Quite a while ago I paid my dealer to do the following: Fork oil change, new spark plugs, valve check/adjust.
Yesterday, I removed the tank and heat shield to change the spark plugs and replace the CCT (Cam Chain Tensioner). What I found is that not a single fastener-- for the plumbing atop the engine or the valve cover-- had ANY indication a wrench had ever been on them!! So, in other words, they most likely did NOT perform the work I paid for. To me, that is a never-buy-from-this-shop-again as well as a let-others-know event.
It was clear that the fork caps did see a wrench, but who knows whether the fluid was actually changed? Maybe that's why the forks needed rebuilding, which I did last week with an assist from an independent shop. My guess is that the spark plugs were actually changed because I had to go back for a fastener the tech left out of the left body panel. Actually, I had to go back twice because they had to order the part-- which they handed to me to install myself. It also calls into question whether the valves should now be checked... totally screws up any possibility of keeping accurate maintenance records... fouling up the possibility of using accurate maintenance records as a tool to sell the bike when I decide to.
As for Yamaha the brand, I was considering the purchase of a new FJR, but why should I if they don't keep better tabs on their dealers?
Previously, I went to this dealer to talk to them about changing the CCT, but the service writer kept me standing at the counter for about five minutes after going "Yoohoo, anyone here?". I didn't know there was anyone back there until one of the mechanics came into the area and revealed the service writer was actually hiding behind some office equipment talking on the phone to someone he was schmoozing... apparently about some suspension adjustments to a dirt bike. I continued to wait another five minutes until I told my wife, "Ok, he's got three minutes." I spoke loudly enough for the service writer to hear me. When the three minutes were up, I walked out. Once I was in my car, I was so pissed, I called the dealership and got their voice-mail run around, leaving an irritated but rational message about my experience. Never a response from them.
And that is how it came to be that I would change the CCT myself and found the truth. My standard operating procedure is to hire work out if I can have it done competently, or if not, then it's DIY.
https://www.pioneermotorsport.com/
I've made it my personal policy to be very selective about complaining on the internet about businesses. Too often customers fly off the handle and are unreasonable, ranting on the net. This is only my second complaint about a business. Mistakes happen, but this is different. IMO, there is no use returning to them to make it right because there's no way I trust them. Feel free to set a trap to expose these people.
Previously, I complained about WheelWarehouse, a wheel source and straightener in Dayton, OH who kept my wheels for three months after promising a three day turn around. Ultimately, work that was promised for about $250 cost me over $900 including the fees to hire a lawyer and working with the Ohio State Attorney General's office.
Yesterday, I removed the tank and heat shield to change the spark plugs and replace the CCT (Cam Chain Tensioner). What I found is that not a single fastener-- for the plumbing atop the engine or the valve cover-- had ANY indication a wrench had ever been on them!! So, in other words, they most likely did NOT perform the work I paid for. To me, that is a never-buy-from-this-shop-again as well as a let-others-know event.
It was clear that the fork caps did see a wrench, but who knows whether the fluid was actually changed? Maybe that's why the forks needed rebuilding, which I did last week with an assist from an independent shop. My guess is that the spark plugs were actually changed because I had to go back for a fastener the tech left out of the left body panel. Actually, I had to go back twice because they had to order the part-- which they handed to me to install myself. It also calls into question whether the valves should now be checked... totally screws up any possibility of keeping accurate maintenance records... fouling up the possibility of using accurate maintenance records as a tool to sell the bike when I decide to.
As for Yamaha the brand, I was considering the purchase of a new FJR, but why should I if they don't keep better tabs on their dealers?
Previously, I went to this dealer to talk to them about changing the CCT, but the service writer kept me standing at the counter for about five minutes after going "Yoohoo, anyone here?". I didn't know there was anyone back there until one of the mechanics came into the area and revealed the service writer was actually hiding behind some office equipment talking on the phone to someone he was schmoozing... apparently about some suspension adjustments to a dirt bike. I continued to wait another five minutes until I told my wife, "Ok, he's got three minutes." I spoke loudly enough for the service writer to hear me. When the three minutes were up, I walked out. Once I was in my car, I was so pissed, I called the dealership and got their voice-mail run around, leaving an irritated but rational message about my experience. Never a response from them.
And that is how it came to be that I would change the CCT myself and found the truth. My standard operating procedure is to hire work out if I can have it done competently, or if not, then it's DIY.
https://www.pioneermotorsport.com/
I've made it my personal policy to be very selective about complaining on the internet about businesses. Too often customers fly off the handle and are unreasonable, ranting on the net. This is only my second complaint about a business. Mistakes happen, but this is different. IMO, there is no use returning to them to make it right because there's no way I trust them. Feel free to set a trap to expose these people.
Previously, I complained about WheelWarehouse, a wheel source and straightener in Dayton, OH who kept my wheels for three months after promising a three day turn around. Ultimately, work that was promised for about $250 cost me over $900 including the fees to hire a lawyer and working with the Ohio State Attorney General's office.