Why is going to Speeds like going to the dentist? Today I grabbed 3 or 4 false neutrals and popped out of 2d gear. This does not happen very often, but, it got me to thinking about the health of my gearbox. At lunch, I swung by Speeds to see if they ever send oil out for "Spectral Analysis". Would be nice to have some warning prior if i'm about to eat a couple gears or if I should have the gearbox examined. After waiting the obligatory 5-10 minutes, I asked if they ever sent oil out for "Spectral Analysis". The person I was talking to looked at me kinda strangely and said more or less, "whats that?" and...."you can look at your oil with a flashlight" then dropped the conversation to talk on the phone. A couple minutes later, seeing as how I was still there, Speed, from the back desk and looking at me like I had three heads and asked, "what's looking at the oil gonna tell me?" and "have we ever seen your bike". I said, yes, you guys did the 6K service on it last year. I waited a couple minutes for a reply, but I guess at this point Speed was done with me and Joe had decided he was just going to stay silent and out of the conversation. With nothing better to do, I rode on down to Bob's to have an intelligent conversation. Two big thumbs up to Bob's service department as they gave me the name of an outfit in Indiana that one of their techs uses, and, didn't look at me as if I was smoking crack. BTW, on top of that, they advised me to go to Ducpond. I wish I lived closer to Ducpond cause I just hate going to the dentist.
Quote from: mraff on May 12, 2009, 02:27:44 PM
BTW, on top of that, they advised me to go to Ducpond. I wish I lived closer to Ducpond cause I just hate going to the dentist.
Have not been to Speeds in a long time, I hear it is hit or miss. As for the advice you got, well all I can say is I 2nd that, but what do I know - they only do about 4 2v 6K service and 2 3v 6k service a year for me, nobody is perfect but I am very happy with their work and their attitude. - Gene
I think the shift arm is out of adjustment.
Battleys is an option ,or just go to ducpond like everyone else
I agree with Lars and RAM Cycles can also take care of that also....
as far as Speeds, well....I can honestly say, they haven't done anything to warm my heart or win my business in the several times I have been in there...I would go to Battley before them and would almost consider going to Coleman's before them just based on all the horror I have seen and heard out of that shop...
Dang ...Options are falling off fast.
I went to Coleman's once for service and won't go back. I've never tried service at Speed's, but my experiences just dropping in there have been so negative that I wouldn't give them a dime. At least most of the sales people at Coleman's are friendly. I always felt like I was disturbing them by just being there at Speed's. I started going to Battley's before DucPond was a dealership and I've had good results so I've continued to give them my business. It's not a superwarm and IZ_ experience, but they have been competent, professional and reasonably quick. I've had a few tires changes at RAM and my experiences there have been positive as well.
We have 5 dealerships plus RAM in this area that service Ducs. Sure, 3 of the dealers suck. I live in Alexandria and have to ride 25+ miles to get to a good one. Still, the fact is there are three good options (Duc Pond, Battley and RAM) in this region. It could be a whole lot worse.
I do believe I see a trip to Ducpond in my not too distant future. This may just be the perfect excuse to get one of those handy dandy Versa Haul trailer hitch carriers for the truck.
If you have a truck what the heck else do you need? - Gene
Have 2 large dogs......therefore truck has cap.......so no bike in back of truck.
CAPS ARE REMOVABLE...at least, last time I checked...
Quote from: mraff on May 13, 2009, 03:42:38 PM
I do believe I see a trip to Ducpond in my not too distant future. This may just be the perfect excuse to get one of those handy dandy Versa Haul trailer hitch carriers for the truck.
Mines for rent! A bottle of something should cover it!
Quote from: rgramjet on May 14, 2009, 06:46:30 AM
Mines for rent! A bottle of something should cover it!
tanning oil? Witch Hazel? Motor Oil? extra virgin olive oil? purified water?
these are all "something"! [laugh] [cheeky] ;)
Shit Id take a gallon of Good extra virgin olive oil in a second! Youd get off cheaper with a half gallon of Jack Daniels....lol
Quote from: rgramjet on May 14, 2009, 07:05:45 AM
Shit Id take a gallon of Good extra virgin olive oil in a second! Youd get off cheaper with a half gallon of Jack Daniels....lol
stop using the olive oil as lube homey!
I am McLovin!
