Ape install by dealer
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: NE WI
Ape install by dealer
I'm a pretty solid wrench with zero time on my hands due to some heavy travel with my job. At any rate, I had my dealer shoot me a quote to install my 13" Cyclesmith apes - (7) hours. I had to weigh my opportunity cost of time vs. money and decided to take them up on it. I supplied everything, bars, brake lines (non abs bike), clutch cable, solid bushings, NAMZ wire extenders, etc.
Fast forward, they tell me they don't need the NAMZ kit as they would run all new longer / solid lines...I say, ok, with a long oooook?!?!? I trust they know what they're doing? The SVC manager calls me after they're about 3 hrs. into the job to say they need to go with the extended TBW setup from HD because their tech. can't get the wiring run through the bars due to the stepped design, and tight bends. So the SVC manger calls me again, this time to tell me the work is done. He goes onto to tell me that the job took (10) hours and he asks me to cover the additional (3) hours.
So, what would you do? I know the job would have taken me all of (10) hours, but this my local HD dealer, and they've installed plenty of apes over the years.
Fast forward, they tell me they don't need the NAMZ kit as they would run all new longer / solid lines...I say, ok, with a long oooook?!?!? I trust they know what they're doing? The SVC manager calls me after they're about 3 hrs. into the job to say they need to go with the extended TBW setup from HD because their tech. can't get the wiring run through the bars due to the stepped design, and tight bends. So the SVC manger calls me again, this time to tell me the work is done. He goes onto to tell me that the job took (10) hours and he asks me to cover the additional (3) hours.
So, what would you do? I know the job would have taken me all of (10) hours, but this my local HD dealer, and they've installed plenty of apes over the years.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
I would say if they can't do it in the time they quoted tough crap, and just because it would have taken you 10 hours doesn't mean that it should have taken them that long.
What is their hourly rate? sounds like you are getting a soaking, but that may just be me.
I just put on 12s on my bike, and it probably took me that long also,they had the choice of using the extensions, and didn't, so I say it is their fault.
What is their hourly rate? sounds like you are getting a soaking, but that may just be me.
I just put on 12s on my bike, and it probably took me that long also,they had the choice of using the extensions, and didn't, so I say it is their fault.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
From: 310
You should tell them your decision to have them do the job was based of the 7 hour quote. If they would have quoted you 10 hours, you would have passed and saved the cash by doing it yourself. Either way that's not right. They are supposed to be professionals and by that they should know how long that job takes.
I can tell you replacing my factory bars with wild1 12.5" along with new brake and clutch line did not take me 10 hours and that was my very first handlebar job!
Seems to me they are trying to squeeze a little more $$$$ out of you.
I can tell you replacing my factory bars with wild1 12.5" along with new brake and clutch line did not take me 10 hours and that was my very first handlebar job!
Seems to me they are trying to squeeze a little more $$$$ out of you.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: NH
I have done both my Street Glide and my Road Glide and it never took 10 hours even doing them both for the first time. They chould know what it takes to change the bars, and should stick to their quote. Good reason for dealing with Indies instead of Stealers.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 325
Likes: 2
Sounds like you are paying for that techs training. I put my apes on and it is time consuming, but why get a quote if they ask you to pay for how long it takes regardless? If it took the guy 5 hours you wouldn't get a discount.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Im an automotive mechanic, and if my service advisor sells something for a specific amount of time and i cant have it done in that amount of time... i get told tough **** and loose money on it. it sounds like someone needs to tell that guy "tough ****, thats what you promised"
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
The Carlini Evil Ape's I had put on my RKC with my buddy a short while ago were a pain in the *** because of the 90 degree bends in the bars. We're both pretty decent wrenches and we did the job in two days because we were taking our time and working only part of the day, and running around getting parts in between. If we had gone start to finish in one day it would NOT have taken 10 hours. If they told you 7 hours, then that is all I would pay, they can take those 3 hours extra and shove them somewhere. They're the dealer, they have the experience, they should know how long something should take. A red flag for me would have been the statement from the tech about the wiring.
Just my $0.02
Just my $0.02
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: 310
What's right is right!