I think they tried to ripe me off!
I put a set of Bridgestones radial tires on my '03 Goldwing late last year. I didn't ride much through the cold months, so they only have 2,200 miles on them. This week I noticed some vibration at high speed and a "wump, wump, wump" at low speeds. This morning I looked the rear tire over and it had a knot on the side of it.
I took it back to the dealer (not a Honda dealer but a motorcycle accessory shop) to see if they would adjust it. They looked at it and told me no, it wasn't adjustable.
I'm not going to ride on bad tires, and I've done a lot of business with them for years, so I told them replace it, but I wanted to keep the old tire. They asked why, and I told them I was going to contact Bridgestone and see why it wasn't adjustable. They told me okay.
I waited about an hour and they called me to tell me the bike was ready. I went to the counter to pay, and the same guy told me it was no charge. I asked why, and he said the manager looked at it and said they could adjust it at 100%.
Now I'm thinking they were trying to get to me and when they found out I was going to keep the tire and contact Bridgestone, they didn't want to have to explain why they were going to charge me for the tire. They are a Bridgestone dealer, but now I have no proof of what they pulled because they kept the old tire and did the full adjustment.
I guess I should be satisfied, but I still think I should report it to Bridgestone. They seem to be a dishonest dealer.
I remember being in there last year and hearing a guy put up one heck of an argument about getting a tire adjusted, so maybe "No" is their answer to every request. Mounting and balancing along with the tire ran me $526 for front and rear. It was going to cost me $312 today just to replace the rear after a little over 2000 miles.
What do you think I should do?
I took it back to the dealer (not a Honda dealer but a motorcycle accessory shop) to see if they would adjust it. They looked at it and told me no, it wasn't adjustable.
I'm not going to ride on bad tires, and I've done a lot of business with them for years, so I told them replace it, but I wanted to keep the old tire. They asked why, and I told them I was going to contact Bridgestone and see why it wasn't adjustable. They told me okay.
I waited about an hour and they called me to tell me the bike was ready. I went to the counter to pay, and the same guy told me it was no charge. I asked why, and he said the manager looked at it and said they could adjust it at 100%.
Now I'm thinking they were trying to get to me and when they found out I was going to keep the tire and contact Bridgestone, they didn't want to have to explain why they were going to charge me for the tire. They are a Bridgestone dealer, but now I have no proof of what they pulled because they kept the old tire and did the full adjustment.
I guess I should be satisfied, but I still think I should report it to Bridgestone. They seem to be a dishonest dealer.
I remember being in there last year and hearing a guy put up one heck of an argument about getting a tire adjusted, so maybe "No" is their answer to every request. Mounting and balancing along with the tire ran me $526 for front and rear. It was going to cost me $312 today just to replace the rear after a little over 2000 miles.
What do you think I should do?
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Sort of depends on how much you need to trust this dealer in the future.
If it was me I'd probably contact Bridgestone.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Henry0Reilly
Sort of depends on how much you need to trust this dealer in the future.
If it was me I'd probably contact Bridgestone.
I'm through with them. There are dealers all over this end of town. I just used them because they were closest to the house.0 -
to give you and idea, when you put your bike up
for extended storage, get a bike jack.
get the weight off the tires, get the sunlight
off of them as well.0 -
You got what you wanted, and from what you told us the evidence appears too flimsy to support an attempted "ripoff." Did you speak with a lower senority worker afraid of making a decision? If so, it is reasonable to think that the manager saw what was going on and set it straight later, as a manager should.
If the above is reasonable then my opinion is - Let it go, enjoy the day. You have better things to do, and messing with them under the facts as I see them, is a waste of your time and talent.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Kimbercolt
to give you and idea, when you put your bike up
for extended storage, get a bike jack.
get the weight off the tires, get the sunlight
off of them as well.
I alway keep it on the center stand. It was used at least once a week through winter (Texas doesn't really have winter) and I believe the tire was bad from the factory.0 -
quote:Originally posted by mateomasfeo
You got what you wanted and from what you told us evidence is too flimsy to support an attempted "ripoff." Did you speak with a lower senority worker afraid of making a decision? If so, it is reasonable to think that the manager saw what was going on and set it straight later, as a manager should.
If the above is reasonable then my opinion is - Let it go, enjoy the day. You have better things to do, and messing with them under the facts as I see them, is a waste of your time and talent.
It was the manager who initially told me they couldn't adjust it. Then, he changes he mind, but only after I said I wanted the old tire back. That just doesn't make sense to me. Like i say, I've heard arguments about tire adjusting before in their shop, so it makes me think that is their standard practice.0 -
quote:Originally posted by mateomasfeo
You got what you wanted, and from what you told us the evidence appears too flimsy to support an attempted "ripoff." Did you speak with a lower senority worker afraid of making a decision? If so, it is reasonable to think that the manager saw what was going on and set it straight later, as a manager should.
