| Author | Message | ||
     Ilikehotchicks |
I recently bought a 2003 firebolt, I love! the bike But i feel that the dealer was did a horible job. I whould like to let harley/buell know about the job they did. Anyone have the address's to Harley and Buell That i would send a customer complaint too? Actual Mailing address No Email's please. Here is the letter if you care to read it. To sum it up the dealer told me they were going to pay me back for a MSF course that i took if i bought the bike. Then after i was buying it they said they cant pay me back because its the wrong course. Also they made me wait ALOT after haveing apointments. Thanks For the help, Also Any Proof-readers out there can help me out. I think i got everything but im not perfect. Ben letter:::::: To Whom It May Concern: Recently I had a purchased a Buell Motorcycle from the local Harley Davidson-Buell Dealer [Harley-Davidson of Tucson]. I had a few problems with the way I was treated when purchasing my motorcycle. I heard about Buell from a friend Who had Just Purchased a 2003 Harley V-rod from Tucson Harley and my friend introduced me to his sales guy [James Burwell]. I let him know that I was just looking and that I wanted to check out prices on the 2003 fire bolt XB9R. He had told me that they currently only have one 2003 fb8r left which was a floor model with a flag decal kit. The salesman also told me the price of the bike was 8500$. During this conversation he had also told me that if I take a Safety Course that Harley will pay me back for the course. After leaving the dealer I decided that I really wanted to get a Buell motorcycle, although I had to wait for my stepfather to get back from vacation. During this 2-week wait I decided to take the training course and get my license before I buy the bike. After my stepfather gets back I talk to him and him and I decided to go down on Wednesday night to sign the paperwork. I call up James Burwell on Monday and make and appointment for Wednesday at 5pm and he told me the bike has dropped in price to 7999$. Wednesday shows up and we go down to the dealer, and talk to James and he has us sit there and wait for someone to take us into the financing room. The store closes at 6:30 Pm. And my stepfather and I ended up sitting there waiting until 6:20pm. At this point we decide to leave, on the way out of the store we tell the Manager “Jim” that we are leaving and to tell the sales guy. Jim ask’s why and we let Jim know that we have been sitting there for over an hour waiting to sign the papers and purchase the bike, Even after the fact we had an appointment for 5pm. Jim rushed us right into the financing room as soon as my step father let him know that we were leaving. During the paper work and financing department I ask about my 180$ course that they told me they would pay me back for the class that I had took. They proceeded to tell me that I had took the wrong class, They Said I needed to take an Arizona class instead of the one that I had took “MSF”. I explained to them that MSF is the national standard, and that if they cannot pay me back for the class then to at least throw in a free helmet with the bike. The Finance guy also tried to sell me the bike for 8500$ even after the sales guy told me it was 7999. Even after they had already put a mark down sign on the bike. They said they could not do that also because the price of the bike was so low. Next we signed the paperwork and purchased the bike. We were not able to bring the bike home that night because it was too late to get a hold of my insurance company to fax though the paperwork. On Friday morning I contacted James and let him know that the insurance has been faxed and that I would be at the dealership at 5pm to pick up the motorcycle. James said that is okay and he would fill up the tank and have the bike ready. I had a few riding buddies meet me at the dealer ship to pick up the bike. When I went inside and asked where it was No one knew what was going on, and one guy even told me that they thought I had already took it. After talking to about 5 different people I find out that the bike is on the battery charger and was not ready to be picked up. I had to wait another 30 min before I could finally get my bike. I set an appointment 12 hours before hand and they still did not have the bike ready. I had spent a lot of money buying a Buell motorcycle and extended coverage and I went out and took a safety course. Even after buying the bike brand new and all the hassle this dealership has given me they still would not pay me my 180$ for the class that I took. Let alone give me a free helmet so that I can be a safe rider. I have always loved Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, after this incident i am not to certian about my future as a harley-davidson customer. Sincerely. Reuben Peters edited by ilikehotchicks on October 22, 2003 | ||
| Bads1 |
