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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | I did a lot of research before buying my 2011 Vision 8 ball March 26, 2011 And I rode all the big cruisers. The Vision 8 Ball was the bike for me.
Now I just want to give it back, get a refund for everything including labor costs, added parts cost, 500 mile service costs, towing costs, etc. and BUY SOMETHING ELSE, ANYTHING ELSE!
Before I picked up my new Vision the dealer added Cruise control, Power Windshield, Rear Tip overs and passenger floorboards and floorboard relocation. Then after the break in period the dealer add an Amp for my iPod, CFR Exhaust. Then I added a Gustafson Flip windshield. It rides nice.......WHEN IT RIDES!!!!
One week after my purchase I try to order a backrest and luggage rack. But seems Victory doesn't make 'em anymore!! WHAT? Are you freaking kidding me? Is this the company support I expected? NO! How dare they abandon their owners?!?! A backrest is prolly the biggest accessory bike owners of all cruiser makes want. And Vic just stops making them? Gee, they have one for the new XC and the CC. Will they abandon those people in a few years?
But I digress from the big issues. My apologies.
One month from purchase I had a power spike and the engine light came on. Bike never "died" and it ran fine. Off to the purchasing dealer (who is 120 miles away!). Of course, it took a week for the dealer to get a voltage regulator and install it. Afterwards, all is good. Everything SEEMED okay. So I added PC 5 with map for stock air kit and CFR exhaust. A week or so later, I noticed my center headlamp was out!! Note made to see the dealer in due time. Bike still runs fine.
Then on my 2 month anniversary (May 26, 2011) the bike just freaking died while I was going 60 down the highway. Yup. Just died. Lost ALL POWER! Engine light on. Thank goodness I was not trying to pass someone!! That could have been FATAL! Tried to re-start. Engine light now off but while it cranked it sounded like the engine was not getting a spark. No luck with several attempts. Called a tow. $135 to the nearest dealer 35 miles away. Of course the "FREE" tow coverage Vic gave me for 12 months will only pay a WHOPPING $50. Gee thanks Victory!!!
So here I sit, Memorial Day Weekend plans gone as my NEW bike is in the shop and will not be fixed until Tuesday at the earliest. (I'm betting it's in the shop at least a week) Gee, I am so glad I bought a Vision! (please note lots of sarcasm)
I have owned many bikes over the years. Mostly Jap bikes. Yamahas, Kawasakis, Hondas, and a Triumph. And in all those years and all those bikes I cannot remember ever having problems in the first year (usually 2 or more years) of ownership. And all those bikes had performance add-on's within 3 months of ownership, and usually immediately after purchase.
So guys, WTF. Is the Vision a POS and I missed it in my research and review? Please, tell me again why I should be "happy" to own a Vision. Yea, it rides nice. Yea, everyone gawks and compliments. But my buddies (many of whom own Harleys) are horrified with the issues I am having in the FIRST TWO MONTHS of ownership.
Thanks for letting me vent. I will let you know how things work out. Feel free to comment if you wish. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | You bought an 8-ball and added a ton of extra's.It will take time to work out your issues. I bought a Tour Premium had very few problem's but all were eventually solved.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Trek, the dealer did all add-on's except the flip windshield. Think the flip shield could be causing my problems? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | Two Vision an 08 (wife's) and my 09 Anniversary - No issues (knock on wood). I would look to your dealer as some wrenches should not be near a bike. Not that I am saying you have a bad one.... There are more that I will not allow to touch my bikes then one's I will.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | THANKS Webhair!! The dealer wrench in question seemed competent and I am still tend to believe that. I had multiple discussions with him and even sat in the shop and watched as he did some of the add's. That being said, I did have the same thought you mentioned. So the bike is at a different dealership. Since this is a warranty issue for me I can't see paying my usual wrench that works on my Kawasaki. He's great but he ain't cheap! LOL So here's hoping the new dealer wrench is really good.
