2011, 750 miles - chain broke - UPDATED w/ Pics
- Thread starter LastBusa
- Start date
Give the dealership some reading too. As in a link to this thread...30k+ members,a lot of whom are members of other motorcycle forums is a lot of word of mouth.
Did they claim they found abuse of the bike? Need them to put everything they tell you into writing.
Did they claim they found abuse of the bike? Need them to put everything they tell you into writing.
2Wheels2Live
Registered
I've been riding and buying bikes for over 30 years. And have been immersed in the riding communities in multiple areas. You'd be amazed how much you learn through actual experience (like you're going through) and through friends, clubs, word of mouth etc. The majority of dealerships just plain suck for anything more than buying a bike or accessories. And even the bike buying part can be a pain depending on how scummy the sales people are. I do ALL my own maintainence, once my bike leaves the place I bought it from no one ever again touches or rides it but me. The only exception is major engine work (if needed lol), I have a very good independant shop for that
Modern bikes are VERY well made and just need simple maintainence to run dependably for a very long time. The first service is as basic as it gets, as long as you keep reciepts for the oil change, check fluid levels, chain tension, tire pressures, and give the bike a once over for loose parts you're covered. If the bike makes it to the first service interval with no problems, 99.99% of the time its not going to have any, so no need to over worry about anybody giving you grief for not paying for the first service (which they would have an EXTREMELY hard time doing anyway
), that whole first service thing is a scare tactic to keep you dependant on them 
Almost any time you take your bike to a dealership service department its not coming back quite the same. I can jump on my bike and take it to max speed, on a cross country trip, to the strip or a road course with COMPLETE confidence that its going to run like a champ and not kill me. With 95% of dealership service departments, if you picked up your bike and did that, you will most likely have some kind of problems (like you did) and/or damage, and at the worst die on your bike from a shop caused catastrophic failure. I actually hate to admit it but when I was much younger I was training as a shop tech in a dealership (long gone now), and I saw first hand how things work. A lot of these guys are learning as they go...and in a hurry...lots of mistakes happen. Contrary to what people think there's usually only one true certified tech (if that), the rest are just underlings that come and go (cheaper that way). Do YOU want the learners (which are usually under paid youngsters) working on your bike? The jap machines are awesome pieces of machinery, but because of the bargain prices we pay (although not so much anymore
) for that ultra-high tech, the dealership support, at least in the U.S., is a disgrace. Harleys may cost alot more for alot less, but they kick the complete crap out of the jap dealerships for service and support.Folks, do yourself a favor and learn to do your own work, its really the only way to go with bike ownership
Otherwise its always going to be a crapshoot (with the odds against you) as to whether you have a good or bad experience with a dealership service department
jphilipson
Registered
The stock RK is a great chain.. don't think this issue is due to the brand. More likely a single bad chain or something else.
CruzinBusa
Registered
You are caught between a rock and a hard place. As mentioned before, you need to speak to the owner and appeal to him on your long standing patronage of his dealer. YOU are the life blood of dealers, even more so if it is a smaller one. Most dealers out there dream of having long term repeat customers. There are, and always will be, those that turn and burn and could care less about you after the sale.
I would be very doubtful that Suzuki was called. If they were then the situation was not well explained. Try talking to the owner. Have the dealership keep the bike while you decide what to do and def have them show you the damage caused by the mystery object. There is most def a thing called manufacturer defect and it happens. Not a lot on chains, but maybe one in a million.
When you do speak to both of those parties, I would pitch the defective chain option first. That will be a good way for the dealer to save grace and for Suzuki to fix it without penalty to the dealer. It is easy to say F the dealer and do everything yourself. I understand the convenience of having a close parts house and not having to order everything online. If the owner won’t work with you after buying five machines and using their parts and service, then I would switch to using them more sparingly and cancel my current parts order.
Having worked at a dealer in the past I know that Sales and Service and Parts are all different little empires under the same roof. They don’t always like each other and 90% of the time the owner has no idea what is happening except for the large picture. I doubt he even knows there is an issue with you. Good luck.
I would be very doubtful that Suzuki was called. If they were then the situation was not well explained. Try talking to the owner. Have the dealership keep the bike while you decide what to do and def have them show you the damage caused by the mystery object. There is most def a thing called manufacturer defect and it happens. Not a lot on chains, but maybe one in a million.
When you do speak to both of those parties, I would pitch the defective chain option first. That will be a good way for the dealer to save grace and for Suzuki to fix it without penalty to the dealer. It is easy to say F the dealer and do everything yourself. I understand the convenience of having a close parts house and not having to order everything online. If the owner won’t work with you after buying five machines and using their parts and service, then I would switch to using them more sparingly and cancel my current parts order.
Having worked at a dealer in the past I know that Sales and Service and Parts are all different little empires under the same roof. They don’t always like each other and 90% of the time the owner has no idea what is happening except for the large picture. I doubt he even knows there is an issue with you. Good luck.
I would talk to owner if possible(remind him of how much business you have given his dealership) I think your trouble in service dept. I bet higher up never heard of this . I also bet Suzuki hasn't been involved . Seems to me the service dept know theirs a problem and trying to Cover their ass .
Call Suzuki first . Then go see owner at least the general manger . Its a new bike . Chains do break, It needs fixed . Complaint to BB not a big deal but many people check before buying. If complaints many look else where.
Last have other do work and file a lawsuit to recover damages . If some one else does work have notarized letter as to what the thought caused this and have all parts returned to you.
I had a problem with a new RX-7 service giving me run around been brought in by wrecker 2 times . Then was told needed computer replaced and that would take a couple weeks to get part. I walk up front ask to speak with owner. he listened called service told them was 5 or 6 new RX-7 on lot. To remove what ever was needed and FIX my car now.
