Back to Spyder and Looking for Dealer Recommendations in San Antonio

[TonyMac]

Back in 2008, I saw a Spyder on the highway and immediately knew I had to get one. Two months later, I'm at Joe Harrison Honda and bought a 2008 SM5 in bright yellow. Immediately started converting it into a sort of touring bike with the handlebar risers, mirror extensions, Cal-Sci windshield, Corbin seats and back rests, sway bar, exhaust pipe, aftermarket nav system. You name it. It was a great bike and I loved and rode it for five years until I caught the two wheel bug riding my son in law's Ninja and wound up getting a BMW K1600 GTL with all the bells and whistles. A true touring bike that I also loved. Well that Beemer got stolen a few weeks back, recovered by the police but totaled by my insurance company. Now, I'm looking for a replacement and of course the news of the 2014 RTS (in yellow, of course) came up and I began scouring this site for information on the bike. Sounds like I've convinced myself again that a Touring Spyder is the new right answer.

Price wise it seems like it will be a repeat of 2008 in that if you want the newest 2014 Spyder you are going to pay MSRP or very near it. I tend to agree with the folks on this site who posted that the reputation of the dealer and your relationship with them is probably a better indicator of your long term happiness than shaving a few hundred dollars off the sale price just so you can crow that you "got a good deal".

Given that Joe Harrison and South Texas Suzuki are out of business, what can my fellow Spyder Lovers in the San Antonio area say about Kent Powersports in Selma, Woods Cycle in New Braunfels or Yamaha Fun Center in Boerne?

Any recommendations or advice would be greatly apprecated.

 

[ARtraveler]

You are right on with your observations about price and dealer. Not from you area, but the information should be forthcoming. Good Luck on your hunt. Yellow is my favorite color for 2014. :thumbup:

 

[Wiredux]

Take a day trip if you can and see PitBull in Springfield MO. I drove 19 hours to see them.

 

[murphybrown]

Also highly recommend Len at pitbull

Take a day trip if you can and see PitBull in Springfield MO. I drove 19 hours to see them.

wa state to Pitbull. Nice ryde...definitely worth it IMHO :thumbup:

 

[crw8781]

I bought my Rt from Kent Motorsport 2 years ago and they have done right by me.Today I drop my Rt off for service and I notice they have a 2013 and 2014 in the show room.:doorag:

 

[Don in E Texas]

Good reviews about..

...Yamaha Fun Center in Boerne

No first had info -- just what has been already posted here on the forum.

Don

 

[TonyMac]

Why Pitbull?

Guys

I've seen a lot of references to Pitbull and was hoping for a bit more detail as to why it would be a good idea to go to Missouri to purchase there? Do they have some special volume that allows discounts? Better initial setup?

crw8781. Thanks for the feedback on Kent. When Joe Harrison quit selling Spyders, they transferred my pre-paid maintenance plan to Kent and I had them service it a few times. They seem like a good dealer. Will go check them out to swing a leg over the new RTS.

Thanks, Tony

 

[murphybrown]

I say Pitbull because

Guys

I've seen a lot of references to Pitbull and was hoping for a bit more detail as to why it would be a good idea to go to Missouri to purchase there? Do they have some special volume that allows discounts? Better initial setup?

crw8781. Thanks for the feedback on Kent. When Joe Harrison quit selling Spyders, they transferred my pre-paid maintenance plan to Kent and I had them service it a few times. They seem like a good dealer. Will go check them out to swing a leg over the new RTS.

Thanks, Tony

Here is a Reader's Digest list...this is for me: I am woman, I know nothing mechanical, I am a salesman's delight. And I trust people until they prove otherwise. So based on that background. When I made the decision to purchase Ms spyder I knew NOTHING...so just went looking for the best deal. The closest dealer to me (180 mi) could not get the '10 silver RT... Which I found in Illinois..sent a friend there. he picked up and brought back. Parked in in my driveway and handed me the manual. Now after 70K miles I have just enough knowledge to be a pain in the butt to a dealership/mechanic. My first experience with Len & Vanessa started back in 2011 when I came to my first Spyderfest. I watched I listened and I saw people of high integrity, honesty and knowledge treat all folks with professionalism. Bought a few farkles from them each time I went to Spyderfest ('11, '12, '13). Would have an issue and didn't like what I would hear from my tech...so would call and get Len's or Lamont's input...never ever bad mouthed another business (another sign of high integrity IMHO)...but would suggest things I could ask or look for.
Then came my decision to buy a '14 with matching trailer (this gal needs more shoes!!! to take on her trips)...started with my servicing dealer. Then called 3 other dealers...Looking for the best deal. Then I called Len. He blew all the others out of the water price wise PLUS more important I know it will be set up RIGHT...and I know without a doubt how these "babies" are set up .. sets the stage for future issues or hopefully lack of.
So integrity, honesty-no BS salesman talk, VERY on top of all things Spyder...best staff, best pricing...and Len and Vanessa have 2 of the cutest kids alive (well next to my grandkids!!)...As You can see I have great respect for them as business people and just good people. Do they walk on water? Are they perfect? NOPE...make mistakes, sure. BUT they own 'em and fix 'em.
So starting next week when my '14 is scheduled to arrive...the phone line between WA & MO will be active...oh yea, I am ready bring on Spyderfest 2014...and my new '14. Thanks to Pitbull I am feeling very secure in making a major purchase from them...even tho they are 2100 miles from me!!! :yes:

 

[Texas]

Tony, I truly believe one of the best dealers you'll find anywhere in the country is right out your backdoor in Boerne. Troy at Yamaha Funcenter is very easy to work with, and the best part is; the dealership doesn't have that corporate drone feel that is becoming the norm. I purchased my 2014 RT-S from him on Feb. 1st, and will be making the trip back soon for service. 100+ miles for me one-way, and well worth the trip. But don't take my word for it; give him a call and judge for yourself.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Bryant Arkansas to Pitbull Powersports in Springfield Missouri (417) 863-1418, worth the trip.