Nice to hear you have 2 Visions and no problems. That's encouraging. I hope mine gets fixed and is my last problem for a long, long time. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I do hope you get your stuff worked out max, it sucks, but it happens. My biked burned up a month of great riding at the dealer once. The reason: the dealer said they had to HOLD the bike until Victory got back with them on COSMETIC 1st year warrantys. Interestingly enough they gave it back to me WITHOUT hearing back from Victory, the Friday before the Fourth of July weekend, when I kicked up enough sand. I would have felt better had there actually been something WRONG with the bike.
I'm just trying to make you feel better. Adding all the stuff might be the issue so it will take time to get it worked out. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 196
| Dude, you are having some issues. I would be hot too! With the add-ons, and the problems you are having, the wrench would be the first suspect for me....
Have never had these types of issues and problems where I couldn't ride, and I have a bunch of goodies also!
Good Luck! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | I haven't had any problems with my '08 Vision but I only have 12,000 miles on it. Yours could be a problem bike, I don't know but I know how you feel, In 1988 I bought a brand new brand new Monte Carlo SS that was beautiful but was a lemon and Chevy will never get a dime from me again. Hopefully your problems will get set straight. I have CFR's on my Vision too, they sound good huh ?? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Edmonton Alberta, Canada | I'd say it is the rear passenger floor board relocaters! I used to "snowmobile" with guys that had to have every little tuner gadget on their sled before it left the dealership! I always had a good tow rope as they never and I repeat never made a complete ride! Sorry to say but I have a buddy with a Harley (stock), and a custom, If we are bar hopping we let him ride his hot rod, but if there is any distance, he is on his hog. I do not wrench on the road, I am to ride not wrench! Just my opinion! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Edmonton Alberta, Canada | I'd say it is the rear passenger floor board relocaters! I used to "snowmobile" with guys that had to have every little tuner gadget on their sled before it left the dealership! I always had a good tow rope as they never and I repeat never made a complete ride! Sorry to say but I have a buddy with a Harley (stock), and a custom, If we are bar hopping we let him ride his hot rod, but if there is any distance, he is on his hog. I do not wrench on the road, I am to ride not wrench! Just my opinion! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | The big mistake was taking a new bike right out of the box and trying to transform it into something else. You should have at least put a thousand miles or more first to make sure you had a stable platform from which to start.
All the vision drivers here and I have never heard of so many problems so soon, so I have to go with the previous posts and say the problem lies with the add-ons, or wrench that put them there. However, because they were put on a new, untested bike, you have nowhere to point the blame. Sorry to be so blunt, but your only option is to suck it up and be patient as they sort through the problems.
I might suggest, next time you get it running good, don't run out and through more crap on it. Put some miles on it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | Sorry to hear you are having so many problems. My first 08 tour premium tried to buck be off the first week and wouldn't idle. Bad map sensor. The dealer didn't have one so that took one of a brand new bike on the showroom floor for me. Went 35,000 miles in two and a half years problem free untill I was rear-ended at a light and the bike totaled on 1/8/11. I got my second 08 tour premium on 2/2/11 with 18,200 miles on it. Hit 24,500 this weekend. No Victory problems, just some Ness aftermarket trouble, which Ness took care of for me. |
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Tourer
Posts: 554
2 mi from Jim Beam n KY | Never saw a list like that!!! Wow!! I'd be ticked off, too! Yours is WAY outside the norm for a Vision.
All those mods will take a bit to work out. You'll love it, in the near future! But your dealer has work to do first.
BTW, Cap'n Nemo has about 100K miles on his 08 Tour!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I was going to buy an 2011 Vision 8-ball, but went with the Silver/Black/Gray Tour instead with all the factory stuff on it cause I too have had some bad experiences with the dealer adding stuff..Not with my two Vics, but with Hondas and others that had dealer people install.....My heart goes out to you and I know you are frustrated, but hopefully Victory will step up and solve these issues.......BTW, I was told last week that you can now order the back rest and rack for the Vision from the mothership web-site????? Good luck...And on a side note, my new Vision sets in the garage day after day since May 10 as it has rained almost everyday since then...Bummer!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | Making multiple changes at the same time is a recipe for disaster. You have no idea which one or combination caused or started the problems. My advise is to systematically go through each add on and try to narrow down the cause.
