| Author | Message | ||
     Jpowell490 |
Did the smiley scare you? haha I posted about my experience with Tom and Jeremy at Bumpus a couple of weeks ago. The deal over the phone went very smooth and was a great deal. If I look tired in the picture that was posted, I was and I am, lol. An 18 hour round trip in 1 day will do that to you. Tom and Jeremy provided me with a brand new 2008 1125r that had 8 miles on it. It was my request that the bike had the least amount of mileage possible and it did. Jeremy and I took a ride when I got there for probably about 4 or 5 miles. The bike was great and ran like a top. My father and I trucked the bike back to his house in Johnson City, TN. From there I unloaded it and proceeded to ride home to Winston Salem, NC. about 3.5 hours away. 21 miles into my ride, my speedometer went to 0. I thought this might just be a hiccup and pulled over, shut the bike off and waited a couple of minutes. I restarted and headed up the road, speedo was still at 0. I pulled into a gas station and proceeded to remove the key and try to open the gas tank. No go. That thing was tight as all hell and would not budge. I sent Jeremy an email and asked him what I was doing wrong. He said they are just real tight when new, honestly I thought there was no way they could be that tight. 30 minutes later and a lot of cussing, it came off. Jeremy sent me a text asking if I got it, I replied that I did as I watched my iphone give me the dreaded "low battery" warning.... The last text I got from Jeremy before my iphone died to leave me without communication was "It is the wedding night, it will loosen up". As pissed off as I was, I couldn't help but almost cry in laughter. After a great ride home through the twisty mountains that connect NE TN to NC, I was home. The wife came out and wanted to see the bike. She is fascinated with the turn signals on the mirrors, so I showed them to her. To my amazement, the rear turn signals were not working, things are going from bad to worse. As you can imagine, I am crestfallen. I am having a ton of mixed emotions at this point that I just traded a showroom condition HD Night Train for what was quickly becomming my worst nightmare. I proceeded to exchange some emails with Tom and Jeremy that Sunday. Sunday turned into Monday and if you have ever been as upset as a kid that just got a new RC car, but has no batteries, that was me. I was beyond worried and upset. I think what made me that upset was the fact that the ride home was so much fun and I didn't want it to end. Now here I am with a bike in the garage with 160 ride home miles on it and it is going to spend its first week in the shop. I don't mind telling you that what proceeded did not go well. There was a couple of things forgotten up front when I picked the bike up. No biggie, they overnighted them to me. I proceeded to send some rather nasty emails to these guys as I let my emotions just get out of hand. Tom and Jeremy have remained professional and are currently doing everything possible to remedy this. Even though I kind of cut off communication due to my anger, they continued to work to a resolution. I take no pride in telling you that my wife called Tom and spoke to him and they are currently picking up the bike tomorrow locally to fix it. Pretty bad when a grown man has to have his wife take care of the problem..... I hope you all can understand that I felt like I traded a pristine bike for a heap of trouble. I wouldn't take a million dollars for the Buell as it is a one hell of a machine that I love already. No, I don't like the problems, but stuff happens. So in essence, the Bumpus guys are top notch, the people at Bumpus are great as well. They continued to act professionally and take care of the issues after I acted like an ass. The local dealer is coming to pick the bike up tomorrow and fix the problems. I am also having a backfire issue when I crack the throttle from idle, have no idea what that is and if anyone knows, let me know. So this is not only an experience for the future buyers, but a public apology to the Bumpus crew for me losing my cool and sending some very unprofessional emails. Tom and Jeremy, thank you for making this a good outcome. I did not get to stay and do the ride along, but sure wish I could have. I recommend these guys to everyone that takes this offer, they won't leave you hanging if anything does happen. I am the first "fly and ride" customer. Problems arose and I think we were both stressed out on each end. I am sure they wanted everything to go just as smooth as I did. In the end, I hope to do a lot of business with these guys in the future, they might lock up the doors if they ever seen me coming again, but... lol Again, thanks guys for hanging in there with me. I got a great deal as anyone will that deals with Tom and Jeremy and no matter the issues that happened, I am very happy with the Buell and hope that these problems are remedied and I don't have anymore. If I do, I have no doubt the Bumpus crew will be there to help me. This time, if that happens, I will be better prepared to not be an ahole. Jason Powell | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Jason, We completely understand your frustration. I was SICK when I heard the problems. We are working to correct these issues and hope to provide you with a bike that you love. We would be happy to do business with you again any time. Thank you for giving us the opportunity and being patient as we work though these issues. Stay tuned! | ||
