Independent Shop or Dealer For Service Work

[PMK]

I know many of us here do our own maintenance, service and modifications.

Not everyone has that ability.

The oem dealers, many take a beating, sometimes warranted other times not warranted regarding service work.

Independent shops for Spyders are less common. Some get good praise.

So what does the Spyder world need? More quality independents, or better oem dealers regarding service work.

Typically though, we know dealerships can ruin anything good.

So what do you folks think.

Adding an edit, I am not looking for or needing a shop to go to. Just making conversation.

[RapidSpyder]

I’m lucky the independent shop that I go to has a former CanAm mechanic who knows what he’s doing.

[ARtraveler]

I used an independent for my first services on the bikes after our move from Alaska. Lamonster Garage is a good place, IMO. Going back for some accessories on the new one, and service on the new and 2014 in a month or two. A 70 mile drive (one way) for me...and closest that I know of so far.

[pegasus1300]

If I needed something done I couldn't or wouldn't want to do I would have to go to a dealer as there are no independent shops that I know of in Utah that would know how to work on a Spyder, at least not any who are closer then a dealer.

[Peter Aawen]

..... More quality independents, AND better oem dealers regarding service work......

Fixed that sentence for you, PMK!

[pegasus1300]

PMK "So what does the Spyder world need? More quality independents, or better oem dealers regarding service work? ". In my opinion the answer to your question is Both. Right now, other then self preservation there is no competition for the service dollar. Now you would think that self preservation would be incentive enough but apparently not. So maybe more choices would drive and up swing service quality. Also service options could drive up sales,and more sales leads to more service work, which leads to more potential profit to the dealership willing to persue that profit point. And the more people you have in your store for one reason, the more potential sales you have.

[Texas Al]

I would love to find an independent shop. There is a shop close but when I asked them to do an oil change their comment was we don't work on Spyders!!!If any one knows a good independent shop in NW Fort Worth TX let me know.

[Revalden]

I'm soo glad that the dealer in Tulsa is so great and they are soo friendly. So far, except for changing out the rear tire for me I've done all the work on my Spyder myself. I wouldn't go into the engine but I enjoy working on it and adding farkles.

[troop]

Being near Madison, WI their are several Spyder dealers that have competent service techs. One dealership is very Spyder oriented, the other two not as much. Buying late in the season, I had to drive a distance to purchase my Spyder, as no local dealer had what I wanted in stock. Two dealerships will install aftermarket parts, one won't. That dealership is Can-Am accessories only. As far as warranty work goes, haven't needed to explore that (as of yet knock knock). No indy shops in the area for Spyders that I know of. Maybe a southern WI Spyder owner will chime in with other info..

[PMK]

Being near Madison, WI their are several Spyder dealers that have competent service techs. One dealership is very Spyder oriented, the other two not as much. Buying late in the season, I had to drive a distance to purchase my Spyder, as no local dealer had what I wanted in stock. Two dealerships will install aftermarket parts, one won't. That dealership is Can-Am accessories only. As far as warranty work goes, haven't needed to explore that (as of yet knock knock). No indy shops in the area for Spyders that I know of. Maybe a southern WI Spyder owner will chime in with other info..

Interesting, with no independent shops locally, but a few quality oem dealers your choices are limited but so far so good?

If an independent repair shop existed, would you consider them over an oem dealer? If so, what criteria would they need to win your business?

[PMK]

I'm soo glad that the dealer in Tulsa is so great and they are soo friendly. So far, except for changing out the rear tire for me I've done all the work on my Spyder myself. I wouldn't go into the engine but I enjoy working on it and adding farkles.

Same question I asked Troop. If an independent dealer existed in your area, would you use them? What criteria would they need for you to use them vs an oem dealer?

[PMK]

PMK "So what does the Spyder world need? More quality independents, or better oem dealers regarding service work? ". In my opinion the answer to your question is Both. Right now, other then self preservation there is no competition for the service dollar. Now you would think that self preservation would be incentive enough but apparently not. So maybe more choices would drive and up swing service quality. Also service options could drive up sales,and more sales leads to more service work, which leads to more potential profit to the dealership willing to persue that profit point. And the more people you have in your store for one reason, the more potential sales you have.

If most dealerships gave two cents about Spyders after the sale of the unit, we as customers know the benefits could be good. At the current time, I doubt dealers want to consider the added space needed, possible training and find quality techs that truly want to work on Spyders.

[blacklightning]

I used an independent for my first services on the bikes after our move from Alaska. Lamonster Garage is a good place, IMO. Going back for some accessories on the new one, and service on the new and 2014 in a month or two. A 70 mile drive (one way) for me...and closest that I know of so far.

You are lucky. I wish I was close to Lamonster, so I could have him service my bike. The issue with some dealerships is that the techs don't know or understand the bike. At least with Lamont, I know he knows his stuff and feel like he would alert me if there is an issue that I should have covered by warranty. And the warranty thing is the only reason that I do go to a local dealership. But when the warranty is gone, so will my dealings with the dealership. There is a local shop that has a former can am tech working for them. I trust his skills, but am not sure if the shop will stand behind me on a warranty issue.

[Grandpot]

There are a few things that make working on a Spyder difficult for an independent shop.
1. Spyders are relatively new to the motorcycle industry.
2. BPR will not share information with shops if they are not a BRP dealer.
3. BRP does not allow individuals to go to their schools.
4. The computer integration and complexity are far beyond the average wrencher.

[troop]

Interesting, with no independent shops locally, but a few quality oem dealers your choices are limited but so far so good?

If an independent repair shop existed, would you consider them over an oem dealer? If so, what criteria would they need to win your business?

I would certainly consider them for anything non warranty related.

[PMK]

There are a few things that make working on a Spyder difficult for an independent shop.
1. Spyders are relatively new to the motorcycle industry.
2. BPR will not share information with shops if they are not a BRP dealer.
3. BRP does not allow individuals to go to their schools.
4. The computer integration and complexity are far beyond the average wrencher.

Everything you mentioned except access to info and schools are why BRP dealers are less than stellar many times.

[Big F]

we have two Spyder dealers in our Metro area and both lack on some major issues.. It is called CUSTOMER SERVICE, RESPONSIVENESS AND COMPETITIVENESS!!! One has zero Spyder accessories.. they just plain don't get it???"

Most Spyder owners in the area drive 45 miles to a very responsible dealer - both in sales and service.. I personally have bought my last two Spyders at this dealer and literally saved thousands of dollars on net trade costs?? go figure. the real problem lies with BRP on who they award their dealerships to..
BIG F