Why I will support my local dealership (Road and Sport)

[wysper]

I know it is fashionable to hate the local dealership, and to believe they are only there to rip you off and fleece you out of all your hard earned cash. I know it is popular to think they are making hundreds of percent mark up on all sales and laugh evilly at you behind your back as you leave their evil lair.

Now, maybe there are some out there that are like that. That is not my experience with them. A case in point is my latest visit to mine.

I decided to drop my sporty in for its latest service rather than do it myself. There were a few things I wanted checked out and mentioned them when I booked my bike in on for a service on a Saturday. When I dropped the bike in on Friday night, the parts required for some extra work were there waiting for my bike, the staff were prepared to wait for me as I might have been later than their closing time.

They advised me what it would cost approximately for the service and gave me an indication of when the bike would be ready. They were right on both counts, I dropped in slightly early, and the bike was almost ready, and would have been ready at the time that they had told me if I wasn't there early. So I was pretty happy about that.

Here is why, for me, the trip to my dealer was well worth it. In doing the service they picked up on several things that I would not have found if I had done the service myself. They noticed that I had a loose engine mount and worn bearings in my swing arm. Both of which most likely contributed to one of the concerns I had when dropping the bike in. They also mentioned a couple of things that could be done to improve the performance of the bike and would explain a few other things that had been going on with the bike.

Getting the bike back from service, it was great, gear changes were smoother, the bike sounded even better than normal and I was confident that I was riding a machine that was safe and in good shape.

In addition to that, when I walk into the dealership, I get a smile and a greeting from pretty much everyone there, sure, they don't know my name yet, but I am sure they will soon and the greeting will become even more personal.

I know that when it comes time to buy parts and accessories, I will be able to buy them cheaper from overseas, but I won't. I will be back to my local dealer, if they are miles away from the overseas price I will probably ask if they can do better and I bet they will if they can. However, what I am happy to do is buy from my local dealer to help them keep their doors open. Because I know that when their door is open me and my ride are going to be looked after, and be much safer for it.


So thank you to the team at Road and Sport Motorcycles and particularly Leah and Craig who made this service run like clockwork and have made it easy for me to get the next few repairs sorted out with no dramas and the only pain will be financial, which I reckon is much better than the alternative.

[thepom]

Pity Casbolts in chch are,nt as helpfull....:innocent:

[The Pastor]

swingarm bearings gone on a 2006 bike? :O

[tigertim20]

i like pro dealer threads, my dealer is awesome too!:yes:

[Brian d marge]

isnt that ...eerrr ummm normal ? or at least it should be

Stephen

come over here and see how good customer service can be ..

[wysper]

isnt that ...eerrr ummm normal ? or at least it should be



It probably is, but the internet being what it is and human nature being what it is, you rarely get to hear the good stuff. People are keen to trumpet their bad stories, but keep the good experiences to themselves.

[wysper]

swingarm bearings gone on a 2006 bike? :O

Yeah, that thought briefly flitted through my head too, but given how well this bike is going for me I wasn't too bothered. Sometimes shit just happens.

Any idea how long they usually last?

[Shaun]

Great healthy report Wysper, Craig from R+S is a mate of mine for over 25 years now, Road + Sport were my very first race bike sponsor and Craig worked there then.

I rang Barry and Shelley Sproul to inform her of your cool post on here mate, and asked them to thank here team

[The Pastor]

Yeah, that thought briefly flitted through my head too, but given how well this bike is going for me I wasn't too bothered. Sometimes shit just happens.

Any idea how long they usually last?

i have no idea on harleys, but my cbr250 did 90,000km with the original bearings, only reason i replaced them is i had to take them out when i powder coated my swing arm (they get destroyed, when removed).

but that's just honda for ya, the bikes had a rough life too. (but it doesn't vibrate, and is very light)

[Crasherfromwayback]

So thank you to the team at Road and Sport Motorcycles and particularly Leah and Craig who made this service run like clockwork and have made it easy for me to get the next few repairs sorted out with no dramas and the only pain will be financial, which I reckon is much better than the alternative.

Good to hear they're looking after you well mate!

[5150]

i have no idea on harleys, but my cbr250 did 90,000km with the original bearings, only reason i replaced them is i had to take them out when i powder coated my swing arm (they get destroyed, when removed).

but that's just honda for ya, the bikes had a rough life too. (but it doesn't vibrate, and is very light)

Harleys + Fat riders = worn bearings :innocent:

[baptist]

I had no problem with my local dealer either, I don't use them as much now simply because they moved to the dark side (over the Harbour Bridge!!!!) ... still went over to them to buy most of my daughters gear.:yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Pity Casbolts in chch are,nt as helpfull....:innocent:

they've only been going for 30+ years, so they're new at it. Plenty of time for them to work on their customer service skills.

