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View Full Version : Unimpressive Dealer @ 600 Check Up



mkraft
08-11-2008, 06:22 PM
Took my bike to TT Cycles in Macomb, Michigan for the 600 mile check up the other day which did not earn any of my future business.

To start it was as if they never bothered to train any of their staff on the Shiver since its arrival. I know, its new and you are primarily Ducati, but for such a top level dealership, at least have your employees review the simple list which Aprilia provides you telling exactly what is done to the bike.

When I dropped it off no one there could tell me what they do except change some oil and adjust a chain...awesome! Thanks a pant load Chet!!

When I went to get it I had to ask for the mechanic and he was just not impressive whatsoever either. He was defensive with me and an attitude that I felt like he was talking down to my questions; as if I had no business asking the questions. Most specifically was whether or not the valves should be checked / adjusted I asked.

His reply was right along the lines of, "No (display his little grin here), not at 600 miles...not a chance that it's needed."

Well I found it even more interesting after I obtained a list from Aprilia themselves for all dealers that lists every item that is to be completed at 600 miles. Low and behold in the top five....check valve height and adjust.

I just don't get it? I mean, I understand that you could provide a perfectly unsatisfactory experience and charge me $150 for an oil change, which I had to supply the filter mind you, but why you need to talk down to people that apparently might know more then you expect is beside me.
I would have rather him told me that they should, but in my honest and expert opinion I feel that you would be paying for two to three hours of labor which would prove unbeneficial for you, lets do it at a 1000 miles? - No, that would be too hard and extremely too professional.

Just goes to show that no matter your expertise, never judge a book by its cover.

mk

Shiverdevil
08-11-2008, 11:27 PM
I know that it is further down interstate 75,but bring you're Shiver to Honda East and get it done right.I work there..in sales,but also own a Shiver and totally trust our Aprilia tech,not only does our parts and service supervisor own and race Aprilia but our tech also owns and races an Aprilia....these guys know Aprilia technology and know how to get it done.

mkraft
08-12-2008, 09:28 AM
I know that it is further down interstate 75,but bring you're Shiver to Honda East and get it done right.I work there..in sales,but also own a Shiver and totally trust our Aprilia tech,not only does our parts and service supervisor own and race Aprilia but our tech also owns and races an Aprilia....these guys know Aprilia technology and know how to get it done.

Shiverdevil,

Honda East is where I bought my bike and would normally go, its just that it would take two hours on a normal day.

Tom is excellent as is everyone else there and where I got the actual list to know that valve check is on the 600 list.

Check out the Witchkraft link below, your dealership sponsors the rider. :)

I send everyone I know there for bikes, ATV's, etc...exceptional service and prices.

See ya

mk

Grandia
08-12-2008, 10:11 AM
So did ShiverDevil sell you the bike?

trance-mission
08-12-2008, 02:47 PM
Hey mk, could you post the list here please? Thanks -TM

ShinyMetals
08-12-2008, 04:21 PM
Sorry about your bad experience Mkraft I hope my 600 mile service goes better than that but as Trance asked could you please post the 600 mile checklist so I dont get screwed at the dealership thanks.

burty
08-12-2008, 04:45 PM
It's basically a check and adjust service, with oil and filter change and valve check.

Hopefully and probably nothing will need adjusting but what is important is the check is done.

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=83534&stc=1&d=1210320638

trance-mission
08-12-2008, 04:51 PM
Thanks burty, appreciate the effort!:cheers:

mkraft
08-13-2008, 12:01 AM
Hey mk, could you post the list here please? Thanks -TM

It's actually quite possible? Did you SD? The parts manager he speaks of, Tom, is a great help and is our (brother, Dad and I) main contact - I did work with a sales guy named Jeff I think?? It was really just phone tag on the Silver's arrival as I passed on the Orange that was in stock. Either way, everyone there is very helpful and knowledgeable and I would highly recommend them for future issues and needs.

Small world...

mk

ShinyMetals
08-13-2008, 12:53 AM
Cool thanks for the info guys it's much appreciated.

mkraft
08-13-2008, 06:12 PM
It's basically a check and adjust service, with oil and filter change and valve check.

Hopefully and probably nothing will need adjusting but what is important is the check is done.

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=83534&stc=1&d=1210320638

Thanks Burty! This is the same list that I was given from the dealer.

mk

trevort
08-14-2008, 10:15 PM
Just went in for my initial service.
Vancouver BC's British Italian Motorcycles

Asked how the valves were, and mechanic said he didn't do them.
Said he thought it was a waste of time, etc.
But would happily do them if I wanted.

nostatic
08-14-2008, 11:07 PM
My dealer didn't check the valves at 600 miles. The other dealer in the area said, "not needed."

I figure if I took it to the dealer and said, "do the 600 mile service," it is up to them to do what they're supposed to. If they didn't check the valves at 600 miles and it sucks a valve at 5K miles, that is their bad.

Well, that's the theory anyway ;)

Sike
08-15-2008, 11:38 AM
My dealer didn't check the valves at 600 miles. The other dealer in the area said, "not needed."

I figure if I took it to the dealer and said, "do the 600 mile service," it is up to them to do what they're supposed to. If they didn't check the valves at 600 miles and it sucks a valve at 5K miles, that is their bad.

Well, that's the theory anyway ;)

:plus::plus::plus:

exly
08-15-2008, 11:55 AM
well, that list says do a valve check doesn't it??? (unless I'm misreading it)...

so I wonder what else they didn't do in the service? I went to BIM as well, so I suspect they didn't do a valve check on mine either....

makrand
08-15-2008, 04:37 PM
It does seem very early for a valve check.
I agree, if they don't do it then if it goes wrong it's a warranty issue anyway.

I wonder if an AF1 or other Aprilia mechanic has any input?