Paint defect?
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2004
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Paint defect?
Hey everybody. So I just got back from the HD dealership to see about getting a new front fender for my 05 night train. There is a nickel sized spot in the paint that is bubbling. I noticed it about 2 months ago, but it seems to be getting worse. Anway, I took it in to get a new one thinking that since I have only had it 3 MONTHS, there would be no problem. Well, the service manager has to come out and look at it and tells me that it is HD policy that if there is something cosmetically wrong, it must be noted at time of delivery. So I explain that it wasn't there at the time of delivery- it has just started. Finally he understands. Then he says he will have to send it in to a professional paint shop and get a letter saying there is a defect in the paint and it is HD's responsibility. BUT- there is still no guarantee that they will provide me a new fender OR fix the one I have. I am wondering if anybody else has had any experience with this or has any advice because in my opinion there should be absoulutely no problem with getting me a new fender with a bike I bought 3 months ago. I will be fairly pissed off to say the least if they say it's my problem. Thoughts? Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Paint defect?
have a little patience and see what pans out. If it isn't to your satisfaction, call HD customer service. If that doesn't do the job, time to pay a lawyer a few bucks and have him write HD a letter, explaining the error of their ways. Lastly spring for an ad in the motorcycle section of the local paper and point out how you've been screwed by the dealer and HD.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: Paint defect?
First off, is this the dealership in which you bought the bike? It could make a difference. Parts like that shouldnt be a problem to have replaced. Ive not dealt with HD on such an issue, but working on metrics I have seen first hand many parts swapped because of paint blems. Be patient and kill them with kindness, and more than likely you will get the outcome your expecting.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 119
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From:
RE: Paint defect?
ORIGINAL: pococj
have a little patience and see what pans out. If it isn't to your satisfaction, call HD customer service. If that doesn't do the job, time to pay a lawyer a few bucks and have him write HD a letter, explaining the error of their ways. Lastly spring for an ad in the motorcycle section of the local paper and point out how you've been screwed by the dealer and HD.
have a little patience and see what pans out. If it isn't to your satisfaction, call HD customer service. If that doesn't do the job, time to pay a lawyer a few bucks and have him write HD a letter, explaining the error of their ways. Lastly spring for an ad in the motorcycle section of the local paper and point out how you've been screwed by the dealer and HD.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Paint defect?
I had a blemish on my bike when i bought it but had it in the contract for them to replace it. They ordered a new tank and installed it on my 1000 mile service along with new pipes, stage two air, etc. When i picked up the bike i looked at the tank quickly(not good enough) and looked at my new pipes more. I just took it that it was a new tank and it would be fine. Well i drove it 1 mile and loaded it on a trailer to take on vacation with me. When i arrived i opened the side door on the trailer and there was a dent on the tank that was only seen at certain angles. I wasnt happy so i called the dealer and they said that they would look at it when i got back from vacation. When they looked at it they denied that they could of done it. I explained that there was no way i could ofdone it. Bike stayed straped good the whole trip. I ended up paying 175 dollers to get them to hire a man to do the paintless dent repair like they do on cars with hail damage. I was not happy and that dealer lost all my service work for now on. In a case like yours they should not be able to deny that it is a flaw. In my case i couldnt prove they done it and i couldnt prove they done it. I just know. I would of been happy if they would of paid half.
the service manager even told me that this was the fourth complaint on a dent or damage on a bike they had in that week. This happened in august and i am still pissed at it.
Stay on them
Good luck,
David
the service manager even told me that this was the fourth complaint on a dent or damage on a bike they had in that week. This happened in august and i am still pissed at it.
Stay on them
Good luck,
David
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
RE: Paint defect?
First off, is this the dealership in which you bought the bike? It could make a difference. Parts like that shouldnt be a problem to have replaced. Ive not dealt with HD on such an issue, but working on metrics I have seen first hand many parts swapped because of paint blems. Be patient and kill them with kindness, and more than likely you will get the outcome your expecting.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Paint defect?
ORIGINAL: pococj
have a little patience and see what pans out. If it isn't to your satisfaction, call HD customer service. If that doesn't do the job, time to pay a lawyer a few bucks and have him write HD a letter, explaining the error of their ways. Lastly spring for an ad in the motorcycle section of the local paper and point out how you've been screwed by the dealer and HD.
have a little patience and see what pans out. If it isn't to your satisfaction, call HD customer service. If that doesn't do the job, time to pay a lawyer a few bucks and have him write HD a letter, explaining the error of their ways. Lastly spring for an ad in the motorcycle section of the local paper and point out how you've been screwed by the dealer and HD.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
RE: Paint defect?
I had a similiar issue with my 04 fatboy....I dented the front fender ...don't ask how....called dealer and ordered a new one and paid for it in advance over the phone...when it came in, they installed it along with doing first service. When i got it back, I noticed a small chip on the front of the fender and pointed it out to the dealer. It was very insignificant chip, a little touch up and you could hardley notice it...The service manager reemed out the wrench who installed it and immediately ordered me another fender, which arrived only two weeks later and was installed for free and perfect. The dealer would not let me go with the little chip... I thought this was amazing...good luck jim
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
RE: Paint defect?
I had same problem only with chrome. Dealer would not fix. I called HD customer care. Dealer called me back next day and had me bring bike back for proper replacement free. HD customer care is vary fair about ensuring you are happy and will call dealer to make it right.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
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From:
RE: Paint defect?
Unfortunately your dealer is being short sighted. How could a paint blem of that nature be your fault? The dealer is doing
himself a disservice by not making this right. I have spent so, so much money at my dealership and they have always done
me right. In the long run this type of service will come back to bite them. Do your self a favor and after this goes away shop elsewere. There are plenty of dealers that do the right thing. The only way in any type of service/retail enviroment is to hit them in the pocket book.
himself a disservice by not making this right. I have spent so, so much money at my dealership and they have always done
me right. In the long run this type of service will come back to bite them. Do your self a favor and after this goes away shop elsewere. There are plenty of dealers that do the right thing. The only way in any type of service/retail enviroment is to hit them in the pocket book.