Knutsford Honda Motorcycle Dealer - Never going there again!

ant... · 07-21-2009, 12:29 PM

Took my precious perfect 08 CBR1000RR for its clutch upgrade, its first set off fresh rubber BT016's and a Quick action throttle install. Knutford Honda's mechanics messed everything up.

It took them 3 extra days to do this

1, The clutch upgrade was installed incorrectly, even though i gave them a printout from honda showing them where previous mechanics were going wrong and how to get it done right. Clutch slip made it hard to take off from a standstill and when reved over 6K it would slip into high revs.

2, Fitted the QAT and put glue all over my switch gear, plus left quater of a turn slack in the throttle, i had to build two 5mm collars on the CNC to fix it myself.

3, They scuffed my rims on both sides installing the tires, when asked about it they replied "we noted it was done before the tire install". Thats bull cos i watched the kid start the job.

4, R&G slider was left half undone and the cap/logo is missing off it.

Unfortunately the bike has gone back there to have its clutch fixed, but they are so incompetent that i dont want them touching the bike anymore than they have to and they are not going to do anything about the scratched rims.

denzee · 07-21-2009, 1:30 PM

I'd be p!ssed too! Probably was a helper and not a tech. At least I hope so or that's pretty bad stuff for sure. Word of mouth can be quite harmful unless they are the only dealer around.

LoopyLee · 07-21-2009, 1:33 PM

For gawds sake put in a complaint and insist on everything being sorted out, including the wheels... and if that doesn't work take it highter.... Trading standards may be able to help you....

sharkey3432 · 07-21-2009, 1:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

For gawds sake put in a complaint and insist on everything being sorted out, including the wheels... and if that doesn't work take it highter.... Trading standards may be able to help you....

yup what loopy said take them to the cleaners mate!

ant... · 07-21-2009, 2:36 PM

They are denying everything, but im going to try.

The worst part is they say they have inspected the clutch and its exactly how honda recommend it be installed, so their is nothing more they can do.
The mechanic took it for a tootle up the road and recons its fine. Its a damn superbike, you need to give it full power and wait till over 6k revs for the clutch to slip.

Im going over to see them tomorrow.

Twincam · 07-21-2009, 4:59 PM

Ouch. Thats not right at all.

Would watchdog be able to help?

LoopyLee · 07-21-2009, 5:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

Would watchdog be able to help?

Bloody brilliant idea Mr Cam

ant... · 07-21-2009, 6:21 PM

The TV program that used to be pressented by Ester Ransen?

Ive planned to try:
-Credit card company that i paid with
-Office of Fair Trading
-Citizens Advice

sheepofblue · 07-21-2009, 6:28 PM

Another example of why I don't want anyone touching my fleet

Now if I can just hit the lotto or marry money so I can get a dyno....

vville123 · 07-21-2009, 6:41 PM

Think they used enough freaking glue? I'd be pissed, times like that is when I make a big freaking scene in the show room. They tend to hate that.

Twincam · 07-21-2009, 6:50 PM

Thats real shoddy buisness... Do they expect you to come back?

skorpia · 07-21-2009, 8:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ant...

3, They scuffed my rims on both sides installing the tires, when asked about it they replied "we noted it was done before the tire install". Thats bull cos i watched the kid start the job.

i dont know how they do it over the pond, but i know here at my shop, we inspect he bike BEFORE we take it in, all scuffs, scratches, broken or missing parts are noted and the customer signs off on it before we even touch it.

Might want to check the paper work to see if you signed anything to that effect....

That's a bummer, but now you have a good reason to get a some sick looking rim stripes....

i personally like the ones by tape works...

ant... · 07-21-2009, 8:55 PM

I hate rim tape, think its the saddest thing ever, but if I fit black then it might cover the scratches.

Great Idea Skorpia
Thanks

jazzy · 07-21-2009, 9:36 PM

I have another option to fill your needs for satisfaction....GO AND BURN THE BLOODY GARAGE DOWN!!! Bunch of tossers, thats disgusting what they've done.
I complained out here because they scratched the rear rim on the very 1st tyre change, I was furious!! The shop tarted it up for me and gave a load of credit in the shop.
You gotta complain and I think Trading standards and the Citizens Advice Bureau would be a great help to you.

In failing all that....go back to my original idea

ant... · 07-22-2009, 10:12 AM

Thinking of tagging "Crap Mechanics" on their front wall.

saxonblade · 07-22-2009, 2:45 PM

I suggest that you try trading standards also....even if it only puts that business on their radar....you may be surprised....

The threat of a write up in MCN / Fast Bike / Bike / Rider and the local Knutsford rags accompanied by photos may help also.... (before actually doing so you may wish to check with legal eagles first to avoid adverse consequences for yourself) - but the threat may work....

Plus you could visit all the local bike haunts and "display" their work - If I was a dealership I would take this very seriously....

Finally, a complaint direct to Honda UK may cause them significant trouble....If you do this you may be able to get a "complaint number" and possibly some recompense - plus it pust the dealer on Honda UK's radar also...

Do you have any pre job photos (they do not necessarily need to know when they were taken??) to prove lack of damage prior to their handy work???

Just a few thoughts....

Good luck...

saxonblade · 07-22-2009, 2:46 PM

I am assuming that the dealership is a Honda dealership..

listen_silent · 07-22-2009, 5:03 PM

Really really sh*tty situation you have there ant. I'm sorry for ya man. If anything though, this post gives me good motivation to take pictures of the bike at the dealership before they start the work. There will be no questions or doubts with such a practice. The glue picture is just a nightmare!

It's too bad I don't live near you for if I did you bet I'd be spreading the word on such incompetent and shady business practices. Best of luck getting things worked out in your favor!

ant... · 07-23-2009, 5:15 PM

Saxonblade - Ive got a write-up in MCN and Fastbikes coming soon, but its about the 08 CBR1000RR clutch upgrade problem, its too much to ask for them to slag off Knutsford Honda for me. It is a start though.

Ive got a video of my bike outside the dealership, with me recommending videoing your bike, then i show the scratched wheels. Hopefully if i post it on youtube it will turn up on the search engines and put people off going there.

Thanks listen silent, im certainly not going back there.

LoopyLee · 07-23-2009, 6:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ant...

Hopefully if i post it on youtube it will turn up on the search engines and put people off going there.

Ant... If you google Knutsford Honda this thread shows up on page 1, 6th entry already

Twincam · 07-23-2009, 6:29 PM

Lets make it number 1

ant... · 07-24-2009, 3:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

Ant... If you google Knutsford Honda this thread shows up on page 1, 6th entry already

Meta spiders have got it already hey!

Thats good news though, because all I really want is for this awefully bad service to stop.

When I saw what they had done to my perfect new bike, and wouldnt own up to their mistakes, it felt like id been mugged & kicked in the balls. I had stomach & head ache all day. Our fellow riders need to know what can happen and where they stand with Honda(no support) and this dealer in Knutsford who trashed my wheels.

Twincam · 07-24-2009, 3:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

Lets make it number 1

We have hit spot #1...

saxonblade · 07-24-2009, 8:24 PM

I had not necessarily intended for your to "trash" the dealership in the local or national rags, but if they believe that you will trash them they may take your situation more seriously........ therefore you have some power = perception is the key...

At the moment they believe that you have no recourse, so they believe that they hold all the cards......

But if you do go down the route of trashing them in the local/national press, do take legal advice first....

the bad service needs to stop...

Are they a Honda dealership ? Have you complained to Honda?

ant... · 07-24-2009, 8:58 PM

Quote:

Are they a Honda dealership ? Have you complained to Honda?

Yes & Yes. Honda say that anything a dealer does that is not contracted by honda(warranty) is upto Buyer V's Dealer, as in UK contractual law. Honda UK will not get involved.

