[blewrune]

Mr. Ray Blank,VP, Motorcycle Div. May 25th,2004
American Honda Motor Co.,Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, Ca. 90501-2746





Dear Mr. Blank,

In June of 2002 I purchased a 2002 Goldwing from Key West Honda (cash sale). Upon returning to my hometown I found Interstate Cycle 1-800-758-BIKE as the closest dealership for serivce at a distance of 25 miles away. I purchased the Gold Card service plan at which they serviced the Wing for the next 18 months. I also bought all accessories through them, which they installed. I bought at least 3 sets of tires from them. All of this was done without incident, complainant or questions from me.

In Oct. 2003 I took the Goldwing in for yet another set of tires and scheduled service. The dealership had the Rune on the floor which I quiclky negotiated a price for with Matt (no longer employed as turnover is high unless your family--small town USA.) I paid cash for the Rune on the spot & I was happy with the deal.

I also purchased yet another Gold Card for the Rune. Lynn Box told me that after 18 months, miles & costs to dealership, there was nothing transfer. "I had used up more than I paid for the card". My goldwing was only there for routine service & tires. I'm sorry but I ride my bikes, which casues mileage and a need for service. Lynn Box also discussed with me writing "credit life" on her sales to others. I'm a licensed agent and this is against Florida law, so I declined her offer.

At 4000 miles I took the Rune in for service. At 5000 miles I heard metal on metal noise from the front left shock. I told this to Don Roof, my service manager of 2 years. At 8125 I was back asking about that noise and the wear of the front tire. Don stated, "cupping is cause from Florida roads". During this visit Don installed or claims he installed a new shock and new tire.

Well, 2 days after the purchase of the tire the dealership called to see if tire was OK ..... a first in 2 years of dealing with Interstate Cycle about anything. Having just driven it home, then a short day ride I said it was OK I guess. 4 days later the tire went flat. I took it to Don who did the soap and water thing and found no leaks, but assured me it was OK.

Once in Daytona the tire goes flat again. The Honda dealership there dosen't take the Gold Card, takes overnight to FedEx a tire in, plus they tell me the shock is still bad and Interstate Cycles left parts of when they replaced the tire.

I go back to dealer on the missing front part. I watch Don Roof take spare parts to a grinder and he fabricates something until the new parts come in. That is where my faith in the dealership declined. I also asked to see the old shock he replaced cause I'm doubting that too. He said Honda in Ca. has it. I let him know the shock still wasn't right. I leave the bike overnight was given a loaner bike with an expired tag to ride. I come back and they've wrapped the shock with tape that's now falling out. I let them know of my disgust and leave. Don assures me the SE Service Rep (another relative -- small town) and new shock is on it's way.

While all of this is going on, I tell Honda Tech's David/Steve my frustration and David said the 1st shock should have never been replaced ..... dealer error. I consult an attorney and could file a police report on malice/attempted murder over tire issue. Then Don Roof has officer standing by to take report while I'm there for an hour. I chat online with other owners, well so is Don and sending messages online instead of speaking to me.

When I pay 26,000 cash for something it should be safe and give me peace of mind that I'm riding the best machine possible. I have the right to consult attorneys, speak with owners when I have doubt. I sent a letter to Intersate Cycles and attempted to resolve issues about serivce, they opted to "ban me/Rune from service." Per David/Steve 5/21, it's OK with Honda Ca. for me to drive 200 miles round trip for service. Well it's not OK with me. Just because I "catch the dealer in lies/deciet/sloppy workmanship" I must suffer. Maybe someone should be fired or atleast sent to school.

There are only 2 ways to resolve this: 1) have the dealership of purchase work on my Rune properly and with a skill level expected of Honda, 2) buy back Rune.

I wait your response.


Sincerely,




Daniel Maloney
Lifetime Honda rider

 

[HogSlayer]

Very well written, I for one would be curious of the response you receive.

