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No Help In Kalispell
Note: This was written in Montana while on a 7000 mile trip to the Canadian Rockies; I returned two days ago. I was unable to post it while on the road and will do so now. The contents is relevant even though I am home after a spectacular trip.
This is a story about two Jerry's. Jerry 1 works at the Kalispell, MT dealer. Jerry 2 is the Parts Manager at Addictive Powersports in Great Falls, MT. I came in contact with both Jerry's while trying to get a new rear tire on my 2014 Spyder. But I get ahead of myself.
My dealer warned me about getting a tire replaced. When I left NJ I had about 2500 miles on the original tire and I was undertaking a 6000 mile trip to the Canadian Rockies. The tire would be worn down to the bars between 4000 and 5000 miles. Thus, Kalispell seemed a likely place to replace it.
Two days out (at Havre, MT) I called the Kalispell dealer and asked to speak to the Service Manager. I was told he was out but that I could speak to Jerry 1. He was not encouraging. I told him I was on a 6000 mile trip and that the tire was down to the bars. He said that all his mechanics were busy the day I wanted to bring it in. He also wasn't precisely sure he had a tire in stock. I mentioned that, unlike other bikes, I couldn't walk in just anywhere and get a tire installed. I noted that he was the only dealer in Kalispell so I was forced to take it there. He was unmoved though he did say he would check on whether he had a tire in stock and would call me back.
After I hung up I remembered that I had had almost the exact conversation with Jerry1 three years before while on a similar trip. Then I owned a 2008 Spyder GS and I was concerned about its clutch. When I called the dealer in 2012 I was told the Service Manager was not there but that I could speak to Jerry 1. No, he couldn't even look at the bike. No, all of his men were busy. He would call me back; he never did.
I was really stuck. The tire had to be changed. I was going into Canada and was unsure if there were dealers available. I had planned a year for this trip and it appeared that I would have to abandon my plans and head east to find a more helpful dealer.
Enter Jerry 2!
I noted from the Rattigan-Roger app that there was a dealer in Great Falls, MT. If I left the group I was with -- Country Roads Group Riding -- and dashed down to Great Falls, get the tire installed and then re-join the group in Kalispell, things would be fine. So, I called Addictive Powersports and spoke with Jerry 2, the Parts Manager.
Yes, they had a tire and, yes, the could work me in in the next morning promptly at 8:00 AM. They understood I was on the road and Jerry 2 said "they would do everything they could to get me back on the road."
I was there at 8:00, everyone there was genuinely concerned about the bike and the tour. The tire was mounted, put on the bike which was laser aligned and balanced. It took a bit over two hours.
What a difference! Jerry 1 could not have cared less about my problem. Jerry 1 had no other suggestions. Jerry 1 repeated the same script he used on me two years previously.
Jerry 2 cared about me and my Spyder. He understood that someone on the road can have really pressing problems and that they need immediate attention.
Here is the point: the dealer at Kalispell does not seemed concerned or helpful for those of us on the road. Addictive Powersports does and that makes all the difference.
A Note To BRP: If you are going to continue to advertise the Spyder as an "adventure" on the road then you should convince your dealers that it is good business to help us when we are in the adventure you want us to take.
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Jerry 1 needs to find other employment...
Perhaps a stint in the fast-food industry would "sweeten" him up a bit!
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Just some advice for the future - when traveling in the West, one needs to look at where the dealers are - I doubt the dealer in Kalispell, MT sells many, if any Spyders, but a ton of ATVs, SxSs, and snowmobiles. He has to carry the entire line, to get what he wants, and may only have one Spyder (and NO parts or trained techs) in stock (want a REALLY good deal??). The larger cities probably have some Spyders on the road, and therefore techs and parts.
So, if you know where you are headed in advance, it would be worth a call to the dealer, and/or reach out to SpyderLovers well in advance to make sure this doesn't happen to someone again.
I've been to Kalispell several times on bikes and Spyders, but always make sure the only service I need is gas. It's a beautiful place to ryde, and the roads are terrific - but most of the locals aren't interested in expensive road toys.
Just sayin....
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Happy ending..!!
glad you had spyder codes with you all who travel should. Fortunately there was someone else out there to help you and better yet someone good. Sounds like an amazing trip must have some great photos. If possible share a few with us....