Quote from: potomacduc on May 13, 2009, 06:58:29 AM
We have 5 dealerships plus RAM in this area that service Ducs. Sure, 3 of the dealers suck. I live in Alexandria and have to ride 25+ miles to get to a good one. Still, the fact is there are three good options (Duc Pond, Battley and RAM) in this region. It could be a whole lot worse.
Hampton Roads for example, we only have 1 dealership and they suck. I have had to make the 4 hour run to Duc Pond before.
Quote from: XJDAVE on May 14, 2009, 12:56:16 PM
Hampton Roads for example, we only have 1 dealership and they suck. I have had to make the 4 hour run to Duc Pond before.
Perhaps I'm being greedy in wanting my local dealer to provide both quality work and an enjoyable customer experience. Then again, I'm the customer and I'm always right! The thing that gets me the most, in 4 years of riding in Germany, I frequented 3 different Ducati dealerships between Frankfurt, Russelsheim and my local dealer in Nussloch. All of them knew from the get go that I wasn't going to be a bike purchase customer as Ducati in Germany can't sell a U.S. spec Ducati. However; they all provided me excellent customer service, advice and maintenance support on my S4R, despite my completely incompetent command of the German language. I, a foreigner, was never treated as if I, a potential customer or even just a fellow motorhead, was a bother or some sort of inconvenience that had to be endured.
Quote from: XJDAVE on May 14, 2009, 12:56:16 PM
Hampton Roads for example, we only have 1 dealership and they suck. I have had to make the 4 hour run to Duc Pond before.
They don't suck, they just don't like you, Dave. ;D
Quote from: Bun-bun on May 14, 2009, 06:23:13 PM
They don't suck, they just don't like you, Dave. ;D
Oh yea, check out the posts on 757 sportbikes and south side hampton roads sportbikes.
Nothing good to say here either. Took it there for my bike's late 6k service right after I bought it. The botched some minor things, but still irked me given the check I cut. I also tried to talk to someone (anyone) about re-springing my bike and couldn't get any traction. It always annoys me when I try to give retail establishments my money and they ignore it. Last time I was in there looking for boots while they fixed some of the things they f'ed up, I watched the owner cuss out everyone in the shop and fire one guy. He actually interrupted the guy trying to sell me a pair of boots to cuss him out. I bailed without spending a dime.......
Wow, I have actually had good luck there as far as service goes. I have had them perform repairs and they had the work done ahead of time so I was very pleased .
Actually the only bad thing I've heard was from a forum member who purchased some pricey sparkplugs.
I would have stayed to see everyone get cussed out and then purchased the boots .
So ,please keep everyone up to date with your bike as to where it gets fixed.
Quote from: Lars D on May 15, 2009, 01:05:23 PM
Wow, I have actually had good luck there as far as service goes. I have had them perform repairs and they had the work done ahead of time so I was very pleased .
Actually the only bad thing I've heard was from a forum member who purchased some pricey sparkplugs.
I would have stayed to see everyone get cussed out and then purchased the boots .
So ,please keep everyone up to date with your bike as to where it gets fixed.
Lost track of this thread. I had it resprung at DucPond and I have been doing the minor stuff myself (exhaust, oil, tail chop, hiding electrical, about to swap out the front end for SBK). They are a great shop, but a real haul from my house. Will likely be doing all my own service from here on out. I usually do my own service, but was really busy last year, new to Ducatis, and didn't really have a place to work on the bike. I buy all my parts and gear online.
I really want to like Speed's, but they make it hard. I called them about my swelling tank and got no love. I've called them looking for this part or that part and been so annoyed by the phone transaction that I gave up.
About the cuss out - it is extremely bad form to disrespect your employees in front of customers. It makes the mgr and the establishment look like idiots. To interrupt a sale to harangue an employee, that is just retarded. I really wanted the boots and was getting good service from their up front guy, but I will not reward that kind of behavior.
