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Tourer
Posts: 537
, FL United States | I love my bike, but Victory really needs to do something about their dealers. I finally found a dealer that I could or would take my bike unto to get worked on oil change, check up, and they stop dealing in Victory. What? Come on. There are two dealerships that are closer but I chose to ride way out of town to have a dealer that I felt comfortable with. Well, today I called the closest dealer which is about 30 miles away to set up an appointment for an oil change and some recalls. I told him that I would have to wait for these to get done as this was my only ride there. He said Friday was a bad time but I could leave the bike there. I told him I could not leave the bike there that I was coming to town alone and did not have a way to leave. He then asked my in a condescending tone “What makes you think that you need a recall?” After I told him that I was the original owner of the bike, and the recall did not come out until after I had purchased the bike and I have not done the recall that Victory sent me a letter about, that I was positive that I needed the recall. This tone did not set with me too well so I told him to forget about next Friday that I would figure something else out. He changed his story then and said that he would do the oil change and check on any recalls that might be out there. I told him that I would find another dealer to take the bike to. I called the second closest dealer and they said they were willing to do the oil change but could not do the remap because they did not have a qualified service tech that could operate the equipment. Well that sucks. It just plain sucks. I want to move. If I lived further up state I know where I would take it. POG!!! I just got off the phone with another dealer that is about three hours away and they are willing to do everything. They were pleasant to talk to and this will give me a chance to ride of the Sunshine Skyway. When I asked about the “Big Honkers” and the SL/L1 exhaust they said I would have to use the remap and I told him that I would be using a fuel controller he told me that I would not have to use the fuel controller with the Vic Re-map and that it could potentially hurt performance by using the controller. He also told me that even if I went with the “Big Honker’s” that I would have to get a filter and remap. I know there is a bunch out there that did not re-map after they installed the Ness pipes. I was planning on buying the fuel controller on Monday and next week the exhaust but I am not so sure now. It is just frustrating and I just needed to vent. Thanx fellow Visioneers.
Edited by dr_reloader 2009-05-29 3:14 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | You know, we all know that the last thing you want to come back here and read is how many of us are lucky enough to have great dealerships. Thats just like adding salt to a wound. It is a shame that you have a combination of either 1. untrained techs, 2, poor customer service reps, 3, indifference from sales/service staff etc etc. One would think that with the current economy and all small businesses starving to stay open, we should all be treated like gold. Im in the retail business and we sell high end upper price specialty products. If i heard one of my own salespeople talking down to or being indifferent with someone on the phone who called specifically to do business with me, they wouldnt work here. Many times, the manager or business owner doesnt hear how their employees are treating people either on the floor or on the phone. I do suggest that you take the time to call or write the owner of the dealership, and without being nasty, point out your concerns and back them up with details. You might be surprised how your future with them can do a fast turnaround, but it will only happen if the right people hear the necessary information. To go off pissed wont fix anything on your end or theirs. Just communicate with the owner without using emotion. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I tend to agree with VaParadox about feeling like we should be treated like gold, especially considering the current economic climate. I ran into similar problems at another dealership. It's a hard call, because I know that if I complain that I'll be "that guy," and the next time I need something done, perhaps quickly, that I might get a little payback. But, that is probably imagined. I like the idea of talking to the owners of the shop, however, what I have noticed is that most of the Victory shops are smaller, and you're likely talking to the owner when you call.
The only thing I would suggest is to give them a chance...the one that you called and didn't like the attitude of. I have found that sometimes people don't have the greatest communication skills, but they do good work. And really, that's all that matters. Plus, who knows, maybe the guy you talked to just got off the phone with "that guy" and heard some complaint about something trivial, like my engine is running 3 degrees warmer than when I brought it in, and I want it 3 degrees cooler. Point is, you don't know until you try. Unfortunately with the limited number of dealers in some locations, we have to put up some stuff that you might not put up with from an auto dealer for instance. There are usually multiple dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
I have over an hour to the nearest dealership, and I recently started using another one, that was a little further away because the service was better at the one further away. I can say that I feel like I made the right decision. But, with that said, I also understand that they aren't always going to be able to "work me in." If it's that important, maybe call them and see if there is a day during the week that you could bring it in. I know that most dealerships are busiest during the weekends. I routinely "play hookey" from work so that I can get stuff done. I find that if I set it up with the dealer in advance, and come in during a slow day, they will try to do it while I wait.
Also, you have to remember that they aren't going to give you special treatment when they don't know you. They have other customers who bought bikes from them and that is who they are most concerned about keeping happy. Not that they should treat you badly, but I know that if I sell something to someone, I imply a certain guarnatee that I will take care of them later.
