Hit or miss service from HD service technicians

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Sep 25, 2014 | 01:09 PM

#21

Clayvis

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 892

Likes: 8

From: Central Florida

Several reasons I do all my own work (once out of warranty).

1. It is usually faster
2. The job is done correctly the first time.
3. Saves me big $$$

I know some folks just do not have the time or know how. BUT, when you factor in how much time is involved bringing the bike in, having to leave it, arrange a ride home, and a ride to pick it up, you have already invested more time than I spend on many repairs/maintenance. (Not to mention repeating the whole process when they don't do the job right.)

Skill, tools, and a garage are the things many people lack. In that case, I understand. For me, there is no mechanic I trust more than myself. Too many bad experiences with shops to trust any of them...

Sep 25, 2014 | 02:02 PM

#22

Redoilokie

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 14,262

Likes: 15,531

From: Tulsa

OP, I can sum your problem up in 2 words. Flat Rate.

Sep 25, 2014 | 02:39 PM

#23

hoethree

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 3,780

Likes: 69

From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico

Over the years I have had both great and terrible experiences with multiple dealer service departments in several states. What has worked for me is to build a personal relationship with the key people at the dealership of choice, starting with the General Manager. First name basis with Service Manager, yesterday was his birthday. When work is done satisfactorily to me, I make sure I tell these people. I have the same relationship with the technicians of my choice. When work is not done satisfactorily to me, I make sure thse same people are told. People to people, person to person. Works for me. Seems people just bother anymore to make this effort. Just sayin'

Sep 25, 2014 | 03:16 PM

#24

Grizzwood

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 486

Likes: 11

From: PA

The flat rate pay scheme may explain the depressed and tense look that I thought I observed on some mechanics faces at the local HD dealer. Honestly, after waiting over 4 hours recently at the dealer, and observing the work atmosphere beyond the show-room glitter, I was happy to get the hell out of there. As much as I enjoy HD, I don't think I could stand being and/or working around motorcycles on a daily basis. It was ugly and you could cut the tension with a knife. Then again, some places I've worked have been like that, but at least I was always paid hourly by day or salary.

Sep 25, 2014 | 05:07 PM

#25

PPBART

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,906

Likes: 145

From: SE Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzwood

...ugly and you could cut the tension with a knife...

I've never worked in any kind of dealership, but from personal observations and comments from current and past employees, I think it's got to be a really stressful work environment for most of the employees(!)

Sep 26, 2014 | 06:14 AM

#26

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

Likes: 821

From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toypuller

Cars, boats, motorcycles or anything mechanical; when you find a mechanic you like, ask for them, treat them well, tip them, thank them.

Or do it yourself.

That Works for me too..

Oct 3, 2014 | 05:02 PM

#27

d24112

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 271

Likes: 73

From: Stowe Pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnotherBlackSG

NO, you aren't. I see you're from PA and for the last 4 years I've taken my bike to Valley Forge HD. Most of the time the work is good and done in a timely manner. However, sometimes it's not. I had mini apes installed last fall and there were some issues. It took them MUCH longer than they said it would and they ended up lending me an Ultra for 4 days at no charge. But, when I got my bike back, there were a couple of small issues. YES, they made every effort to make good on everything, but it left me feeling leery about them. It's weird, inspections & things like that have never been a problem.

A lot of my buddies take their bikes to a local indy so, I'm going to give him a try next week and see what happens. It would be nice to find a shop with consistency.

Who are the indy's?

Last edited by d24112; Oct 3, 2014 at 05:04 PM.

Oct 3, 2014 | 06:39 PM

#28

qtrracer

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 6,532

Likes: 132

From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzwood

I've never had problems like this from 30+ years from Ford and Chevy mechanics. In five years I've used 4 HD motorcycle dealers for service. Each one of them has blundered one thing or another and/or given conflicting opinions of what's going on. To their credit, two them have always tried to make things right, but that means multiple visits and drop-offs which equates to lots of time and lots of aggravation. (You know who your friends are when you need a pick-up or drop-off). For a premium priced motorcycle company like HD, I would have expected better. I do get a chuckle when I read about trusting HD technicians in HOG magazine. I guess they're like everyone else: experienced and good, experienced - don't give a dam, and not experienced - hit or miss.

I know there's lots of guys who do all their own work and don't trust anyone else to touch their bike. For me, working full-time, taking care of the homestead, chores, etc, means I barely have time to take a ride.

Am I the only guy who has had less than consistently-good experience from HD service?

My last ford had problems that the "mechanic" could not duplicate. A coolant leak that would leak spray coolant all over the engine but he stated it would test fine and a trans leak that had to be repaired 2x and the last time the mechanic lied about even looking at the trans pan. He never looked. And called me to tell me it was fixed. . Last 2 oil changes on my '12 GMC Sierra had the "mechanic" at the dealership leave the oil filter loose enough to leak quite a bit. So I think the issue of inadequate mechanics at the dealerships is equally shared between HD and GM and Ford. Don't know if other brands have better mechanics than I have experienced or not.

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