I think you will find that most vision owners have few if any problems from the get go. I have 21K on my 2010 and haven't touched the bike with a wrench for a repair to date. I have added a couple gadgets but one at a time. I didn't even take the bike in for the 500 mile. These are very well designed and built bikes. They can be a little finicky when it comes to messing with the electronics. Even low battery voltage can make the ecm a little sqirly.
I think you will be able to get the bike right but it may be a little bit of a challenge. Next time if you want a black bike loaded with goodies, buy the black tour premium or paint one black. They come factory tested with all the bells and wistles. Even if you have to paint the plastic black it's hard to mess up the function of the bike doing this. Good luck and keep us posted. BTW if the dealer did the work they owe it to you to get it right! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | 2010 8Ball Vision bought new on Sept. 8 of 10. Got 6300 miles so far. I ride nearly every day and nearly year round. The only "problem" I've had was a minor squeak in the belt. (Mech fixed with Carmex at service.) I added the factory backrest and luggage rack, cup holder, fairing toe gaurds, and backlit badges. I have made no changes to the running gear and I have no problems. I think you need to be patient and work the bugs out of all the extras. Also --- Put up some pictures. How do you like the windshield?
Wayne |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | Sorry to hear you're having all these problems...I've got a '09 Tour Premium, only problem I've had is the upper wind deflector falling off, and a weird gas tank issue... Seeing you're in Orlando, FL take it to KevinX he's just up the road in Gainesville...Polaris of Gainesville...He can fix it!!!
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Cruiser
Posts: 81
Salinas, Ca. | Like others have stated, your frustration is understandable! I would be one pissed off dude too. Rest assured that what your experiencing is not normal. I have 35k on my 08 without any issues to speak of and there are countless of others without crazy issues as well . Don't give up on the Vision, it's definitely one of if not the best touring bikes out there. You didn't decide to buy one over all the others for no good reason. You did your research and like the rest of us found it to be the best bike out there (for you). So rest in that and pray that this new dealer can figure out what is wrong. Good luck my friend!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | I have a 2011 Vision and had a 2009 Vision which was totalled out (another story). With the 2 bikes the '11 has 10k on it owned it since 11/19/2010 and the '09 had approximately 13k when it was totalled. The only issues have been with the '09 which were water in the headlight, and the deflector under the mirror on the left side fell off, both covered by warranty. Hope you get yours fixed soon your dealer in one way or another should make it good for you. GOOD LUCK! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Danbury, Connecticut | When you say power spike and voltage regulator I'm assuming the regulator failed full on. That usually means you were pumping 16-18 volts to all your electronics. That regulator failure wasn't likely a momentary thing. If that is the case all the onboard delicate electronics could have been overstressed and you may find additional failures coming your way. I'm a professional auto tech and just had a Honda Civic in last week with an internally regulated alternator failure and it was charging 18 volts-by the time he brought it in for repair it blew both headlights. I would plan a long ride near the selling dealer to see if anything else is going to fail in short order. I would think they should warranty the headlight with no problem. You bought a very good bike and I don't think your add-ons are the issue here. If you continue to have electrical problems see if they will buy you out/exchange it with another. You paid a lot of money in a bad economy for a product that should be reliable-it should be on the dealer and the corporation to make that happen if electrical problems persist. Don't give up on Victory unless ultimately they don't make it right in a reasonable time frame. Good luck and keep us posted. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | I really sucks when one simple part can be bad and cause so many others to fail because of it.
Please keep us posted. The mothership had better take care of this, don't settle until ALL elctronics that could be effected by that are checked and cleared or replaced.
All brands have failures. The determination of the quality a company, is in how well it takes care of their failures. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | SteveS - 2011-05-28 8:31 PM
When you say power spike and voltage regulator I'm assuming the regulator failed full on. That usually means you were pumping 16-18 volts to all your electronics. That regulator failure wasn't likely a momentary thing. If that is the case all the onboard delicate electronics could have been overstressed and you may find additional failures coming your way. I'm a professional auto tech and just had a Honda Civic in last week with an internally regulated alternator failure and it was charging 18 volts-by the time he brought it in for repair it blew both headlights. I would plan a long ride near the selling dealer to see if anything else is going to fail in short order. I would think they should warranty the headlight with no problem. You bought a very good bike and I don't think your add-ons are the issue here. If you continue to have electrical problems see if they will buy you out/exchange it with another. You paid a lot of money in a bad economy for a product that should be reliable-it should be on the dealer and the corporation to make that happen if electrical problems persist. Don't give up on Victory unless ultimately they don't make it right in a reasonable time frame. Good luck and keep us posted.
