Good Dealer / Bad Dealer Service Departments

[armyspydervet]

First off, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

I have a question regarding dealers/service departments. I searched for a thread on here that would list dealers that Ryders have had good experiences with by state. I will tell you if you live in the Washington DC/Northern VA area, STAY AWAY FROM COLEMAN POWERSPORTS!

I have had nothing but poor experiences regarding their service department. I have a non-functioning plate light, they want me to drop the spyder off for three weeks since they don't make appointments and the work is done on a first come first serve basis. I also have an OEM 12V I purchased from canam I want installed in the Frunk. The instructions that came with it say it's a .5 hour job. They quoted me 1.5 hours of labor.

I am new to the community and Spyder riding and I will be due my 600 mile initial checkup right after the new year. I DO NOT want to take it to Coleman. Anyone know of other decent dealers in the MD/PA/VA area? Im willing to drive to ensure good customer service and a job done right for a fair price. I also think that a US wide thread like this would benefit others (especially newbies) if we knew who to go to and who to stay away from.

- Chris

 

[ARtraveler]

There is no list as mentioned above.

Dealers have good days and bad days. Customers have good and bad experiences. One persons great dealer, is another's dealer from heck--depending on what goes down.

To put a dealer on a "bad" list for just one incident--not fair to the dealer--IMO. There are dealers that show up in a consistent manner when it comes to complaints though--that usually says something about where or where not to go.

Search by dealer names or by state is one suggestion. Asking the locals--like you have done--is probably the best way.

Hope you find a dealer that you will like and service that you can trust. :thumbup:

 

[Blade]

Spyder Service Department

Hello there are at least two Power Sports Spyder dealerships in the Northern Virginia area could you be specific as to which one you had problems with. I called the Falls Church dealershiper about buying an RT; and got a price over the phone and was going up the next day and was given another price about the same Spyder. I brought my spyder from another dealer.

I have had good experience with Cycle City Corp in Newport News, VA (757) 595-9721.

Hope they can help.

Blade

 

[Pennyrick]

First off, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

I also think that a US wide thread like this would benefit others (especially newbies) if we knew who to go to and who to stay away from.

- Chris

Chris:

Welcome to Spyderland.

The idea that you put forth has been talked about for at least the past five years and generally the consensus is that it is not a good idea to post such a list. As our friend from Alaska said, dealers have good days and bad days...... and sometimes so do customers.

Most dealer problems end up having three sides... the customers.... the dealers and what actually happened.

Trust me, the really bad ones get singled out soon enough but to flame a dealer as you did after such a short time period... is just not fair IMO.

 

[armyspydervet]

Chris:

Welcome to Spyderland.

The idea that you put forth has been talked about for at least the past five years and generally the consensus is that it is not a good idea to post such a list. As our friend from Alaska said, dealers have good days and bad days...... and sometimes so do customers.

Most dealer problems end up having three sides... the customers.... the dealers and what actually happened.

Trust me, the really bad ones get singled out soon enough but to flame a dealer as you did after such a short time period... is just not fair IMO.

I see the point on why not to list dealers. But IMO I did not "flame" Coleman. I listed two specific instances where they provided me lackluster customer service. As stated above, it will come out if dealers consistently provide poor service. I provided one data point for that dealer.

 

[Hokiev]

Virginia Service

When I had my 2011 RT LTD I used Fredericksburg Motor Sports and generally had good results.

http://www.fmscycles.com
540.899.92100
430 Kings Hwy. Fred. VA 22405
It is located in South Stafford County not too far off I95.

 

[Pennyrick]

I see the point on why not to list dealers. But IMO I did not "flame" Coleman. I listed two specific instances where they provided me lackluster customer service. As stated above, it will come out if dealers consistently provide poor service. I provided one data point for that dealer.

Okay... my apologies.

Ir's Christmas Eve... the reindeer are coming.

 

[Ben Burped]

DIY

First off, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

I have a question regarding dealers/service departments. I searched for a thread on here that would list dealers that Ryders have had good experiences with by state. I will tell you if you live in the Washington DC/Northern VA area, STAY AWAY FROM COLEMAN POWERSPORTS!

