Triumphrat

John21 · 11-29-2007, 08:37 AM

I was reading a thread where someone was talking about dealer relationships and what the customer expectations were. Instead of adding to the long list or being accused of hijacking, I thought I would start a new thread on this.

My life with Triumphs goes back to the middle 60's. Back then a dealer "kicked your *** out the door" as soon as the sale was final. Forget any warranty. Besides, I think warranty was something like 1200 miles or 12 days anway........

This took me a long ways from any dealer. From probably the late 60's clear up to the late 90's, I never went into any cycle shop. I could mail order anything I needed.

Then, I decided I wanted to drop my old 650's and get a new 900 Triumph. This meant I HAD to go to some dealer.

I went to Donnelson's in St. Louis. They had a good reputation with people and have been in business selling Triumphs since............forever!!

Donnelson's treated me with respect. Whatever I needed, they got for me. In fact, I don't think you can beat their mail order service anywhere in America from anyone including discount cycle shops.

I then moved out to Tucson. Performance Cycles out there. My wife wanted a new ST Sprint. They had a brand new one on display on the showroom floor with bags. I figured no way would they sell one to a deaf lady walking in there asking for a test ride.

However, not only did they let her test ride a new Sprint (04 ST) they actually helped her with the bike, the financing, and everything. All I had to do was sign the papers she brought home so I did not have to lose any time off work!!

Over the next couple of years, I had very good relations with the Triumph dealer in Tucson. My only complaint was that they stocked nothing for a Triumph. Even oil filters had to be ordered. But, they did get most parts in 4 days.

I then met a man who "hated" the Triumph dealer in Tucson. Why?? Well, he told me this story.

This man bought a Trident from Tucson - Triumph. For some wierd reason, he took it into the desert and laid it on its side until the motor stopped running. He wanted to see if he could lift the bike up himself.

After he got it back up (after a long struggle), it was leaking coolant. In fact, he said it had all leaked out.

He then drove the bike empty of coolant about 30 miles thru the desert to the cycle shop to get it repaired under warranty. Naturally, after dragging the story out of him of what happened, this did not happen.

In general, I have had good relations with the Triumph shop in St. Louis and Tucson. I get all my parts from St. Louis - Donnelsons............

Brooksie · 12-14-2007, 09:10 AM

While dealerships vary, I have nothing but positive things to say about my dealer from South Chicago Heights. Great pricing and service after the sale. After I crashed my 955 last fall, I looked around at ALL motorcycles before committing to a replacement. The Big Four dealers had a nice selection, but just seemed to all be the same bike with different graphics. Ducati was very interesting bike wise, but seemed like you could get similar spec bikes for way less money and they didn't budge, even on left over models. Triumph D675 was my choice because of spec, what I wanted the bike to do, price and the service and support I get from both the dealer and Triumph. Triumph depends upon their dealers to handle the field work for them. With the shrinking profits dealers face in both bike sales and internet competition on parts, it's hard for them to keep top notch people and keep them working all year. Triumph can't be everything to everybody and I'm glad they're not.

LoVel · 12-15-2007, 11:43 AM

I have never dropped or laid down my bike or done anything to it except ride it and take care of it.

The cam chain broke during the first year. My dealer had my bike for 40 days and even though they laid everything at the foot of Triumph they never called me, they never offered me a loaner and they did not fix it right the first time and it is still not right.

The different times they have had the bike they put the body work on wrong and they put the seat on wrong. After they replaced the cam chain the bike started stalling pulling up to red lights and stop signs when I pulled in the clutch.

It has started doing the same thing again and I refuse to take the bike back to the dealer that is 15 minutes from my house.

I turned in my Triumph survey and told them my dealer sucked and told them I will not go back in there unless they have a new owner. I explained all the reasons why and told them that they could call me or the dealer could call me to discuss any of it. I am not expecting a call. Neither the dealer or Triumph has ever returned a call to me before. The dealership was always just about to call me when I called them.

I'm glad you have a good dealer. I wish I did.

John21 · 12-16-2007, 07:49 AM

I feel sorry for you, guy.

As for good dealerships, I don't trust anyone south of Donnelsons in St. Louis. I have no idea why some dealers are so bad and expect to stay in business.

I do know that here in Arkansas, there are guys who really like the one dealer we have. That tells me that for some reason, the dealer here is "selective" on who he decides to give good service to.