Well said! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | MaddMAx2u - 2011-05-28 12:07 PM
Trek, the dealer did all add-on's except the flip windshield. Think the flip shield could be causing my problems?
Hey if you bought a Tour Premium and had many issues I can sympithize. But you bought a base model and tried to up grade it over night and big surprise your stuff ain't blending together yet.
Don't boo hoo over the general product when you bought yours ass backwards |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | Sounds like Victory needs to give you a replacement bike. I have never heard of anybody having as much trouble as you have. Don't give up on Victory yet, keep after them until they make it right. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| I also have an '11 and my regulator also failed in the first month at 1000 miles. Exactly the same scenario. The voltage began to slowly increase over an hour or so during a trip from SoCal to Phoenix on the interstate. Finally it got to 16 volts and the check engine light came on so I turned on every piece of electrical equipment possible and kept the engine at very low rpms. I was able to keep it below 16 volts and made it to a motel at about 25 mph. I had it towed to the local dealer who I finally convinced to take one off of a bike on the floor. Turns out the '11 regulator is different than the earlier ones so nobody around had one. I was thinking about carrying one as a spare but I've got 10K on the bike now and the regulator has been fine so hopefully the OP and I just got early run bad ones. Other than that, absolutely nothing else has gone wrong.
In case anyone else ends up with this problem, the trick as I mentioned, is to keep the voltage down below 16 volts in order to keep the check engine light out and from causing any further damage. If you turn on everything including the seats, grips, radio, HID and high beams, emergency flashers, etc and run the engine in higher gears at low rpm you can at least get somewhere safe.
Marc |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
| Had my Vision for just over year now and no problems at all. Love it. As with anything mechanical there can be a lemon every once in a while. Check to see if you have a lemon law in your state which can add some pressure to your dealer and possibly Victory to make sure they get it fixed and running right. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
El Paso, TX | I have an 08 Vision Street that I bought new off the showroom floor in Jan 11. Since then I've had the cruise control break, radio problems, leaky fork seal, rear brake switch fail and it was fused to the line, and the current issue...oil pressure switch leaky and faulty.
Yep, that's 5 issues in 5 months with only 3000 miles on it.
The dealership has been great in regards to taking care of the problems, but I'd rather not have to deal with all these problems. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 101
Springfield, TN | 3 Years and 41,000 miles on my '08 Vision Premium Tour. I was hesitant to buy the first year edition expecting a learning curve and accompanied problems. I have only had a couple minor issues but never been without it and unable to ride... that sucks! I have put over 75,000 miles on 2 Victory bikes and have to say with my experience they are nothing short of bullet proof. it sucks to hear of such bad luck. I really hope the dealer or Victory steps up and makes it right somehow. I would have begged for a loaner while mine was getting fixed!
In 6 years on 2 Vic's I have had 1 broken clutch cable, 1 bad speed sensor, on my '03 Classic Cruiser, on my Vision: A bad gas guage, radio controls, and nothing else. The clutch cable broke on the way to my dealer for service so even that didn't stop me. I'm knocking on wood as I write because I don't want to jinx my luck but I've never been stranded or unable to ride a Victory due to mechanical issues. Now I did get rear ended by a distracted teenager and had my CC in the shop for a month... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 36
| I had an 07 Jackpot approx, 12,000 miles trade it on o8 for an 08 Vision I have 25,000 on it . I may curse myself, but never had aproblem with either. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | UPDATE:
This morning I received a call from the "new" dealer (not the selling dealer). Seems the selling dealers wrench installed the Power Commander 5 in the wrong place. It fell off it's mounting spot and rubbed against the drivebelt until it was toast. I was told there was nothing else wrong with the bike.
