| Author | Message | ||
     Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Since day one I’ve never had good clutch. I thought it was just in need of the new flash. But man it was like riding a rodeo bull!!! So when I took it to get the first service done they looked at it and said it was the slave cylinder. They also didnt put enough oil in it, so when I got a presure light at 140 and at stops, they said the reason was the dip stick.It wasn't even registaring on the stick. Then the second time the pressure plate bearing was walking in and out and they replaced the Master Cylinder also. Third time it was the clutch plates them selves that were installed wrong from the vendor. Now they are replacing the entire clutch basket and the right pod, brake lever, and clutch cover from when I lost all clutch totally while making a U'y at a gas station parking spot. When I came to a stop the clutch reengaged. It lunged forward and I caught it by the right bar as the left bar slipped out of my hand and I had to lay it down as easy as I could on my right leg. I had got the bike back just the day before from being in the shop for that whole week. The last fix lasted all of 1 hr. I’ve satisfied the lemon law twice over, here in TX. Anyway, I get it back today and hope all is well. They still don't know what is causing this, their just changing parts. They as in Buell eng. and the dealership mechs. One thing is true, the bearing was walking (i.e. vibration in my opinion, that thing is pressed in there well) and the clutch plates had been installed wrong from Buells outside Vendor from the begining, not my opinion, I saw it with my own 4 eyes. THIS SUX BIG TIME I JUST WANT MY BIKE BACK!!!!!!!!! I’ve only ridden it while it was running right for an hour and a half. I loved it. What you have just read was from a posting I made yesterday. I did not get my bike back last night but was told to come back today Saturday, about 12 noon. I just got back from the dealer and still have no bike. They road it after installing the clutch basket for 50 miles and all was fine. The mech let it cool down and decided to just check it one more time to see if it still had clutch. What do you think he found? Nothing, nada, zip, NO CLUTCH !!!!!!! They have no idea what to do now after replacing everything from the slave and master cylinders to the clutch it’s self. Service Manager Dave at Mancusso HD- Buell Houston, who has been great and was extremely embarrassed, told me to bear with him on my bike. I asked him ''What bike, you own the bike and I only own a payment, right; can I take it home with me’’? To which he replied nope, but if I were you I would call customer service. Great, a lot of good that’s going to do, talking to an operator. When I ask him about a new bike, he directed me to talk to Buell, he’s just the dealer. I understand, but man, what’s it take to get more than a peice of crap for the thousands of dollars I’ve got invest here that they gladly deposited in their bank along with my monthly payments. I left without my bike again, just livid with this whole thing!!! I love this bike. But to what lengths do I have to go to actually own it. You know, get to be able to take it home for more than 1 or 2 day and enjoy riding it without wondering if it’s going to fall apart or get me or it hurt? Buell, if you have some one reading this sight, Come on man, this is not funny, or even close to being humorous. You’re going to get someone hurt by producing what should have been a great bike. This has become a joke, but the joke is on us!!! Thanks for indulging me, Les If you think I’m over reacting, Please, say so. But I think I’ve been more then patient. Any thoughts? | ||
| Jmr1283 |
sucks, and i was pissed about getting blown off about a bad console. | ||
| Ccryder |
Raise the bar and talk to the Owner or General Manager of the Dealership. If that doesn't work, call Buell Customer Service. Just my $0.02 | ||
| Zac4mac |
"call customer service. Great, a lot of good that’s going to do, talking to an operator. " Actually, that's going to do the most good, in the shortest time. Do not underestimate Buell CS. It's an unprecedented resource. Zack Les - sorry you have to put up with the Summer heat and hurricanes. I grew up in Houston. | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
I appreciate the support here. I think I would feel totally lost in this deal if I had not read the success stories of Buell's support of this bike, since it's problematic launch last year. It's been a very impressive recovery. I have no doubt that Service Manager Dave will get what he wants out of Buell's engineering group, who themselves have been nothing but cooperative to date, even if that means replacing the entire power plant and gear box which we talked about possibly being the next step... That being said, time is passing and this beautiful weather that happens only twice a year in Houston, is fading fast. I find myself setting here in my living room watch it go by talking to you guys ( Caly native thus the you guys ) saving my sanity instead of out riding and enjoying what trackdays are left in this season. Thanks Zac, I got CS'es # last night. Has anyone heard of this before or have any theories? Seriously I would like to know!!! I'm a decent Car mech. but not much experience working on bikes. Thank so much for the support Les | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Schedule a meeting with the dealership's General Manager, very calmly and politely explain the situation (and how unacceptable it is), and then say you would rather not involve an attorney but you are prepared to do so unless they or Buell can satisfactorily and promptly rectify the situation. I had a similar outrageous situation with an '02 X1, and I was given the run around (hot potato between the dealer and Buell) until I threatened legal action... my problem was solved within three days- they bought my bike back. Don't fall for the "warranty" doublespeak they'll throw at you... remind them that it doesn't matter if you're not paying for the repairs- being without your bike and making payments in the meantime is absolutely unacceptable! You can PM me for more details if you'd like... I cannot stress enough the importance of of remaining calm and rational, and allowing both the dealer and Buell ample opportunity to solve the problem (although it appears you long ago surpassed that limit). Stay professional, and be prepared to back up your words. Allow your anger to turn into resolve that you (nor anyone else) should ever have to put up with the situation you have been put in- and you are no longer willing to take it anymore. There is hope... and hopefully it won't have to be ugly. Just remember to speak softly and carry the big stick. | ||
| Jmr1283 |
calm be calm breath, into the nose out the mouth, count to ten. maybe twenty. exhale. ill be doin this. | ||
| Misterrich |
They are the dealer that sold you the bike. Tell them you want it replaced right now. They need to take it up with Buell customer service not you. | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Redbuelljunjie This is a list of the repairs and the dates that they were done. You’ll have to excuse the CAPS I was screwing around at about 1am this morning and I don’t feel like changing it. Enjoy & hide the razors and any sharp object, you might get as frustrated as I am!!! In For 1st service Change Oil & Do Setup 1st Time To Report Clutch Problems 1st Repair In - Replace Slave Cylinder 9-Oct 1st Repair Out - Replace Slave Cylinder 10-Oct 1st Repair-Replace Slave Cylinder Failed 2nd Repair In-Look Inside Clutch Cover -Press In Pressure Plate Bearing (It Was Floating In & Out) Reinstall Clutch Plates Installed Wrong From Buell Vendor 2nd Repair Out Same Day- Press In Pressure Plate Bearing That Was Floating & Reinstall Clutch Plates Correctly That Were Installed Incorrectly From Buell's Vendor 11-Oct Reported 2nd Repair Failure - Clutch Plates Correctly Installed & Bearing Repress Failed 1st Lay Down At Stop Light @ 529 & Hwy 6. Due To Clutch Failure (Clutch Reengaged With Clutch Lever Fully Depressed. Bike Lunged Forward No Damage) 14-Oct 3rd Repair In - Replace Master Cylinder No Oil On Dip Stick & Oil Light On @ Quick Stops (From 1st Service) 17-Oct 3rd Repair Out - Replaced Master Cylinder Changed Oil, Replaced Dip Stick, And Oil Filter New Dip Stick Is No Longer Than OEM Part (SM said Replacement Dip Stick was longer, And That Was The Problem) 18-Oct Reported 3rd Repair Failure- Replace Master Cylinder Failed Reported 2nd Lay Down With Damages Due To Clutch Failure Occurred In Gas Station Parking Lot In Brookshire, TX, 8AM Clutch Reengaged With Clutch Lever Fully Depressed (Bike Lunged Forward Damage To Right - Clutch Cover, Radiator Pod, Mirror, & Brake Lever) 19-Oct 4th Repair In - Replace Entire Clutch Basket. Order New Replacement Parts For Damaged Parts (From 2nd Lay Down) 1-Nov 4th Repair Failure- Replace Entire Clutch Basket -Failed & Never Left Buell's Shop. New Clutch Basket Didn't Fix the Problem & New Replacement Parts Were Not Ordered. Why? 4-Nov 5th Repair - Service Manager Dave Will Call Buell Tuesday To Find Out What The 5th Repair Will Be. Total Of 32 Days Out of Service In My Possession For Testing Repairs & Taking The Bike Back In, In A Timely Manner. No Repair Has Lasted More Than An Hour. Les | ||
| Court |
Lesley: In my PERSONAL OPINION, and fully cognizant of your frustration, I think you are doing exactly the right thing. Remain, as has been pointed out patient. I suspect you'll see a dedicated effort to get this resolved right and promptly. You are correct that Buell, even with a few stumbles like you have seen, is capable of supporting their product in amazing ways. My PERSONAL OPINION is (and you of course are free to do as you see fit) that I would avoid the mention of the word "attorney" useless you have already retained one, decided that litigation is the route you want to go and have commenced your filing. Generally, at least in my business, the mere mention of litigation changes all the rules and deprives me of all my discretionary solutions. Attorneys, we're still on Court's PERSONAL OPINION are like guns . . . I've always said that if I ever have to draw a weapon the first two rounds will be out of the chamber before anyone sees it. You are doing the right thing. Keep us posted. I had a suspicion this will be resolved quickly. I admire your professionalism and apologize for your inconvenience. The people at Buell value the trust and confidence you have placed in them. Court | ||
