Boxerworks.com

Around 1981 I bought a Kawasaki GPZ 550 and when I got it home, as I was looking it over, I found something had been done wrong on the installation of the front wheel. It was something that was obvious to me, who wasn't in any respect a motorcycle mechanic. I forget specifically what it was but I corrected it and later asked the dealer about it. He said that he had a couple Marine Corps guys who did assemblies for him in their free time. The fact that the error was something I could notice and I wasn't even looking for mistakes made me cringe.

Ironically, it also usually makes me cringe when I see indiscriminate bagging on mechanics. Many folks seem to think that one has to be dishonest to be a mechanic. My overall outlook on that issue is that most mechanics want to fix what they're working on and to be paid a fair price. Often, a mechanic's overhead costs are not understood by those being critical of him/her.

I don't see the overall theme of this thread as being way too far off in that direction. I just thought it would be an appropriate place to put these thoughts.

Having said that, it would be interesting to know if the dealership charges double the allotted time to other purchasers of the same bike after the "error" was discovered. I mean, it would be really interesting.

Chuey

Chuey wrote:
Having said that, it would be interesting to know if the dealership charges double the allotted time to other purchasers of the same bike after the "error" was discovered. I mean, it would be really interesting.

Chuey

Yes it would. How would I find out? I'll be gooping assemblies with clear goop to see if they have been serviced.

Zombie Master wrote:

Chuey wrote:
Having said that, it would be interesting to know if the dealership charges double the allotted time to other purchasers of the same bike after the "error" was discovered. I mean, it would be really interesting.

Chuey

Yes it would. How would I find out? I'll be gooping assemblies with clear goop to see if they have been serviced.

Maybe there is a KTMworks website out there.

Garnet wrote:

Zombie Master wrote:

Chuey wrote:
Having said that, it would be interesting to know if the dealership charges double the allotted time to other purchasers of the same bike after the "error" was discovered. I mean, it would be really interesting.

Chuey

Yes it would. How would I find out? I'll be gooping assemblies with clear goop to see if they have been serviced.

Maybe there is a KTMworks website out there.

There is a 990SMT site which has been useful.

Garnet wrote:

Zombie Master wrote:

Chuey wrote:
Having said that, it would be interesting to know if the dealership charges double the allotted time to other purchasers of the same bike after the "error" was discovered. I mean, it would be really interesting.

Chuey

Yes it would. How would I find out? I'll be gooping assemblies with clear goop to see if they have been serviced.

Maybe there is a KTMworks website out there.

There is a 990SMT site which has been useful.

Taint no Boxerworks though.

Action Motorcycles

Kerry,(Owner)

I think we all need feedback on the work we do. Without it we may not realize how we are actually doing.  You came over to me to talk about my problem with the servicing of my KTM 990SMT.  I appreciate your attempt to discuss the problem personally.  I was disappointed that you wouldn't look at the evidence.  A lot of what I heard from you  is that I need to trust that your staff are taking care of my bike properly. 

So why do I feel compelled to put a seal on my oil screen cover?  The last time I had a motorcycle serviced at Action was an unfortunate incident where a woman knocked over my Suzuki GSF1200S.  The bill her insurance had to pay was in the order of $4000.  It took six months for your shop to get the OEM parts and when I finally got the bike back it seemed to be vibrating more than it had before.  This was surprising since I had your shop sync the carbs.  I checked the fairing over only to find that the attachment bolts where missing on the underside of the fairing.  The new bolts had to be ordered, I had to wait again and come into town,  2 hours of driving.  Afterwards the bike ran smoothy. 

So today, I re-examined the cover on my oil screen cover when I got home. The clear Goop (a tough silicone type sealant) is still attached to the engine case and onto the oil screen cover. I took some close up shots.  

Also, looking over my bill I noticed that the oil used was not the KTM specified Motorex Synt 4T but rather Motorex Cross Power, an oil designed for dirt bikes.  I called to find out if you had the Synt 4T in stock, and you do. So why use an oil not specified by the manufacturer?  

This motorcycle is the most expensive thing I have ever purchased in my entire life next to my home.  When I inquired about the cost of this first service, your shop informed me that the first service would be four hours.  After finding the information that KTM specified 2.5 hrs and there was no way to spend 4 hours on that service, your service department agreed, reporting that they found other information.  Still $400.  is a lot for a oil change and some inspections.  I don't have a problem with the cost.  I do have a problem with not having confidence that all the work was done as specified by KTM,  that I got what I paid for,  the peace of mind I don't have, and worrying that my oil screen has not been cleaned at this most important time for a new engine.  I have no doubt that your mechanic is qualified and capable.  But this step in the crucial first service was obviously missed.  How do I know that all the tests were done?  I don't.  

Please answer this question:  If you had these experiences would you trust your dealer?  

ZM

Ah, well....

At least you know the score.

and the score is you need a better dealer, one you can trust.

Sibbo wrote:and the score is you need a better dealer, one you can trust.

I doubt very much if that exists at least where I live.

After refining that letter quite a bit, I delivered it to the shop owner, and picked up the accessories I ordered. They gave me 10% off. No big deal but at least that hurts them a little. I really don't care about the money. They ruined my new bike buzz and that is so wrong.

That really saddens me. I thought better of Action Motorcycles. I now feel vindicated for doing my own first service on my new Honda, although it was a MUCH simpler job that anyone from this forum could do, and the liability of voiding warranty is minor compared to that of an expensive KTM.

It is difficult to pay someone to love your bike as much as you do yourself.