Triumphrat

Baltobonneville

With just days left on my warranty, I rode out to my dealer to have a look at the peeling paint in my filler neck. This might have started a year ago when Maryland switched to ethanol oxygenation in gasoline.

I asked the service manager what he thought, was it worth pursuing a warranty replacement? I was willing to live with whatever he said. He said sure, we'll go for it. They took pictures, Triumph approved it, and a few weeks later I had a brand new blue tank on my bike.

Nice, very nice. Thanks to Fredericktown (Maryland) Triumph for the support.

While waiting for the new tank to be installed, I wandered over the Harley dealer next door. What a contrast! It was like a Nordstrom department store, all big and glitter and gloss and product placement, compared to the small and basic Triumph/Yamaha dealership. Lifestyle and racks of shiny or leathery Harley "stuff" versus motorcycles and boxes of helmets.

I was treated nicely at both dealerships, but I buy a motorcycle at the Triumph dealer and a small bottle of leather conditioner for my jacket at the Harley dealer.

__________________
Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.

badrufus

Our HD dealer is the same way. You have to really try hard to look past all the accessories and fluff to take a good gander at the bikes. First time I walked in, I almost turned around and walked right back out. Parts dept. is hidden back by the "cafe" and far more floor space is devoted to leather and HD baby bibs than motorcycles. I always thought motorcycle shops were supposed to smell like new tires with a bit of exhaust leaking in from the service dept, not leather and coffee. It's too bad, some of the bikes are interesting.

As far as treatment, my Triumph dealer's staff greet everyone who walks in the front door. At the HD dealership, I got the usual treatment I get everywhere except my dealer. As a woman biker; despite coming in clearly attired as a rider (read "potential customer"), I'm invisible. The only other exception is the other Triumph dealer, in Asheville, NC--Myers, nice folks.

__________________
2005 T100

ohiorider

Small bike shops are a dying breed, unfortunately. They've been replaced by the supershops that broadcast the fact that they sell ... Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Ducati, and KTM. This is a near-complete listing of the bikes sold by my local Triumph dealer. They sell them all, but don't seem to have any dedication or love for any of them.

Contrast this with the small BMW shop in New Philadelphia that sells only BMW. Not many left like this.

The Packless Rat ride (Saturday, June 9th) will start from this BMW-only dealership. The owner, Gene Robinson, has graciously agreed to let us use his shop for our starting point. Although we won't hit the road until 10:30am, Gene opens his doors at 9am.

For any of you who plan to join us on the ride, I'd recommend getting there early to enjoy the atmosphere that only a small bike shop can provide. Coffee and doughnuts guaranteed.

I only wish Gene sold Triumphs, too. A small, dedicated shop selling Triumphs would complete the experience for me.

For updated info on the upcoming Packless Rats Ride, check out the Rides and Events section of this forum.

Bob

[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2007-05-16 01:17 ]

__________________
2003 T100 (790cc) Lucifer Org and Silv: 122/42 jets, TORs, 17T, UNI filter, no AI, Polaris bellmouth, Metzeler ME880 tires, Progressive 440 shocks (105/150 springs),11-1126 fork springs, gaiters, MotoTwin low bars, 6024 lamp, htd grips, 12v outlet.

Silverado57

Any time I've wandered into the local HD mega-center, I'm always greeted nicely and they say goodbye too. Nice folks all around.

It's amazing the stuff they sell.

__________________
Kevin
Luceo Non Uro
NJ USA

Rock500

I had the same thing happen to my '06 T100 a few weeks after I took delivery. The paint around the gas filler neck started to bubble and peel all the way around.
It was replaced under warranty with no questions asked. Haven't had a problem since - and the new tank was also signed by "Neil" the pin striper.

Rocky

__________________
Still rockin', rollin' and ridin' after all these years.
'06 black/red T100

BLKTHRUX

I just bought an '04 Thruxton. Inside the filler neck the paint is bubbled. What is the recommended way to deal with this?

KingBear

I've enjoyed my experience so far with Fredericktown as well, although they are pretty lean on the clothing & accessories. The nearby Harley dealership is really nice like you said. It appears that Harley places requirements on their dealers to maintain a certain appearance for their stores to create an upscale shopping environment. Given the demographics of the Harley customer today I think it's a good idea.

CAPTDON

HD dealer here has always been nice, Honda as well. Only went to the Triumph dealer (60 mi away) once- t obuy. I would hang out there if it wasnt a days ride. Got some accessories & some service (flattire) @ Honda.Very corteous But expensive! HD puts on some nice gigs 2 times a year here & its close. The Triumph always draws crowds there. I have to refrain from telling"how much" to potential HD customers as they wouldnt be so friendly!

__________________
CAPT D

05Truxter

Amazing the cra p people will buy if it has a bar & shield on it. :razz: Soon HD will be selling the Disney Edition Electra Glide. Welcome to Walmart.

I've got the peeling paint, too. Hope I can get the same results with my dealer, but not looking good. I've got the 12k service scheduled for monday - when I was on the phone I asked them what can be done. The solution offered was to "wipe as much of the peeling paint off with a rag." Not cool! I Don't get that - it is just going to keep peeling and eventually clog my carbs. Plus, a new tank would be a great way to fix that big ugly dent in my tank. :hammer:

__________________
"Well, everybody likes motorcycles... to some degree."
- Bob Dylan

'05 Thruxton, Epco, RaceTech fork springs & cartridge emulators, YSS Shocks, Unifilter, snorkel out, 130 mains, 40 pilot, 1 shim, pilot screw 3 turns, turtle wax

oldmanjob

Hey badrufus, I am glad you had a good experience at Myers in Asheville. That is where I bought my bike and they treat you like family :-D

__________________
John 14:6 KJV
Black Bonnie - 06
Looking back to the good old days is not the way out. Looking up to the God of All the Days is. (Vance Havner)