If the above is reasonable then my opinion is - Let it go, enjoy the day. You have better things to do, and messing with them under the facts as I see them, is a waste of your time and talent.
Wait til ya get the bill on that advice.0 -
I see your worry, but they did what was right in the end, no harm no foul.
You have purchased there for years, have they done you wrong in the past?
If you are uncomfortable, vote with your pocketbook and go elsewhere for your tires in the future. I wouldn't waste my time or stomach lining with a complaint.0 -
quote:Originally posted by mateomasfeo
You have purchased there for years, have they done you wrong in the past?
There have been a couple of issues that I thought I got the raw end on. Most were over warranty issues, one was over service that had to be redone twice and they tried to charge me the second time too, and one was over failing to order the correct parts, then trying to charge me a restocking fee.
Like I said, I'm through with them.0 -
dheffley: I've been in almsot the same thing like you but with car tires.
They tried to pull the disposal tire thing on me when it cleary said 'keep old parts' on the invoice. They did not want to give up the old tire. So I had a few 'choice' words from them, and got in front of their computer to see if the charges were taken off. They of course gave me the tire back and when I said 'bad customer service' I think the others customers heard me. Maybe people will not shop there anymore until they get their act together.
FYI: I dont know about motorcycle tires but I'm assured it will be the same
Do NOT purchase tires from any dealer. They charge/ mark-up the price to unbelieveable levels. Case in point; a while back when buying some tires I called the dealer and they quoted me nearly a thousand dollars [$1000] for the tires. WOW![B)] I then called up a tire shop I trust, and got a quote for just over $420.00. I have had this happen before at different shops; so this tells me that the dealers are trying to hose me over. [:(!] *** They were the same size, make, and model of tire. ***
Dont know about where you live, but if you dont tell them to remove the road hazard from the tire bill they will add it on without you asking. Since it does not cover vandalism, and a flat fix will be cheaper; I hardly see the point for this.0 -
I think what happened is that they called Bridgestone and got an OK for the replacement.
You got the new tire (which is what you wanted, right?) so why worry about it.0 -
Man, that sure sounds like a lot of money for two tires for the bike. I can put a fine set of tires on my Lexus for less than that!
I had heard that the rear tire for my Harley would be $150. But, maybe I am in for a surprise when I go to the Dealer and have it done. I have 7600 miles on my Harley tires right now and they don't look worn at all, lots of tread remaining.
The front tire would be easy to replace but the back would be a bit of a pain to do yourself. I have always done my bikes in the past but I would not attempt the Harley and I am sure your Honda is as much work or more.0 -
quote:Originally posted by dheffley
quote:Originally posted by mateomasfeo
You have purchased there for years, have they done you wrong in the past?
There have been a couple of issues that I thought I got the raw end on. Most were over warranty issues, one was over service that had to be redone twice and they tried to charge me the second time too, and one was over failing to order the correct parts, then trying to charge me a restocking fee.
Like I said, I'm through with them.
Under these conditions I would never darken their door again.0 -
You sir, were indeed nearly a victim of a rip-off. Screw them. I'd tell them WHY you are no longer using them. It seems that the majority of shops out there these days will rip you off if you let them. Good for you.
Merc0 -
quote:Originally posted by dheffley
quote:Originally posted by Henry0Reilly
Sort of depends on how much you need to trust this dealer in the future.
If it was me I'd probably contact Bridgestone.
I'm through with them. There are dealers all over this end of town. I just used them because they were closest to the house.
+1 they were going to get a new tire out of it from bridgestone, and sell it to someone else report it and take your business elsewhere, people will try anything,just think how many folks they have ripped off, report them![V]0 -
Was it the right or left training wheel that went bad? 0 -
You were getting ripped off. I guess they say "No" and then negotiate from there.
I had the exact same problem with a car tire and a local (convenient) Cooper tire dealer. It's a loonngggg story but it boiled down to the same thing. When I said give me "NO" in writing and I'll keep the tire or adjust it minus miles and give me that in writing, the owner started seeing it my way.[8]
I had been aggravated by a serious vibration for quite some time, almost since new, and had returned several times for balancing, rotation, inspection, inflation etc. etc. As it turns out the tire had tread separation and was awfully out of round.[:(!][:(!][:(!]
It's a shame one has to continually get red-assed to get proper service.0 -
...Well, sounds like they tried to put the thumb screws on you for sure. I think if I was going to waste my time fooling with the situation at this point; I'd just go to the manager in a face to face and tell him that either his people, and/or him, were low lifes and the attempt to rip you off made them thieves.
...and as you said, take your business elsewhere. Confront the guilty parties, not the suits at Brigstone...[;)]
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In some states the Department of Motor Vehicle has a consumer fraud unit. If your state does, report it. 0 -
From what I've read they did nothing wrong but eat the tire and labor trying to keep you happy. The tire problem you described could of been caused by a bump in the road. More than likely they will not get any money back from their supplier. I've been the victim of trying to please a customer to no end, only to getting accused of trying to screw them. The automtive repair industry as a whole gets poop on for no reason far too often. Remeber, they do this for a living every day. You are thier customer. Could they actually be an expert? Most likely. Customers are proffesional non-buyers and non-believers. Their goal is good & cheap or even free if they can.