Now I have a call into the selling dealer's GM to see what he wants to do to make me "whole" again. Since they have treated me well from the beginning I expect a good result.
Bottom line: It's nice to know there is nothing wrong with the Vision itself. Of course I am pissed at the selling dealer's wrench, and he will not work on my bike again!!
I will post again when I find out how the selling dealer handles this. But I feel confident that since they did the work, and have always treated me right that they will do what iot takes to make it right. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Do not take the diffusers out of the head pipes............. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | FINAL UPDATE: As previously mentioned the problem was the incorrect installation of the Power Commander Module by the wrench at the selling dealer. It fell down to the drivebelt which chewed the module until it not longer worked. The remainder of the bike is fine.
FINAL SOLUTION: I talked with the selling dealer in St. Pete, FL. They called the Dealer in Kissimmee, FL where my bike is, discussed the issue and my bike is being fixed, new Power Commander and all at no charge to me!! No hassles, no haggling, just the selling dealer doing the right thing. It will take 5 days or so to get the part, but I'll have my bike back soon.
The center light being out has still not been addressed but I feel certain the Kissimme dealership will handle that without a problem.
It's good to know that my Vision has nothing wrong with it after my voltage reg. issue. And I cannot tell you how satisfied I am with St. Pete Powersports. They came thru without a hassle and just did the right thing, standing behind their work. Kudos to them.
Thanks to everyone who gave me moral support during this frustrating time. A tip of the hat to those sleuths that suspected the wrench! How right you were!! And a special thanks to wrr1home, XRSteve, DannyB, ja70cad, SteveS, Nozzledog, rwiley, hammo. You guys are the best!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Thanks Dude, I hope the rest of the time with your Vision is a pleasure for you............ |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | Good to hear. Now you can enjoy your Vision. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Max---Glad to hear it may all work out for you...I test rode the Vision 8-Ball last year and really liked the bike. As I said I bought an 2011 Tour and so far so good.....I believe you are right although about the back rest and rack...They seem to have been dis-continued due to lack luster sales...Go fiqure when back rests are a hot after market item. Apparently not enough Vision 8-ball owners and older Street versions wanted this item....Good Luck and I am pleased you are happy with an otherwise great bike......... |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | Great news MaddMAx! It's good to hear good news about dealer customer service. I think you will love your vision more and more. This weekend I was filling up at the gas station and the guy on the other side of the pump was admiring mine and he must have said "........beautiful....." a dozen times. He almost seemed lost for words but he certainly made it clear that he loved the looks. Enjoy and ride safe! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | The looks and the "motor" are 95% of what it's all about.............. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 81
Salinas, Ca. | WOOHOO.... Alright MaddMax!!!! That is great news... I take Starbucks cards, thank you very much... J/K |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Glad to hear it's all working out.
Just be patient on the backrest, After I was told there are no more, I have seen 4 or 5 listed on the Victory forums for sale. Check them daily, they go fast! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
El Paso, TX | I bought the last new backrest available by any dealer in the US back in Feb (sorry man). My local dealer did an inventory search for the whole country then I called and negotiated a price.
I was told they discontinued them because they are redesigning the way it mounts. Mine is almost bomb proof the way it mounts!
Not sure if the redesign story is true or not, only Vic can verify that, but I'd hope it hasn't disappeared completely as they are a staple bikes.
Good luck. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | THanks David. Don't know about the backrest story. Seems a company that cares would have the new design done before discontinuing the old one. Maybe not. Anyhow, I am in the process of working with 2 different fabricators to get what I want. Thanks for the info tho. If they hurry it would save me some hassle!! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
Hastings, MN | I have an 09 Cherry Premium Tour with zero problems, except the backrest issue. Took me over 4 months to find one and I love the ride without the trunk on. Went to a local MC shop who does great customizing work, he used mine for the measurments template and can now get them out in about 2 weeks a little longer if someone wants and extended height or powdercoated. Am sending mine out to have the chrome powdercoated to match my aint. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | My previous post (5/31/11) I thought all was well in the land of Visions. But complications cropped up as they so often do and I still am without my ride. I am frustrated to say the least. It has been over 2 weeks extending over 3 weekends that I have been unable to enjoy my NEW Vision 8 ball. Hopefully this will all be resolved by the next of next week and I will be riding again. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Just curious, What it the current issue as to why your bike is not running ? Also, did you find access to a back rest/rack combo from someone........ |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | I have my Vision 8 Ball back!! YeeHaw! Bike running good as before incident.