They don't want to admit wrong or their to lazy to file warranty claim.
Call Suzuki first . Then go see owner at least the general manger . Its a new bike . Chains do break, It needs fixed . Complaint to BB not a big deal but many people check before buying. If complaints many look else where.
Last have other do work and file a lawsuit to recover damages . If some one else does work have notarized letter as to what the thought caused this and have all parts returned to you.
I had a problem with a new RX-7 service giving me run around been brought in by wrecker 2 times . Then was told needed computer replaced and that would take a couple weeks to get part. I walk up front ask to speak with owner. he listened called service told them was 5 or 6 new RX-7 on lot. To remove what ever was needed and FIX my car now.
They don't want to admit wrong or their to lazy to file warranty claim.
jamesridesbusas
Registered
so i have to post after reading this. there are a few things that really bother me after reading through these posts. i have a question?? did you drive four miles, or another amount as you stated later on in your posts. having worked for a dealership for a long time i know that "things happen". i also know that dealers would much rather have it warrantied than giving it to you for cost, the manufactures pay good money for waranty work. i also know that if the manufacturer said it wasnt warrantied and the service department thought there was even a chance of it being an error on their part they wouldve just ate it, especially if you are such a great customer. Since you talked to all three managers in all 3 departments and they all didnt just "handle it" for a meazly $300, do you think they may just not want your business anymore?? it does appear you like to throw things around to place blame or say how great of a customer you are. your situation is unfortunate, but saying you hoped they gave it to you for nothing so you could go after them later on for more even if it wasnt their fault makes me, as someone in the business, very upset. maybe you should start by assuming most people are good people, and things do happen. if $300 is a big deal and you would accuse a place you like so much of lying to you after this long, just go somewhere else. i would.
Kitcheneater
Registered
That's your life at stake brother! They better compensate you for shotty maintenance....
Kitcheneater
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??? In my opinion
Big Bo
Registered
, Write a letter? Damn dude you are not listening. Get the lead out.Make a call to Suzuki of America. The dealer is in business to make a profit. A dollar means a lot to most dealers. They want your dollar, not to give you theirs.
NOW LISTEN. I bought my Bandit and it developed an oil leak from one of the jugs. The bike had 400 miles on it. I went to the dealer and had them look at the leak. They told me the would look at it when I brought it in for the 600 mile service. OK.
At 600 miles I took the bike back and was told it be a day or two before they got to it. In two days I call and was told that the bike had not been looked at, it would be next. I called two days later and was told not yet. I called Monday and was told it was on the rack, mech was on it. Called two days later and a kid said we have not touched yuor bike. I called the next day not being nice, I was tired of the run around.
They swore a mech would be on it the next day. OK. Two days later I cal and they said one of the cylinders had a casting flaw. It would be 5 to 9 working days to get the parts trucked here. OK.
A week goes by and I call, not yet. A couple days go by and I call parts are in, call back tomorrow I was told. Called and was told, we have good news and bad news. Replaced the jugs. Mech broke a fin on one and it will be 9 days till another comes in. I ask them to over night the part, hell I just bought the bike and want to ride it instead of it being in the shop. They tell me they do not overnight parts, just wait. I hang up the phone and get pissed.
I called Suzuki of America and informed them of the problem that I am having with their product, and the dealer is of no help, they want to truck the parts AGAIN!!! SoA got the dealer info, bike info, and asked if they could call me back? I said please do.
30 minutes later I get a call from SoA thanking me for the call and my bike will be ready in two days. The dealer called and I needed a towel to stay dry from the licking and drooling through the phone. SoA talked to the dealer, the parts were overnighted, and I was riding.
Remember in the Movie Peggy Sue Got Married. Her Mother told her to stand up to Cage. Screw dealing with the dealer. Make that call.
lease:
File a Better Business Bureau claim. Do everything you can to get them off their asses and fix the problem THEY caused.
Call Suzuki.
Ring the dealers phone off the hook
Go up the chain. Talk to the dealers general manager, talk to the dealers district manager, and make as much noise as possible.
Call Suzuki.
Ring the dealers phone off the hook
Go up the chain. Talk to the dealers general manager, talk to the dealers district manager, and make as much noise as possible.
2Wheels2Live
Registered
He's right,the sqeaky wheel DOES get oiled. Service managers and techs aren't usually too concerned about individual customers and how much you've spent there. They're usually pretty busy and just want to get the work done fast so they can get outta there. The owner, and Suzuki are the ones who should take your individual situation a little more seriously. Its a lot of effort and time spent trying to get a wrong righted, but the more time you invest and noise you make will get you better results
MR Felt
Registered
When you are ready post the names and phone number of the dealer and we can start calling and saying we'll never buy a bike and never buy parts from them. They'll get the message in a day or two. I would not mind severing a relationship with the dealership after this.
I work in the busiest transmission shop in Nebraska. I fix, discount, and do whatever to keep people happy. This wouldn't even be a question of what we would do about it.
I work in the busiest transmission shop in Nebraska. I fix, discount, and do whatever to keep people happy. This wouldn't even be a question of what we would do about it.
CruzinBusa
Registered
Any updates on the situation? I hope you get on the phone and start rattling some cages. Actually I hope you have been doing that for a while. Let us know.
I know certain Corvette afficionados who learned the power of the Org not too long agoSorry for the delayed update(s). I have been away since Friday and swamped at work today. The short of it is that I have my bike back and it seems to be 100%. I did several hard 1st thru 3rd pulls and everything felt silky smooth. I'll post other details as well as how things played out at the dealership later tonight after work.
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