Quote from: angler on May 15, 2009, 09:36:24 AM
Nothing good to say here either. Took it there for my bike's late 6k service right after I bought it. The botched some minor things, but still irked me given the check I cut. I also tried to talk to someone (anyone) about re-springing my bike and couldn't get any traction. It always annoys me when I try to give retail establishments my money and they ignore it. Last time I was in there looking for boots while they fixed some of the things they f'ed up, I watched the owner cuss out everyone in the shop and fire one guy. He actually interrupted the guy trying to sell me a pair of boots to cuss him out. I bailed without spending a dime.......
wow, but i believe it, Speeds is the only shop close by and they know it.
they actually called my two days ago because they undercharged me by $40 on my 7500K service. I told them I'd call them back. Ill give them their money but ill take my time doing it. They took their time getting my bike back to me thats for sure.
Quote from: RavnMonster on July 16, 2009, 04:26:20 AM
they actually called my two days ago because they undercharged me by $40 on my 7500K service. I told them I'd call them back. Ill give them their money but ill take my time doing it. They took their time getting my bike back to me thats for sure.
too bad...tell em to pound sand!...what is their "accounting" for this undercharge?...and how long or how much time passed between then and the call?...tell em to chalk it up to getting it right the 1st time....and not just in the money realm but in servicing too...
+1 on the pound sand response. They didn't give any of my money back for the things they f'ed. A bit of a one way street......
Quote from: zooom on July 16, 2009, 05:32:09 AM
too bad...tell em to pound sand!...what is their "accounting" for this undercharge?...and how long or how much time passed between then and the call?...tell em to chalk it up to getting it right the 1st time....and not just in the money realm but in servicing too...
Its been at least 3 weeks. I cant believe they actually called to get it from me. $1300+ in service (including 2 tires) and they want $40 bucks more. The only thing I dont want to happen is if the owner puts it on the guy who rang me up and takes it out of his pay or something like that.. Oh..and I may need to go back there for something too.. What do you guys think?
where do you live?....I think "there are OTHER dealers out there that are more than happy to do the right thing in earning your business" even if they aren't as conveneitn or as close and Speeds may in fact be to you....aside from belt change/valve adjustments, what can you personally not do yourself that the bike might need? I am sure there are other shops that are willing to do tire changes and stuff that is basic and if you need specialty work...well....you may have to drive a distance...hell, look at Statler, who for years was a big defender of Speeds, and has now decided it is fully worth it to drive over 2 hours to have a completely different dealer no where nearby do both his and his wife's bikes....and you have OldDucker who has mentioned MikMar and of course you go up to Philly area for Ferracci....so, there are options!...you are a customer who has free will to go where you and your dollar are appreciated.
The MOST I would expect from them in that scenario is a polite email saying they goofed on the bill and that they hope you are happy with the service and that the $40 is on them and they hope you will continue to be a loyal customer.
If that happened I'd go in with two twenties and a six-pack of their favorite.
A call to ask for 40 more bucks on a $1,300 bill from three weeks ago is outrageous.
I'm torn. I think I'd give it to them and very nicely and politely tell them it is the last money they will get from you or anyone you know. Like sickenly sweet politely. With a kind explanation that what you are worried about is the $40 coming out of the pocket of whoever miss-punched the computer key, and it's the management decision to call you and handle it that way versus the one guy's simple mistake that is making you go elsewhere.
I'm tempted to give Joe a call and let him know that while I know very little details, the shop calling someone to ask for $40 because they misbilled the service is going to cost them thousands in service work over time....but I'll stay out of it.
+1 for Statler's post.
To go back to a loyal customer for $40 (3 friggin' percent of the bill!!!) is just stoopid. I want to like this shop for a number of reasons, but it is like the owner took a "how to provide good customer service" class and has decided to do exactly the opposite.
I have been to Speed's twice, both instances I was looking to spend money. I could not get the time of day from anyone there, either time. Compared to many my Duc habit is modest and I'm not a big spender, but I have owned three Ducs and I have spent thousands of dollars at other dealerships and shops in the area and on-line. If Speed's doesn't want my money, make the beast with two backs 'em. I'm really not sure why anyone still goes there.
Going to Speeds is like getting soup from the soup nazi. It really shouldn't be like that, the potential of the shop, with some personality adjustments, would be great. I have not had any service done there since my bike went missing as he "lent" it to another customer while their bike was being serviced. I got the apology and all that, I think a lesson was learned, but it was disturbing non the less.
OEM parts and oil filters are what I buy there. Thats it!