While I dislike Crapsblots, I heartily endorse my local dealers, Rolling Thunder and Street and Sport. Top people, top service.

[HenryDorsetCase]

isnt that ...eerrr ummm normal ? or at least it should be

Stephen

come over here and see how good customer service can be ..

schoolgirl fantasy bi-double with enema and happy ending?

[wysper]

Good to hear they're looking after you well mate!

Felt a bit like I was cheating on you! :gob::blink:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Harleys + Fat riders = worn bearings :innocent:

Its something Ive wondered about myself in that on a belt drive the belt is tensioned much tighter than a chain, which you would *think* might strain the bearings. But you'd also *think* that they'd engineer them accordingly.

Idle speculation on my part.

[Geeen]

I know it is fashionable ............... no dramas and the only pain will be financial, which I reckon is much better than the alternative.

Ahhh, but did they fill your bike with pure awesomeness like Hamilton Motorcycles did to mine?? :innocent:

[Shaun]

Street and Sport. Top people, top service.


Glen and Chris are top blokes in there dude

[HenryDorsetCase]

Glen and Chris are top blokes in there dude

Glen and Phil you mean, Chris has been out of it for ages. Phil Garret and Glen are the owners of the business.

I actually have no idea what has happened to CHris Huddlestone (sp?) since he got out of S & S

They've had a hard time last year: stupid EQ's. But they seem to be getting back on track now. Relocated to Carlyle street right next to where the Britten factory used to be.

[wysper]

Ahhh, but did they fill your bike with pure awesomeness like Hamilton Motorcycles did to mine?? :innocent:

My bike was so full of awesomeness prior to the service there was no room for more... unlike triumphs.... :shutup:

[Geeen]

My bike was so full of awesomeness prior to the service there was no room for more... unlike triumphs.... :shutup:

:crybaby::crybaby: You're a meanie.

[Arrowolf]

Awesome,yes that's the word for my dealers too. Number one is Davidson Honda in Alexandra,and the second one is Queenstown Motorcycles. They do a great job every time i pop in with stupid things.I am just happy with.:-)

[steve_t]

What's this? An awesome service thread? Who are you people and what are you doing on here? :innocent:

Boyds Hamilton :niceone:

[Bald Eagle]

+1 awesome for Wellington Motorcycles.

[Brian d marge]

schoolgirl fantasy bi-double with enema and happy ending?

Thats where your wrong

its Schoolgirl in a wheelchair , and the family combo , WITH lesbian nieghbour peeping through the window

at least thats the one ive just watched, ,,,,eeerrrrr been told about

Stephen

Often thought that the wife and I should go to NZ and become consultants in the service industry , make even more in Britain , anyone remember going into some of those brit bike dealerships .... now THAT WAS a nightmare

[HenryDorsetCase]

Thats where your wrong

its Schoolgirl in a wheelchair , and the family combo , WITH lesbian nieghbour peeping through the window

at least thats the one ive just watched, ,,,,eeerrrrr been told about

Stephen

Often thought that the wife and I should go to NZ and become consultants in the service industry , make even more in Britain , anyone remember going into some of those brit bike dealerships .... now THAT WAS a nightmare

speaking of the family combo:


http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3792109/Brother-and-sister-in-lift-sex.html

[Vinz0r]

Another +1 for Boyds, always great service.

[steve_t]

speaking of the family combo:


http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3792109/Brother-and-sister-in-lift-sex.html

WTF??!! Seriously, WTF?!!! LOL @ the comment by view666 below the article :facepalm:

[Shaun]

[QUOTE=HenryDorsetCase;1130146502]Glen and Phil you mean,

CORRECT

[HenryDorsetCase]

WTF??!! Seriously, WTF?!!! LOL @ the comment by view666 below the article :facepalm:

the level of comments have been less awesome than I hoped. I do love the Sun though.

246393

[Robbo]

Another +1 for Boyds, always great service.

x2 for that

[Chooky]

I often walk through R&S showroom.... when Greg Boyd sends me up the road to buy him a pie...:)

[GazzaRuney]

I have always believed in supporting the "local guy" and do when I can.

I dont hate anyone really, let alone the local dealer (MotoMart in Lower Hutt) I WILL JUST NEVER TAKE ONE OF MY BIKES OR SPEND A BRASS RAZOO AT THAT DEALERSIP EVER AGAIN.

A while ago I took a startermotor from my Golwing in to be refurbished. The biggest mistake I made at that early stage was to say "theres no real hurry"

Long story short - I have never encounter such bad service, bad communication and incompetance in my longish life.

And the comtempt I was treated with when I took my concerns to the manager......... legendary!

[slofox]

speaking of the family combo:

Hmmmmm - there is definitely a certain, ermmm, INBRED look there, n'est ce pas?

