Never Again
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Alberta Canada
Never Again
Took the bike in for its 1k service with less than 800 on the clock, only because I had a 600 I ride planned. Told them do what ever you do at this service, but do not change the engine oil, as I had changed it at 500k. I get the bike back 3.5 hours later, start looking at the service sheet, and they have marked off oil change for motor. I brought it up with the service guy at the desk, he said the tech did not look at the sheet before starting the service. He said they would not be charging for the engine oil. No sheet! Anways do my ride, but some thing is nagging me. I want to change my oil back to VR1, so put the wrench on the plug, and it's loose! To say I was pissed, is a understatement! I only did the service because the bike was brand new, and they may find something. Warranty is the only thing that will bring the bike back to the dealer for now. Manuel's are ordered. Like I said. Never Again!
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 2
From: North Florida
It's a shame so many of us end up with these stories and feelings about the dealers. I am the same way though. If I have to take the bike in for warranty, I am going over the whole area involved when I get home. Making sure work was done in the first place and checking torque on the fasteners. I only do this because I have been burned. They are supposed to be the subject matter experts, the professionals. No one is perfect and I don't expect perfection. I DO expect better than a 50/50 chance my bike will actually be fixed when I pick it up from service. And I'm tired of hearing the "they all do that" or "we can't find the problem". It is agonizing to me.
I also tell them every time NOT to wash my bike. My bike is vivid black and I'm picky about it. after my 1k service it came back with fine scratches across the batwing and a gouge in the mirror glass. I asked if they used dirty water or a dirty wash mitt or something. Of course they didn't know. They have since paid to get my fairing buffed and polished (by a 3rd party of my choosing) and replaced my mirror. So, like you, never again!
I also tell them every time NOT to wash my bike. My bike is vivid black and I'm picky about it. after my 1k service it came back with fine scratches across the batwing and a gouge in the mirror glass. I asked if they used dirty water or a dirty wash mitt or something. Of course they didn't know. They have since paid to get my fairing buffed and polished (by a 3rd party of my choosing) and replaced my mirror. So, like you, never again!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 684
Likes: 23
From: Weymouth, MA
Join the club. I avoid having anyone else wrench on my bike unless it's warranty work. DTA when to comes to my bike. Of course, with Digital tech it is getting harder and harder to do more complicated things (bleeding brakes, hydraulic clutch, etc.)
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 58
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From: Alberta Canada
Lesson learned for this guy. Have been around aviation my whole life, still work in it. Incompetent work like this has very serious consequents in my line of work. Op on the forum have said to do your own service if possible, I have on everything else I have owned, and sure will now on this new bike.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Brought mine in for the clutch recall last Saturday. Riding away I hear a rattle from the left side bag. Pull over, open it up, and one of the bolts is lying on the bottom of the bag. Not even sure why they would have the bag off for this work.... Oh and somehow everything in the bag was wet from the wash. Not sure what happened...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Definitely a sucky deal, especially when you stated certain terms as par of the service plan. I'd re-address w/Svs Mgr so they're aware of the added problem (loose oil plug) and it's always a good practice to conduct "walk-around" after any service before driving off. I've always done this w/any vehicle svs/repair and most of the time all is well, but then there are the exceptions. Good luck!
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Alberta Canada
Definitely a sucky deal, especially when you stated certain terms as par of the service plan. I'd re-address w/Svs Mgr so they're aware of the added problem (loose oil plug) and it's always a good practice to conduct "walk-around" after any service before driving off. I've always done this w/any vehicle svs/repair and most of the time all is well, but then there are the exceptions. Good luck!
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 73
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From: Massachusetts
Sorry, what does digital tech mean in this case?
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Gainesville, VA
I also tell them every time NOT to wash my bike. My bike is vivid black and I'm picky about it. after my 1k service it came back with fine scratches across the batwing and a gouge in the mirror glass. I asked if they used dirty water or a dirty wash mitt or something. Of course they didn't know. They have since paid to get my fairing buffed and polished (by a 3rd party of my choosing) and replaced my mirror. So, like you, never again!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 39
From: Olive & Oak
Digital Tech diagnostic system, is the system that HD dealers use to perform certain functions on HD bikes (reprogram the ECM/BCM, bleed ABS, read and clear diagnostics codes, etc...)