I have had nothing but poor experiences regarding their service department. I have a non-functioning plate light, they want me to drop the spyder off for three weeks since they don't make appointments and the work is done on a first come first serve basis. I also have an OEM 12V I purchased from canam I want installed in the Frunk. The instructions that came with it say it's a .5 hour job. They quoted me 1.5 hours of labor.

I am new to the community and Spyder riding and I will be due my 600 mile initial checkup right after the new year. I DO NOT want to take it to Coleman. Anyone know of other decent dealers in the MD/PA/VA area? Im willing to drive to ensure good customer service and a job done right for a fair price. I also think that a US wide thread like this would benefit others (especially newbies) if we knew who to go to and who to stay away from.

- Chris

It's time to buy a service manual and start learning how to do things yourself. You may have to purchase a few tools to add to your toolbox. I would also suggest building a slanted support box to set your "frunk" on and installing the outlet yourself. The wiring is already there to power the outlet so the big deal is the removal of the "frunk".

 

[armyspydervet]

Okay... my apologies.

Ir's Christmas Eve... the reindeer are coming.

No apologies needed. I see both points of view.

 

[armyspydervet]

It's time to buy a service manual and start learning how to do things yourself. You may have to purchase a few tools to add to your toolbox. I would also suggest building a slanted support box to set your "frunk" on and installing the outlet yourself. The wiring is already there to power the outlet so the big deal is the removal of the "frunk".

Yes! My New Years resolution is to learn more about my bike and be more self sufficient as far as maintenance. The repair though is a warranty issue and I was advised I should do the first maintenance at the dealer and do the interval maintenance myself. As for the 12V, I figured they could install it in a half hour while performing the 600 mile maintenance. But thank you for the suggestions on tools.

 

[flaggerphil]

It's time to buy a service manual and start learning how to do things yourself. You may have to purchase a few tools to add to your toolbox. I would also suggest building a slanted support box to set your "frunk" on and installing the outlet yourself. The wiring is already there to power the outlet so the big deal is the removal of the "frunk".

the problem with that is there are many people...myself included...who are, quite simply, NOT mechanically inclined. I learned that a long time ago.

 

[2dogs]

The good the bad and the.............

This site is an extremely informative and well cared for site. It appears designed totally for the benefit of the Spyder owner and those who wish to become Spyder owners. Yes, dealers have good/bad days as everyone does; however, a quality dealer will go to great lengths and bend over backwards to compensate for creating a poor/bad experience for a customer. Yes, they’ll even do that for a poor customer, and for that the dealer should be properly and rightfully documented. Poor quality dealerships for the most part are easily recognized and noted for their inefficiencies and price gouging. Poor dealers are doing a significantly greater disservice to the Spyder community and the public in general, than quality dealers do favorable service for the community. Therefore, I am 100% in favor of a good/poor dealer catalog. Consumers always try to seek out the best dealer/service and often need help in that endeavor. Low quality dealers will eventually fade away and it’s up to us who recognize them to help them along their way for the benefit of everyone.

 

[LV2RYDE]

Motosports. PA

First off, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

I have a question regarding dealers/service departments. I searched for a thread on here that would list dealers that Ryders have had good experiences with by state. I will tell you if you live in the Washington DC/Northern VA area, STAY AWAY FROM COLEMAN POWERSPORTS!

I have had nothing but poor experiences regarding their service department. I have a non-functioning plate light, they want me to drop the spyder off for three weeks since they don't make appointments and the work is done on a first come first serve basis. I also have an OEM 12V I purchased from canam I want installed in the Frunk. The instructions that came with it say it's a .5 hour job. They quoted me 1.5 hours of labor.

I am new to the community and Spyder riding and I will be due my 600 mile initial checkup right after the new year. I DO NOT want to take it to Coleman. Anyone know of other decent dealers in the MD/PA/VA area? Im willing to drive to ensure good customer service and a job done right for a fair price. I also think that a US wide thread like this would benefit others (especially newbies) if we knew who to go to and who to stay away from.