| Jpowell490 |
Thanks Jeremy, The Buell is a great machine, I mean unbelievable. When riding home I have never ridden a Kawi, Suzuki, Yamaha, or Honda that is as stable as the Buell. It doesn't matter what speed you are traveling it is as stable at 30 as it is at 75. Just a real joy and fun to ride. I can't wait to get on again and go for another ride, a long one. Anyone that is looking to buy a Buell, don't let any of the small issues discourage you, they are fixable and are really just minor inconveniences. The end result is a ride and experience that you will never forget. I highly recommend that you don't make a mistake and buy from anyone but Bumpus, they will definitely be there for you. | ||
| Ccryder |
Jason: I can understand your frustration. You are fortunate to be working with the people from Bumpus. They seem to go the extra mile, and in my book, that's what counts. Let us know how things turn out. BTW, I have an 08' with 26,000+ miles and while it has not been trouble free, the Team at Bumpus have gone the extra mile for me. I'm still loving it and it's my daily ride. If you need some ideas on things to do to your 1125, drop me a line, I have about 25 or 30 ideas. Later Neil S. | ||
| Chadhargis |
The fuel cap thing is something you get used to. My Ulysses and my 1125 can both be stubborn. Sometimes I push down on the cap to get the key to turn. Works like a charm. Sounds like your issues are pretty easy to fix. Probably a speed sensor, or if you're lucky, the dash itself (get the 2009 dash with the gear indicator if you can...it's nice). The rear turn signals are a common thing, and I believe they were changed at some point. I bought a first year Ulysses, and had several little issues with it, but once corrected, I never had any continuing issues. Buell does stand behind their products. Heck, even my brand new 1125CR is at the shop now getting a fuel level sensor fixed. It's not a big deal, I knew about it before I bought the bike, but wanted to take it home when I bought it. I just dropped it off Sunday so I can have it this coming weekend. I know what it's like to have a few glitches with a new bike. I've had more than a few new bikes that had issues here or there. It's not something exclusive to Buell. | ||
| Jpowell490 |
Yea, I have come to realize the little issues that come up with the bike. Not a problem though, just can't wait to get out and finally get to ride and enjoy it. Rain here all weekend, that figures. Next week is supposed to be nice though. Anyone have a link to the Buelltoberfest? Would like to try and make that one. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Buelltoberfest Thread | ||
| Fresnobuell |
as much as I love my 1125r, I would have to take a million bucks if someone offered. The speedo problem and the stuck gas cap are not the dealer's fault. The bad turn signals and forgotten extra stuff can be blamed on the dealer. I believe you got a great deal. I paid $13,600 OTD if that makes some of your pain go away. | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
now all you have left to see is hydraulic fluid leaking from the clutch cover and you will have just about run the gamut of '08 defects. | ||
| Ponti1 |
For the gas cap thing, just put a drop or two of thin lubricant (WD40 or PB Blast) on the key and then slowly work it back and forth a few times. I did that when mine started to stiffen up, and it is now smooth as butter. | ||
| Metalstorm |
For a million bucks, I would sell my friends 1125R. I would then promptly go to Bumpus and buy him AND me an 1125R  | ||
| Jpowell490 |
Well hey, better to get all the problems over with I guess  | ||
| Slojon |
Gas cap problem, a turn signal, and dreaded clutch cover leak....had that, fixed by my fabulous Dealer here in Daytona. My only problem with a Fly & Ride program is as described above; a problem with the machine that a different Dealer has to rectify. I was willing to pay a bit more to maintain my good relationship with a very good group. Loyalty has rewards. | ||
| Jpowell490 |
I hear ya Slojon, But when a dealer is 3k better on the Buell in price and a bit better for my trade in than my local guys? That was enough to sway me for sure. Bumpus has really worked to help the issues too, I think that is why I was initially pretty upset is that I am used to dealing with my local dealer and that is always a dogfight. So it is all preference, I will deal with Bumpus in the future and if I can make it back down for a service or two, I will. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I bought my Ulysses from another dealer, and regardless of that fact, Bumpus has always taken care of me. I'm also a big believer in "do it yourself". Even if it's a warranty item, if the cost isn't too much, I'll order the part and fix it myself. The cost of fuel and my time to haul the bike to the shop and back will offset a good portion of most fixes. Bumpus is a 75 mile round trip for me, and takes about an hour and a half of driving time, plus the time without out my bike. They are great guys, but they can't move the shop any closer unfortunately. LOL! | ||
| Court |