End of rant. [:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by ginmaster
From what I've read they did nothing wrong but eat the tire and labor trying to keep you happy. The tire problem you described could of been caused by a bump in the road. More than likely they will not get any money back from their supplier. I've been the victim of trying to please a customer to no end, only to getting accused of trying to screw them. The automtive repair industry as a whole gets poop on for no reason far too often. Remeber, they do this for a living every day. You are thier customer. Could they actually be an expert? Most likely. Customers are proffesional non-buyers and non-believers. Their goal is good & cheap or even free if they can.
End of rant. [:)]
I didn't ask for anything, much less free. I took the bike in and told them I had a problem with the rear tire. Check it out and let me know if it's covered by the warranty.
They came back after the manager looked at it and told me no. I assumed it was Bridgestones policy and had nothing to do with the dealer, so I decided to take Bridgestone to task. I told them okay, and replace the tire. Then I asked for the tire back. They asked why I wanted it back, and my exact quote was, "I want to know why Bridgestone won't adjust a new tire with a knot on it."
At that point in time, my issue was with Bridgestone, not the dealer. I have no problem paying for a tire if I damaged it, but I know for sure this tire was never stressed and never hit anything on the road. You really notice such things on a motorcycle.
I waited and went to the counter to "pay" for the new tire. That's when I was told it had been adjusted for free. I was very happy!!!
After I got home, I started thinking. The comment from the sales clerk was, "We'll have to keep the tire to return it for credit." Makes sense! The other quote was, "The manager looked at it again and said it was definitely a Bridgestone issue".
The manager told me they would have to pull the tire so he could look at it. After they pulled it, he told me it wasn't covered under the warranty, and he wouldn't suggest riding on it for safety reasons. I gave the okay to replace it and asked for the tire back.
An hour later, it was replaced at no charge. I'm happy with that, but you don't see anything to be suspicious about? Interesting!0 -
The down side of having a tire or battery adjusted under the manufacturer's warranty is that the pro-rata schedule is based upon the list or published price - not the actual sale or market selling price.
In theory, a tire that you or I pay $150 for in a tire center may actually have a list price of $400. So, halfway through the tread wear, we'd be much better off buying a brand new one outright because it's still cheaper.
But if we leave the old one at the center, most assuredly, it will be adjusted afterwards by that same dealer for a partial credit - sometimes just reimbursement of a handling charge - from the manufacturer.
Between 1968 and 1978, I sold thousands of tires and batteries and adjusted more than my fair share of them.0 -
quote:Originally posted by dheffley
What do you think I should do?
Keel Haul them All! uh, I mean, Buy a Harley!0 -
quote:Originally posted by mrseatle
Buy a Harley!
Did that twice. Both AMF vintage. Left a real bad taste in my mouth.[V]0 -
I don't know if this is what they do but it would fit with what you've said.
They get someone in with a tire problem like you had they tell him sorry can't adjusted it. He says OK put on a new one. Then they keep the old tire and turn it in as if they did adjusted it and make double on the deal.
Or they may have decided that they could be if adjusted after all.
You will never know.
If you don't trust them go someplace else.0 -
I had something similar happen when I sent the wife's Prelude to get the valves adjusted. First the A/C quit on the way to work, from picking up the shop. Now think about this, wife is 7.5 months pregnant, it's July in Florida. How long did it take to get it back to the shop? While replacing the broken hose, which appeared to have a razorblade cut in it, they mentioned that my rubber band needed changing (timing belt). I thought this was strange that they didn't mention this while adjusting the valves a couple days before. I put off the $300 labor bill till I could get over the A/C bill. (this is 1987).Two weeks later the timing belt breaks, so I haul it home and start tearing it apart to replace it. I decided I needed a manual, so went looking for one. No luck! Figured I might should locate the parts while I was on the phone, which is when one of the other dealerships in town told me about the "white writing recall". Any belt with white writing on it was recalled over 30K miles. I called the parts dept of the dealer that did the work on the wife's car and they knew about it without even looking into it.
The other dealer came got the car after I piled all the parts in the front floorboard at 2pm and called me the next moring at 8 saying my car was ready. I asked for a total, to which they replied "no charge".
I haven't been back to the Honda dealer in Orange Park but very much deal with the one on the westside of Jax anytime I can.
David from jax0 -
quote:Originally posted by dheffley
quote:Originally posted by mrseatle
Buy a Harley!
Did that twice. Both AMF vintage. Left a real bad taste in my mouth.[V]
....And a bad stain on the floor.0 -
quote:Originally posted by dheffley
What do you think I should do?
Kill them all. With a toothpick.0
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