Quote from: desmo_drum on July 17, 2009, 05:41:19 AM
Going to Speeds is like getting soup from the soup nazi. It really shouldn't be like that, the potential of the shop, with some personality adjustments, would be great. I have not had any service done there since my bike went missing as he "lent" it to another customer while their bike was being serviced. I got the apology and all that, I think a lesson was learned, but it was disturbing non the less.
OEM parts and oil filters are what I buy there. Thats it!
WHAT??????? He lent your bike to another customer? well that does it, never taking my bike back there again.
Quote from: Statler on July 16, 2009, 09:03:04 AM
The MOST I would expect from them in that scenario is a polite email saying they goofed on the bill and that they hope you are happy with the service and that the $40 is on them and they hope you will continue to be a loyal customer.
If that happened I'd go in with two twenties and a six-pack of their favorite.
A call to ask for 40 more bucks on a $1,300 bill from three weeks ago is outrageous.
I'm torn. I think I'd give it to them and very nicely and politely tell them it is the last money they will get from you or anyone you know. Like sickenly sweet politely. With a kind explanation that what you are worried about is the $40 coming out of the pocket of whoever miss-punched the computer key, and it's the management decision to call you and handle it that way versus the one guy's simple mistake that is making you go elsewhere.
I'm tempted to give Joe a call and let him know that while I know very little details, the shop calling someone to ask for $40 because they misbilled the service is going to cost them thousands in service work over time....but I'll stay out of it.
I think that's a nice idea. Like i said my biggest worry is some poor guy who made an honest mistake is going to have to fork over the $40 for it. Ill go down there hand them two twenty dollar bills and let them know i wont be back. To bad cus they are by far the closest Duc shop. I may be heading to Koups from now on (Harrisburg). My brother in law bought a 1098 from them and raves about how nice they are, and how good they are to their customers. Its a little futher than battley but probably an easier ride.
Quote from: RavnMonster on July 17, 2009, 05:50:46 AM
WHAT??????? He lent your bike to another customer? well that does it, never taking my bike back there again.
Yes he did, and I know it was a mistake and all, but I got real cranky with HIM! I'm sure he is aware of it and it probably would not happen again, but you never know. That was a few years ago.
Quote
I may be heading to Koups from now on (Harrisburg)
There's a Ducati dealer in Harrisburg! Cool, That's only a 15 min more ride for me vs Speeds.
After my service at Donnie's, it looks like he may come help us out here on the DMF. Just wanted to point out the chronology of that so it doesn't look like my going there was based on money here....other way around actually.
and speaking of money, I owe everyone a 'state of the forum' report. We have more than enough money for operating costs and are now playing with fun stuff to give back to the members.
I wrote to Joe and asked if he could come have a beer with me downtown soon....I'd like to see if we can turn this around at Speeds and have a good local experience if at all possible. Trying to resolve things instead of just letting the place lose customers until it's gone. We'll see.
Chris
Quote from: Statler on July 17, 2009, 05:02:25 PM
After my service at Donnie's, it looks like he may come help us out here on the DMF. Just wanted to point out the chronology of that so it doesn't look like my going there was based on money here....other way around actually.
and speaking of money, I owe everyone a 'state of the forum' report. We have more than enough money for operating costs and are now playing with fun stuff to give back to the members.
I wrote to Joe and asked if he could come have a beer with me downtown soon....I'd like to see if we can turn this around at Speeds and have a good local experience if at all possible. Trying to resolve things instead of just letting the place lose customers until it's gone. We'll see.
Chris
Interesting approach, maybe an eye opener may be what he needs. the fact that folks here are willing to drive hours out of their way not to go to a shop should say something. The guy has been in business for a long time so he's doing something wright. Let me know how it goes.
Speed is a cool guy and a lot of fun outside of the shop. Joe is an riding enthusiast who quit his teaching job to get involved in the shop. New in the business but trying hard.
I've posted before that Speed has come to big parties at my place and has brought my favorite tequila (a nice and thoughtfull touch).
I'll talk to him too before I give up locally....but I'll start with Joe.
But on the other hand Donnie's shop was enthusiastic and actually wants feedback. So.....
Quote from: Statler on July 17, 2009, 05:02:25 PM
After my service at Donnie's, it looks like he may come help us out here on the DMF. Just wanted to point out the chronology of that so it doesn't look like my going there was based on money here....other way around actually.
and speaking of money, I owe everyone a 'state of the forum' report. We have more than enough money for operating costs and are now playing with fun stuff to give back to the members.
