My bike died at the dealers! :*(

[Brackstone]

Well I gave my bike to the dealer today and they took it out for a spin to feel the sub 40Mph go and slow. 5 - 7 miles out the bike died and they told me they smelled something electrical burning.

I told them it was probably the starter switch that stuck *sigh*. I told them about it last time I was there but I guess I should've just reminded them again.

I really hope I don't have to wait as long for the starter switch as the last guy on these forums. I forget who it was but I remeber it was a painfully long process.

The only GOOD news is that they felt the go and slow and they are going to fix it.

*sigh*

[trance-mission]

Ouch, that hurts

Too bad brackstone... I hope they fix it soon. Do let us know what was the resolution.

[MediaTrash]

sorry to hear that, Brackstone.

hope you get a courtesy bike and a speedy repair.

let us know how you get on.

MT

[Brackstone]

So I called up the motorcycle shop and they said Aprilia told them it was the same thing a stuck starter switch and they would replace the starter, wiring, and switch.

I asked them if they were going to be able to get me up and running by the 4th and they told me not unless I was willing to pay for overnight shipping.

I told them that Aprilia should be paying for the Overnight shipping at this point because I've already been without my bike for a week and sat at the dealership for 5 hours until they finally got it upgraded.

This starter stuck issues is just absolutely ridiculous. I left a message with Aprilia US today but I'm not sure how good that is going to do. I'm tempted to pay for the overnight shipping myself and then argue back with Aprilia but we'll see.

They said they think my Low Speed issue is probably due to a Vacuum leak or something like that. They have another shiver there and are going to take that one out for a ride too and compare the feeling. I swear if they tell me there is no issue after killing my bike I'm gonna be so pissed.

Aprilia told them that you can't HEAR when the starter is stuck. I was like WHAT?! that's a crock of shit I've heard it PLENTY of times.

They said some crap like you can't hear it over the roar of the engine, UGH.

Call me crazy but shouldn't the dealer be stepping up to the plate for me here and asking Aprilia to next day this stuff for me? I don't think the dealer is really conveying my frustration properly.

[Pawel750]

Brackstone, which dealer are you dealing with?

[makrand]

I'm very unimpressed with dealers in general. I thought mine was different but it turns out it's just the English people there who do a decent job (mechanic included thankfully). All the Aussies are hopeless and so far have a 100% failure rate at returning calls.

It would seem simple mathematics to have good customer relations but the exception not the rule nowadays. Thank you AF1 for being one of the stand-outs.

Go to the top Brackstone. Didn't someone get the contact details for the main Aprilia man in the US on here?

That would be great if all you need is a new hose to sort your bike out. Fingers crossed.

[Brackstone]

Go to the top Brackstone. Didn't someone get the contact details for the main Aprilia man in the US on here?

I kept asking him if he had a number or at least someone I could ask for and he told me no. So I dunno who he has been talking to on the phone but I can't believe he's still willing to shield him like this.

I mean don't get me wrong I'm sure giving out the guys direct number is a big no no but at least give me his name you know?

That would be great if all you need is a new hose to sort your bike out. Fingers crossed.

Now that I'm thinking about it it makes sense. Every now and again I'd go to grab some throttle from a dead stop and I'd just get this *PUFF*. A loud *PUFF* noise out of my exhaust and nothing. Does that sound like a vacuum issue?

[makrand]

You got me there mate.
I just ride em. Can't fix em.
I don't think I've ever worked on my bikes without chopping pieces off my fingers so I don't try.

Unless I misunderstand you are talking about your dealer not giving you the number?
There was someone on here who had it. I'm gonna have a root around and see if I can find the guy who had his number.

[Brackstone]

Unless I misunderstand you are talking about your dealer not giving you the number?
There was someone on here who had it. I'm gonna have a root around and see if I can find the guy who had his number.

That would be awesome I'm gonna look too. The only number I have in our FAQ is the General Customer Service number.

[makrand]

"My name is Paolo Timoni and I am the President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, the manufacturer and distributor of Aprilia motorcycle in North America ."

Pm ApacheDriver.
He was the man and might be able to pass on this dudes e-mail.

[Brackstone]

"My name is Paolo Timoni and I am the President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, the manufacturer and distributor of Aprilia motorcycle in North America ."

Pm ApacheDriver.
He was the man and might be able to pass on this dudes e-mail.

Good Find Maka!

I'll PM him asap.

[Brackstone]

Brackstone, which dealer are you dealing with?

Pawel,

I don't want to give out their name just yet as I don't want to label them BAD. The guys in the repair shop are usually totally swamped but I'm getting to the point where I just want someone to take SOME accountability.

[jandrade]

would you mind pming the dealer name

[atatter]

This experience is shocking and I have to say is similar to mine here, though I have not had the mechanical issues you guys have.

Firstly it is in Aprilia's interests to hassle the hell out of them, or they won't get better and then we all lose out. You can only take the ah its an Italian bike line for so long. Secondly this is not a cheap piece of equipment - you are not buying a toaster here.

Anyway Aprilia should do the right thing and recall all the bikes and replace the starters - this would happen with Japanese companies and certainly if it was a car. Short of everyone contacting them I can not think of a better idea to put more pressure on them.

Mike

[perfect]

I can't believe this is still happening to us, when will they sort this?

Why haven't they? Bloody recall the bikes!! replace the swiches, surely that would be more cost affective? and it would certainly restore our confindence
with Aprilia.

How many more of us have to suffer this problem, it doesn't do much
for our piece of mind regarding reliability.

It's becoming so frequent now too that I wonder how long before the
Motorcycling press learn of this, just when we thought Aprilia had sorted
the weakness's that won it so many dissapointing reviews early on we have
a far worse issue with the starter switches destroying the starter motors.

I'm so dissapointed and I really feel your pain Brackstone.

Fingers crossed you will be back on the road soon

Dan