Triumphrat

Trophy4

Bogarts' new general manager -- David Sanders -- definitely wants to correct all the past problems that have been listed, here and at other sites. It's going to take some time. As they say, it only takes 1 "AW S--T" to wipe out 1000 Attaboys. Also, it's been said that one pleased customer tells one other person, but 1 dissatisfied customer tells 20 others what happened, so it will take awhile for David to "right the ship". I hope he's given a free rein and enough time to make it happen. North Central Alabama needs a good Triumph dealer, and Bogarts can be that dealer.

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J Goertz
Birmingham, AL

Margrave30

Yeah - I want a Striple, and I went into that Kawasaki place the other day. They had several Triumphs - a Speedmaster, an American, a few Bonnevilles, and a Daytona. They said they could order a Striple for me, but I don't know about how the techs are.... Motorcycle Maddness seems to be run by some friggin great guys, tho. I just want to be sure that even if the dealership isn't my regular mech, that they can at least handle warrenty issues, recalls, etc....

One fella said that there's a good dealer in Missouri? Good mechs?

Any other good dealers around the Memphis area? Noticed we have no Guzzi dealers either. The listing for Motorwerks on the web is bogus. Any of them within shouting distance? The Griso looks nice, too.

Margrave

drharveys

It's just the other side of the river from St. Louis -- RPM Triumph in Belleville Illinois is a small Triumph only shop. No complaints from me, and I'm picky!

Margrave30

Talked with a fella from Maddness today for a few minutes. Asked him if he'd heard about any probs with the mechanics at the Kawasaki place that carries Triumphs. Nope they're great guys. Shouldn't have any problem taking care of servicing and warranty issues. Know their stuff. But Triumph? Hmm. Don't really know anything about them. Off brand. If that Kawasaki shop sinks, you're screwed. What you ought to consider is a Suzuki. Or a Honda. Easier to get parts and service.

Hmm.... is there an underlying subtext I'm just not picking up on here?

Shaunlee

You seem to hear that a lot. Funny thing is whenever I order parts for the wifes Suzuki it takes about the same time as my Triumph parts.

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Shaun

MemphisS3

They aren't a dealer. That would be like going to Motorwerks of Memphis (another great Place) and expect them to do warranty work on you Isuzu. Not going to happen.

Motocycle Maddness just upgraded my suspension. Heck not only do they know about Triumph's but they own at least one that is for sale on their showroom floor (A super clean Speed4 for $3k an employees bike). Are they going to do factory work for you.... um.. no. But have they been able to assist and fix me on two separate issues. Yep. Suspension and electrical.

I will continue to use them although Memphis Triumph (Jap Dealer) does at least have a decent guy at the counter now and was rather knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to.

Basic issue, they do not even stock an oiler filter. When I looked up the part number at Autozone there are only two options for an S3.... ever. How hard is it to put on on the shelf next the Jap Filters in the store room. When I quizzed the new (new to me) counter jockey.... his disgusted was equal to mine. That is at least a good sign. Words like "I do not know what they are doing not stocking basic S&*%T" will go along way in my at least stopping in the see the shop. Point is if I need them I am going to have to wait a while.

But you are correct if it is a recall or factory issue your stock with the Jap/Triumph Dealer. Although with the addition of the new guy it may not be as bad as it was.

Memphis S3

ManNMachine

Looks like I am going to take one for the team with the new guy at the Memphis dealer. I got a wild hair to call and check on recalls last week and spoke with the "new guy" in the service department. I was surprised becaused I was expecting to have to play phone tag. He told me he is the service guy for both Kawasaki & Triumph so I hope this means no more hunting down the Triumph guy. Any way he took my VIN and promised a call back shortly. To my surprise I got a prompt call back. He told me I had two outstanding recalls (fuel fittings, and rear suspension I assume). He said he would order the parts and contact me when they arrived to schedule the service. It just so happens I inquired about oil & air filters as well before I even read your post S3....He told me they had oil filters in stock but no air filters because they don't wear out often and can usually be cleaned. Looks like they have already responded to your complaint ...maybe we have a winner.

-ManNMachine

MemphisS3

I hope that is the case. I am surprised of the oil filters so quickly. I was in there no more than 2 weeks ago and inquired as to why not have a couple on hand. And the response then was "I do not know kinda stupid huh?". These are great signs for change in my book. It is the basic easy crap that drives me nuts to have have to wait on. Thanks for informing me. As I will certainly step up my trips to the shop to see whats new.

MemphisS3

ManNMachine

1. I had all the recall work done, it took them from Monday of this week until Thursday because all parts had not arrived at the time I dropped my bike off but since this weeks weather was so crappy, I really wasn't concerned about it. I think it consisted of coolant hoses, draglink bolt, and oil pressure switch/sensor. Total bill was around $200.00 but free to me.

2. I was able to lay hands on and purchase an actual Triumph oil filter...made in Japan , maybe these kawasaki people sell and service Triumphs after all..... They also had a few peices of Triumph schwag behind the counter. Decals, patches, Cufflinks? Umm OK I'll remember to pick those up before I go riding in my Tux.... and a single Keychain. Don't get all excited and run up there tomorrow to snatch up the keychain...I own it now . I left the cufflinks for you guys.

3. I don't know If these guys partied hard Sunday night or what, but they sure were a dry bunch Monday morning.They were much friendlier today when I picked up and the place was unusually busy for 11 am on a Friday morning.

I also priced a set of tires (Pilot Power 2CT's) while I was there and got a little sticker shock compared to what the competition directly across the street at Cycle Gear is charging for the same thing.

On a whole I'd say it was a positive experience. I went because it was the only place local to get the recall work done at no cost. Other than that I probably would not have ever gone back there based on my previous experiences and that of others. Based on the percieved improvement, I would probably use them again, but not before price shopping where possible. I get good vibes from the mechanic (Chris) so that goes a long way in my book as far as trusting them with my bike. I sent you a PM with more details S3.

-ManNMachine