- Chris

Chris
I live at the border of DC and VA (2 miles from Wilson Bridge)
I ride my bike 90 miles each way to Motorsports, PA. I had a very bad experience with Coleman where I bought and serviced my first bike.
Then bought my second from PA, and all my services are timely, reasonable cost, and same day service (knowing I come long way).
Ryan, the technician is great, and always attending can-am training.
Give it a try, no regrets.
Also, I'm a member with Maryland Spyder Web, great group for MD, VA, DC, WV riders. Check the website.
I'll text you the info of the dealer
Souzan

 

[WA5VHU]

The wife and I ride or trailer our Spyders to Motorsports, PA in Hanover. Ryan and the folks know their Spyder stuff!

Best of luck.

 

[YIRYDE]

:agree: with using Hanover Motosports. I have used both Coleman's location for service but never again. It took them 3 weeks to fix an oil leak and when I received it back it was not put back together properly. That happened in 2013 and was the last time I had them perform service on my Spyder. They do have some good sales on accessories and parts once in a while.

I brought my second Spyder from Hanover Motorsports, which is about 110 miles from me and Coleman's is 15 miles. It's worth the drive to me to receive good service on my Spyder and Hanover Motosports takes appointments for service.

Here are a couple of other ones that I would also use before I use Coleman's.

• Talbot Power Sports; Easton, Md
• Virginia Power Motorsports; Ruckersville, VA

 

[PMK]

I know that some people are wanting a dealer feedback topic area and others don't.

Seems the way to get these more controversial topics to the people, may be a Facebook Group. That leaves out the Spyderlovers website and any moderating or issues that may arise.

Also, a FB group is good and bad since it requires the person wanting to know, to read through and make his own decision, free from any posts that may be moderated out of the system.

Overall though, I find currently Lamont does a good job and this is one of the better websites I visit for my hobby stuff.

Those that get dropped out since they have no accounts on FB, sorry, that is by your own choice. Understandable, but again your own choice.

PK

 

[latony007]

It's time to buy a service manual and start learning how to do things yourself. You may have to purchase a few tools to add to your toolbox. I would also suggest building a slanted support box to set your "frunk" on and installing the outlet yourself. The wiring is already there to power the outlet so the big deal is the removal of the "frunk".

Not sure what year this is but you dont need to remove anything on either my 2008 RS or 2015 RT to install the front 12v plug. On the 2008 you had to reach up under which was a slight pain but much less so than taking out the frunk. On the 2015 RT all you have to do is remove the battery door in the funk and reach your hand back there. Took me less than 3 minutes to have it plugged and screwed on.

P.S. Not very happy with my local dealer on my last spyder. I hear the one in whittier is great but its about 50 miles and through a LOT of city traffic but i still might consider it next time.

 

[Tazzel]

I for one would like to know other people experience with dealerships good and bad. As well as after market Spyder Accessory Vendor products. People can than read the totality of posts and decide for themselves. Just like people rave about the SpyderPop products but I had nothing but bad experiences with the items I purchased. However there are many good reviews as well. I was a little pissed when I posted my experiences with some of the items and people came back with "same thing happened to me" its like why not post so other people know!!!!!!!!

 

[Redteamer]

Dealing with Coleman

Took my 2011 RS-S into Coleman Powersports in Woodbridge, VA in early December for a service and to have a foot peg installed and am still waiting for it to be fixed. They had the parts ten days ago. They are estimating it will be ready on Jan 4 or 5. Many thanks for the recommendations on Powersports in Hanover, PA and in Ruckersville, VA. If you check Yelp, you will find the reviews on both Coleman locations consistently at about 2 of five stars. They have a lot of bad days. Army vet, perhaps we can ride together some time if we can get our trikes out of the shop!

 

[armyspydervet]

Took my 2011 RS-S into Coleman Powersports in Woodbridge, VA in early December for a service and to have a foot peg installed and am still waiting for it to be fixed. They had the parts ten days ago. They are estimating it will be ready on Jan 4 or 5. Many thanks for the recommendations on Powersports in Hanover, PA and in Ruckersville, VA. If you check Yelp, you will find the reviews on both Coleman locations consistently at about 2 or five stars. They have a lot of bad days. Army vet, perhaps we can ride together some time if we can get our trikes out of the shop!

Sounds good. I will PM you my contact info. Souzan (on this site) recommended Motorsports PA. I called Coleman to get a quote on my 600 mile service. They quoted me $425 and drop off for a week. I called the place Souzan recommended and they quoted $225 and will do it while I wait. I think I found my new service center even though I will have to drive 100 miles.