Bloody Kawasaki Dealers

[ChrisB]

These posts sadden me mainly because I worked in the franchised motor trade for over 20 years with SAAB, Rover, Jaguar and Lotus. Unfortunately it seems that the dealers lack personal service and attention in their thirst for short term results and quick profits. I have many friends who have left dealers because of this. It appears that the Motor Cycle industry is no different. My own experience of Kawasaki dealers is limited to 2. Ashton Kawasaki who did not even have the courtesy to call me to say no when I asked for a road test on a GTR1400 12 months ago. When I returned to buy some parts after buying a bike somewhere else, was greeted with the same apathy and dis-interest. I have recently had a service and 2 tyres at Bolton Kawasaki, no issues so far and all the staff seem very helpful and friendly. The technician even took the time to come and explain a few things to me when I collected the bike. Unfortunately despite 2 emails and 2 phone calls I am waiting for them to come back to me with a price to service my son'e SV650 (they are also Suzuki dealers). Like someone else here as stated, in our house we have 3 bikes and spend a lot of money each year on bikes, bits and clothing. It annoys me that the best attention I have ever had is from the local Honda dealer, Hunts of Manchester, who keeps nagging me with the old slogan, sooner or later your gonna get a Honda. We will see. Come on Kawasaki get your finger out. Come on GTR riders, name names on this forum, for the good and the bad but also voice your opinion to the dealer concerned, good and bad, it's the only way they will learn. Rant over.

[Kwikasfuki]

I don't think the issue is purely a Kawasaki dealership one. Generally, customer service seems to have suffered in all industries.

I get on with my dealer, but I'm not always convinced the mechanic has my interests at heart. He's a good mechanic, but at the end of the day he just wants to get the job done in the shortest time which is incompatible with the TLC I would show the bike.

A prime example of this is a tyre change. Note how quickly it is done. I've yet to witness anyone applying the correct torque to all the bolts, greasing the axle or splines. Stuff that I class as value added service. My local tyre fitter allows the use of his tools for the owner to remove their own wheels so all they need to pay for is the tyre change. He observed me removing and refitting the wheel with the checklist I had prepared. His comment was he wished all bikers that used his facility were that diligent. I asked why couldn't his tyre changers provide the same service. He didn't have an answer.

It's probably best to service your own bike or find a dealer/independent that you trust.

[vfrtom]

Sorry to rock the boat, but I have used Lloyd Cooper on my GTR fo 18 months (4 sevices) and have found them to be excellent. In fairness, a scratched tank coul;d be caused at any time, and most dealers would react the same. If you have concerns then as suggested a pre-handover inspection seems in order.
I also used them on my VFR when the electrics died and they were very good on this, lending me a bike when I turned up on the recovery trailer!!