Gene and Ilana De Laney
Mt. Helix, California
2012 RS sm5
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
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Service when traveling
We were heading to Spyders in the Redwoods a stop over in Edmonton,AB to visit our grandson occurred. When leaving the next day we had clutch problems and headed to Martens Motorsports before they opened at 8 AM. They let us in at 7:30AM(tuesday), by 11am the shop had fit us in and confirmed our clutch had to be replaced. The parts had to be ordered from Quebec and arrived on friday. They worked late that night to get us on the road(this was a friday of a long-weekend),the manger even missed his 25th wedding anniversary supper. They had some additional problems that meant the had to come in on Sat morning(two mech's, service manager) to finish the job(yes this is a long weekend).
We can't say enough good things about Martens Motorsports in Edmonton, AB. The staff went the extra mile to help us when we were traveling.
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Ken, I'm glad you were able to find a good dealer on your trip. You don't seem to have the best of luck on your trips with your Spyder. I think you should send your story to the owners of both the good and bad dealers. The bad dealer may be unaware of Jerry1 but more likely they are and don't care. A copy to BRP may also help.
How does your rear tire look after you got home? Curious if you are ready for tire #3 already.
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2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
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2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
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Jerry 1 only operates as described with the blessing of the ownership and management of that dealership. It appears that the Spyder might not be at the pinnacle of interest with this particular dealerships management or ownership.
Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)
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No Help in Kalispell
[QUOTE=kentompkins;859497]Note: This was written in Montana while on a 7000 mile trip to the Canadian Rockies; I returned two days ago. I was unable to post it while on the road and will do so now. The contents is relevant even though I am home after a spectacular trip.
Thanks for your thoughtful post. IMO, such posts that contain facts, not innuendo, are very helpful to this group. They help us make informed decisions about where to do business, who to avoid, who to patronize. It would be wonderful if we could find a way to create a list of dealers that deserve our business and those should be avoided.
2016 Freewheeler
2014 Spyder RT-L Pearl White (SOLD)
Akrapovic Silencer, BajaRon Sway Bar/Links, BRP 23" Vented Windshield, BRP Adjustable Wind Deflector,
BRP Heated Seat/Backrest, BRP Sirius, BRP Bluetooth Dongle, BRP Tri Axis Handlebars w/GPS,
CD Brake Light Modulator, CD Short Antenna, Elka 1+r Shocks, ISCI Brake, JT Dash Mount, Lamonster Cat Bypass, SP Bumpskid, SP Kott Grills, SP Belt Guard
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Thanks for the thoughtful post and I was also thinking it would be a good idea to have a list of cooperative dealers with facts supporting that decision. I know the good/bad dealer discussion has gone around a few times.
[QUOTE=rgk;859607]
Originally Posted by kentompkins
Note: This was written in Montana while on a 7000 mile trip to the Canadian Rockies; I returned two days ago. I was unable to post it while on the road and will do so now. The contents is relevant even though I am home after a spectacular trip.
Thanks for your thoughtful post. IMO, such posts that contain facts, not innuendo, are very helpful to this group. They help us make informed decisions about where to do business, who to avoid, who to patronize. It would be wonderful if we could find a way to create a list of dealers that deserve our business and those should be avoided.
Dan
2014 RT-S SE6, 2012 RT-622 trailer
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RE: Original Post
Thank you for posting information about the dealer in Kalispell MT.
It is obvious they either don't get it, or just plain don't care. I would be avoiding that particular dealer like the plague.
This is an ongoing issue and can be a problem with 's on the road. A few bad dealers, can make for an unpleasant situation.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Kent PowerSports in San Antonio vs. Woods Cycle Country, New Braunfels
We bought BajaRons sway bar a month or so ago and were finally ready to get it put on. I called Woods Cycle Country in New Braunfels, tx to verify that they would do the installation. I was told by the head service tech that they wouldn't do it because if something happened it would void warranty. My husband has had very good luck w/ them in the past so he gave them a call and got the exact same response. My husband emailed BajaRon stating this issue. BajaRon got right back with him in an email stating that he would even speak to the tech at Woods Cycle Country to smooth things out. The tech at Woods was having none of it and even stated that they don't do aftermarket parts because they are trouble down the road.