Just my two cents. |
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Tourer
Posts: 537
, FL United States | This is the third time that I have tried to deal with this owner. This first time he was nice when I called him about a price on the Vision. The second time I had inquired about a set of Ness pipes, He told me that Ness did not make pipes for the Vision. I asked him to look it up and he told me that he has had a lot of problems with the chrome of Ness's items and have sent several items back. We was willing to sell me the S1L1 pipes. I asked him if he could withhold the re-map due to me wanting a VFCIII He told me that he had to do the re-map or it would mess up my engine, and that the VFCIII wold mess up my engine but he could technotune my bike and dial it it for an extra $100... I know that there are a lot of people running the VFCIII with no problems, and I want one. Plain and simple. To many people on this board has said "IT WAS GOOD". I have talked to Kevin in the past and plain on dong cams but when I take it to him it will be an overnight trip. I don't have the place nor the time to do my own oil changes. But I guess that will have to change. Besides if something goes wrong with my bike like a recall then I need a dealer that I can trust to take it to.
P.S. the second time I went in to talk to the service department I talked to the owner. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | One of the primary reasons I chose to buy the Vision was the boneheaded decision by my Harley dealer to stop servicing bikes over 10 years old. The fact that they would still service virtually identical Evo engined machines that bore newer VIN numbers confused me and their attitude about it enraged me.
When I decided to buy a new machine the Harley dealer didn't even get a second look. He didn't want the service business on the old bike, he sure as hell wasn't going to get the sale on a new one.
Choosing to make the move to Victory was easy, because I am lucky enough to live in an area with two good dealers within 15 miles of each other. You guys who have to work hard to get your bikes serviced have my sympathy and my admiration for your perseverance I've been there with the "other" American motorcycle. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | I miss real old-school bike shops... Anyone else remember those?
They didn't sell a brand of bike, they just fixed'em. They sold parts, accessories and fixed bikes. They usually had several used/restored bikes of assorted flavors, but their gig was fix'em and service'em.
As I was writing this I wanted to show-off the only bike shop I could think of that was back in Maryland.... but alas... it appears to be no more as well. bike shop
There is one with a cool History out here, but it's mostly Harley oriented. Scooter Stuff and the story is pretty cool too.
Anyone know any old-school bike shops that work Victory's? I guess Lloyds counts as one 
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | you know what my dealer who is a good guy and gives great service will NOT buy any thing from NESS either!! he said they have major issues with fit and finish and ended up eatting the cost of the items they ordered as NESS gave them issues about returning stuff.. he said alot of ness product dont even fit!
dr_reloader - 2009-05-29 5:15 PM
This is the third time that I have tried to deal with this owner. This first time he was nice when I called him about a price on the Vision. The second time I had inquired about a set of Ness pipes, He told me that Ness did not make pipes for the Vision. I asked him to look it up and he told me that he has had a lot of problems with the chrome of Ness's items and have sent several items back. We was willing to sell me the S1L1 pipes. I asked him if he could withhold the re-map due to me wanting a VFCIII He told me that he had to do the re-map or it would mess up my engine, and that the VFCIII wold mess up my engine but he could technotune my bike and dial it it for an extra $100... I know that there are a lot of people running the VFCIII with no problems, and I want one. Plain and simple. To many people on this board has said "IT WAS GOOD". I have talked to Kevin in the past and plain on dong cams but when I take it to him it will be an overnight trip. I don't have the place nor the time to do my own oil changes. But I guess that will have to change. Besides if something goes wrong with my bike like a recall then I need a dealer that I can trust to take it to.
P.S. the second time I went in to talk to the service department I talked to the owner. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | Miles - 2009-05-29 3:00 PM
I miss real old-school bike shops... Anyone else remember those?
They didn't sell a brand of bike, they just fixed'em. They sold parts, accessories and fixed bikes. They usually had several used/restored bikes of assorted flavors, but their gig was fix'em and service'em.
As I was writing this I wanted to show-off the only bike shop I could think of that was back in Maryland.... but alas... it appears to be no more as well. bike shop
There is one with a cool History out here, but it's mostly Harley oriented. Scooter Stuff and the story is pretty cool too.
Anyone know any old-school bike shops that work Victory's? I guess Lloyds counts as one
Charlie Southgate's Inglewood Cycle and Machine in Nashville TN.
This guy is a master machinist and welder and has been a serious of road and dirt track racer for 30 plus years. I've seen everything from BSAs and Royal Enfields to Rokons (the rotax engine ones) in his shop. He's still racing vintage dirt track according to the stats and builds hot motors.
