle dealership, unless they by chance employ a enthusiast. | ||
| Tomd |
Yep, sounds about right. At least they didn't charge you for the time. I brought my 12s in for pinging, they told me I wasted their time because nothing was wrong and they didn't have to touch the bike and they charged me an hours shop time. But after they "didn't touch a thing" it dosen't ping anymore. Gotta love this type of customer service. This is the same type of attitude that was rampant in the metric bike industry in the late 60's to mid 70's when you could sell just about anything with 2 wheels and a seat. People bought trash and the dealers made as much as they could. By the early 80's the market fell through the floor and a lot of dealers closed. The ones that remained open learned real fast that they had to have real good customer service because the other guy down the street was just waiting for the customer. What the metric dealers had in the late 60's to the mid 70's is what the Harley dealers have had for the last 15 or so years, people walk in off the street and drop 25K on a bike like it's an ice cream cone. The dealers don't care if one or 2 customers go away with a sour taste, there are 4 or 5 more to take that ones place inside of a day. Until the customers stop running in the front door to buy bikes at whatever cost, customer service will be a quaint idea that only a few shops hold onto. OK, I'm off the soap box for now. Tom | ||
| Max |
If I were you make complaint to BBB online.... That's bs | ||
| Redster |
I called the fella who sold me the bike and vented about their customer service.And my last word was:" I don't wanna feel like I bought the bike from the wrong dealership." Redster P.S. What's bbb? (Message edited by redster on August 30, 2005) | ||
| Johnparts |
I am a service writer at a harley dealer in the chicago land area and I am doing all I can to help restore confidence in erics bikes but there is no factory support for these bike I will say that all new xb's ping it's the nature of the beast they have the timing set all wrong from the factory but after a few hundred miles the ecm will adjust itself and the ping will go away I have three xb's at home and I love these things my only problem is that the after market sucks for my 12 and my two 9's the other thing is I have had my own parts on order for weeks at a time and I work for the fricken company sorry you got bad service but if your comming through chicago I will be pleased to help all that have the passion of the thumper deep within them | ||
| Lovematt |
BBB = probably Better Business Bureau. http://www.bbb.org/ | ||
| Daves |
John, That is BS! The few times we have had a Buell with a problem our techs couldn't figure out(which is rare for both the bikes and our techs) one call to tech services at the factory has come up with the answer. Call me anytime and I can tell you who you need to talk with. 920-757-1651 Ask for Dave in the sales dept | ||
| Mckennaxb12r |
Got buyers remorse? I kind of had the same when I bought mine. I like the handling, styling and the uniqueness of the bike but it's the same rant as the above people. I try to buy parts for the thing and they're on back order? For weeks on end. I never thought that there was a company who didn't want my money? I have put my bike together the way I liked to, painstakingly waiting for parts. It sucks no doubt. Is that sweat equity??? I don't think so. Buell and harley can come up with a badass bike but I will not buy it due to the above mentioned problems of sales, service and availability of aftermarket/Buell parts. 3 weeks for traction grips, 5 weeks for pro-race kit, 1 week for primary gasket. No thanks!!! It is a shame too because Buell does a tremendous job with their branding strategy. Too bad they can't learn from other companies about customer service, reliability/responsibility/warranty issues, and long term ownership. The residual value of my bike is scary after the purchase. What gives??? I think it has to do with corporate BUELL and Harley Davidson. my 2 cents.... | ||
| Pa_xb9sx |
My XB9SX just quit on me one day with 6,500 miles on it. My dealer told me it would be about 3 weeks before anyone even got to look at it. In my opinion, this was unacceptable. After speaking to the business manager, things were straightened out. They gave me a V-Rod loaner after a week of calling them and asking if they started on my XB. It was fixed about 4 or 5 days after getting the V-Rod. Service started out bad on this one, but I am grateful for the way that they handled it in the long run. | ||
| Emscityx |
Johnparts, is that a national or regional corporate problem with the supply system? Is it remedied somewhat by dealers that keep more parts in stock ? Thank G-d I have not had such issues yet. Oh yes, here you go, have some of mine " . . . . . . ." .  (Message edited by emscityx on August 31, 2005) | ||
| Madsx |
Pa_xb9sx, I remember your story. What was the final diagnosis? | ||
| Henrik |
Johnparts; Not trying to be a smartass, but: but there is no factory support for these bike Looking at a few recent issues such as frame protectors and oil pump gear, that just doesn't ring true. Al at American Sport Bike even got a direct phone call resolving a few issues on his new Uly. Can you please elaborate on your concerns? I will say that all new xb's ping it's the nature of the beast they have the timing set all wrong from the factory I have no way of knowing if that's a fact or not. But if that is indeed the case, it would seem a small, but important step for the dealer to correct this prior to delivery ... no? but after a few hundred miles the ecm will adjust itself and the ping will go away I only have carbed bikes and haven't spent much time learning about ECM, but it was my impression that timing was set on the timing plate, just like on the tubers? If that's the case, I would think the ECM may minimize the symptom - not cure the disease. Which brings us back to your timing comment - why wouldn't you, as a service writer at a dealer fix the problem prior to delivery? I have had my own parts on order for weeks at a time Many complaints about parts availability has been shown to be due to dealer ordering practices and not actual availability - no? And thanks for your kind offer of help for the traveling Bueller. It's greatly appreciated. Henrik | ||
| Dagwood |
