Triumphrat

highcard · 04-12-2006

Gawd, these guys are the worst that I've ever dealt with in cars, bikes or anything else. I didn't buy the Thunderbird from them, so I suppose I should have expected to be treated like sh**.

Made an appointment for three weeks in the future, which was fine with me, even though the service manager acted like an a**hole. Needed 12,000 mile servicing, so wanted to use a Triumph dealer and these guys were close to home.

Anyway, day before bringing it in, I call to see if I can drop it off tonight (day before appointment), because I have a plane to catch the next morning at 6am (day of appointment).

This guy grunts "NO", we are full. Now, he's got at least an acre fenced in back and most of it is empty, but he doesn't have room for one more bike, c'mon.

Unfortunately, I've already spent about $200 with this outfit on parts, manual, helmets, etc. Won't make that mistake again. At least I discovered their issues before letting them touch my T'bird.

Funny thing is, I'm sure I'll buy another bike or so in the future, and I certainly WILL NOT even look at Donelson Cycles for a purchase or service.

Good thing parts are available online.

Shawn · 04-12-2006

Judging by what I was told about office real estate in downtown St. Louis today, it seems nothing it "out of bounds" regarding that place.

There's always two sides to every story, but it is possible for a dealer to be so full that they can't safely take another machine without some sort of risk.

My local car dealer for example is a super-park that is fenced and guarded 24x7. So putting a vehicle out in their side lot is no big deal. One of the motorcycle dealers I work with is only two blocks from the city police station, so no one is going to jerk around with them or the outside storage area.

The thing you have to ask yourself is the aggravation worth the risk of having your bike left outside, or having it damaged because the dealer's service shop was overloaded / disorganized. With some dealers, you wouldn't need to make that choice but as we all know; dealers come in all sizes.

You might try visiting with the owner. I'd be frustrated as well, but would discuss it before making any assessments.

highcard · 04-12-2006

Fortunately, I've been able to make other arrangements.

BUT, when I initially went to the shop, to make an appointment, I was definitely treated like an "outsider"...the service manager acted like I was lucky to enter his garage. I know how to act around people, so I was careful to approach the situation with a "nice" attitude and was quite surprised by this guy's bs attitude.

They came highly recommended, by a relative of someone that I know, so I was surprised. Also, the guys/gals in the parts department were quite pleasant. So, as long as they don't know who "highcard" is, I can always buy parts from them...I like working on the bike anyway.

Anyway, take this advice for what it's worth...free...I just will try to avoid them in the future.

03cruiser · 04-17-2006

Highcard, I've heard this kind of report card about Donnelson quite a few times. There's really not much I can say except to give you a better, alternate source for excellent customer service and parts. RPM Moterwerks in Belleville, IL is where you need to be going. They are approx. 20 miles East of St Louis and it's a reall easy drive/ride. They are a small, family run operation and deall exclusivel with Triumph. They will make you feel like a member of the family. Give Steve or Theresa a call at 618-235-4777 and they'll get you set up. You won't regret making the call.

Mike

highcard · 04-17-2006

Thanks, Mike

That's exactly where I'm going.

Called there the other day and made an appointment...they sounded like good folks.

Pig9r · 04-19-2006

Highcard I have been into Donnelson's several times as my wife is from "The Lou" They are very high on parts especially vintage parts. They do have a neat vintage display at least. If you feel like a road trip Engle Motors in KC is top notch.

[ This message was edited by: Pig9r on 2006-04-19 20:03 ]

highcard · 05-05-2006

Just got my bike back from RPM Motorwerks in Belleville, Ill.

I have to give them major thumbs up.

They did my 12,000 mile service and while doing that work, they discovered the dreaded "sheared off alternator bolt".

All the work was done in a day and a half and the "sheared bolt" problem only cost one hour of labor! I also bought a helmet for the kids/wife and a bag for the back of the seat.

They are a husband/wife shop and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Real friendly and knowledgable.

Thanks to Mike and the rest that suggested this shop...my next bike will be purchased from them.

I already have my eyes on a Rocket III.

Anyway, I'm in St. Louis and it was definitely worth the ride to go to RPM...if you're in the area, I highly recommend Steve and Theresa at RPM in Belleville.

banda · 06-07-2006

I'm very familiar with both Donelson's and RPM. I live closer to RPM, my work is closer to Donelson's. They are, frankly, the two best dealerships of any brand in the St. Louis area, for very different reasons.

The staff at RPM really knows how to treat customers, their service is top notch, their prices are good, and they are focused exclsively on Triumph. They don't have a whole lot of accessories or parts, or supplies, though.

Donelson's has a huge inventory on hand, and everyone who works there really knows what they are talking about with respect to multiple brands. Their mechanical service is very good. They just aren't the fuzziest, touch-feely, happy-go-lucky bunch in the world. But if you're working on a project, and you need hardware, tools, fuel lines, heck, anything out of the ordainary, Donnelson's is the first place to go.

Also, the owners and staff are very supportive of racing in the area, which counts for a lot in my book. Donelson's is a credit to the St Louis area motorcycling community for sure. Even if they are a little grumpy.

[ This message was edited by: banda on 2006-06-07 18:36 ]

agogel · 06-22-2006

Highcard,
I bought my America in '03 from Steve and Theresa over at RPM.
Had the old "We can't be bothered" thing from sales people at Donelson too.
Could not be happier with the support I've gotten from RPM.
Great bunch of riders over there too.
I try to set aside the 3rd Saturday of the month to make the breakfast trip and hang out at the shop.

2 years ago at the Tan-Tara Ozarks Rat Raid, Donelson had 1 Rat member attend. Their pack leader didn't.
Rpm had about 30 attend and won the attendance award.
So much for being one of the oldest and largest Triumph dealers in the midwest.

Skiandclimb · 04-21-2007

Let me sum up this whole conversation....I live exactly 2.1 miles from Donelson's. RPM Motorwerks is about a 40 minute ride for me.

I make the ride out to RPM. :-D

Steve and Theresa are a blast. They are sincere, knowledgable and genuinely friendly. I bought my Daytona from Steve. I was there with my wife and daughter. We came to an amazingly low price on the bike and I asked what I needed to do to hold the bike for one week. Steve held out his hand and said, "A hand shake will do just fine."

He went on to prep the bike for me w/o even one dime laid out. When I came back the next week, he spent close to an hour walking me through the different features of the machine and visited with my family.

Now when I call, I am usually treated by Theresa with a, "How's Emma and Grace doing?"

Point is this- RPM WANTS your business. They want you to feel like one of the gang. I like that. Donelson's, however, has ALWAYS had an elitist mentality (I bought my first bike there...and last) I was even told by the crusty old guy in the showroom (who wouldn';t BUDGE on the price of a 4 year old "new" bike) that I was thinking about going to RPM for a look. You know what he said? "Well, just remember, if you don't buy it here- it can take quite some time to fit you in for service." What a @##$% A-hole.

Hats off to Steve and the RPM gang. I'd ride across the country to buy another bike from him.