| Author | Message | ||
     Escham |
Please see my "so what would you do..." thread for details of events leading up to tonight. I took my bike to get it repaired after the dealership dropped it. They replaced the parts (left mirror, clutch lever, shifter, primary cover and peg). They delivered it to my house after they finished. I was at work at the time, but my wife was home. I got home from work around 12:15AM and it appeared to be ok. I took it out and as I was rounding a curve the bike slid, but did not drop. I have never been more scared. I will admit it, I cried. I am a new rider and I have never been in that type of situation. So I drive home slowly and get it into the garage. I looked at the tire and noticed some type of oil on the tire and rim. After getting the flashlight I return and find a puddle of oil under the bike. I looks like it is coming out og the gray circular thing in the center of the primary beside the shifter. I am still shaking. I am calling them in the morning. I have had it! (Message edited by escham on June 29, 2006) | ||
| Davefla |
You're leaking trans fluid, or more accurately gear lube. Glad you're okay. I haven't read your backstory. I hope the dealer is already apologetic, and this makes them act even nicer to you; if not, there's folks here on the BadWeb who can tell you exactly what phone numbers to dial so that the factory is nice to you. They'll work hard to see to it that you're happy, I'm sure. One more point, though: if you have had formal training, take this event as a reminder to do a pre-ride check EVERY time you get on the bike - AND ESPECIALLY when it's after midnight and you haven't seen the bike in a while! If you haven't had formal training, look for some. Good luck in any case! | ||
| Vonsliek |
er .. ain't that yer primary oil leaking out?? fakers! i have lose sterring bearings that have been ignored thru 3 services ... i guy at track school picked it & another told me to find a decent mechanic. seems its typical for these fackers to do a half-arsed jobbie. wankers .. consodering its OUR lives at stake & those same fackers rely on US for their BUSINESS!!??! u have MY empathy .. worth shit, but its a bike thang! | ||
| Vonsliek |
anoter vonsleiake poarts ,,.mijlwna abjbjdlakidev i,m dyslexix wit der kaybarddd, alreaday! | ||
| Diablobrian |
whoa, if there is oil that high the crank seal is probably blown. If that seal goes oil leaks from the crank sump into the primary sump. Check your motor oil level (in the swingarm). I'll bet it's low. They need to fix your bike correctly, and completely. They owe you for this one. This one could have ended in serious injury...or worse. I'm glad you're still with us. | ||
| M1combat |
Is it the smaller cap (probably 3/4"-1") or the clutch inspection cover that has three T27 torx headed bolts? Glad you kept the rubber side down... Most people can't save any slipping at all. | ||
| Justinxb12s |
I would look into the return policy in your state!! You don't want to have all this down time for a brand new bike, and who know what problems will come from this. If they don't want to assist you the Better Business Bureau would like to hear from you. Justin | ||
| Escham |
Thanks guys. I am not sure what type of fluid I am seeing, I just know where it is coming from. I dont think I can trust them to get it right. I dont think I want to gamble any more with my life. Diablobrian I have sent you a PM. (Message edited by escham on June 29, 2006) | ||
| Diablobrian |
Check your mail box, details will be needed, and help is on the way. | ||
| Escham |
Thanks again Brian! I have emailed Court with details. Its good to know that there are concerned people out there that are willing to help. I could not imagine going through a crash. | ||
| Escham |
Bike was picked up this morning. I was sure to take pictures of every aspect of the left side. I am still not sure where the fluid is coming from as there appears to be oil coming out from the bolt on the bottom of the primary casing. Unfortunately the store manager I have dealt with is off and I had to speak to the "manager for the day", but assured him that i will never EVER sit on that bike again. My wife has called twice this morning and has done nothing but cry at work. I couldnt sleep, I am numb..... | ||
| Pcmodeler |
I feel for you. I took my bike in for service work. Next time I went riding after picking it up (trucked it), I nearly rear ended a car because the front breaks weren't properly bled. Man was I pissed. I wrote a nasty letter and of course, was brushed off. Gee, is it any wonder why there are so many folks here upset with the service they get out of the Harley shops? | ||
| Ulywife |
Eric - so sorry to hear about this mishap. If you don't get anywhere with the current dealership, come back on Carolina Corner Carvers and lets see if the guys across the state can help find a competent dealer to handle these issues. Of course, the fact that Diablobrian has put you in contact with Court is a good thing. Court is a good man and can tug at the right people to make things happen. Unfortunately just because the dealer sells Buell doesn't mean that they have a service department prepared or willing to handle Buell service. We've been fortunate so far as Shelton's has one mechanic that likes Buells and does any work we need on the M2 or Uly. Try and keep your chin up and your composure. Sounds like you are on the right path and handling this in a mature, professional manner with the dealership. Deal with your head, not your heart. (I know that's not always easy.) Glad you are OK and kept yourself and bike from going down last night. Once this gets straightened out we'll get a central NC ride together. | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