Rueben you might want to leave out the incompetence part.I can honestly say I know how you feel but you have written your concerns already on the dealerships business ethics and leave it at that.Then see if you get response back.In most instances its better conduct yourself as professional as possible. | ||
| Ilikehotchicks |
Nice thats what i was thinking, which is why i posted it here for some sugestion's Thanks! removeing it now | ||
| Jim_witt |
Reuben, Is that story for real? Just curious, how old are you dude? Anywho sort'a strange to me that you'd signed the papers in the first place. It's not going to do any good sending the puppy (meaning the letter) to HD but if it makes YOU feel better go for it. -JW:>  | ||
| Ilikehotchicks |
yeah the story is real, There is even a little bit more to it, like My friend who bought the harley V rod, The bike has been in "tucson Harleys" shop for a month now, There is a recall on a fuel modual part that should only take an hour to replace, So far it has been a month and he still doesnt have his bike. Also only thing i want to come out of the letter is my 180$ for my MSF course. I love the bike... =) I am 21. The only reason i still signed the papers was because i REALLY wanted an XB9R and tucson harley is the closest dealer for 120 miles or so. edited by ilikehotchicks on October 22, 2003 | ||
| Bartimus |
Reuben, Good luck with the dealer, if you had a written contract signed by someone in the sales dept, stating they would reimburse you, you might get lucky. Otherwise you would have better luck if you went through the BBB. I've dealt with Tucson HD/Buell on numerous occasions, and I'm not impressed with the service I receive for my Buell. Just FYI, when the warranty is up, take it to Chandler Custom Cycles up in Chandler. <Phoenix> They do great work on HD's and Buells, and stand by their work. They are NOT an authorized Buell repair shop though. Drop me a line some day and we'll take a ride up to Globe and back through Winkelman. I'm glad you chose to buy a Buell, welcome to the fold. You will find alot of friendly and informative folks here. | ||
| Paroyboy |
Reuben: Welcome to the Harley dealer world! Wish I could say your experience was an isolated incident but I cant. I think we've all been there or know someone who has. I've never heard of Harley reimbursing for safety classes. I think some dealers who sponsor Riders Edge will reimburse the cost if you buy a bike there after the class. Around here, the MSF is free. I thought they all were. Is $180 normal? | ||
| Jst |
He had told me that they currently only have one 2003 fb8r left which was a floor model with a flag decal kit. Might want to change that to XB9R. he told me the bike has dropped in price to 7999$ You got the bike $500.00 cheaper than you thought anyway. I would suggest you might want to send this letter to the General Manager of Tucson Harley as well. I could tell you horror stories from when I bought my bike. I was also promised free gear. etc., ect.. I even got chewed out over the phone by the "salesman" after I posted a question on this board about my bike. After it's all said and done I love Em and you'll love your XB. Don't let the dealer screw up your experience. | ||
| Glitch |
Welcome to the Harley dealer world! Wish I could say your experience was an isolated incident but I cant. ditto After it's all said and done I love Em and you'll love your XB. Don't let the dealer screw up your experience. ditto | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Find another retailer for service!!!! Even if it is farther away!!!! Put the bad experience behind you - YOUR A XB9 OWNER - ride safe and be happy. | ||
| Daves |
Call me so we can talk. Did they set up the suspension for you? Did they do a walk around of the bike to show you where everything is and how it works? Ride to the edge! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) 1-800-342-7539 ext 211 | ||
| Buckinfubba |
dave thats what I was gonna ask. a big probably not is what I am guessing. reuben I hope you enjoy you bike,,its a great bike full of fun. get on your bas motorscooter and ride Brian Tilley hd/buell buckinfubba@hotmail.com | ||
| 99buellx1 |
"I let him know that I was just looking and that I wanted to check out prices on the 2003 fire bolt XB9R" "fire bolt" should be Firebolt. If you're sending a corporate letter i feel that it is very important to address the products and companies accuratly. "after this incident i am not to certian about my future as a harley-davidson customer." You should always capatalize the company names, as I see you did in the sentance previous to this one. Hope this helps and I hope everything gets resolved for you. I also agree with Jst and send it to the dealership, you may bee supprised with the results. Of course if they are anywhere near as busy as Doug, our GM, the response may take a little while. Craig Buell Cycle Center  | ||
| Ilikehotchicks |
hey daves, No they didnt set up the suspension for me. They did walk me around the bike though. Thanks for all the sugestions ill make the proper changes. I plan on sending the letter to the dealer and Hd and Buell Just cant find the address's for the GM's of certian dealers. thanks ben | ||