 

[ELP_JC]

Hey Bluerune, I know exactly what you're talking about. Before making my point, most manufacturers (Honda for sure) end up favoring their dealers with the excuse they're 'independently owned'. At any rate, after the fallout you had with them (similar to mine), I wouldn't let them touch my bike. PLUS you'd be contributing to their coffers since they get paid to do your warranty work (I woudn't want that either). The dealer I'm talking about is the ONLY one in town, and carries basically all brands except Aprilia and BMW. I haven't set foot on that place in over 6 years, and never will until there's ownership change. They haven't gone out of business because accross-the-border business, but there's no way I'd buy anything from them even at 50% off just because of their business practices; I WANT THEM GONE. On the plus side, all other dealers around (not close though) are good dealers.

My point is you have to rethink your posture. Are you going to let a bad dealer ruin your passion? According to your report, the shock wasn't even bad to begin with, and you can change your tires somewhere else. If you don't have a problem with the bike, keep it buddy. The only major inconvenience for me is warranty work, but I get a loaner (if needed), and schedule it in winter at my convenience for a same-day turnaround (if possible) and better service. I do all my maintenance out of necessity, but I've come to enjoy it almost as much as riding (service manual is a must, of course). And I know the work is done right, and nobody treat my 'babies' as I do. I also don't buy new models anymore (my 2001 GL1800 was a disaster) because of the hassle to get warranty done far away; that's why I'm waiting for an '05 Rune.

Finally, always put your principles ahead of your inconveniences. I wouldn't patronize that dealer, period. And don't stop buying what you want because of distance (at least not 200 miles).
Good luck buddy.

 

[blewrune]

1 week ...... no reply.

 

[patentcad]

Blewrune- well written and good luck dude. Man, that sucks hard. I own a Honda ST1300 ABS that I purchased a couple of months back and my impression of Honda motorcycle dealers couldn't have been more negative. You're spending a lot of money, more than some cars (my bike was $14K + tax and tags), but you get treated like you're a friggin lawn mower customer.

It's a shame because Honda products are generally so reliable. You're having bad luck, but don't let these putzes ruin your experience. Hang in there. You have one of the most beautiful bikes I've ever seen and you should enjoy it. It's the same story here - the dealers really behave like a bunch of idiots.

 

[Firefit5]

My Honda service has been weak

My local Honda dealer is a huge dealer, among the largest anywhere in the Northwest. I've purchased three bikes there since '97. I couldn't count the money I've thrown at parts and accessories. Yet, I can't get squat for service. Now, they have a few good folks working there I really like both in sales and service. But they just can't get it done in the area of customer service For example. I purchased two custom mirrors for my Rune along with two adapters to fit them on the bike. The service dept. called me at home and said "they're in", "come get 'em", so I drove all the way down there, went to the parts desk, and they flopped two mirrors and one adapter out on the counter. Yeah, idiotic. Not only did they not even glance at the order to confirm it was correct before calling me, they couldn't even open there eyes while handing the stuff to me to see it obviously made no sense. I have repeatedly experienced episodes like this with my local dealer and that is a big part of the reason I flew (6) states away to buy my Rune and now have all of my service done by an independent mechanic.

But no amount of poor service is going to keep me from enjoying the best bike I've ever owned. And speaking of "customs", many of the customs are factory produced such as Bourget, American Ironhorse, Redhorse Motorworks and many others. I owned an American Ironhorse custom in the 30K range and it was, in my opinion, inferior to the Rune in every category (comfort, performance, reliability, overal costs) except for POSSIBLY aesthetics - it was one heck of a nice looking bike, call it even in that category. But I could no more have ridden that bike cross-country like I did the Rune than could I have put it on my back and carried it.

 

[blewrune]

2 weeks .... no reply. This matter has been turned over the the State of Florida's Attorney Generals office for investigation of consumer fraud, unfair business practicies and F.S. 2003 Sec. 559.902 repairshop law.

Lesson learned: get in writing from the place a purchase a irrevocable guarantee to service product.