| Buzzie |
Honestly , I am wondering if they are installing the clutch plate correctly ....the last friction plate is offset from the others. the clutch will go inside of 5 miles if thats the case. | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
I took yall’s advice and called Buell CS. Service manager Dave called the next morning. He said, Buell is sending 2 Engineers to Manccuso H-D on Tuesday to work on my bike. They're bringing all new clutch parts to redo everything that Manccuso has already done and a lot more for issues they haven’t looked at yet. They’re Stumped. Thanks you guys, for suggesting contacting customer service. THAT WAS FAST. So I suspect I’ll have an answer one way or another next week. Thank God this is coming to an end. I need my bike back,if for nothing else than to get rid of all the aftermarket parts are that are piling up on my kitchen counter waiting to be installed. Thanks again for all the info, Les | ||
| Ustorque |
good news Les, i for the first time in 3 years made my first call to BUEll C.S. and was amazed at the quality of serviced i received. good luck hope it gets cleared up for ya. | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Ustorque, What did you call them about. Elaborate! Les | ||
| Court |
>>>>Buell is sending 2 Engineers to Manccuso H-D on Tuesday Ya don't say . . . .  | ||
| Ustorque |
i had called BCS with some questions regarding my '06 XB wheels which were damaged by my dealer during a tire change, and was shocked and amazed by the service i received. Court has placed BCS on a pedestal as long as i have been a member of BadWeb and i'm sure for many years prior, and after my phone call to them i see why. they listened to my concerns and then i got to speak to a tech a real person who again listened to my concerns and gave me a clear and very concise answer to my question. they truly are "different in every sense"!  | ||
| Redscuell |
>>>>Buell is sending 2 Engineers to Manccuso H-D on Tuesday Ya don't say . . . . " Court, I reckon I might get to have a bit of fun with you if I have troubles with my yet-to-arrive 09. Will they send engineers to Australia for me?  No offense meant. But I do mean to have fun!  | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Court, Do you think they would let me watch them work do ya? Its not that I don't trust the Manccuso Mech. But this is the first R clutch he's ever seen, much less understanding how to work on it. I'm the only one that has a clue of what it was acting like. Manccuso has only sold 4 or 5 R's in the whole time they've been out. But, they have a huge number to choose from in the back of the shop if anyone's lookin for a deal... Whacha think? Les | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Court, Do you think they would let me watch them work on it, do ya? Its not that I don't trust the Manccuso Mech. But this is the first R clutch he's ever seen, much less understanding how to work on it. I'm the only one that has a clue of what it was acting like. Manccuso has only sold 4 or 5 R's in the whole time they've been out. But, they have a huge number to choose from in the back of the shop if anyone's lookin for a deal... Whacha think? Les | ||
| Court |
>>> Do you think they would let me watch them work on it, do ya? No. At least I wouldn't. >>>Will they send engineers to Australia for me? There are two in Adelaide at this time? Need help? | ||
| Court |
P.S. - Don't be offended by the "no" either. It's not that they mind you watching, it's that they can't concentrate and "entertain" at the same time. I did that once and spent the entire time answering questions about Buell and evading questions about things I could not talk about. Having someone watching almost insures problems. These guys are very good. | ||
| Redscuell |
">>>Will they send engineers to Australia for me? "There are two in Adelaide at this time? Need help?" Good answer, Court; and unexpected; colour me suitably impressed. Don't need help yet, and hopefully never once my 09 actually arrives. But I wouldn't mind it actually arriving, given it was promised for end of Nov. On the other hand, I am going to give everyone the benefit of the doubt that I'll be happier with the bike because the delay was caused by someone/everyone doing everything just right. Cheers.  | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Court/Teach, We have two Buell/H_D dealers in the Houston area both owned by Mancuso H_D, unless you are willing to drive 70 miles south to Angleton, a little town out in the sticks that has a track close to it. Have any ideas on what we can do to get our dealer reinterested in supporting the cause with such poor sales. The sales Manager told me they are considering discontinuing their relationship w/ Buell. We have very inexperienced Mech's that might start shaving in 2 or 3 yrs or so, except for a couple old guys you see standing over their shoulder giving advice. It's absolutely scary to watch.(big windows in the shop to look through) Is there anything we can do before we loose it all? \clip art{walk} | ||
