I-90 Motorsports: never again

It's kinda a long story, but suffice it to say that before I could even get my VFR home from purchasing it, it was in the shop at I-90 Motorsports in Issaquah, WA for a charging system diagnostic and eventually for a new R/R. My first hint of trouble was when they called me on Tuesday to tell me that they'd done the diagnostic and that it was indeed an R/R that I would need. The guy who called me said, "man, those bags," in reference to the Corbin Beetle bags that came with the bike. He didn't say anything else about it and I didn't think much about it.

They finally managed to get the bike back to me a full week later (how does it take a week to get a part from Honda to a factory Honda dealer and install it?) and other than a minor scuff on the top of one of the bags it _looks_ fine.

This weekend, I go to install my VFRness from Wire My Bike and discover that it's non-obvious how to correctly remove the rear fairing section without damaging it. I, naturally, refer to my Clymer manual and get it off without too much trouble. In the process of taking off the Beetle bags, I discover several more nicks in the paint under the left bag. I know that these weren't there when I purchased the bike, because the previous owner had the bags off when I first inspected and test drove it. As I finished removing the tail section, I also discovered that one of the fasteners was missing and an extra screw had appeared next to it. Upon inspection, this new screw had been DRILLED INTO MY PLASTIC by the mechanic at I-90 after he BROKE THE PREVIOUS FASTENER.

So now, I not only have a bunch of misc. paint damage on my tail section from these idiots, I have a cobbled together screw/nut instead of the original screw, a broken off tab, an extra scuff on one bag and absolutely no trust that I won't find other damage as I keep looking. What the hell assholes? Aren't you supposed to be the professional mechanics here? How can you fail so severely to disassemble a VFR and install an R/R?

Never, ever, ever again.

 

That is crazy I would take it back and make them pay you enough money to have it fixed someplace decent.

 

what he said. take it back make them fix what they broke

 

Dito, Plus I'd hang their asses on a wall, then throw darts at em. This is so wrong in so many ways, I wouldn't let it go by the way side, they need to be accountable for their actions. Go get em. and if they don't think the power of the pen works, I'll throw this up on a few local forums to spread the fine word on just how fine an establishment they have. They owe you big time.

 

Brandon, The majority of automobile and bike dealers that I have dealt with in my many years have done similar antics as they did to you. My suggestion would be to call the service manager and explain what happened in a very factual manner. Don't falsify any
of their bad deeds,if they catch you in a lie,they will think that you are trying to get over on them.Anyway see how the service manager responds to the problem and base your strategy on that. And the last bit of advice that I will give you is something that my father always said to me,if you want it done right ,do it yourself. I realize that sometimes you cant do it yourself,however try to do as much of the work as you can.
eddie

 

Yeah, I would have done it myself if I hadn't been stranded in Issaquah at the time -- turns out I should have just had the previous owner trailer me and the bike back to my place where I could have done it right (and probably faster).

Thanks for the advice

 

I said NO to I-90 when they refused to deal with me on a used VFR. I've said no to more dealerships recently than I have said yes to, be it parts, or dealings on Motorcycles.

 

That's the chance you take every time you have someone else work on your vehicle. Even if they have some type of a certification like ASE. It doesn't mean doodaalie squat if the person was a hack to begin with. Which is what you got. A hack job. If they won't do you right, then explain to them about the internet and all the people you can tell about their quality work. Good luck I hope it works out for you for the good.

 

That sucks. I would ask for my money back or make them fix it. If you decide you need a new mechanic I use Seattle Cycle Service. They fixed a problem that Lake City Honda did on my bike. Good Luck...

 

everytime I go to shop idiots leave something loose or missing... I take the bike there if i have to with farings off and just seat tank upper....

 

I assume you trailer it there like that and not ride it? I don't have any of those 4-wheeled thingies

Thanks!

 

One hack wrench doesn't make a whole dealership bad. Bypass the Service Manager. Talk to the owner (s) You need the bike and pix from all angles and an affidavit from the former owner that when you purchased the bike it was in so and so condition and the damage was not done when the bike was purchased. You should also get an estimate for repair or replacement or both. Better if you have two. Shows you mean business.

Make sure everything you say is up front and the truth. Dealers get ripped off too. Don't lose your temper. This gets you nowhere. If you can see that you are getting nowhere, sue em in small claims court in Seattle. Not Issaquah or Renton or Everett or Tacoma. Seattle. If they don't show they lose. Collecting is something else again. For that then you start sending Honda in Torrance, legal claims papers.

Maybe you'll luck out and they will pop for the damage.

BTW, Seattle Cycle Service is in the book as George Dean's Seattle Cycle Service. George sold out and now does engines for dwarf cars. His longtime mechanic bought him out.

 

Wow

I would have blown a gasket. I am not sure how I would have dealt with it but I am quite sure the police would have drug me off.

 

TOE CUTTER: lol

 

I-90 Motorsports is aptly named being on Interstate 90. There would be some discussion as to who drug you off since that particular area has King County Sheriffs, Washington State Patrol and Seattle and Issaquah PD's all just seconds away.

Can we assume you are not in the public relations industry?

 

no

My public relations would have ended with my boot having hot sex with mechanics ass.

 

Working for a dealer, also on I-90 (but another state), I feel terrible about the shoddy service provided to you. Please take the advice of the other responses and contact the service manager. If that person can't or doesn't want to accommodate you, take it to the owner.

As far as how long it took to get the parts, I know that our parts manager only places an order once a week or when he has a full order (vendors often offer free shipping at certain dollar amounts; for example, Tucker Rocky, Western Power Sports, and yes, Honda), whichever comes first. This practice has caused a lot of strife between our service and parts departments for some time; waiting for parts that should be on hand at all times is most frustrating, and not just for the customer. I wish I had a better answer that wouldn't add undue cost to the customer or the dealer.

 

ANY good Honda dealer, knowing about the bikes, should have a R/R for each model in stock at all times !!!

 

I have never used them for Service, I wrench myself. However I was trying to buy a new VFR from them the last few weeks, and finally told them to take a F'n leap. Never will step foot in that shop again. Well maybe to pee all over the bathroom floor. I'm a bad aim. Go after them, I sure would.

 

I recently had new tires put on there, and actually had a good experience. Fast, tires were in stock, and it only took them an hour.

Sorry to hear about your experience. I would go down there, and mention something, but let them do all the talking. See what they throw your way first, if anything. If nothing, then tell them what you want.