Unhappy with Ducati Ownership Experiance so far

[Phober]

I've always dreamed of owning a Ducati.
This past October, my dream became a reality.
I picked up a Hypermotard that had been wrecked. Good project for the winter.

However, I've been very disappointed with the customer service in the parts department at the dealership I've been using. Little or no communication, lack of common sense, and no sense of urgency.

I've had two parts on order (same part number) since November. One came in after a couple weeks (or maybe sooner, I had to call to see if they arrived), but the other one didn't. They couldn't tell me where it is or when to expect the second one. Finally, after a month and a little bit of prying information out of them, I discovered they were just waiting to find out where the second one is, and I suggested they just reorder it (a $10 part).

I'm a parts guy, myself, so perhaps my expectaions are too high.
Is this normal for Ducati, or maybe it's just the particular dealer I've been using?
I still love Ducati, but the experiance I've been having is disheartening.
I'll probably feel better in the spring, when I can get out and ride this thing!

[RockingM]

Doesn't sound much different than any other parts department, Ducati or not. Service is pretty much non-existent now a days. What kind of parts do you sell since your the exception?

[Phober]

Originally Posted by RockingM

Doesn't sound much different than any other parts department, Ducati or not. Service is pretty much non-existent now a days. What kind of parts do you sell since your the exception?

Ford/Lincoln - need any? I can hook you up with a great deal! And great customer service.

[DMCTRUBY]

Try Ducati Omaha . The parts people are awesome. I live in CT and try to buy from the local dealer, but the CT dealer sold out & closed shop. There is a new small shop opening up (Motofit) with GREAT people, they are just coming online. Ducati Omaha I have dealt with via the internet and only have great words for them.

[999s]

It doesn't matter what company or brand it is, whenever I get quality/ timely service I am surprised. I'm fact the only place I seem to get great service from is the place I order monster parts from. Customer service is dead and I am really sick of being treated like I am a bother but just asking them to do their freakin job.


Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

[Bill_Anderson]

Ducati Seattle has always had great parts service. It looks like John the Parts Guy is still there after the change of ownership. It would be worth a shot at contacting him.

206.298.9995

jpayne@ducatiseattle.com

[MTScott2]

Well you are not too far from me...
Ducati parts CAN take forever to get here I think some dealers wait till they get a bunch of parts to order before they send for them , Prolly to save on shipping...

There are shipping depots on the American side you can get the parts shipped to and then Pop over the border to pick them up. The depots charge like $5,00.oo to hold them for you.
Use the internet get a hold of the dealers around and order them that way they may even have them in stock,
Shipping costs to Canada is a rip off...

Wifey and daughter use the depots quite often they e-mail you when the Items arrive...
Do a trip over the border and fill up with fuel and it is worth your while , We get 5 cases of beer = 1 free case, some groceries , and often don't get charged duty, Always got to pay duty on the beer tho...
Make a day trip out of it...

[Sofa King]

I live just outside Charlotte NC and try to use my local shop as much as possible. Really good guys, and one I know, Sam, is quite a character. The parts guys in particular, seem helpful. They guy who seems to run it, spent probably 30 minutes with me one day, as we went through part numbers on ordering some bearing. Ducati is very bad about splitting parts between VINs and we walked through the microfiche to find exactly what I needed. He tought me how to read the Parts List at the same time. Good guys there.

Even if they cost more, I'll pay it for that kind of service. Something that goes against my grain, but shops like this are hard to find and they need our $$ to stay open.

[amehl]

i dont know how or why anyone would rely on a dealer for parts. We live in the age of the internet people. Shop around, pay $6 for fast shipping. I have had NO problems finding obscure parts for incredibly low prices. There's no way I could afford my bike if I only bought from the dealer.

[Bob92]

Ditto Ducati Omaha and Commonwealth Motorcycles as well. Both get parts as fast as possible if not in stock, and both have excellent communications.