He put a in a reed valve and ported a 68 Husky for me back in the day, rebuilt my BSA A10 engine and also custom machined a couple of rifled paint-ball gun barrels for me over the years. Don't ask! I was much younger and at lot wilder. There are some interesting articles on the web about him and the BSA Goldstars he built and ran in the 60's and 70's.
I don't know if he specifically works on Victorys but I wouldn't hesitate to let him.
No website that I can find, but anybody who does what he's capable of doing gets enough work by W.O.M.
615-226-6772 |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | VaParadox - 2009-05-29 3:20 PM
You know, we all know that the last thing you want to come back here and read is how many of us are lucky enough to have great dealerships.
Actually, that's what kept me going and looking for the right dealerships. Unfortunately the closest good one is 800mi from me. Hopefully my "local" dealership turns around their service dept C/S. I'm gonna find out here soon. I'd rather hire a knowledgable/modest mechanic straight up or do it myself than deal with pi$$ poor dealerships, which is what I've been doing for the last 6 or so months. It's a waste of warranty and $ but time is very valuable to me. I don't need them to pretend I've got them under my thumb or anything. I'm a pretty reasonable guy. BTW, speaking of old-school bike shops. What ever happened to modesty? At what point did it become bad for a mechanic to say "I don't know, I'll ask around; maybe someone else has seen this problem"? I hate when people GUESS and GUESS again at problems. Feeding the ego never helps customers. I'd be fired if I did that at work... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Personaly I want to know what a $100 "Techno tune" is. These are closed loop bikes with secured code in the ECM. Not a lot you caqn do without a controler for custom tuning. Ship the pipes up to me, and I'll have cams waiting for you. I'll also give you a quick class in the basic care, and feeding of your Vision*LOL* Come on.......I know you wanna |
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Tourer
Posts: 415
| Stories like these make me feel dam good about being 5 miles from a shop that has become like family to the wife and myself.
The fact that they put a saloon in their shop has not hurt either.
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I will say that basic maint. is not that hard. Changing the oil is easy. I'd recommend getting the service manual, which if you search here you can even download if you don't want to shell out the bucks for a paper copy. Next, I'd make friends with a redneck. He doesn't have to be a stupid redneck. we all know a redneck that dresses in a suit and tie. They usually have a good set of tools and a decent garage to work in. And if they are a redneck, you can probably buy some help with a cheap case of beer (did anyone see that PBR is now a yuppie beer, who would have thunk it?) I take warranty stuff to the delaer, and the big maintenance things I will get them to do if I don't feel I can handle it, or have the tools to do it. But, as weird as this sounds, working on your own bike kinda bonds you with it more. It isn't just a means of transportation, it becomes something more. THat's probably why Harley guys love their bikes so much. Every Harley guy I know is also a Harley mechanic of sorts.
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Redneck! Well, I resemble that remark, but I'd do it for a cheap case of DMD (Diet Mountain Dew). I have a yard and some tools and do find the bike very easy to work on. I plan on doing all my own work unless it requires that computer thingy for remaps and such. I'm going to pull my tires and take it to the dealer for mount and balance. My primary motivation to do my own work is that they like to hold the bike hostage when they get it, but the flip side is I know my Vision all the way around. The more I ride and do my own maintenance the more I love to ride and do my own maintenance and your right about the Harley guys, it is a true biker love affair.
I ran into an old Harley rider in the hardware store trying to get the right combo of pieces to redo his foot pegs for the "old lady". He had wrecked the bike and had put it back together again, a '76 model of the "FL" sorts I believe, and the rework to do it didn't allow the orginal pegs to go on. He had it figured out in his mind, he was just trying to get the pieces that he envisioned. But he say said "that's the way it is when you ride an old motorcycle." I sort of envied him with my new Vision sitting out front just for a moment, but I was riding, and he wasn't. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | Miles - 2009-05-29 3:00 PM
I miss real old-school bike shops... Anyone else remember those?
They didn't sell a brand of bike, they just fixed'em. They sold parts, accessories and fixed bikes. They usually had several used/restored bikes of assorted flavors, but their gig was fix'em and service'em.
As I was writing this I wanted to show-off the only bike shop I could think of that was back in Maryland.... but alas... it appears to be no more as well. bike shop
There is one with a cool History out here, but it's mostly Harley oriented. Scooter Stuff and the story is pretty cool too.
