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Whodom
Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - 09:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I posted this to the KV but haven't gotten a reply, so I thought I'd try here.

I just acquired a 2000 S3 that still has the original old style Showa shock. Will Buell still replace the shock since it's a safety recall, or am I on my own since the bike is ~4 years old and used?

TIA,
Hugh
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Davegess
Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - 11:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Recalls are forever.
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Bads1
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 12:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Did you buy it from a dealer???Because to what I understand they only honor the recall to the original owner or if you bought the bike used from a Buell dealer.
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Court
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 04:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hugh:

Visit with your dealer, get information and make enquiries. Buell (my personal opinion) will be pleased to get you taken care of.

Let me know if you need any help.

Enjoy the S3!

Court
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Outrider
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 09:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Will enjoy watching this episode unfold as there was another Bueller (or two) on the BWB a few months ago that did not have the shock "Goodwilled."

Then again, Court or some other individual may have been able to assist that person(s) and I missed the sequel.

Please don't consider this a negative. I am simply interested in the policy and procedure. My X1 was handled very nicely by Hal's and HDI as the archives will confirm.
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Mikej
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 09:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The process as I understand it is to take the bike in to a local dealership, have that dealership run the VIN through the Harley/Buell system, check for required updates or recalls that have or have not been completed, and if any required recalls or updates have not been completed the dealership is supposed to wheel the bike into their service area and hold it until parts arrive and the work can be completed.

I may be wrong on this process, but I'm fairly certain there is no "goodwill" aspect to it. The goodwill aspect was for non-required stuff like the apparent Y-bracket muffler hanger and stuff like replacing the SRP'd shock with a more cosmetically pleasing updated shock.

If his bike has the original shock and does not have the SRP on it, and assuming the SRP was not removed by someone sometime before he got the bike, then the shock should be replaced. I'm not sure of any time frame expiration.

Now, if the computer system shows that his bike was at some point updated, then he's SOL, or SSOL, depending on a variety of factors.

Ignore everything I just typed, I know nothing, all the above is pure conjecture and misunderstanding of how things should be in a perfect world. And July 15th is only 15 days away. ; )
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R1DynaSquid
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 09:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Safety recalls are forever & there is nothing goodwilled about them. Also they cannot charge you anything.
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Mikej
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 09:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

But sometimes they do try.
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Whodom
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 01:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks for the info all. Dave ran the VIN for me and the recall was never installed (neither reinforcement nor new shock). As soon as I get the bike on the road, I'll drop by Low Country HD-Buell and see what they have to say.
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Mikej
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 01:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Not to say you'll have a problem, but you might want to trailer the bike down there.
Food for thought.
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Outrider
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 02:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mike...Thanks for the explanation. It all makes sense now.

My shock was SRP equipped but sprung a leak at around 7,500 miles and out of warranty. The recall read that anyone not satisfied with the cosmetic look of the SRP repair could receive a new shock per the recall.

Mine leaked and I didn't like the look but that didn't matter so I authorized Hal's to put a new shock on at my expense as that was the most economical alternative at the time.

Evidently, Troy (Service Manager) at Hal's continued to work with HDI on the matter as when he came out to present me with the bill, he said HDI agreed to "Goodwill" the shock and all it cost me was $100.

I thought that was a pleasant surprise. I wonder if my having the muffler mount upgraded at my cost at the same time helped sway the decision?
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Djkaplan
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 05:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I was pissed as hell that I got charged $100 to replaced that Frankenstein's monster-like, oil leaking, non-adjustable rebound dampening, piece of SRP shock.
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Mfell2112
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 06:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buell should not be charging money to replace these shocks. I would be pissed as well if they tried to charge me $100.00. I am watching how Buell handles the issues with the tube frame models. This will determain whether i buy a new Buell in the future. So far it looks like my next ride will be the Triumph.Discontinuing lots of parts for the tube frame models didnt help Buells cause either. Busted shocks paint coming off gas tanks, cracked tail sections, cracked hard bags,faulty speedo sensors,sheared motor mount and exhaust bolts and such should all be covered and fixed free of charge. When a design is bad it should be fixed free until they can figure out how to make things work correctly. I am pissed I had to pay the $50.00 deductable for my busted motor mount. BTW, your shock recall will be honored. I just bought a used 94 Dodge Ram and it had two recalls. Called the dealer and it was taken care of free of charge.

Mike

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Mfell2112
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 06:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Court do you think Buell would be pleased to reimburse me my $50.00 deductable for my sheared motor mount bolt and busted mount? IMHO, I think they should cover it 100%. Heck I dropped $900.00 on the warranty just in case somthing major breaks on the bike. I had no idea after only 9000 easy miles little $50.00 dollar parts would be breaking and nickle and diming me to death. First the speedo sensor now this.