[5150]

+ 10 for Boyd's :woohoo:

[SimJen]

Boyds are good, used to do me lots of favours back in the day.
John in parts is a great dude, who always used to give me decent discounts on everything!
Never had much luck with R&S for some reason, never felt like I was given the time of day. Despite buying a couple of bikes from them. Perhaps it was because they had a bit too much Harley stuff?
Then I started doing all my own servicing and no longer use anyone!

[5150]

I bought a GSXR 1100 from R&S back when they were Hamilton Suzuki dealer. The bike was leaking fork oil, and I pointed it out. I was told that it's the trapped water as the bike was washed the previous day. Even after the test ride I mentioned it again and was told they will sort it all out once the deal goes through. Week later I was riding and both seals poped in the forks. Took it back and they didn't want to hear about it. Left the bike in their shop and asked for my money back. After few lawyer wrangles I got my money back. Never ever dealt with them again. :no:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I have always believed in supporting the "local guy" and do when I can.




I bought a GSXR 1100 from R&S back when they were Hamilton Suzuki dealer. :

Come on boys. Let's try and play nice in the nice shop thread for once eh! There are heaps of 'this shop is a cunt to me' threads you can go a slag them off in!

[SimJen]

Balanced opinions are all good!

[5150]

Come on boys. Let's try and play nice in the nice shop thread for once eh! There are heaps of 'this shop is a cunt to me' threads you can go a slag them off in!

Just told it how it is. Different people have different experiences with different shops. This was just mine. Just because they now only sell farm machinery instead of sports bikes isin't going to change how I feel about them. To be fair, few of the not so desirable salespeople are now gone from there, so who knows, maybe their service has improved. I am just unfortunately not going to find out. am I?

[Crasherfromwayback]

. I am just unfortunately not going to find out. am I?

Maybe if you ever want farm machinery you might.

[5150]

Maybe if you ever want farm machinery you might.

Maybe. :shutup:

[Geeen]

Maybe if you ever want farm machinery you might.


Maybe. :shutup:

Or you could go here:
http://www.waikatotractors.co.nz/
:innocent::innocent:

[5150]

Or you could go here:
http://www.waikatotractors.co.nz/
:innocent::innocent:

Is that a Fatboy on the front page? :lol:

[DEATH_INC.]

I have to add one to this thread. I just got some parts from Experience Motorcycles http://kawasaki.experiencemotorcycles.co.nz/?id=124
I'd have to say these guys (Neil-parts especially) are an absolute pleasure to deal with. They'll definitely be getting My business again. :niceone:

[sil3nt]

Hamilton Motorcyles workshop :2thumbsup

Hamilton Motorcycles parts :facepalm:

Hamilton Motorcycles sales :facepalm:

[\m/]

Boyds are pretty good for service. Quasievil has been great to deal with as well.

[Geeen]

Hamilton Motorcyles workshop :2thumbsup

Hamilton Motorcycles parts :facepalm:
:

Really? I've had nothing but good from Kat in parts and the workshop boys

[AllanB]

When I get my project-bonnie I'll be off to Street & Sport.

I've a favourite USA Honda dealer - they supply me with genuine factory parts for up to 1/6 of the local prices and the bits often arrive twice as fast as local parts ....... but I blame Blue Wing for than in NZ.

Good service from Budget Motorcycles and Pit Lane.

[Brian d marge]

[QUOTE=AllanB;1130151211

Good service from Budget Motorcycles .[/QUOTE]

yes agreed with that ,

even if I did have to listen to his stories

Stephen

[LBD]

Pity Casbolts in chch are,nt as helpfull....:innocent:

I was just in at Casbolt's and noted they have had a bit of a shuffle....with some 20 year vintage dead wood gone and a new guy...Grant?....looking after parts... Initial dealings with him seem good.

[celticbhoy]

Had a good experience today at Wellington Motorcycles! Have tried all the other shops in Welly at various times for various things and for some reason never went there before despite it being the closest to me. Maybe a mental block as have never had a Suzy or Hardley.....anyway from when I first went in a few days ago to arrrange for few things done on bike, until today have had good communication, very friendly faces and a good job on the bike. All round good experience.:yes:

[celticbhoy]

Even got a follow up text today to check all is good. Nice touch.

[Smiff-ta]

I actually have no idea what has happened to CHris Huddlestone (sp?) since he got out of S & S


Chris is working for Yamaha Nz.

South Island dealer support.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Had a good experience today at Wellington Motorcycles! Have tried all the other shops in Welly at various times for various things and for some reason never went there before despite it being the closest to me. Maybe a mental block as have never had a Suzy or Hardley.....anyway from when I first went in a few days ago to arrrange for few things done on bike, until today have had good communication, very friendly faces and a good job on the bike. All round good experience.:yes:


Even got a follow up text today to check all is good. Nice touch.

Glad you're happy mate! Hope to see you back soon.

Pete