Beware of rogue workers!

[tookadum]

As many of you know I no longer have an Inazuma but pop on here from time to time to chat with mates and perhaps offer some advice to anyone who may be facing a similar problem to those I have encountered before. The following does not concern a Suzuki dealer - it refers to what is allegedly a premier motorcycle dealership, Harley Davidson. But the following could indeed happen to anyone! 

In August 2018 I picked up a brand new Street 750, when doing so I noticed a large scratch on the exhaust. I complained and a new exhaust back piece was fitted. I would have thought a pdi would have shown this as a defect and it could have been rectified prior to me seeing it? 

I have maintained my own bikes for 30+ years and have never had any problems that would warrant a mention. However:
I intended to have the bike maintained by the dealer for the 2 year warranty period but was apprehensive about doing so as clearly the dealer does not rate cosmetics at the top of his priorities! How right I was. 

Bike went in yesterday for it's 1,000 mile service. I waited and handed over £245 for the service.

On arrival back home I noticed several DEEP scratches on the tank so went back to the dealer. 

The dealer initially suggested that the scratches were done by my clothing, - has anyone ever lay on the tank of a Street 750 when cruising? when I pointed out that they were DEEP scratches he then suggested that I had done them by polishing my bike and added that when bikes are serviced they put a cover on the tank! I would have believed this had I not looked several times into the workshop through the viewing window to watch my bike being serviced and at no time did the bike have a cover on! 
I also pointed out several bikes in the process of being serviced that did not have covers on the tanks - case proved I think! 

To cut a very long story short - after much arguments and shrugging of shoulders by the dealer and a complaint made this morning to Harley Davidson UK the tank of my bike is at the paint shop being repaired! 

I will let you know how the repair looks.

It should perhaps act as a reminder to anyone who, like me, has an immaculate bike, to take the time when handing over the keys to the dealer to get someone to inspect the bike with you to confirm that there are in fact no scratches etc. on the bike prior to any work being carried out. As for having the bike serviced to retain the warranty - the dealer can go f*ck themselves as they will never see my baby again!!!   

[Kantara]

I am so sorry to see how badly you were treated by the dealer, especially someone who sells   Harley motorcycles. 

I hope your paint job is FOC and up to yours and Harley standard. What concerns  me is seeing that your bike is still under warranty,  if anything goes wrong and requires repairing you will have to cover these repairs, which, according to my son who owns two of these machines can cost an arm and a leg.

I have owned a few motorcycles during my lifetime and  sometimes find it is better to go to a smaller dealer who completes the job to a higher standard.

I hope you included some pics to Harley Davidson UK of the scratches to the tank.  Maybe Harley will reply and include some compensation.

As for the dealer going to f*^$ themselves, maybe a bit difficult.

I would also add that it is a good idea to have the dealer inspect any bike going in for a service just to give you peace of mind.  Once you take the bike home and anything is wrong they have you by the short and curl's.   Ouch!!!

Once again mate I am sorry.

[Robell]

   doesn't sound like a dealer who'll be around for long

Be interesting to know how Harley UK react.

[tookadum]

Thanks for the comments 

Well just collected my baby - tank is in A1 mint condition and bike has received a total valet - looks like a brand new one. 

The important thing to me though, as well as the above, would have been an apology - did I get one ? Did I f*ck! 

Goodbye dealer, you'll never see my bike again !   

Google reviews left also for the dealer stating pi$$ poor service ! 

[johna6968]

Good to hear all turned out ok in the end   Im happier doing the work myself on bikes and record all details on Excel for reference. These details are easily printed should it come time to sell. I can see where you are coming from using the dealer for the servicing during the warranty period, those stamps in the book can be worth their weight in gold. I do however wonder if the value is that much less if an independent services the bike? Those main dealer service prices soon mount up, and are you genuinely getting the best? I guess this particular dealer answers that question. I have only used the local Suzuki main dealer for parts and the rear brake light switch recall, which took a little longer than expected. You could almost sense their dismay at having to dismantle the Givi scaffolding back there before the no charge work could commence  

[Kantara]