Good Save on the slip... I bet this isn't the right place to voice my concerns but while we're at it...I dropped mine off on tuesday. I had the usual list of complaints as well as the recall for the side stand, was told it would only be a day or so in the shop, well LATE yesterday I FINALLY got a response when I refused to let them "Call me back" they said the side stand parts were on back order till the 30th. I asked well ok what about the REAL reason I brought it in, he said and I quote "and what was that?" Turns out they havn't even touched it. I'm supposed to get a call first thing this morning. Well they've been open for an hour now and... | ||
| Glitch |
What I would do if that happened to me would be to call the General Manager, and, as nice as I could, explain what happened. If nothing was done after that I wouldn't go back. | ||
| Pcmodeler |
I had a similar problem Mesafirebolt. I took my bike in for some work. I had a leak somewhere on the bike when I bought it. Took it in and told them to change the oil and too fix the leak since they would have to drain the oil and change the filter for the oil change. When I picked it up, it still leaked. There response, well, we don't remember you telling us to fix the leak. Well, duh......even if you didn't, what kind of customer service is that??? I would have been on the phone.....Hello, Mr. Fergel, this is (insert name here) at Colonial Harley. While changing your oil, we noticed you have a substantial leak here. Would you like us to take a look at it for you? | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
I Know Pc its crazy. Maybe a phone call like, we havn't got that part right now, would you like to pick your bike up till we get it in...that would have given me the opportunity to ask about the other items... Oh well. What did I expect? | ||
| Angelwild327 |
Escham, It's scary being a new rider and coming across situations that are new and dangerous.. even knowing you aren't skilled enough yet to know what to do in situations you just think you might get into. Take an experienced rider class, take the beginner class over, look for a beginner track day...find some really experienced and safety oriented rider friends.. whatever it takes, get your skills built up, in a safe place, like a big parking lot...it helps if you have a bit of a junker bike to practice on, but no matter...you can never know enough.. and every little bit will help you save your skin. I'm fortunate enough to have people in my life that have many years of experience and mechanical knowledge, to take me out to practice building my skills and become and better and safer rider... DON"T GIVE UP...if you love the way it feels when you're riding...take a little break, get the bike fixed up, and find some avenue that will allow you to not get shaken up when adverse situations occur. Good luck with everything!!! | ||
| 99buellx1 |
If one little close call has you and your family this rattled, you need to take a break. Close calls is the name of the game on a motorcycle, they will happen monthly, weekly, daily. Get some training, learn what to do, or say goodbye to riding. Crashes, mishaps, and close calls will never go away no matter your skill level or comfort. You will just have a different outlook on them and adjust/cope with them different. I dont want to tell you to quit riding, but I want you to make good decisions. Nobody wants to get hurt, or see someone else get hurt, but it's a risk each one of us takes each time we take that bike for a ride. It is part of me, and I love it, as do millions of others, but it's not for everyone. For me possibly the most disturbing part is that your wife is an emotional wreck. If she isn't comfortable or going to support you, that will make it much harder. For her to gain confidence and trust in you, you need to show that confidence to her. I crashed hard a few years ago. My family assumed that I was done riding, and they hoped for my safety that I was. I told them that I will never quit riding, it's a part of me. My confidence and conviction has helped them to understand and (somewhat) support me. I'm sure that they would still be more comfortable with me not riding, but they trust my decisions. Only you can make the chioce. Take some time, do some soul searching, do what is right. | ||
| Zxzer04 |
I think the biggest point is you had oil coming across your tire and you managed not to wad your bike up, thats pretty good. I bet that experienced riders would have had trouble there. Like 99buellX1 said CLose calls happen constantly...I find my self scanning drivers faces instead of watching the road, to make sure they have made eye contact with the large black and amber motorcycle. You have to be prepared to handle the close calls and keep riding. My wife doesn't know half the close calls I have had as they are part of riding and after I wound down, it was forgotten. Don't let one mishap scare you away, but also don't ride scared either. You will then become your own worst enemy. If you want to ride, then listen to these guys and get back on, and ride. If you are going to be scared then you are going to end up with a $10,000 paperweight in the corner of your garage. Now as for the damage I have already told you, His great-great-great grandchildren's ears would have rung for that. Now that said I would have made sure they fixed it properly and as much as I hate someone else putting miles on my bike: a complete test ride. Sometimes dealers are so