| Court |
Dear Hot Chick Lover: This is my take, based on experience. 1) Throw the letter away. It's not that you are capitulatiing, it' sjust not the highest use of your time; there are much more important things you need to be doing. 2) Take the OTHER riding course. Make certain, in advance, they agre to reimburse you. As a pilot, i assuure you that more training is better training. You made an INVESTMENT in the first, the second is gratis. We should all be as lucky as you. 3.) Free helmets are generally worth about what you pay for them. Invest the saving, unexpected, on the Buell in something that has Shoei, AGV, Arai or something plastered on the outside. Study how to take care of your helmet, know not to drop it and not to check it in airline baggage. I am currently helping an ELF recover a helmet that the TSA idiots dropped in an airport. You drop a helmet it automatically becomes a table lamp. 4.) Call Dave Steuve or Brian (Buckinfubbva) . The most important road in your life lies ahead, not behind. Listen, listen, listen. Both these professionals can explain to you how to set up your suspension. Listen as if your life depends on it, it does. The $180 is small change, compared to what they will give you free. 5.) Kiss up to Jim Witt. He's an old curmudgeon with a nasty attitude who know's more about riding motorcycles and your neighborhood than most folks ever will. Pretend you like him and beg him to take you riding and let you follow him at a comfortable pace while you make mental notes. 6.) Ignore pointer number one. Do NOT tear the letter up, roll it in a tube, tie it to the string on a helium balloon and let the thing go...physically AND mentally. Ultimately someone will read it but more importantly, get it off your mind BEFORE you ride. Buells are fascinating motorcycles with an uncanny ability to attract fascinating people. Leave the $180 behind and come to my party.....you'll never regret it. Court | ||
| Blake |
If you feel compelled to send it, run it through a spell checker. I like Court's suggestions. Take special note of the one concerning Mr. Witt. | ||
| Cj_xb |
Reading this thread makes me appreciate that Daves set up my suspension (or someone at Waterloo anyway) on my XB9S, and apparently perfectly as it's a dream to ride it !! And Daves did TRY to explain everything to me that I needed to know, I probably didn't listen as well as I should have, too excited and not good at working on my own bike !! Thanks Daves !! CJ XB  | ||
| Bomber |
Chicks . . . . .$180 is a small price to pay for ANY education . . . .I'll second Court's advice to get all you can . . . .. . cost/benefit analysis may help you put some persp[ective on the situation . . . . .$180 cash dollars american against getting smarter and not getting dead on your bike . . .. . if it was me, I'd pay the dough . .. . one last data point . . . .. . taking the dealer to task for not giving you a free helmet to make you a safe rider is logic that doesn't quite make sense. It's YOUR job to be a safe rider -- a free helmet from the dealer is an incentive to buy from him (a decision you'd already made, it looks like) . . . like old man Courtly sez, 86 the letter, learn, move on, and, most of all, enjoy the heck out fo the bike! | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Let it go!!!!!!! Take a deep breath and repeat after me! "I own a New Firebolt - must break in carefully then ride with spirit" Of course if your a new rider make sure you respect your limitations and after some time take an advanced MSF course - well worth the money, I know being an instructor | ||
| Court |
>>>I probably didn't listen as well as I should have I have one word for you... | ||
| 99buellx1 |
"one" word? | ||
| Cj_xb |
Milk Crate ??? I'm guessing I should try to listen better ?? CJ XB | ||
| Court |
Craig: I have one word for you..... | ||
| 99buellx1 |
I must be missing something. Craig | ||
| Road_thing |
In Court's defense, he never claimed to be a math major... A Texas girl I know, married since forever to a close buddy of mine, lets me know when I (frequently) get out of line by saying "Tom, I've got two words for you, and they aren't "Happy Motoring!" That's the way girls are in Texas... any Ry Cooder fans out there? r-t  | ||
| Bomber |
Ry Cooder and Joe Ely both! | ||
| Daves |
CJ, I did set up your suspension while you were looking over my shoulder and not listening! The only thing I had pre-set was the one to do with our little secret! You know, the one I've been sworn to take to my grave with me! Ride to the edge! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Bomber |
Dave, yer SUCH a tease ;-} | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Come on Dave, There must be some way to get that one out of ya!!!!!! | ||
| Cj_xb |
Like he said before guys, he's close enough I can find him and kill him in his sleep !!! But I wouldn't! CJ XB  |
