HELP SO UPSET

[Scotty1981]

I noticed today I was missing two bolts on my fender and on my way into the dealer to get them replaced the fender caught on the tired and it ripped the fender off. Since the dealer released the bike to me like this, is it on them to fix it? Will Suzuki repair the damage under warranty? What should I do?

I also can't seem to find part numbers for the 2012 Gray model.

All of the sites I've found only go up to 2009. I'm very worried about this, does anyone know what I can do if the dealer won't honor this?

[azrider]

Front fender is installed at the dealer as part of dealer prep. Is it the front that came off? If so I would hold them responsible but would be civil about it.

[Scotty1981]

It apparently didn't have the bolts on it on the rear bolt holes and I hit a bump in the road and blam, the tire ripped it off.

I have pics and you can see the front part broke where the bolts stayed in and the rear holes are completely intact.

It scratched up the front fairing inside the fender well a bit and also the long strip of plastic under the floorboards is hanging an inch down now.

I'm just worried they'll tell me I'll have to go through my insurance or if they fix it I'll be without my ride for 3 to 6 weeks or something. I only got to ride it ONE day. I'm so upset right now.

I have pics but I'm not sure how to upload them.

[Scotty1981]

http://s1156.photobucket.com/albums/p56 ... 0Pictures/

You can see in the pictures the way the fender broke and the rear holes were left intact and also in the bolt holes there are no bolts they were not installed.

Do I have a good case if they try to deny any responsibility?

I kept the fender pieces as well just incase.

[azrider]

Quite obvious they only installed 2 of the 4 bolts required. The dealer installs the front wheel and fender among other things after uncrating the bike. They are responsible for all parts and labor to put the bike into brand new condition again. I'm sure they will too, when they see the evidence of only 2 bolts being installed. I would want anything and everything that suffered damage to be replaced. You may be able to hold onto it and ride it while they wait on parts to arrive. Just make sure all the panels that were affected are securely fastened.

[atenspro]

My experience with my dealer is that they try to make things right. Someone at the dealership tipped my new scooter over onto it's left side after I bought it but before I took delivery of it. There were no scratches to indicate that it was moving even a little bit forward. They had just laid it on it's side. It scratched the front leg cover, the left side leg cover, the outer cvt cover, the left handlebar weight, and broke the left reflector on the front leg cover. Since I like to do my own work, they had all of the replacement parts shipped to my door including the padding for inside the outer cvt cover. They wanted the scratched parts back so they could claim it somehow through Suzuki. It didn't cost me a dime. Mistakes happen. In another life I might not have been so calm but since I was saved a few years ago things have gone well for me ever since. Even the bad things that have happened to me seem to work out for the best. Enough preaching, you didn't ask for it. If you use the principals of caring and stay calm and explain to them what the situation is, they left the screws out after all, I'm sure they will make things right with you. You might ask them to give it a thorough going over to check for other loose or missing screws and bolts. I may even enjoy my Burgman a little more now that I have fixed everything, than if it had never been laid on it's side. I found everything to fit perfectly, no bending or prying needed. These are well engineered and well made bikes. I hope things go well for you.

[Steve D UK]

I'd be worried about what else they missed. I'd want to give the scooter back, get a full refund and buy one from another dealer but that's just me.

If you accepted a repair after such a short ownership period I'd certainly expect some compensation such as an extended warranty or some free accessories.

Whatever happens, I certainly wouldn't get my scooter serviced or repaired at that dealership!

[TwoWheelTim]

Unless the rear fender and mud flap are in place I wouldn't ride it. They protect the radiator from FOD damage. The dealer should be happy you weren't hurt, hope they do right by you.

I agree, be nice but firm about it. If I were the dealer, the 600 mile service would be on me. Hope you get a quick resolution.

[Scotty1981]

I don't have anyway to get it there except to ride it.

I purchased from ask powersports in grove city, they have a columbus store too, would I be able to get it fixed at their other dealer? I'd hate to drive it over there only to have them tell me to go to the dealer I bought it from. I'm also apprehensive about getting it fixed where I bought it. I'm a bit angry that any damage happended in the first 50 miles all due to the easily avoidable mistake of them not putting 2 simple bolts in the fender.