Anyone know any old-school bike shops that work Victory's? I guess Lloyds counts as one
I hear what your all saying. Miles I used to live close (65 miles) from Scooter stuff and they are what you like. Work on bikes and sell parts. We used to make it one of out stops all the time on our rides. They offer a free soft serv ice creme cone during summer months and a hot choclate during the cold season just for stoping by. They are good people that own it.
chuck |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Miles, the BigDog dealer in my town use to be the local Independent. Been taking my bikes to him for years and he does everything on my Vision that isn't warranty.
dr reloader, when I bought my Vision the techs were pretty clueless which did make me mad. I aslo didn't have a good relationship with the service manager. Part of that was his fault, part mine. Takes time to establish any relationship. The dealer needs to get to know you and you them. Much of what you get upset about might just be poor communication between the to of you. Best advice is try to establish a pattern of getting the work done at whichever dealer you want to work with and slowly over time let them know how you like things done, discussed etc.. If it doesn't work you can always ride further to get the stuff fixed. |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | Tarpits99 - 2009-05-29 2:17 PM
One of the primary reasons I chose to buy the Vision was the boneheaded decision by my Harley dealer to stop servicing bikes over 10 years old. The fact that they would still service virtually identical Evo engined machines that bore newer VIN numbers confused me and their attitude about it enraged me.
When I decided to buy a new machine the Harley dealer didn't even get a second look. He didn't want the service business on the old bike, he sure as hell wasn't going to get the sale on a new one.
Choosing to make the move to Victory was easy, because I am lucky enough to live in an area with two good dealers within 15 miles of each other. You guys who have to work hard to get your bikes serviced have my sympathy and my admiration for your perseverance I've been there with the "other" American motorcycle.
Tarpits, who are your dealers? I live in Woodland Hills, but would drive to your area for a good dealer. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | I also think there has been a shift at some point in the motorcycle culture with regard to "transportation" or "recreation".
I have NEVER EVER been expected to "make an appoint" to "drop off for more than day" any other type of vehicle for "routine" maintenance. Sure, things that require parts, but there are places that won't even do an oil change and guarantee you'll ride home... even WITH an appointment.
I think maybe the "bike repair shop" slowly faded from view when people started buying bikes more and more for "recreation" rather than the reasons many of us got into motorcycles (assumption) which was simply... cheap, reliable, transportation.
The Vision is truly a unique bike in that I think even some of those who initially purchased a Vision for "recreation" and "trips" are now using it to commute. While motorcycle dealers, including Victory only and multi-brand are more likely to be able to handle support of customers who purchase "transportation".. the "outdoor" shops dealing also in ATV, Watercraft and Snowcraft, are less likely to even understand the concept of "transportation".
-mkb
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Miles, an age old discussion, well, at least since forums have been around. I frequented the forums when I got my Wing to get up to speed about things. I was faced with the fact most folks don't ride the way I do so I've not joined any group or club other than the VMC. My bike immediately became transportation, not because of anything other than I love to ride. I ride my Vision only slightly more than my cage only because a trip on the twisties in the jeep on a Saturday morning doesn't seem to be as much fun as it does on my Vision. Also, my wife will occasionally say, "let's go for a ride" but strangely she never said that before I got a bike. I think that the US market will ALWAYS regard motorcycles as recreation, though I've read of some moves to do otherwise. I think the vantage point is only to get reduced rates on insurance or something like that from motorcycle lobby groups. I think that the Vision is making an impact on the motorcycle industry, slowly but surely, and may even lend to more consistant riders. But by in large a Vision rider (or pilot) rides primarily the same way they rode any other bike, with some exception. I was riding my old Wing year round, the Vision just made it nicer. There are Vision riders in my area, but I rarely see them even on the best of days, though supposeably there are around 20 owners in the area. I just see the transportation/recreation debate the never ending story and that if the basis of making money was supported by the riders then there would be a motorcycle shop on every corner. I did a search one day to find all the motorcycle shops in the area and after finding the first two closed up I gave up my pursuit. Hopefully, and respectfully, my dealer has enough business that they wont' miss mine because I'm doing my own work by my choice. But I do frequent the place and buy as needed and find them to be real nice folk. Plus, if I get into a pinch, I know they are there for me. I'm sold on the Vic line and will promote everytime I can. The other thing about Vic's is that you have to have that electronic wrench stuff to work on the newer models so that scares folks away. In our area there is a couple of motorcycle shops, some are harley or s&s wrenches and I had to go over 50 miles just to get to a good GoldWing wrench, even though I had a wing dealer in my back yard. My wing was over 20 years old and the classic answer was that they didn't support those bikes any more, not worth the effort. so, as usual, I don't know what I'm talking about but I had to spill out what was in my brain anyway. I really don't see any major shift either way in the past 4 years, but I'm glad I got the Vision and got to know more about the best bike on the planet, my planet anyways.