The statement about having a Buell enthusiast working at the shop is absolutely true. The service writer at Chandler HD/Buell in AZ rides a 'bolt and has impressed upon the powers that be there the benefit of ordering parts and having them on hand. The situation for us AZ Buellers is looking pretty good. With the help of the service writer, GM and a few dedicated riders, we just initiated our very own BRAG club and had our first ride last Sunday. My advice to anyone who owns or is thinking about purchasing a Buell is to visit the shop and ask if anyone there owns one. | ||
| Buellerx |
My dealer orders all their parts the same day. I have never waited more than a week for any XB part. I can say that that was not the case for my S2. Any Buell specific part on my tuber was very difficult to get, but I have not had that problem on my XB. Makes me think it is a dealer issue. | ||
| Nevar |
Dagwood, Is that the dealer name in Chandler? "Chandler HD/Buell"? I'm not enthralled with the dealer down here in Tucson so if my 03 XB9S needs service, maybe I'll trailer it up there. Note: Buy parts from DaveS at Appleton! Tim in Tucson | ||
| Ginzero |
Luckily service is excellent at California HD (Harbor City) here in Socal. They had to order a replacement foot peg spring for my xb9sx which only took a week to get. | ||
| Dagwood |
Tim, Yes. Chandler Harley Davidson/Buell. They are located on Chandler Blvd. just east of I-10. Ask for Andrew in the Service Department. Tell him I referred you. He'll hook you up! And by the way, you should have received a flyer for the BRAG club meet and greet this past Sunday. Send me a private message if you're interested in meeting some fellow Buellers for rides. | ||
| Nevar |
Thanks Dan! I saved the info. I bought my 03 XB9S used with 6500 miles (I only have 7100 now) so I may trailer it up there for the 10K service. Tim | ||
| 1badbuell |
I just bought a HD to go with my Buell...its amazing how fast Buell parts come in when you threaten to cancel the HD parts order  | ||
| Budo |
" restore confidence in erics bikes " It is Erik with a K! Ha! First one to post it. Ok, yep lousey service is pretty common, 30day wait for a oil change. Here is the deal. The HD dealerships don't need us. Think about it, if they have a three week backlog in service they are doing business hand over fist. Probably hanging chrome on HD's. I used to rant obout my local dealer. A buddy of mine got tired of that and set me straight. Most of the employees just show up to put in their time to get paid. They don't care if you're bike is running or not, they don't care if you are a satisifed customer or not. Because they don't have to. It is really that simple. If making you happy put food on their table it would be different. My local dealership tried to sell me a rear wheel for my 1998 S1W when it was a warranty item. Modesto sent me one. My local dealer could not find me an ignition switch after three months, Modesto had one in stock. Typical. Daves seems to be real good, take it to him. | ||
| Nevar |
It needs to be said from time to time... If you're having trouble getting parts from your local HD dealer, give DaveS at Appleton a PM/call. | ||
| Redster |
After i called yesterday.A different service guy called to get my bike done.All of a sudden the part show's up?He said if next week is ok,I said no(cause I'm starting a new job next week).Guess what,he can squeeze me in this friday.I'm not getting my hopes up yet.I hope they resolve this engine light lighting up.After this I'll bring my business elsewhere.Are the guys in Vallejo California good with their service department? If it's going to be like this a lot of times,i might have to sell this bike.I love the bike for it's simplicity,handling and character. But I don't need this headache. Now that I decide to be a true motorcycle commuter I really want this to be almost bullet proof. Redster Redster | ||
| Typeone |
I have to chime in on those ping comments above, this is my one major, MAJOR annoyance with this bike... my 05 12S has done it since day one, bone stock. Now that I've sprinkled on all the various mods (and it still does it) the dealer just looks at my aftermarket stuff (even my blue oil filter) and says... 'well, its great you do your own work on it but' ... so after checking/resetting the static timing myself, changing plugs, new ECM, etc. its still there 3300 miles later. I hate it and I know its going to be my problem to cure. I feel like TrenchTractor from the old days. Hell, I can't get my bike back from the dealer with the damn idle set right! Is 900RPM a Harley default?? I do like my dealer but they are sooooo Harley focused, and i'm one of the lucky ones, at least they like Buell and recent parts (failed front isolator) came in within a day or two. SuperFast! That I give them credit for, honest answer that they've ordered the part for me. EDIT: I gotta add in once again that I wish, wish, wish I lived out near Appleton. DaveS is THE man workin' for a stand-up shop. thnx for the note, Dave. (Message edited by typeone on August 31, 2005) | ||
| Court |
>>>but there is no factory support for these bike >>>I have had my own parts on order for weeks at a time That's inaccurate information. Write me if you still need help. | ||
| Djkaplan |
The right dealership can make or break your Buell experience - find another dealer, they're not all bad. I got excellent customer service while my bike was under warranty, but not from the dealer I bought my bike from. | ||
| Pcmodeler |
Finding another dealer is getting harder and harder. Like most others, like the bike, but the service and support kind of sucks. Never in my whole life have I had to call the factory in order to resolve and issue with a local dealer like I have with my Buell. | ||
| Pbxorcist |
Something that needs to get mentioned, and is part of the viscious cycle that plagues buell owners. The mechanics at your local dealership cant fix your problems when you are doing your own work on your bike. Fact is most mechanics at a dealership dont usually see enough buells to get comfortable or experienced with them. Sure you can go through training, but when you dont actually get repeated hands on time with the bikes, your skill level isnt going to grow. Number of Harleys I worked on last week 15 Number of Buells I worked on 1 And I consider it a lucky week when I get to work on a buell. Do yourself a favor, build a relationship with your dealer. Ask the service manager if they have a mechanic that is into buells. Try and get the same mechanic everytime you go in, they will know your bike, and have a better idea of the nuances of your situation. Im just saying it works both ways, and you will be better off in the long run, when your work with your dealer and build a personal relationship with them. | ||
| Henrik |
Im just saying it works both ways Very good point Jonathan. Thanks for the insider input. Henrik |