backed up that they consider a test drive rolling it out to the parking area with the engine on. $tuff happens, mine has been down twice and one of those was my stupidity. Now damaging your bike and then repairing it only half-heartedly is really ridiculous and they are so lucky you weren't hurt because that lawsuit would have hurt them. Make sure they understand that and let them know that you have friends here who are willing to back you up and help get it reported to the right people at HD/Buell. Also ask for the store owner, Mark Wheelihan who owns that shop and HD of Greensboro. Tell him your feeling and frustrations and remind him of what would have happened had you been hurt. Also be nice, no one tried to tear up your bike or hurt you, but also remember that they are professionals and this should not have happened. Seems they need better quality control : And I would probably ask to have that mechanic personally apoligize so he would see the face of someone he could have hurt badly. | ||
| Cmm213 |
I'm with all of 99's post, I have been down twice and know what its about. But after every time I have crashed I always get another one. Take some time and think about if riding is really for you. My bikes scare my wife too but she always supports my love for them. | ||
| M2nc |
Man, I am sorry that you have had this trouble. You must be a natural at riding if in the dark you were able to recover a bike that the rear slid out. High siding is a common result and if you were able to gather it up I am impressed. It sound like they left something loose when they changes out the primary cover. They have no excuse! They should have test rode the bike to make sure there were no problems after working on the bike. My dealer always test rides the bikes before they let the customers get on. Even if you are there waiting for it they test the bike first, which is pretty funny because the technician that has worked on the Uly at 1000 & 5000 mile services is about 5'2". He's young and loves the bike though. Man, keep us informed! | ||
| Buellgirlie |
Escham - first off, i'm very glad you're ok. second, your bike should NOT be leaking oil and needs to be fixed properly or replaced. also sent you a PM. D | ||
| Escham |
Thanks all for the replies. The bike was picked up at about 10:30 AM and not a call since. I am quite surprised by the continued focus on my inexperience as a rider. I realized the dangers of riding when I bought it and I have been very careful. I am a Registered Nurse and I have seen what can happen. I took great care to follow the break in procedure for the bike as well as myself. This was not due to rider error and I was definitely not pushing the motorcycle. I dont believe any course could have prepared me for this experience, but I feel I handled it ok. I slide all the way into the oncoming lane white line and I was able to avoid any damage, well at least to the bike. If a car would have been coming it would have been a terrible outcome. Besides, my focus is not on how to be better prepared the next time my dealer puts me in a potentially life threatening position. My biggest concern is this was a direct result of poor workmanship on the behalf of the service department. I was assured that the bike had been test driven by the store manager himself and he deemd it in perfect working order and back to original quality. I no longer have confidence in them to repair the bike. I am not willing to wager my health or life on it. That coupled with the fact that this is a brand new bike and I have had nothing but trouble through no fault of my own or the bike's. I also owe it to my wife to consider getting out of riding for a while. She is more important to me than any experience on 2 wheels. She is also a Registered Nurse and it was very hard for her to agree to this purchase in the first place. I am sure as time passes and she may feel more comfortable about it, but until then I am committed to her. I will continue to work with the dealership to find a suitable solution, but the options became very limited last night. I feel I have been fair all things considered. All I asked was for the bike to be restored to the condition it was in prior to the accident at the dealership. Sorry Buellgirlie, I didn't get your PM. My email is eschamberg@hotmail.com (Message edited by escham on June 30, 2006) (Message edited by escham on June 30, 2006) (Message edited by escham on June 30, 2006) | ||
| Buelltoys |
I think you handled it great. I just went down around a curve last week. I wasn't so fortunate as to stick it. The bike and I made it into a tree line. Messed up my back but I am ok otherwise. It's scared me but I can't wait for it to be fixed and get back on. It will be a lesson learned that I will always remember. | ||
| Zxzer04 |