Here's the final recap.
1.Selling Dealer installed accessories for me on purchase and shortly thereafter as accessories were delivered.
2.Power Commander 5 that selling dealer installed was installed incorrectly and fell into drivebelt causing it to short out.
3. Selling dealer stepped up and sent "repairing" dealer new PC5 module and paid labor for install.
4. After PC 5 installed bike still not working. Seems the short also fried my stock ECM!
5. Selling dealer refused to step up and cover.
6. Repairing dealer gave the ECM to me for cost and comp'ed the labor.
7. All info being sent to legal for cost recovery from selling dealer.
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Cruiser
Posts: 81
Salinas, Ca. | Glad your back on the road! Now go put some miles on that bad boy!!!!
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Oregon | XRsteve: "Do not take the diffusers out of the head pipes............."
Why?
Edited by PatMcQ 2011-06-23 6:23 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | To quote Paul Harvey "AND NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY"
After the selling dealer left me holding the bag for a new ECM, I paid for the repairs out of my pocket and picked up my Vision at the repairing dealer. Then I gave the bill to my attorney. My lawyer sent a demand letter threatening a lawsuit to recover my costs in this sad story, and I was advised recently that the dealer sent a check and my costs were covered. I'm tickled I recovered my money, but very sad that it took the threat of a lawsuit to get them to do the right thing. Sometimes people just don't get it. Service and reputation are everything in business. I was very satisfied customer that raved to everyone about St. Pete Powersports. I even drove 2 hours there and back 3 times for accessory installs and my 500 mile service.
Now I will never do business with them again, nor will I send business to them.
We should start a listing of dealers with ratings attached so we all know who to see and who to avoid. Kinda like an "Angie's List" for Victory's!!
Edited by MaddMAx2u 2011-08-23 2:49 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Personally I think that is bad deal about the Angie's list. Just because one of us walk in with a chip on our shoulder because of the day we might be having and preceive they are treating us bad, we black ball them.
Again, Vision, Victory riders are really no different than other riders. If you have a beef with the dealer, take it up with them. Remember, there's two sides to every story. By the way, that is why a lot of dealers say screw the forums because of all the whining folks so because they try to tell them how to do their job they are getting paid to do. If you're so smart, do your work at home is what they say. I've stopped at a lot of different dealers and even when I say theVMC, I get the chuckle, but they'll still honor the 15% discount.
I want to be different toward anyone with a Victory sign out front, or with any rider for that matter. Won't that set a Victory rider apart from the rest. I've actually learned to have that atitude from an Indian rider. |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | marcparnes, now that was sound advice. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | MadMax2U,
1st, sorry to hear of your problems, I wouldn't be happy either. The wrench may have caused an issue but not due to negligence on their part. I have had a few problems with my Vics over the last few years. All were cause by wires not being pressed into connectors fully; accidentially disturb them and the problems start. During the 2010 V2V we stopped in Jersey city for gas at 10:30 at night in not the best neighborhood, I filled up started the bike and rolled 10' when it died and wouldn't start. Did I say this wasn't the best neighborhood to breakdown; Long_Will ran his wife back to the hotel then came back to give a hand. I had narrowed it down to the ignition, Will said let's just wiggle all the wires, since the lighting sucked, an holy shit it started so we ran back to the hotel and didn't stop for anything. Next day left hotel ran 1/2 mile and it died again, pulled all the wires out pushed them into the plugs and all was fixed. Fast forward to the new 2010 Vision 8Ball got 2 miles from dealer and got error codes, returned next day and they found pin not fully inserted into plug. 5 months later added Ness twin suckers and left directional would fail intermittently; yup wire not pushed into connector and I disturbed it .
So what's the point, the wrench may have caused it but not because he did anything wrong. I would go to all connectors anywhere near work was done and push each and every wire into the connector.
