A Great Dealer Visit

[wavlovr1]

I know that lots of riders have good and bad expierences with dealerships. It seems like the most posted about are of the unpleasant type. I really enjoyed my visit to Harley today, so I thought I should post about it.

There is a new service bulletin out on 2009 Touring models(M-1258A).
It involves the front tire D407F which is having some issues with Noise, Vibration, and Ride Quality (ie; cupping of tread). I called up the Black Hills Harley dealership in Rapid City, SD to see if my bike was part of the group affected. They ask me to bring it in this morning.

My front tire had over 8000 miles on it and had some cupping. Mostly I noticed some vibration (especially on curves). They test drove and measured tread, placed calls to HD, then took it into the shop to do a warrenty replacement of the front tire. Two other symptoms I encountered were a roar from the front on curves and my clutch was out of adjustment slightly, but I neglected to mention those issues.

Upon replacing the tire, the Service lady approached to say it would take a little longer than first estimated because the mechanic had also noticed that the front wheel bearings felt rough. Anyway, they replaced the wheel bearings (even though I had neglected to mention the occasional roar). The bike came out with a new tire, bearings, and a proper clutch adjustment. I asked them to thank the mechanic, since two issues I neglected to mention were caught and repaired by the tech.

While in the shop I talked to all the personnel in the different areas, all pleasent and helpful. It was a Great Visit and with blue skies and 70's outside, it was a nice outing all the way around.

jimbob

[harleyjt]

Always good to hear about a good dealer experience. Like anything else, there are good ones and bad ones. Unfortunately, we tend to dwell on the negatives.  I too have had numerous excellent dealer experiences, both locally at my selling dealer, as well as when out on the road traveling.  I have also had a bad experience while traveling.  Suffice it to say, I'll never darken the door at the dealer in Jackson MS again. What a pos dealer!   Quite a bit different than the help I got a few years ago in Roanoke VA.  They were great, and turned what could have been a real bummer into a great day.  I think the real driving force in how people are treated at any dealership - any business for that matter - is the dealer himself.  Its his vision, mission, and goals and values that drive his business.  A good dealer attracts good employees who treat the customer properly.  A dealer that doesn't care usually has poorly trained employees who also don't care. 
jt

[HroadhogD1]

 

[texaskatfish]

jimbob darned good to read you got what you needed and even more!

I've had many more good dealer experiences than bad - human nature for us to remember the bad ones as well as the good.