Triumphrat

chip0704 · 09-16-2006

Just picked up my 2006 Sprint from the shop. It's the only Triumph shop within 100 miles mind you. I noticed that the plastic right behind the seat has scratches on it, presumably from their attempts to deal with those ***** seat bolts. Nonetheless, there are scratches that weren't there before.

Also had the windscreen replaced (warranty item) and noticed that there are swirl marks/scratches around the two screws at the top of the windscreen. No idea how that happened since only a screw driver would be needed.

I think almost every time I have had work done on a bike over the last 10 years, it comes back with scratches. Get a new tire- find scratches on the rim etc.

Have others had a similar experience? If yes, what's the best approach when you find scratches after service, especially on a brand new bike?

DaveM · 09-16-2006

Hi chip,
the worst I have had is a missing fairing bolt which they replaced when I went back after I noticed it missing when I got home after a service.

But I have had dodgy work done at two other places on two different bikes in the past.

On one occasion I was supposed to have a new clutch basket in my GSX R600 when I later had further problems and my current Triumph shop guys stripped the clucth it had a very old grungy second hand and worn out clutch basket.

I would take it back and discuss it with the service dept. manager and ask nicely for him in the interest of good customer relations to fix what was scratched.

Davem

jellero · 09-16-2006

depending on the depth of scratches, for small ones i'd use some 2000 grit wet paper, then some 3m rubbing compound, then the 3m polishing pad glaze, then the 3m hand glaze. if scratch goes thru color then you need to touch up and apply clear, then the abrasives. not sure about the triumph touchup, if it needs clear or not. when i work on my bikes, everything is protected with blankets or rags so it cannot get scratched and dropped nuts and stuff don't fly away. another option is raising hell with the dealer. are you type "a" or "b"? j

DaveM · 09-17-2006

chip0704,
"you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar".

I would only take an agressive response if the polite one doesn't work. Getting really pissed in the first instance will only get the dealerships back up.

Try to get them working and on your side, for you is always a better solution.

Davem

Bundyon_Jen · 09-17-2006

Chip, this happened to me last week, they bought the bike out and said there ya go.. with a huge white gouge out the side of my blue fairing, I didnt get a chance to say anything cause my other half went ballistic as soon as he saw it... they said they would take it and fix it immediately.. unfortunately when they showed us the fixed version, you could still see and feel the scratch and see where they had used the touch up paint... at that point the owner of the shop arrived and asked what was going on, he hadnt been told about the damage, my partner went for his throat :evil: (Dave's version seems to work best in most situations but it doesnt work with this particular dealer) and in return he agreed that it will be fixed and look as good as new.. and so it should too... anything less than looking like the new bike that entered the shop isnt good enough!!
so its still in the shop being repaired.. we will wait and see the outcome....
Unfortunately these days alot of places have a care factor of Zero and no respect for other peoples machines.. it is a sad world we live in

[ This message was edited by: Bundyon_Jen on 2006-09-17 03:59 ]

chip0704 · 09-17-2006

Let's face it. Mechanics have a tough job- fixing all the things that go wrong with a bike. I have no mechanical abilities beyond the basic maintenance, so I respect their skills. I guess I just expected that they would have figured out you need to protect a bike (with blankets etc as mentioned above) when doing work on it.

Nothing stays perfect for long in life, but I will at least bring it to the service manager's attention (nicely) and see what they say.

Thanks!