Enter Kent Motorsports in off of I-35 San Antonio. They would install it and would do it 1st thing Sat. morning. We arrived a bit late so we lost our place in line but also notice the rear tire needed replacing so went ahead and got both done and out by that afternoon!
It's amazing the difference in attitude and attention. Woods couldn't be bothered, Kent couldn't do enough!
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Originally Posted by Mrs. SmallPasture
We bought BajaRons sway bar a month or so ago and were finally ready to get it put on. I called Woods Cycle Country in New Braunfels, tx to verify that they would do the installation. I was told by the head service tech that they wouldn't do it because if something happened it would void warranty. My husband has had very good luck w/ them in the past so he gave them a call and got the exact same response. My husband emailed BajaRon stating this issue. BajaRon got right back with him in an email stating that he would even speak to the tech at Woods Cycle Country to smooth things out. The tech at Woods was having none of it and even stated that they don't do aftermarket parts because they are trouble down the road.
Enter Kent Motorsports in off of I-35 San Antonio. They would install it and would do it 1st thing Sat. morning. We arrived a bit late so we lost our place in line but also notice the rear tire needed replacing so went ahead and got both done and out by that afternoon!
It's amazing the difference in attitude and attention. Woods couldn't be bothered, Kent couldn't do enough!
Respectfully,
The refusal to install aftermarket parts is a matter of policy as administered by an independent franchisee. It is not a failure to provide adequate customer service and IMO, should not be held against a dealer who announces the policy upfront. Sadly, the merit and safety of some aftermarket parts may be the subject of litigation at some time and the refusal of a dealer to install aftermarket parts is a conservative but legally justifiable position.
No offense intended.
2016 Freewheeler
2014 Spyder RT-L Pearl White (SOLD)
Akrapovic Silencer, BajaRon Sway Bar/Links, BRP 23" Vented Windshield, BRP Adjustable Wind Deflector,
BRP Heated Seat/Backrest, BRP Sirius, BRP Bluetooth Dongle, BRP Tri Axis Handlebars w/GPS,
CD Brake Light Modulator, CD Short Antenna, Elka 1+r Shocks, ISCI Brake, JT Dash Mount, Lamonster Cat Bypass, SP Bumpskid, SP Kott Grills, SP Belt Guard
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Curious, who was the dealer? I had my Spyder worked on in Kalispell. JESCO Power and Marine replaced my Y-gasket and threw on a complete set of brake pads much to my satisfaction. Now, to be fair, I knew those parts needed replacing from our last stop in Washington State. So a week ahead I called JESCO and gave them the heads up and scheduled an appointment several days in advance.
I needed a rear tire in Rapid City and luckily Rice Honda had it in stock and were able to take care of it the next day. It's hit or miss with service departments, especially a place like Kalispell where the dealer is not an exclusive Spyder dealer but also handles Can Am water craft, ATVs etc. Their schedules get filled and it's often the goodwill of the service manager to try and fit in any "emergency" ad-hoc repair orders.
Last edited by asp125; 08-20-2014 at 01:33 PM.
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Originally Posted by rgk
Respectfully,
The refusal to install aftermarket parts is a matter of policy as administered by an independent franchisee. It is not a failure to provide adequate customer service and IMO, should not be held against a dealer who announces the policy upfront. Sadly, the merit and safety of some aftermarket parts may be the subject of litigation at some time and the refusal of a dealer to install aftermarket parts is a conservative but legally justifiable position.
No offense intended.
Dealerships are like every other service oriented business. They vary due to what ownership and management deem important. Installing aftermarket parts is just one aspect. But it is hard to believe they install NO aftermarket items. Probably just those that they are unfamiliar with.
There are dealerships that refuse to install my sway bar kits. And there are other dealerships that put my Sway Bar kit on new show room demo Spyders right out of the crate because the dealership feels that they sell better that way.
Here is my take on it.
#1 - It's their dealership. They put up the money and effort to put together a multi-million dollar operation. If it fails they are going to suffer big time. As such they should be able to run it the way they see fit.