Edited by varyder 2009-06-01 2:19 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | My Victory Dealer (Sea-To-Sky Motorsports) is a 50 minute drive from my home. I have absolutely NOTHING bad to say about them. When I go for my regular services, the manager gives me a Vision Demo bike to ride while my service is being done - I usually take my sweetie to lunch somewhere.
Oh yeah - back when I got my first service - I asked them if they regularly visited this website and passed the site info to prospects and buyers - they hadn't heard about the site. But now they make sure Visioneers know about it from the start.
Three Cheers to my dealer!!!! Glad I don't have to put up with some of the horror stories mentioned here..... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | Wizard523 - 2009-06-01 9:01 AM
Tarpits, who are your dealers? I live in Woodland Hills, but would drive to your area for a good dealer.
My dealer is Southern California Victory/ Triumph / Ducati in Brea.
http://www.socaltriumph.com/miscpage_005.asp
I like these guys, they are SERIOUS riders, a lot of the staff are involved in racing so they have traditionally been closed on Sunday and Monday. Economics being what they are this has changed recently, I don't know if the service bays are open but a call is all it will take to find out.
This dealership has grown their business from a small startup (Triumph only) about 9 years ago into what is reputed to be the largest Ducati dealership in North America. They have expanded their facility dramatically in the last 2 years.
When I was looking, they let me take 1/2 dozen test rides on the Vision before I bought and worked me a deal. My salesman Craig Sperry is a great guy and has owned just about every motorcycle you can think of (77 bikes!). He's the Victory guy there.
Tom Jackson is the service manager, the guy who usually writes my service tickets is Trevor (he also was the one who did my orientation on the bike before they delivered gave me the keys) - he's very thorough.
While they don't have a large stock of accessories for the Vision (Victory is the smallest portion of their sales), they have supported me very well and ordered any accessories I have wanted without a lot of trouble.
They have competent mechanics and quick service.
I never had any trouble getting warranty stuff or recalls handled properly. Even non recall issues I.E. the weird intermittent problem that so many guys had with the handle bar mounted radio controls - one call, the replacement parts were ordered and I received a follow-up to let me know when the stuff had arrived.
I have always scheduled my services and I'm always a little surprised at how quickly I get the call that says "your bike is ready". If I didn't live/work so close I would consider it "ride in".
They are 1/2 mile from the entrance to Brea Canyon and about a 2 miles from Carbon Canyon and Cook's Corner is a nice little 40 or so mile jaunt. Let me know when you're in the area and we'll take a ride.
The other local dealer is CycleDragon who advertises on this site. They are in Cypress. I haven't used them for mechanical stuff since my guys are so close, but have heard good things.
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | They sound great; I think I'll give them a call. If I do end up coming down that way, I will definitely let you know and see if we can arrange some time to ride. I haven't spent much time riding in that area, so it would be great to ride some new roads.
Thanks for the help!
Edited by Wizard523 2009-06-01 5:04 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | varyder - 2009-06-01 2:15 PM
I think that the US market will ALWAYS regard motorcycles as recreation, though I've read of some moves to do otherwise.
I agree... I'll be glad when I can list my bike as my primary transportation (insurance) and get my CAR listed as my alternate.. Lets put it this way... I do oil changes on my car every 3000 miles... I've lived here over 3 years, and the last oil change sticker on my car is from 2003 I believe.
But you are correct... this is probably an old story... I hadn't really thought about it before I joined the VMC and realized there were people that owned bikes that didn't ride them every day. "Show" bikes excluded... just never really thought about it. When I was confronted with my first "make an appointment to drop your bike off for an oil change.... we usually get them done in a day" I thought the guy was just trying to be funny. I guess that still sticks with me, probably shouldn't.. but it does.
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | donetracey...
Oh, I am so glad to hear your good report about Sea to Sky Motorsports. Since I live on Vancouver Island, they are the nearest dealer to me, and I was little concerned after hearing about all the less-than-desirable dealers out there.
I have taken their demo bikes out twice last year and they treated me very well, but we all know that some honeymoons don't last for too long. You've set my mind at ease!
Hoping to get my Blue Ice soon.
Thanks,
Reg
(wish there was bridge between here and the mainland, so I didn't have spend a whole day taking the expensive BC Ferries back & forth). |
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Love my bike but not the dealerships!!!