 

[blewrune]

800 number

The State of Florida Attorney General's office has pointed out while doing this investigation that I have the wrong number posted for the dealership.

Columbia Cycles DBA Interstate Cycles 1-877-758-BIKE.

I'm sorry for that incorrect posting of the number.

 

[RockyMtnRune]

blewrune - I'm wondering if you're still out there and if this ever got resolved.

 

[Guest]

Law office of.............

I did some research and found out which Law office the Honda Dealership will be using to dig their hole even deeper,Their called --Dewy Cheetem and How You should be up and running real soon. Nice story and it's really too bad,no fault of the makers though. New service place needed for you. Spare no miles for safety and excellent maintenance. Ron :tools1: :biker:

 

[Jeff Kehoe]

Well

I have never had problem at my 2 dealerships. I have no problems at either. As a matter of fact, I heard that one of them is great. The one I bought mine at is farther away, but they said Honda sucks at paying for their warranty work. But they also said anything that goes awry they would take care of regardless.

So they say...

 

[Rich Oas]

Dealers

The dealer I bought my bike from does care and did all he could do to satify my needs regarding the Rune...problem is ..he can't keep help.. I had my Rune worked on by 3 different mechanics on 3 visits...Each mechanic did some damage to my bike because they didn't follow all the directions in the repair manual....and/or the special heads ups I gave them from posts on this thread. The garage looks like an unkept service station garage out of the 60's.... dirty,disorganized, cold and poorly lit... All the mechanics I encountered fit right in with the garage decor..and were heavy handed to boot. I do like the owner but want my service work done by someone who will be there the next time I come in...and cares for my bike the way I do...... My last service was done at a different dealership 65 miles away...(vs 35.)...but the peace of mind was worth it.... It's an older dealership with a small service area ...but clean, well lit and organized...and the mechanics are long term employees (one has been there 23 years) ...they are cautious, follow the repair manual and are open to helpful hints ...They acknowledge that they will take a bit longer because they haven't worked on a Rune and are aware that I probably know more about the bike than they do... Moral of story for me....he who doesn't care enough to keep himself and his work area clean and organized....cares not about my bike to the degree to make me feel good about leaving my bike with them....... So I moved to a place where I am more comfortable....at least for now...

 

[asacuta]

Rich:

The last dealer you describe is worth his weight in gold. You are lucky because this type of shop is rare. I try to keep my bikes away from Honda dealers. Every time they have one of my bikes, something BAD happens.

 

[blewrune]

Open letter to Honda VP

I never heard from Mr. Ray Blank, Honda VP.

I'm still BANNED from the dealership of purchase & it's sister stores. Which is fine with me, cause their Techs. Suck. Duct tape to hold front shock in place was embarassing for them when they got caught.

Interstate Cycles, Lake City Fla. 386-758-2453 has been giving poor service in the N. Fl. area for years, I'm told by the locals & reports to the BBD.

I found a great dealership in Gainesville, Fl., Great service, good people, knowledgeable staff.

My Rune has over 21,000 miles & I've been looking at a new bikes. Perhaps a Nomad or Blvd. I did find out that these Rune's don't hold any resale value. 3 dearerships averaged 14,000 to 15,000 as trade in. This is based on bluebook value. There are still Runes on showroom floors at 27,999 in Daytona,Fl.

I'm wondering what the scrapmetal value is instead of the deprication value of almost half of the purchase price?

 

[SiteData]

I don’t give a flying frog’s fart in the wind how much someone else thinks a Rune is worth, mine is priceless because it’s not for sale.

 

[Luis]

Service

Chuck,
Where do you take your Rune for service? Would you recommend them? I have a dealer in West Palm that I am not too crazy about. So, I have to ride for service ....if you like the one in Jupiter I could take it there.

Your input will be appreciated.

Luis

 

[RuneSki]

Like Chuck,I didn't buy my Rune to re-sell it, BUT I can see why some people are upset when they are "forced" ( divorce ,illness,etc ) to sell them and the value has dropped tremendously.
Rich K ( Rune Ski )