Cruzr Joe

 

[Mr. White]

Tony, I bought my Spyder from South Texas Suzuki and they closed, as you know. I needed a rear tire and went to Kent in Selma....good service, no problem. Then Troy Chakales opened Yamaha in Boerne. He has been in the business a long time in San Antonio. He then took on the BRP dealership, calling it Coyote Powersports. He has experienced techs (BRP trained). You need to go by there as visit with Troy, telling him I sent you. He will treat you well. When your come west on IH10, exit at MM 543, go left under the bridge and a quick right (north) on the frontage road about 1/4 mile. I was there the other day and he had yellow 2014 Spyders....ha ha

:spyder2:

 

[Chaser666]

Circuit Yellow

Yes get the circuit yellow you'll love it I did!!!!:yes::2thumbs::yikes:

 

[TonyMac]

Is initial setup the primary concern?

Thanks to all for the replies and advice. It is very much appreciated.

Upthread Murphy Brown mentioned that experience in setting up the machine properly is an important function of a dealership and I personally thought that my original dealer Joe Harrison may not have set up my original Spyder properly in the first place. I repeatedly met up with other Spyder ryders in the San Antonio area and we all had basically the same bikes riding in the same weather but we would compare notes and I swear my Spyder was always 2 bars hotter in running temperature than the others and I could never figure out why I was the only one complaining that it seemed to run hot. I did all the recommended changes at the time including the aftermarket pipe, SpyderPops airflow thing that forced air through the radiator, remapped the fuel injection and while it got better, it always ran a bit hotter than other Spyders. I actually used to dread sitting in traffic in the summer waiting to go into limp mode although I never did.

Of the San Antonio dealers many have mentioned that they are great business folks to deal with but can anyone comment on their ability to set up the bike correctly the first time? I've seen threads here about alignments and oil plugs, etc. and was wondering if anyone could speak about the local dealer's competence in this area?

 

[Bob Denman]

Can't help you with the dealer choice; but WELCOME BACK!! :yes:hyea::yes: :2thumbs:

 

[Texas]

Tony, I believe initial setup is a concern on any motorcycle or trike. You don't want a wheel coming off at highway speed. I can tell you that Troy is genuinely concerned with getting your Spyder set up safely and correctly. The day I purchased mine from Troy, I had a couple hour drive home. Once I arrived at home, I had a voicemail waiting for me from Troy wanting to know that I made it home safely. I called him back to say it was a great trip home. I've never had a dealer call to ask that. Again, you need to make some phone calls and judge for yourself who is going to take care of you the best.

 

[Bob Denman]

That is VERY good service! :clap: :thumbup:

 

[crw8781]

Today I went to Coyote Power-sports in Boerne, Tx. I talk to Troy he truly cares about his customers. They have 2014 in every color and they have dedicate service and show room for Can Am. They also carry Can Am clothes and accessories. If anyone interested they are set up to do laser Alignments. Yesterday I gave Kent Motor-sport the thumbs up today I give Coyote Power-sports :thumbup::thumbup:.

 

[Gray Ghost]

...I personally thought that my original dealer Joe Harrison may not have set up my original Spyder properly in the first place...

While I haven't done a PDI on a Spyder, the general philosophy is probably not much different than other manufacturers. PDI is usually putting on the any parts, such as wheels, that were removed for crating, checking fluids, charging battery, and going over the fasteners to make sure everything is tight. They would also hook up the diagnostic software to make sure that any recalls were completed before delivery. I can't think of anything that takes place during PDI that would cause your byke to run hotter than any other byke.

 

[TonyMac]

Great input!

This is all very good input and I do appreciate it. You get a feel for how people were treated and that is probably a great indicator of future service. Funny, no one from the San Antonio area even mentioned Woods in New Braunfels but several good bits of feedback about Coyote. I'll have to stop in Boerne and check out Coyote Power Sports. Thanks again!

 

[Ronbo]

WHY PITBULL...

Guys

I've seen a lot of references to Pitbull and was hoping for a bit more detail as to why it would be a good idea to go to Missouri to purchase there? Do they have some special volume that allows discounts? Better initial setup?

crw8781. Thanks for the feedback on Kent. When Joe Harrison quit selling Spyders, they transferred my pre-paid maintenance plan to Kent and I had them service it a few times. They seem like a good dealer. Will go check them out to swing a leg over the new RTS.

Thanks,

Because Len and his staff at pitbull understands the meaning of customer service. He is honest and will go out of his way to make sure that your Spyder runs perfectly. He is just as excited to give you good service after the sale as he was prior to the sale. Vanessa and the rest of the staff is equally committed to making you happy. Lynn has partnered with Lamont to make certain that the initial set up is correct on delivery and his whole group is there to answer questions and help you with anything that you need. I drive five hours one-way to do business with him. He made it possible for me to sell my 2013 RT with 3000 miles on it for my 2014.

Ron