Hey Eric, Just wanted to drop a quick note, I think that, and I am sure I will be backed up here, you did an excellent job of saving a bad situation. A loss of traction due to oil at night on a bike that you can only be somewhat familiar with is a pretty awesome save. What people are seeing and responding to is your response to give up and your wife being very upset. Fact is all the guys that are married here that I ride with, like M2nc are 100% backed by their wives and without that support probably would not be avid riders. Your family is and should be your first priority. What people are telling you is that this is a risky hobby and it has many rewards, and lucky for us, our wives and/or husbands are able to back us up. I will tell you that if my wife(and there are a couple others I know who would probably feel the same) was sitting at home worried about me all the time, I would not be riding. If you continue to ride, there WILL be more close calls and it seems you handled the first one brilliantly. I think everyone is seeing your response's and your wife's and wondering if you were truly aware of the dangers and possibilities. Now I have been riding off and on for 20 years and I am alive and well and so are many others. We wouldn't trade our experiences for anything, except our families. So if you aren't both clear a break might be best, or if you both are ok, go for it. As a EMT at Moses Cone ER for over 2 years I saw lots of bike crashes, and those would be good things to remind you to ride safe, wear your gear and don't ride outside your limits. As for your bike, there are tons of people here to help you on that part. Someone mentioned Court, he is about as good a guy as you will find and he can help you with the Bike problems. | ||
| Escham |
I understand Zxzer and, again, I appreciate the concern from everyone. I am just really tired and this whole situation has been overwhelming. I apologize if I came across as being snide as that was not my intent. I also sent you an email. Escham | ||
| Vonsliek |
escham i speed read above & consequently will not be held liable for my comments. harley dealerships *&* other bike type dealerships are - from what i am discovering - rather remiss in their attention to detail, considering their •••• ups are our potential death warrants .. that these assholes also are allegedly bikers themselves speaks volumes. i am on YOUR side .. too often on forums - & like many, i am on a few of differing motorcycling nature, ie: jap sportbikes, racing & such - the *clique* (its a human condition i am told, presenting as a sad, wanton need to exclude or oterwise belittle/outcast others/newbies as being undesirable/unrequired for the good of the established *group*). sorry for poor grammar & style .. anyway .. the tendancy - when all you want is *family* - is to focus on some perceived limitation on the part of the newbie/whatever-you-wanna-call-us & heckle them for being *green*. i am green & ride pretty damn well - if i say so myself - & will rapidly continue to improve expontentially because i am in a position to make rapid improvement my focus in life. u r not to be berated for being new to buell motorcycles, riding, mechanics, etc. poor form on the part of the *old heads* .. but what do they really know?? u r welcome in my world & its a world of danger, fun, DOING & LEARNING (caps, intended). i have crappy service from mechanics at my local dealership & it took track racing old hands to chk my bike & discover the crappy quality of dealership work a sum of 20 secs .. i let a racer (2stroke 250 racer) ride it & he immediately knew what was wrong & had it confirmed by another racer w/ front end experience. point is .. i think all of us have issues w/ quality of work at sometime or another .. i will get a new mechanic, as my bike is rebuilt status anyways & non saleable for any real sum, so its my experimental track bike. don't be too sensitive on here or anywhere, as they wolves will eat u alive - afterall we ain't face to face & its easy to be *burly* online! .. until u uncover their personal address .. that seems to freak ppl out .. i did it on another forum when i was being *whipped*, so i emailed the sucker w/ his address & phone # & he freaked out immediately & then removed me .. i don't advocate that method, but it shut bullyboy up! cheers, paul. | ||
| Buellgirlie |
i'll email you direct, but you might want to check your registered address with the forum because the PMs should go there. watch your inbox D | ||
| Diablobrian |
I told you the cavalry was coming! Go Dora! | ||
| Zxzer04 |
Hey Eric, Just to let you know I hope you do keep riding. I am from that area and I never see any Buells when I am in Greensboro. I like to see all the japan made bikes sit unobserved when I show up and everyone stands around staring at the Bolt(including my CBR toting Brother). Larry | ||
| U4euh |
Eric/everyone else-is it possible that the casing got a hairline fracture when it was dropped? I can understand your anger at the dealer and what was supposed to be a 'ready' bike. I think it was mentioned before, but if fluid was leaking out of either one of the small covers, then it may have been 1) over filled or 2)something internal got boogered up in the drop. Either way, I believe you did the right thing by staying cool headed. If you do not want to take that bike back because of results all their fault, then stick to your guns. If worse comes to worse, we have friends in this area who have friends in HIGH places in our STATE. I cannot speak for these people, but if it comes to it, it can't hurt to ask. PM me if need be. Remember you don't live far from me and a few others. If you decide to keep riding please send me an email. I am about 30 minutes from Asheboro. I think if you were to get away from the city, and view what some others do as far riding, it helps to relax a little and in to the groove of things. I know you have visited the Carolina Corner Carvers section of Storm Fronts, and you should know our theme is have safe fun. After laying my bike down at 65-70mph last year, I'll admit I still get spooked every now and again, but that is natural, but I can't let it stop me. I am starting to ramble...PM me. JIM | ||
| Ulywife |
I'll admit I still get spooked every now and again Carlos (M2nc) went down last November, and as a wife it spooked me as well. However, he still rides, I ride with him as does my 11 year old daughter. As U4euh said, come on Carolina Corner Carvers and we'll get a ride together when your bike issues are resolved. Hang in there. | ||