#2 - If the dealership is honest and up front about what they do, what they won't do, and why, refusing certain requests does not necessarily constitute bad customer service.
#3 - Every dealership has strengths and some have weaknesses. For a dealership to avoid those areas where they are weak is actually doing the customer a favor.
#4 - I've found it is not a good idea to try and convince a dealership to do something they don't feel comfortable with. It's best to do what you did. Find a dealer who knows the product and feels good about doing the work.
Last edited by BajaRon; 08-18-2014 at 06:38 PM.
Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)
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Yup!
I live in great falls and love addictive power sports! they have always been very accommodating on any issue i have had with my spyder!
2013 Silver RS SE5
Mods: 23 in windshield, Zumo 660 and mount, 2go cup holder, BRP comfort seat, throttle lock, alignment, RS-ST handlebar swap
2700 miles and loving every minute!
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No offense taken
Originally Posted by rgk
Respectfully,
The refusal to install aftermarket parts is a matter of policy as administered by an independent franchisee. It is not a failure to provide adequate customer service and IMO, should not be held against a dealer who announces the policy upfront. Sadly, the merit and safety of some aftermarket parts may be the subject of litigation at some time and the refusal of a dealer to install aftermarket parts is a conservative but legally justifiable position.
No offense intended.
No offense taken and no disrespect meant towards Woods. But we contacted Ron and he offered to talk with Woods on the installation and history of no problems with the product, but they were not receptive and claimed that it would void warranty. Understand their position, but we have had a long relationship with them and they've installed after market risers on my husband's Kawasaki Concourse 14. We were just disappointed. Again, respect their decision and we will be using Kent Powersports in the future. Just passing on information.
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And big Kudos to BajaRon!
Can not thank you enough for your stellar Customer Service! My husband can not say enough kind words about you. He will be picking it up this week and I can't wait to get on it and not work so hard keeping up with him in the Hill Country! Thanks again.
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Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)
Only SLOW people have to leave on time...
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Woods are not really good at all. Had to ordered parts for my 14, it took the 2 mo to get it done. The outher deal in San ant order the same and go it in 2 days. Woods is off my call for any help. The owner also was rude to me about parts. So woods, have a great life in the dirt.........
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GOS member (Girls On Spyders)
Very interesting thread. This is exactly the kind of thing my hubby and I were talking to BRP about at the Owner's Event over lunch. Dealers are so different and many REALLY lack any customer service genes. Before BRP allows a dealership to sell their product they need to do some research into that dealership. I have gone on many trips and met a number of X spyder owners - all due to poor customer service and lack of knowledge at the dealership level. This really reflects poorly on BRP.
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My story
I just returned from a near 7,000 mile trip to the Canadian Rockies and several western parks. I needed an oil change in Rapid City, SD and called Rice Honda several days before I would arrive. This was right at the end of Sturgis. The fellow I spoke to was not very encouraging about getting me in, but said to come wait in line on Monday morning. I arrived about 15 minutes before the official opening time and the door to the service counter was open so I went in. The guy behind the counter had a completely different attitude than the one I spoke to a few days before. He got me right in and I was on my way by 11:00 AM. Rice is a multi-franchise dealer, and it doesn't look like Spyders are a major seller, (there wasn't one Spyder on the showroom floor) but they came through for me and I left a happy camper. Sometimes it takes talking to a different person at the dealership to get things done.
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Hi Ken, Just found your post.......have been absent from the forum pretty much lately due to a lot of busy things going on. Very glad to hear that you were able to get your tire installed at Jerry 2's dealership and were able to go on with your trip. Also glad to hear it turned out to be a great trip for you.
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Love my Spyder!!!
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I purchased my 2014 RT from addictive power sports 30 days ago. I had to have ignition and antenna replaced under warranty. They have been great to work with. I now have to go in for my 3000 mile service and the got me in on Monday. Would recommend them if you are in Montana.
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A Need To Consolidate Information
This topic reads like An Adventure In Finding The Right Dealership For Service. This could also apply to Sales, too. For the ease of either planning a long trip, or being in the midst of one, a single source of dealership(s) names providing positive experiences would be invaluable in one location on this forum. For those of us who have had the experience of needing service on the road, you know what I'm talking about.
Just making a suggestion.
Mike
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