Triumphrat

chitownG60 · 05-09-2006

Was hoping if I could get your advice. I bought my 2005 S4 from a "boutique" dealer. The dealer location sells bikes only...no service. Their two other locations do service...which they truck bikes to and from for service at no charge. I purchased from this shop specifically because it is within a long walking distance from my home.

I've been having difficulties with the shop from day one. I gave the salesperson a full day's notice, letting him know when he could expect me to pick up the bike. When I get there, the bike isn't cleaned, battery is discharged. I wait around while he puts the battery on a charger. The seat was put on top of another bike...and it fell off, scratching the cowl. Luckily I got a new one at no charge...but it meant another trip to the dealer After a while, the battery won't hold a charge. I throw the battery on a Battery Tender overnight so I can ride the bike to the dealer for the 500 mile initial service...the battery has so little juice that the bike quits on me. I walk the rest of the way...use a loaner bike and jumper cables from the dealer to get my bike started again....and finally to the dealer.

The salesguy tells me I won't have to pay for my initial service...which is cool...I should definitely expect something for my troubles. Now my bike's been gone for over 2 weeks...should be back tomorrow. But I find out the salesguy no longer works there. The 'no charge' service was only expressed verbally.

How do I go about go about getting what I was promised? And something tells me they won't warranty the battery problem. :???:

[ This message was edited by: chitownG60 on 2006-05-09 18:55 ]

Will · 05-09-2006

That really sounds awful. Have you considered a gun? Seriously, though, if they charge you for the service, then explain the situation to them completely. If they got rid of the salesman because he was an idiot who did stupid things like the screwups so far, maybe they are actually OK. It doesn't sound like it, but who knows.

hardboild · 05-09-2006

dude, sorry to hear. i lived in chicago 20+ years, i am sure there is some state office and/or city office to turn to for help in this. maybe drop the name of the office during conversation. there are all kinds of gov consumer advocate groups...that may help...or a gun...

doodledog · 05-10-2006

I dont know how it works over there but in UK the goods have to be fit for purpose IE working, if its not you have legal rights for them to make it OK, if the battery has been run flat you need it charging on a charger that is designed to bring it back again, over here I would use an Optimiser or optimate like you leave connected in winter I am told its the only way of re charging this type of battery. As for everything else I would go and talk to the shop owner, explain all that was told to you by the cr*p salesman, and ask what he is willing to do to put the bike as it should have been on day one, if no luck contact Triumph direct and ask for assistance, hope all goes well, it will be a great bike don't let these muppets spoil it for you

By the way its normal over here to only pay for mateirials on first service IE oil and filter

[ This message was edited by: doodledog on 2006-05-10 01:59 ]

chitownG60 · 05-10-2006

Thanks for the advice. I spoke with the new salesperson on the phone, and he seems to be a sharp guy. I didn't mention any of this over the phone to him...would rather speak about it with him in person.

I would have done the servicing myself if the battery hadn't gone bad. I figured it would be a good idea to have the charging system checked while it is in the shop, just in case. Plus, this is my first new bike...all my previous bikes were bought used.

chitownG60 · 05-10-2006

Called the dealer and my bike is back. Of course, they want to charge me for the service and the battery, since batteries are not covered under warranty.

I'm going to call the dealer principle/owner...since he was there when I picked up the bike...and plead my case.

doodledog · 05-12-2006

Yea go for it, and as he was there when you picked her up he will know the battery was no good so its not gone wrong with use, on a new bike I would expect a new one, If it failed even after a week the dealer won't know if you done somthing to screw it up but as it was u/s on collection good practice would be to replace it free :hammer: This guy wont sell bikes for long if word gets about how poor he treats his customers, remind him he has a reputation to maintain / build

chitownG60 · 05-14-2006

I had a good sit-down chat with the new sales manager. He was very willing to listen to what I had to say. Picked the bike up two days later (Saturday) and didn't have to pay a cent. I'm not one to want something for nothing...but I did go through a lot of trouble with a new bike. Big ups to the dealer for taking care of me.

Put over 100 miles on the bike this weekend...and I have to say the S4 puts big grins on every time I ride it.

doodledog · 05-16-2006

Great news mate glad to hear of your sucsess now go ride and put the bad stuff behind you :razz: