Two NJ Suzuki Dealers shut down - Page 4 - Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle Forums

clovett · #31 12-20-2012, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prime

This is a big problem, local motorcycle stores suffer a bit each and every time we buy our crap off the interwebs instead of the store shelf. What is even worse is actually going to the store, trying stuff on, getting proper sizing and fit, and then going home and buying the very same item off the interweb. Yeah, you might find it a few bucks cheaper but their comes a price for doing that... and that is the closing of our local bike stores.

I'm sure that varies from shop to shop. Our local Suzuki dealer had such horrible service that you couldn't get waited on at their parts department without them spitting on you.

Example

The first time I go in to the local dealer was to get a key made. I wait 10 minutes while they smooze with a customer they like, humiliated the old guy in front of me (he isn't coming back) then informed me they only make keys on Tuesday and laughed. Yeah it's Wednesday

Later they dropped Suzuki but still have Yamaha and Kawasaki. I was getting a key cut at the local Honda shop last year and asked them if they could also cut one for my Suzuki. They replied they would like to because of all the requests but (same other dealer) refused to sell them the Suzuki key machine that is now collecting dust on their rack. I almost died laughing as they could only make keys on Tuesday when they had a specific key block cutter a monkey could operate.

Where is pride of ownership for some of these dealers

MikeB · #32 12-20-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

I think this must be a signal for me "get the KTM.."

It could also be a signal that you should get a factory service manual and do the necessary work yourself. You can get any needed Suzuki parts online, but more likely you'll only need generic stuff you can get at any motorcycle shop or even auto parts place.

BigMan73 · #33 12-20-2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

It could also be a signal that you should get a factory service manual and do the necessary work yourself. You can get any needed Suzuki parts online, but more likely you'll only need generic stuff you can get at any motorcycle shop or even auto parts place.

That's the 'wrong' way to interpret that..

Seriously, I can do oil changes, but not the big 15K service.
I know my current limits.
Yes, with some mentor/training I can do anything, but I'm not there.

I called a few motorcycle schools and they all offer full-career (9 months).
If anybody can teach me for a week (BlackLab, GreyWolf?) I'm willing to pay.
Not kidding here - if an expert mechanic, can have a v-strom mechanic course I will be taking time off and pay for that.

MikeB · #34 12-20-2012, 10:41 AM

You CAN do it...if I can, anyone can. Hell, I'm a retired gov't bureaucrat with degrees in zoology and linguisitics, which prepared me not at all for mechanical things. Get the factory manual, follow it slavishly and slowly. Don't rush or do anything you haven't thought out fully beforehand. I can't tell you how many time I've puzzled over something I did not understand, but after long (sometimes very long) reflection it becomes clear at last.

And remember, there's almost nothing you can do wrong that a real mechanic can't straighten out later. I have thought at times it might come to that, but so far so good.

(As the man falling from a skyscraper was heard to say as he passed each floor.)

BigMan73 · #35 12-20-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

You CAN do it...if I can, anyone can. Hell, I'm a retired gov't bureaucrat with degrees in zoology and linguisitics, which prepared me not at all for mechanical things. Get the factory manual, follow it slavishly and slowly. Don't rush or do anything you haven't thought out fully beforehand. I can't tell you how many time I've puzzled over something I did not understand, but after long (sometimes very long) reflection it becomes clear at last.

And remember, there's almost nothing you can do wrong that a real mechanic can't straighten out later. I have thought at times it might come to that, but so far so good.

(As the man falling from a skyscraper was heard to say as he passed each floor.)

Of course I can, but I choose not to do things without proper training and tools.
I serviced a very complicated tank (with machine guns, main gun and numerous other systems) so I know I can do it. But I got excellent training before that (by brilliant female instructors BTW - the best!).

richw · #36 12-20-2012, 07:15 PM

You are well sized for a Katoom

If you think you have trouble finding Suzy service KTM will be harder

Those dealerships were probably outlets of the same corporation. They also might have gone Schlamozzle and will be re open in a week.

Actually I only do my own service as I don't want to trust my life to a 7th grade drop out crack head.

BigMan73 · #37 12-20-2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richw

You are well sized for a Katoom

If you think you have trouble finding Suzy service KTM will be harder

Those dealerships were probably outlets of the same corporation. They also might have gone Schlamozzle and will be re open in a week.

Actually I only do my own service as I don't want to trust my life to a 7th grade drop out crack head.

Regd size - yes, 100%. A big bike

I'm waiting for the 1190 ADV R. So it is not relevant for 2013.
Anyway, there is a KTM dealer 40 miles away. Great? no.. but having one Suzuki dealer 20 miles away that charges $95 per hour isn't either.

Stromin'Nroman · #38 12-21-2012, 07:19 AM

I just visitied my local Suzuki dealer yesterday.

They installed a new Aannaakkee out back.

I'm doing my part to keep them in business.

I do and have done varying degrees of work on my bike depending mostly on my current income status and mood.

I understand the need to kmow the bike on a very intimate level, especially on a long trip far a way from home, but..................

I get no joy from wrenching.

I fv<kin' hate it most of the time, honestly.

I don't have all the tools I really need, a lift, or most importantly the desire.

So when I can afford it, I pay somebody who has worked on many V-Stroms for as long as they have been made to not screw up my bike.

I guess I must be unusually fortunate to have such a reputable shop so close to home (13 miles), I will do what I can to keep them there.

richw · #39 12-21-2012, 09:28 AM

Well it had been improving with the addition of quads and sleds.

OLD north mc shops had a 4 month season and could not afford to keep good talent all year. So around March they would hire anybody off the street and let them go to it. That is where the missing brake bolts and sunshine jobs really got done.

Even picking up my brandy new bikes I would drive to the next parking lot. Pull out the tool kit and tighten anything I think the shop was responsible for, there was always at least one finger tight bolt.

jerseypete · #40 01-02-2013, 10:54 PM

I would (and have) drive an hour to Flemington where you will find Burgers Motorcycle. Main service guy owns a Strom and knows his stuff. There was a guy down in Pompton Cycle, but I am not sure he is there anymore.

I knew about Ramsey, what was the other one?

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