Hang in there brother and good luck. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Oregon | Except when the dealer deserves it.
A couple of years ago, Mount Hood Polaris tried to charge me shop time while they downloaded and figured out new software from Polaris... a couple of hours besides the quoted cost. After I refuse to pay, infamous John (the owner) yelled at me and kicked me out without doing the work. Recently, I thought I'd give them another try (because they are close to my house) with something simple. I walked my wheels/tires in to have them mounted and balanced. They (the son) trashed the black powercoating all along the edge on both wheels. Then tried to fix it with a Sharpie. It was the third set of tires to be mounted on the powder coated wheels and no one else had a problems. While waiting for my tires, I bought oil. They charged me $6 for the copper drain plug washer. I returned it. Mount Hood Polaris, or at least the owners (father/son), are cheats and hacks. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | when you have speciality wheels, take them to folks who know how to handle them. If you're not sure, ask, if they're not sure, take them somewhere else or accept liability. Just my opinion for what it is worth.
I worked for a gas station and was a crack at changing tires, but I wouldn't touch speciality wheels unless the "expert" was there. Even when they are done perfect, the owner of the wheels wants to find flaws just to have something to complain about on the additional charge to do them. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Oregon | Cap'n Nemo... In your several posts, you imply that the customer is the problem. It's not always the case. Did you have a bad experience as a wrench? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Not at all, I see things for what it is. Sure, customer is always right, is the best plan for any business. But you are still dealing with people. You walk in, you have your few moments with the dealer, he on the other hand has had many encounters wanting to satisfy them to keep their business. It's hard to do that sometimes when you have people come in already having a chip on their shoulder expecting them to get the best deal of the day. I do understand that. The dealer can have the right to refuse service, but understanding people they don't. Those of you who have bad experiences, evaluate what you want out of the relationship and then take your course of action. If you want your local dealer to help, try to get on his side, if not, take your stuff somewhere else. I would rather be on good terms with a dealer if I'm going to deal with them, or just do the work myself. If we as the customers don't understand the relationship, we'll continue to have problems.
I hope I made some sense somewhere, and I'm sure folks have a twist to what I just said. But I ask, how many has stood on the dealer's desk and demanded good service because "the customer is always right" and then got it with a smile?
By the way, I've been the guy with a chip on my shoulder because it seems like that is the way it's suppose to be with a "bad" dealer. However, when everyone else seems to get the good treatment, I had to evaluate me. I'm just saying... take it how you want to take it, believe what you want to believe, that's what people do and it's hard to change people when they are set to believe the world revolves around them....
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-08-24 12:34 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Cap'n Nemo - 2011-08-24 12:42 PM
when you have speciality wheels, take them to folks who know how to handle them. If you're not sure, ask, if they're not sure, take them somewhere else or accept liability. Just my opinion for what it is worth.
Ya know Capn, sometimes I wonder.....are you taking your meds?
Of course I had a good relationship with the selling dealer. Of course when the problem arose I called him nicely and asked for a remedy. When he refused, I placed a call to the GM whose secretary referred me back to the Service manager. No problem. There's no reason to get upset or get mad. I have a lawyer that does that for me. I like being the nice guy. But do me wrong and you get to chat with my mouthpiece.
Of course my specialty item was installed at a place that said they could handle it. At least that's what the dealer assured me when I asked. And up until this point in time that dealer did a good job. So there was no reason to doubt him. And no, I did not ask....."gee, if you screw it up are you going to accept liability?" That's part of the standard service agreement. Why is it that lately you always seem to side AGAINST the customer? Why do you seem to side AGAINST your fellow Vision rider? Do you have ownership interest in a dealership? As you can see, my lawyer thought I had a good case. He sent a demand letter and guess what? I got a check from the dealer. And the dealer lost my goodwill in the process.
Please, go back to the medicine cabinet and take your meds and let this thread die peacefully.
Oh, and thanks Pat, for noticing the Cap'n obvious bias against Vision Owners on this board.
Edited by MaddMAx2u 2011-08-24 12:47 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | ...all is good, you got what you needed to make things right...