[Marv]

If they give you any static I suggest you call the main importer in Brea California. I lost a rear panel above the licence plate. It just fell off while I was riding. Never to be seen again. The dealer didn't think it would be covered by the warranty. The importer saw that the problem was fixed at no cost to me.

After the warranty is over I suggest you find a recommenced private mechanic to work on your bike. Ask other local owners who works on their bikes. I would not trust the dealer after he screwed up your new bike.

[Scotty1981]

They'll replace the fender and radiator cover free of charge but they won't give me any extras other than the repairs and I lost my ride for 3 to 5 days.

[ErikDK]

Sue them!

[NormanB]

I would take legal advice and at the very least get a lawyer letter sent to them.

I agree with Steve above - in that I would want to reject the goods outright , receiving my full investment back and some compensation for the near death experience and inconvenience all caused by their negligence as evidenced by the photographic evidence (+ all your subsequent costs including the lawyer letter and alternative transportation).

I would not settle for replacement parts.

The dealer has not demonstrated competence nor does their negligence imbue any confidence in them.

[Scotty1981]

Lawyer said they're fixing it and I can demand some compensation but they have no legal obligation to change the bike or give me anything other than repairing it.

At least it'll get fixed, my guess is replacing the radiator cover and fender would have cost 1500.00 or more. I bet whoever prepped the scooter at the dealer is going to get a nice speech from their boss.

[NormanB]

Well, I'm sure forum members will draw their own conclusions especially if they have to decide on a purchase from that particular dealer.

[malahy1501]

Scotty1981

Sorry to hear about your initial "honeymoon" snafu with the Burger King

Your estimate of cost to repair, actually replace is about right. ..Most of us due all the work we can on our bikes...most dealers just don't understand the Burger King...in your case, it sounds like the prep kid needs to go back to school and get some help in reading ...the prep list is pretty simple to understand and perform.

Every dealer, bike, car etc. screws up at times...hell, we all screw up at times ,,it is how the dealer handles the screw up that matters...from your posts, it sounds like they are handling it correctly...they have owned up to the mistake, are fixing the mistake, and trying to make things right

Sure it sucks that the only way to get any real "compensation" is to have injured or killed yourself due to the dealer negligence...but who would really want that outcome...really

Life is too short to let this fester and roll around your brain...put it away, never to surface again...just find a different dealer to do any work that you are not comfortable with, or find a member nearby that can help you out...I sure wish Duster lived up north near me

I had a similar service experience this last weekend at my Hyundai dealer, the particulars are not important...Emailed the owner on Sunday AM with my thoughts on how his business handled my situation...constructive, not confrontational, and by 7:45 AM Monday, the owner was personally calling me, set up an appointment to perform the corrections, and restored my faith that there are still some dealers who play by the "old school" rules of out service the competition and you get a customer for life

Let it go...enjoy your bike when it is ready...and have fun while riding it for a long time.

JMHO

Bill

[Scotty1981]

I plan on learning to do the work myself when I can find another Burgman owner near by that can maybe teach me. Anyone know where I can get a service manual or the chilton/haynes equivalent for the 2012 model?

[2paw]

Seems like you could reasonably ask for them to go back over the bike and re-check that everything was installed correctly and tight.

[Scotty1981]

Seems like you could reasonably ask for them to go back over the bike and re-check that everything was installed correctly and tight.

The dealership is family owned with 3 locations and they said one of the other locations preps the bikes. They said they were going to go over it with a fine tooth comb though. If they're going to or not I don't know but they seem to be wanting to keep me happy so until I get a better reason they get the benefit of the doubt.

Sorry I won't be able to post much until after 6pm tomorrow my 50 MB down 5 MB up connection is like .23 down and 4.6 up, cable company is sending someone out tomorrow between 5 and 6.