| Buzzie |
ok....what is did the engineers find? | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Well who woulda thunk it??? I actually got the old girl back today and almost wrecked it. My old bike aint what she use to be. You know how coming up on and stop sign, on a not so traveled road, a little faster than you should, so you get on the breaks and use a little engine break to woe it down? Well, mine doesn’t do that any more because my slipper works great for the first time since I got the bike... so a lot more brake was needed and some time to figure out what the heck just happened, till the LITE came on... it worked!!! The Engineers from up north found what they thought was the problem... too much Lock-Tite on a nut so the clutch plates were flopping around inside bending and tarring up the brand new clutch The Dealer had just installed not 4 days ago. It came from Beull with 1 clutch plates in backwards. They proceeded to put the bent one back in and of coarse it did the same thing. So when they put the 2nd clutch in and failed to get the correct torque on the nut that holds it all together, due to copious amounts of Loc-Tite, it did the same thing as before, but the 2 incidence were totally unrelated however it did mimicked symptoms and had the identical out come, Loss of clutch. I ask about the plates being warped but SM Dave assured me… That’s not the case (yeah rite, Looks like a duck quacks… you get it) Sure enough, there it was, wrapped plates, totally different cause, same effect...so they replaced the basket again, #3. It's like having a totally different bike now. Thanks to Court & Zac I did keep my composure and called CS (great folks with allot of stroke. They got it fixed in 4 hrs and didn’t even screw the bike up!) Buell Engineers 4hrs – Dealership 6 weeks Thanks to Buzzie, I had correct diagnoses walking into the dealer. You nailed on the head Bro!!! And get this, because I called CS and they got involved,instead of blowing a gasket and doing the whole Texas lemon law thing, the Engineers told SM Dave to not bother with ordering the plastic pieces to replace the scratched ones and new break lever, damaged in the lay over in the parking lot. All of it will be replaced w/, yes all, an entire bike's worth of new plastic parts. MAN... hows about them apples? (Wonder if they'll let me keep the old...two months old, ones). However it feels like it's down a little on power though...? Anyway, I had it in the garage this evening doing the suspension adjustments and putting on my new Pazzo shorty’s (Black there perfect) along w/ doing the deniodectomy (I did it the Buell $6 way no light yet?) and left the inner cover off. Man, you guys weren't kidding about the cool tunes coming out from under that cover. Not sure that puppy’s ever going back on...? Hey Court, I've still got some clutch creep sitting still at a light or just after I get on it in the driveway before I take off. It will creep forward with the clutch lever fully depressed. It also sounds & feels like the clutch is slipping @ low -4000rpm, while shifting it’s not smooth like when I left the dealership. When I put it in gear the first few time and the first few shifts after I picked it up today, it was like butter, smooth as silk. Now it’s no better that before in that aspect. I have good lever action w/ tension thru the full range of the clutch lever. It’s the same w/ both old levers and the new shorty’s. Kind of has that same feel when it started to go out the first time, but the ride quality is no comparison to when I first bought it. Got any thoughts, yall have been dead nut rite on so far? Thanks so very much for everyone's advice and help. And, THANK YOU BUELL CUSTOMER SEVICE, you guys rock. Great attitude and even better follow thru w/ perfect result, unless it breaks again of coarse.  Les | ||
| Court |
Cool beans. Mind me sharing this with the Customer Service and Tech Service groups? Very cool about the bodywork. When I met Henrik it was as the result of him having a problem with his S3T that had gone unresolved for too long. I'd read about it and the fact that his bike was still not fixed and his vacation was quick approaching. I put a new S3T in the back of my truck, drove the 950 miles, gave it to him so he'd have something to ride, flew in one of the top Buell techs and even I was amazed at the going over the bike got. Interesting also is that when the swingarm was getting replaced the tech found a small scratch (I mean small) and refused to install it, called the factory, had another overnighted and he and I spent the day sightseeing in NYC. Not sure to this day if he was that conscientious or just wanted to blow a day in the city. I like hearing this stuff. | ||
| Lecanadysbcglobalnet |
Court, Thanks for the words. Share anything you like. Buell SC has my vote. Problem now is the clutch creep is getting worse. Is there some ajustment that can be made? Again, you guys doing the origanal work on the R, you've done a great job for starting from scratch. Thanks, Les |