I'm calling for a Vision Riders Rally so we can all gang up on the bad dealers, who want's to be ride captain...?
btw - I appeneded my previous post...
one more note, I wasn't a dealer, but I was a wrench supporting the best customer in the world, the U. S. Army. Anything from small generators to M1 Tanks and Artillery. I always made sure the customer was taken care of so they would take care of me....82d Abn Div, 1st Inf Div, 2nd Inf Div, 3rd Inf Div, 7th Sustainment Group, ARCENT Southwest Asia (OIF), Wisconsin National Guard and the U. S. Army Reserve
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-08-24 12:42 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Oregon | You see things for what you think it is. You're saying that the burden was on me to a) verify that the dealer can handle the job and b) become buddies with the dealer. Regarding "b", I don't care about getting the dealer "on my side" because, at this point, there is no side or conflict. They provide a service (or claim to), make a commitment to do the service, I trust that they will do that service successfully. If not, I either ask for compensation or don't go there anymore or both... but that doesn't mean the dealer shouldn't take their licks online or anywhere else for providing poor service. I didn't have a chip on my shoulder when I walked in. I am not a whiner because they damaged my stuff or overcharged me. And being that my tires were successfully mounted on powdercoated wheels twice before by two different shops, I had no reason to believe they were "specialty wheels". Shouldn't they say "no" if they can't do it? Shouldn't they have stopped after f'in' up the first wheel? Sometimes customer are whiners and sometimes dealers are hacks and rip-offs. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Cabot Arkansas | When I am paying my dealer $79 an hour labor rate I FULLY expect professional service with a smile and a thank you.No excuse for anything less.Any dealer that doesn't understand that will never have his doorway darkend by my shadow again............I am one of the lucky ones as my local dealer does a great job of taking care of our bikes and treats us like family. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | certainly there is a certain amount of implied responsibility, maybe it is just how I do business when I have something done, especially something that I put extra into. You would laugh if you saw my bike, so I'm not a good example of this. I do agree that the dealer should carry a burden of completing work, to the point of inspecting the work before starting to determine if they can do it. Recently I had to have a bolt extracted and after taking it to several shops thinking they could knock out, I found they neither had the tools or the expertise to do what I needed done. Finally, I asked one shop if I could use the vise and I would do it myself. I went home to get my tools, came back and completed the work in less than 5 minutes. I appreciated the fact that they said they could not do it, because if they screwed it up only meant I wasn't riding until they made it right.
If they made things right with you, then you did alright, and do agree, after the first mess up they should have stopped, or I would have stopped them and gone back to the other guys who sucessfully did it before, but again that is just me. It's also hard to determine if a dealer is a hack and a rip-off. Another example, I had my dealer charge for things I didn't think they should have. So I carefully worded a question, being familiar with the automotive industry but didn't know what I would do, and called a very trusted dealer I have dealt with. I didn't preload them with any preconceived scenario, I just asked them specifally if they would charge $X if the Y occurred. They said, "absolutely" and stated why. So before I went to the dealer who did the work on my bike and accused them of "ripping me off" I went and paid my bill with a smile and left with both customer and dealer happy.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-08-24 1:22 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | Hmm... That sucks... BURN IT! Just kidden'. Hope you get her fixed and she's good to ya from then on. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Oregon | "I would have stopped them and gone back to the other guys who sucessfully did it before, but again that is just me. " --Cap'n Nemo
If I was psychic like you, I would have known what they were doing behind closed doors, since most dealers restrict customer access to the shop. But thanks for the valuable tip. Hindsight is 20-20. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | PatMcQ - 2011-08-25 3:59 PM
"I would have stopped them and gone back to the other guys who sucessfully did it before, but again that is just me. " --Cap'n Nemo
If I was psychic like you, I would have known what they were doing behind closed doors, since most dealers restrict customer access to the shop. But thanks for the valuable tip. Hindsight is 20-20.
true enough, I'm accustom to being there when they work on my special stuff, even if I was standing outside the bay door. Not always possible, but yes, they would have known my displeasure having expected them to have done job right. They would have never seen another tire changing dollar from me.
i'm not psychic, but I am psycho.... |
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Buyers Remorse. The Vision that couldn't.