[w-coyote]

I also feel your pain, my bike was in the shop last May, for routine maintenance valve check\oil change etc. I even had to wait on parts (Rear brakes), no dealer had them in stock, I know I called the dealers, getting back on point, while the bike was waiting for these parts, the mechanic who worked on my bike was moving other bikes around while doing so, he tapped one of them, starting a chain re-action, with mine being in the middle, needless to say both sides suffered damage, he told his supervisor, but it was mentioned that if it gets to the owners your job well could be cut short, so the mechanic paid for all parts for the repair out of his own pocket. I did not agree with him having to pay since dealers have some type of coverage for this??, but the mechanic felt to avoid any issues with his job, and he knew me since I always have him service the bike, bike is always kept clean, and well maintained (Wife would like to see it go)

When I first was told, did I go through the roof, and I told them that "THEY ARE PAYING FOR THE DAMAGES". it was 2 wks in repair, and I could of said what about compensation, but if I'd made the stink, the mechanics job would of been in jeopardy, to avoid his job being in jeopardy. so I let it go, if any problems were to occur after the mishap I told him,(mechanic) I will handle it with you.

At least your dealer is taking care of it, and not trying to deflect who is to blame, and yes they should check into as for who set it up. You get a lot more with a good tone of voice, then a loud voice there is saying you get a lot more with honey then you do with vinegar.

Enjoy your ride.

[Scotty1981]

Thanks everyone for listening to me while I vented a bit, I'm pretty much just resigned to the fact that I have to wait a week to ride again. Still don't like it but not much I can do. Hope to see some of you on the roads out there if you're in or around Columbus, OH. Already contacted by one member, maybe ride some this weekend.

[bigfoot]

I also feel your pain, my bike was in the shop last May, for routine maintenance valve check\oil change etc. I even had to wait on parts (Rear brakes), no dealer had them in stock, I know I called the dealers, getting back on point, while the bike was waiting for these parts, the mechanic who worked on my bike was moving other bikes around while doing so, he tapped one of them, starting a chain re-action, with mine being in the middle, needless to say both sides suffered damage, he told his supervisor, but it was mentioned that if it gets to the owners your job well could be cut short, so the mechanic paid for all parts for the repair out of his own pocket. I did not agree with him having to pay since dealers have some type of coverage for this??, but the mechanic felt to avoid any issues with his job, and he knew me since I always have him service the bike, bike is always kept clean, and well maintained (Wife would like to see it go)

When I first was told, did I go through the roof, and I told them that "THEY ARE PAYING FOR THE DAMAGES". it was 2 wks in repair, and I could of said what about compensation, but if I'd made the stink, the mechanics job would of been in jeopardy, to avoid his job being in jeopardy. so I let it go, if any problems were to occur after the mishap I told him,(mechanic) I will handle it with you.

At least your dealer is taking care of it, and not trying to deflect who is to blame, and yes they should check into as for who set it up. You get a lot more with a good tone of voice, then a loud voice there is saying you get a lot more with honey then you do with vinegar.

Enjoy your ride.

My dealer has insurance to cover this kind of situation.
The only problem is that the deductible is $5,000.

[bigfoot]

Thanks everyone for listening to me while I vented a bit, I'm pretty much just resigned to the fact that I have to wait a week to ride again. Still don't like it but not much I can do. Hope to see some of you on the roads out there if you're in or around Columbus, OH. Already contacted by one member, maybe ride some this weekend.

Use this time to check out the Columbus Brewery Scene.
My favorite of the 6 that I know of is "Columbus Brewery".
The restaurant attached to it has great food and I love the two IPA's they offer.

[w-coyote]

Big Foot,

With regards to the insurance deductible, the damage was around 1K, for parts, no labor since the mechanic did it on his own time, if on co. time then it would of been more $$.. The bill listed the parts, but no cost amount. It's not first time I heard of a deductible being that high.

[Scotty1981]

Thanks everyone for listening to me while I vented a bit, I'm pretty much just resigned to the fact that I have to wait a week to ride again. Still don't like it but not much I can do. Hope to see some of you on the roads out there if you're in or around Columbus, OH. Already contacted by one member, maybe ride some this weekend.

Use this time to check out the Columbus Brewery Scene.
My favorite of the 6 that I know of is "Columbus Brewery".
The restaurant attached to it has great food and I love the two IPA's they offer.

I've always like the "Elevator" on N high st.

I had hoped it would be ready today based on their 3-5 day estimate. Now it looks like it's going to be even longer and I checked a different ASK location and they said if they ordered it they would have told me 5 to 6 days. So my new hopeful date is Tuesday. I almost want to buy another scoot so I'll have a backup when one of them breaks down.