>>> Loyalty has rewards. It does. So does prudence and wisdom. I don't shop for price, I shop for a relationship. I've been lucky, over the last 22 years, to live next to a couple really great dealerships. Unfortunately . . judging from the letters I get (4 this week) about folks and their dealers . . not everyone enjoys that luxury. Buell has room for improvement and knows it. Each of us has to do what best meets our own needs. If I had a local dealer relationship that Jason describes, I too would go to Bumpus. Tom Bumpus and Jeremy can be counted on regardless of the financial details of the transaction. Good folks seem to be like that. Something will need to change in coming years to improve this. There are several ways that can be accomplished. I'm very optimistic basely solely on my assessment of the players involved. Court | ||
| Jpowell490 |
Court, That is encouraging news to hear about some things in line for the future. I think the biggest challenge that is faced with the dealers is the Harley crowd and dealers. Don't get me wrong, they are good people and take care of their own, but to that extent I think they view the Buell as a "Jap" bike no matter how you slice it. It is a sportbike and the Harley crowd is very against the "ricers". Buell is not a ricer and I think is more widely accepted, but it is still a stigma that will most likely haunt for a long time to come. Are there ways of bridging that gap? Sure there are, but it takes dealers like Bumpus to give great customer service to the Buell customers and also to make the Buell line stand out amongst the crowd like Bumpus has done at their dealership. It is really what we like to call in the IT world "user adoption". It is dealer adoption, once the dealer adopts it and runs with it, then we can get somewhere. I think most Harley dealers are afraid they will lose customer base if they deal with the sportbike line of motorcycles and that is one of the major factors holding back not only progress, but great customer service. Bumpus is definitely moving in the right direction with strategic marketing placement of the Buell line and fantastic customer service. I felt no favortism at all when I visited their dealer even though there must have been 50 people in there that day all decked out in Harley material and riding Harley bikes. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth. I am sure Buell knows this and is taking steps to move toward a better outcome for the future, it just takes time to chip away at that rock. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Funny thing about Bumpus is nearly every time I've been in there, I've seen a few people with doo rags and chaps checking out the Buells, and I have to admit, I've checked out the Harleys too. I think if someone has a love for two wheels, then they like all motorcycles. If they just love the lifestyle, then Bumpus has a nice clothing and accessories section for them too. Wonder if we can get Fatty to put on a pair of those black Harley panties if he sells all those 2008 1125s? LOL! | ||
| Jpowell490 |
rofl, Well if you do get him to do that, please, don't post any pics keep them to yourself. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
We DID have a girl on Saturday show up wearing Daisy Dukes (minus a little more material) and chaps. all of her upper thighs and about 1/3 of her butt cheeks were hanging out the back of her chaps. Let's just say that there were a significant number of the staff grinning and shaking their heads. ATCATT? (All the cheeks all the time) I like selling motorcycles. I WON'T be wearing Harley panties (at least not without proper protective gear). | ||
| Ccryder |
You mean "Chaps" (for the proper protective gear) to cover your cheeks? ROTFLMAO!!! | ||
| Jpowell490 |
Hey Ft_bstrd, Where was I at that day? Now if she looked good I want to see, if she didn't I am glad I was gone  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
You were long gone. She was a late saturday visage. I didn't know who she was with, so I didn't bother snapping any pictures. Be my luck that just as I went click her boyfriend would roll out of the john and mash my mellon. It was comical to say the least. | ||
| Clarkjw |
I think I mentioned in the other thread, you need a good dealer to buy the 2008. Thankfully you have 2 good dealers. Don't think your problems are over. You will be in the shop at least 3 more times. -2008 1125R owner, 6200 miles. Dec 07 build date. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
ALL dealers treat the independent divisions of the practice as separate entities: Sales Service Parts & Accessories Finance & Insurance Motorclothes If you treat them each as separate enterprises, you will go a lot farther from a customer standpoint. We service bikes purchased from everywhere because servicing those bikes is part of the service department's profitability. We sell parts and accessories to people who have purchased bikes everywhere. A dealer who treats you poorly in the service area because you didn't purchase the bike from them is foolish. Conversely, though, you have to view the service activities as unrelated to the other areas. Don't expect the service guys to give you free parts or accessories. You can't expect free service just because you bought your bike somewhere either. Warranty work pays. |