Their are all sorts of stories going around about how honda mechanics have to be specialy trained and dealerships have a responsibility to keep up the quality of service, but its all bull. Honda told me, in a roundabout way, that they have no control over what goes on, who they hire or the service they provide.

Good news is, I know how they scratched my rims. Apparently if you dont take the calipers off the front wheel before you try and take it off, the wheels will scratch against the clipers. Happens all the time to our bikes.

Zhart · 07-24-2009, 9:26 PM

This is why I do maint. I even change my tires myself. Idon't want to deal with this crap. Good luck with this, WANKERS!!!

If you can't get anything resolved, get it resolved the American way, USE A GUN!!!!

ant... · 07-27-2009, 1:48 PM

I emailed the Owner & he replied:

Quote:

Hi Anthony

I am very surprised by the tone of your email and the threats it's contains. I am sure you realise that publicity of this nature would not be very helpful to my business and whilst I do not fully accept responsibility for the issues you raise I am as a gesture of goodwill prepared to put the issues right.

However we will do this on the understanding that you first speak to the moderator of the "thread" and have that removed. Once this is done please contact us to arrange for your bike to be booked in.

I am sure we will both learn from this experience and we will be changing procedures on checking bikes in for work to avoid this situation in the future. I hope that the outcome will not deter you from using us in future.

Kind regards
Eric

Knutsford Honda are now willing to speak to me, Wow!.

but they want this thread pulled, ive said "no not yet", this issue is bigger than getting my front wheel sprayed. I think they should come on here, offer and explenation and a solution to these issues.

If they can assure us they have fixed there service issues then id be willing to use them again, wouldnt you? They are a new company with some teathing troubles, but we dont want any more bikes damaged.

LoopyLee · 07-27-2009, 2:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ant...

Knutsford Honda are now willing to speak to me, Wow!.

but they want this thread pulled, ive said "no not yet", this issue is bigger than getting my front wheel sprayed. I think they should come on here, offer and explenation and a solution to these issues.

If they can assure us they have fixed there service issues then id be willing to use them again, wouldnt you? They are a new company with some teathing troubles, but we dont want any more bikes damaged.

I'm sorry but they are the ones who damaged your bike and threads such as this serve to warn other riders that an establishment isn't taking care of it's customers bikes..

I like this bit...

Quote:

I am sure we will both learn from this experience

I'm sure you have learned from this Ant...... Once they have put your bike back to perfect I'm sure you have learned never to let them anywhere near it, EVER AGAIN!!!! I know I wouldn't trust them with any bike after what they did to yours..

I'm not pulling the thread...

I was talking to a guy when my tyres were changed the other day and mentioned what had happened to your bike and he actually had exactly the same thing done to his pristine bike, but like Knutsford they denied doing anything wrong and would not admit responsibility or repair the damage..

Sideshow bob · 07-27-2009, 2:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ant...

Knutsford Honda are now willing to speak to me, Wow!.

.... I suggest he does the work first..... then you can post how marvelously they sorted the issue in the end....

...most people understand dealers/shops sometimes do shoddy work.. sometimes accidently, sometimes 'cos of crappy workmen/practices..

but a dealer who puts the work right gets a better reputation than one who denies the issue

ant... · 07-27-2009, 3:00 PM

Quote:

I'm not pulling the thread...

Sorry Eric (owner of Knutsford honda) the pretty girl has spoken!
You need to get involved and put things right

Quote:

I was talking to a guy when my tyres were changed the other day and mentioned what had happened to your bike and he actually had exactly the same thing done to his pristine bike, but like Knutsford they denied doing anything wrong and would not admit responsibility or repair the damage..

The staff there are stupid but im sure thats not all the owners fault, who now has to pay for repairs.

Im sure the young kid has Zero official bike training and thats where all the problems are coming from, he needs taking off the mechanic team till he's ready. Then the manager needs to go back to school too.

If they staffed up properly and made recompence for there mistakes then id try them again, all in the name of protecting other members pride and joy's.

We cant have official Honda dealers trading like that, so we have to keep an eye on them or make sure everyone knows what they are capable of.