I wrote to Joe and asked if he could come have a beer with me downtown soon....I'd like to see if we can turn this around at Speeds and have a good local experience if at all possible. Trying to resolve things instead of just letting the place lose customers until it's gone. We'll see.
Chris
Good idea! I'm all for shoping local, and its not all bad. Just that there is a lot of room for improvement......... lots!
Chris - Went you meet with Joe, kindly mention that 31.50 for a one spark plug is not cool. I dont care if it comes in a Genuine Ducati Parts box or not. It's a Champion plug. I found it on the internet after the fact for 9 dollars.
Quote from: FatguyRacer on July 17, 2009, 06:31:49 PM
Chris - Went you meet with Joe, kindly mention that 31.50 for a one spark plug is not cool. I dont care if it comes in a Genuine Ducati Parts box or not. It's a Champion plug. I found it on the internet after the fact for 9 dollars.
check.
John, do you want pics of what your 620 looks like after Gwendy lost a fight with turn one at VIR or no?
;D
It's about to get more trackworthy. [evil]
It's ok Chris. At this point in the 620's history, it's more Gwendy's than it was ever mine. I hope Gwendy is ok. The 620 is just a bike. I kinda realized how true that is after smacking a deer with the ST4s in Washington Co three weeks ago. Lucky for me I stayed up and the right side case took one for the team. I'm waiting on replacement parts to fix the case right now.
Quote from: FatguyRacer on July 21, 2009, 06:37:54 PM
I kinda realized how true that is after smacking a deer with the ST4s in Washington Co three weeks ago. Lucky for me I stayed up and the right side case took one for the team. I'm waiting on replacement parts to fix the case right now.
wholly shizzle batman!....WHOA....glad you are okay and hope you are back on motorized 2 wheels soon enough!....maybe if you get a jonesing you can ride Lars's ST-2 while he rides the Buell since I seem to recall him sayin it needed some exercising??
Quote from: zooom on July 22, 2009, 03:58:06 AM
wholly shizzle batman!....WHOA....glad you are okay and hope you are back on motorized 2 wheels soon enough!....maybe if you get a jonesing you can ride Lars's ST-2 while he rides the Buell since I seem to recall him sayin it needed some exercising??
Zooom, Im fine. Me and the bike never hit the ground. I dunno about the deer. It was gone by the time I turned around to retrieve the side case that was torn off the bike. I'll tell ya all about it tonight.
UPDATE:
So i go by Speeds today just before lunch. Young guy behind the counter after a few min finally asks me if he can help me. I explained to him who I was and why I was there. To pay the amount he had called me about. This was the guy who called me so he knew the story. At no point did i get angry or yell in anyway.
I asked him if Speed told him to call me about the issue and he said yes.
I asked to speak with Speed.
Speed comes out and I explain that I feel he has handled this situation poorly. I spent over $1300 here and to call me over $42 and some change is absurd. I explained that good customer relations would have been to send me a letter explaining what happened and to not worry about it, hope to keep your business in the future.
In addition to the 4 week turnaround for my bike and then telling me they will charge me storage if left there any longer after the work was finally finished I felt like his customer service was very poor.
He doesnt even look up at me, just shuffles papers around on the counter top. Doesnt reply, doesnt say anything.
I laid two twentys and a five on the counter and said keep the change. I said just so you arent taking it out of this guys' pay check. and was most likely going to be in the market for a new bike next year but I certainly wont buy it here, nor will i bring any business back here any more.
He said nothing and just let me walk out. It was obvious by his actions he could have cared less.
So I wont be back to Speeds.. to bad
TO BE HONEST...that's about what I expected....I hope that the young guy and Joe both heard every word you said...i is a sad shame...but not a surprise.
Quite a shame, I would have been heading that way for all major service and to hang out and check out the gear I have spoken to Joe before and he seemed like a pretty stand up guy. but after all of the horror stories I have read on the DMF there is no way I will take my bike there. I beleive they would have a really solid following in the Baltimore area if they treated people with respect. I see plenty of Ducs every weekend around town (I live in fells point) and if half of those are taking there service elsewhere its a pitty. I hope I begin to hear things with the shop are getting better I would love to keep my business local. :'(