| Skyguy |
Having the support of ones family is crucial to adventure sports. Knowing that you are PROBALLY going to get hurt riding is a must IMHO. Don't ignore the dangers, I have seen the results of denial way to many times in various sports. If you decide to stick with it read, ride, listen and practice often. Doing so will reduce your chances of being hurt badly. Over the years I have managed to break my collarbone, more ribs than I have and my hand. I look at all of those injuries as minor stuff. I hope to ride well into my old age but life (and adventure sports) offer no guarantees. Glad you pulled off the mishap! Sometimes being new can help as often the bike will fix itself. As for the oncoming lane? That sucks. Going into oncoming traffic can turn a simple mishap fatal real quick. I have had a tire/rim failure at 70mph and went across two lanes of 60+ oncoming traffic. I missed being bumper pizza by five feet or less. Had I been an inexperienced rider I would certanly have been dead. Stuff happens even to skilled experienced riders (almost 25 years for me). From what I have read it seems that this mishap may have awakened you to the realities of riding with no physical price to be paid. Don't fool yourself this is dangerous stuff. That being said so is driving a car, riding a bus or crossing the street. LIFE is dangerous and full of risk. Do what you can to manage the risks but don't give up the pursuit of adventure. Life is to short to play it safe all the time. My personal quote? "A life without risk is a life not lived". Best of luck getting your bike handled. You must be a really nice guy to not have wrapped the bike around the service managers neck by now. Dropping a customers bike happens even at good shops. Sending it out leaking was unexcusable and I think the shop not only owes you a perfectly fixed machine but one hell of a shooping spree also. If it was my shop I would be kissing your ass after nearly getting you killed. You would come to pick up your bike and not recognize it due to all the carbon fiber parts I installed......................... Sadly most business don't work like that anymore. Buell/HD service is why I won't buy another one. I will keep mine for a long time and do all the work myself only because it is so much fun to ride. BMC and HD sucks in the CS department and IMHO does not deserver our money. If Erik ever sold direct I would buy another one from him! | ||
| Escham |
Wow, thanks everyone. Not only has this situation been overwhelming, but so has the support I have received from you all. I appreciate all the kind words and encouragement. Believe me, it has been very difficult to stay calm throughout this situation. I am a Psych nurse and I believe my years of experience have helped me keep calmer in times of stress. This situation has been a perfect measure of it. I do not plan on hanging up on riding forever. I loved that bike. If you caught my inroductions when I bought it, you know how thrilled I was with it. I enjoyed getting out and riding down through Hwy 8 around High Rock Lake and through the Caraway mountains in Randolph Co. (for those of you from the area). But as I have stated, my wife has really been hit hard by the reality of cycling and I owe it to her as her husband to listen and be supportive. She loves me and its times like these when I am really reminded of it. I have been in touch with one person who assures me they will get the information to someone who can help. I have also been put in contact with Court thanks to Diablobrian and I am waiting for his advice. I will be out of town, but I hope to be able to check back in. As of now nothing new to report from the dealership, I haven't heard a word. I will continue to keep you posted. Escham | ||
| Escham |
Updated to add that I got a call from the dealership on Friday and: He claims that they could not find any thing wrong with the workmanship of the repairs. He told me they stripped it down again and checked the torque specs on everything as they went along as they went and could not find anything out of order. Claimed it was a 1 in a 1,000,000 freak problem and that the bike had been ride tested four times without any sign of a leak and it had been tested in other ways without failure. He then said that I could come pick it up. I told him that I had no intention of taking it back. I did not trust him, his service manager or mechanics. He said well there is nothing he could do. He fixed it and he can't give me my money back or give me another bike. I simply said that picking that bike up is not an option. He said he didn't know what else he could do but call the owner ( of course I got the he is on vacation and we don't know when he will be back) and I don't think he will be willing to do it. I told him, well, start with an apology and go from there. He said I have apologized before and I said not since the other night, this is the first time I have spoken with you since then. He apologized, said he was going to call the owner whenever he gets in town and said goodbye. So all I know now is that he is going to call the owner, but it appears they are not willing to do anything per the Store Manager. Disgustedly I Remain, Escham | ||
| U4euh |
Anything to update? | ||
| Escham |
Yes, but nothing good. follow these (I lose my thread some times): http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/4062/211477.html?1152581350 I am trying to be patient and let some people advocate for me, but I am very disappointed. Escham |