Mike
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Bomber
Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 06:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mefell

I'm not saying you've not had issues, but I'd check with Triumph boards really carefully to make sure you are, indeed, not moving fmro the frying pan inot the fire before you take that leap
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Bluelightning
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 09:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I am in the same boat. My 2000 X-1 has the SRP kit on the stock leaking Showa. I called the local dealer, they ran the VIN and said that all recalls had been done. I told them that I really didn't like the looks of my SRP kit and he quickly replied that I could get the new updated shock for $435 plus installation. So how do I get around that other than coughing up the cash for the new shock?
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Mikej
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 09:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Persistence and diplomacy. Start with Buell Customer Service and ask to speak with someone who is familiar with the Buell shock recall SRP replacement upgrade policy. You don't like the looks of it, and you don't like the limited ability to adjust the rear shock when changing from riding solo to riding two-up. Then mention it is also failing.
Be professional, be curteous (however that's spelled), be firm yet fair. Have your VIN handy, and have the names and contact info handy as to who you spoke with at the dealership and when you spoke with them and generally what path the dialog followed.
You are not calling to badmouth the dealership, you are not calling to badmouth the Buell shock recall or replacement policy, you are simply trying to get your bike fixed in a reasonably fair manner so that you can salvage what's left of your riding season.
YMMV.
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Outrider
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Blue...That is what I was facing and decided to just pay for the shock. I was pleasantly surprised when they presented me the bill and told me that HDI goodwilled the shock. Translation: it only cost me $100 plus labor.
However, I should mention that this transaction was in October 2002 and don't know what the policy is today. Either way, I have to praise Troy, the service manager at Hal's, for going to bat for me.

Another tip was I walked in with a printed and highlighted copy of the recall/service bulletins on the subject and was polite. Hell, at my age, I am not going to have a coronary over a motorcycle. I will just quietly go away and spend my money elsewhere.
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Bluelightning
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 01:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have gone to 3 different Buell dealerships in the DC area. All have said that if I wasn't happy with the shock, I should have replaced it when I bought the bike (I bought it used and not from a dealer). Supposedly the SRP was put on back in 2002, so 2 years of being on the bike put me past what they call any "warranty period". I have found a local Race Tech service facility that said they can rebuild my shock with new Race Tech parts for under $300, so I will still beat out the cost for a new replacement. Oh well, I guess next time I'll have to check closer with the recalls before I get another bike.
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Mikej
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 01:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Blue,
Just a heads up to think about:
If they are rebuilding your existing shock will they be replacing the components/aspects of it that lead to the recall in the first place?

If they can't guarantee that in writing then consider other options.
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Mfell2112
Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 09:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I doesn't look like this shock issue is being handled very well at all. I may be in the market for a new ride in a couple of years. Does Buell want to keep selling motorcycles or do I buy an ATK dual sport instead? Put junk shocks on bikes you should replace them free of charge no questions asked.

Regards

Mike
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Court
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 05:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>I doesn't look like this shock issue is being handled very well at all.

That's an inaccurate statement if directed toward Buell.

Buell has gone light years beyond mandated obligations with regard to the shock recall and ventured further into the goodwill zone than any manufacturer I have ever known.

Don't confuse whining, pissing and moaning as a valid indictment of Buell's stepping up to the plate.

Court
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Crusty
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 09:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I agree with Court. Buell has repeatedly gone far beyond what other manufacturers would do. How many times have you heard of Honda replacing a shock under warranty? Shock absorbers wear out. there are many aftermarket shock absorber companies that make a living selling replacement shocks for motorcycles. Does anyone bitch when their four year old car needs shocks? Or do they just go down to Sears and have them replaced? Hell, Buell found a Safety Issue with the original shock, and then they came up with a solution. That was as much as was necessary. However, they decided that if their customers didn't like the looks of the solution, they'd give them a better looking shock. That was in 2000. Now, it's four years later. Let's put this in perspective.
If you think Showa shocks are junk, don't ever buy a Japanese bike, Showa supplies most of the shocks for them; as well as for Harley and Buell.
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Bomber
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

even the mighty Honda has issues . . . . if I'd dropped the green necessary to buy a GOld Wing, and then received a letter saying I should get it to a dealer, ASAP, so that the frame could be re-welded, I think I might be a little cranky . . . .

every product as complex as a motorcylce has the chance to have problems . . . . . . . the shock issue, I think, was dealt with well, and in a timely manner. . . . . expecting non-safety upgrades 4 years after the fact is gonna get you disappointed, I think, form any manufacturer
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Court
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 11:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You are missing the point folks.

The thinly veiled inference was that the folks at Buell were doing a poor job.

Showa shocks are top of the line, that's not in question.

All manufacturers have issues from time to time. They, like us, are defined not because they have them, but how they handle them.

Buell has dropped a few balls in their time.

The shock recall was not one of them.

Buell Customer Service and it's staff have done a wonderful job.

I've never paled from taking them to task when warranted. In this case, compliments are due.

Court
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Pdxs3t
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mfell2112,

My intention here is not to ya off but why don't you get rid of your Buell right now and buy that ATK and stop pissing and moaning.

Buells are not perfect and neither are any other motorcycles sold in the world.

There are many of us that have experienced something with our Buells and its OK to bring attention to something that is wrong but to continually bash Buell for this and that is stupid.

Go ride and enjoy all that your bike has to offer and if you choose not to do that, park the thing and walk!

Jim

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Cyclonemick
Posted on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 11:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I got a great deal when I bought my 00M2. Because IT had a band-aided shock I recieved a 1,000 discount on the purchase price and when they got the new shocks in they replaced it for free of charge. Now I run a Penske!
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