Hello and Ducati Dealerships....

[nyandy]

hello. my names Andy and I've been riding for 15 years. Mostly HDs and chops and about to (hopefully) take delivery this week of an 1100 Evo Hyper. I don't mean to start off on the wrong foot here, but I had to see if this was standard issue with dealing with Ducati dealerships in general.

I did some time in a HD dealership years ago. And yes, I could go on plenty about the happenings within, but this isn't the reason of this post or even mildly relevant, but I felt it was worth mentioning when describing what I'm experiencing currently.

I've been seriously in the market for this bike for a month. With it being the end of the season, I realize stock is thin. But, the general attitude I have received with the few remaining dealerships here in NY has been absolutely ridiculous...

Overall, when i spoke with someone they didn't really care about my questions... rarely ever called me back.... wanted to shit on other brands such as HD (ok, i get it) but generally just didn't give me the time of day.

So, after finding one of two dealerships here in NY that had the 1100 evo in black that i was after, I get told the bike is in a dealer 2.5 hrs away from me. I take off from work and go to literally buy the bike from said dealer and even walking in was literally ignored. When i asked for help a gentleman then asked what he could do for me. Told him what i wanted and then we talked price. He asked me if i was "serious" and I said yes and he took my deposit. He then reassured me the bike was in house but couldn't give me a vin. But promised me it would be within two days that that it was "un crated" and he'd call me with with the vin and I could pick it up by weeks end. Deposit handed to him and i split with a receipt.

For the rest of the week, I called to make plans and not only was the sales person not a available to talk (it happens) but never would call me back. When i did get him later in the week, I got the whole "well, it's on a truck and i can't get the vin until it gets here song and dance.) WHAT? Truck? Wasn't it in the crate crate a few days ago in the building?

After playing this game, I said I'd give it until today as to not seemingly "bother" them and called an hr after they got in so that the were settled and ready to help customers. I ask for the sales guy, the same dude that took the money out of my hand and said: "hello so and so, it's Andy blah blah who placed a deposit on a Hyper last week. You told me you'd let me know where the bike was at on Monday and I didn't hear from you." Answers: "Who is this? Can you please refresh my memory?" I was like... I'm F-ed. I explained myself again and he told me the same story... again. I asked him if it was possible to take delivery of the misty bike before Sat... His answer "Absolutely." Well, I guess I'll believe it when it happens, but I sure to feel like they are giving me the run around.

Again, I think this post may upset some of you, and I'm sorry. But this purchase to me has been nothing but awful thus far and happens to be a big deal to me. Buying any kind of bike is a big in this economy and anyone I've dealt with other then a very nice guy at New Roc Ducati has been this side of horrible.

I'm real psyched to get this thing coming off a history of very different motorcycles, but my question is... Have any others here had similar experiences when trying to buy, get service or recalls? For me personally, this is the only new motorcycle in 15 years that I wanted to buy after seeing it at the Javits center show this year and I'm already disappointed and I haven't even gotten it yet.

Again, sorry to start off bitching....

[minusone]

Stop your bitching!
We pay 50% more here in OZ and get just the same treatment.
Why are you guys so special?

[Drinky]

Depends on the dealership I guess. I have 2 dealerships in the neighbourhood here that are pretty good, but I also know a few with the: "hey, what are you doing in my store don't touch that or you'll have to buy it" attitude, you know, that when you walk in the dealership you get the feeling they want you out as soon as possible.

It isn't only Ducati dealerships. I've had the same happening at kawa, suzuki, triumph and yamaha dealerships. Pis poor service and overblown prices, and they wonder why no more people go to dealerships and do it themselves or buy from the internet. It doesn't surprise me at all to see that a lot of dealerships have foreclosed in recent years. I buy my bikes used, so that I don't have to go through all this trouble myself.

[Renegadevt]

I can only speak of my local dealer and say that they are the best I have ever experienced. In they have been recognized nationally for customer service. They have both Ducati and Suzuki. Their service level for sales, repairs and parts has never let me down. So if you feel like taking an nice weekend trip to Vermont check 'em out.

New Haven, Vermont, Eton America, Suzuki, ATV, motorcycle, utility vehicle, dealer, used, parts, accessories, apparel

[MarksFriggin]

I had nothing but a pleasant experience buying my 08 Hyper from Eurosports in Coopersburg, PA back in 2007. I had read nightmare stories about other Ducati dealers so I was very happy to have been treated as well as I was there. They were very up front about the delays in delivery for their very first Hypermotards.

[JFB1973]

I guess your dealer went to the same school as mine, or it is a crash course they take in Bologna.... Nevertheless the moment you will put your leg over this bike you will kick yourself for riding HD for so long! you are in for a ride and I guess it started even before u get on the bike!
Hope things work out though!
Cheers.

[nyandy]

thanks all. yeah, after what I've been on for the past years and what I've read and experienced from test riding the 796, I'm real psyched to get this thing. I hope to have better ways to contribute moving forward.

Like I said guys, I did 2 years in a dealership (albeit HD) where guys came in w/ 25 k in cash in shoe boxes and back packs to pay for bikes. It was a real big deal after a long time saving and I personally did all i could for em. But, not really all that relevant.

I guess it's not Ducati specific and shit happens and dealers are dealers... but man, just a real surprise to me I guess as a business owner. I can say honestly, I wouldn't put up with my employees treating customers in said manner. Anyway, thanks for the feedback. better shit to follow I hope.

[r60slash5]

Cyclewise/Ducati Vermont are really nice people. We're pretty lucky in New England we have several good dealers.


Ted

[breckduc]

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with the dealer. My advice is to ditch them and go somewhere else if possible. Imagine what your post sales support will be like if you have any problems with your bike after you buy it.

I sold a house about 13 years ago and had a big wad of cash in my pocket. I had decided that when the house sold I was going to buy a Harley. I went to local Harley dealer and was basically ignored. I said fuck this and walked out with my money. I have had bad experiences with dealers of all brands.

One of the reasons I like Euro bikes is that there are at least two dealers in Denver that will let you ride the bikes before you buy them. Erico Motorsports and Foothills BMW and Triumph. I had considered buying a Z1000 or FZ8 this time around but I don't know any Japanese motorcycle dealers that will let you test ride a bike. No way am I paying $8-15K for something that I can't test drive.

Anyway - shop around if you can and don't forget that the bike market is still nowhere near recovered yet. You should be treated with respect and offered the best deal possible even during peak riding season.

[vjdup]

Do not buy the bike from them!
Imagine how pissed you will be when warranty work is required, or parts are needed.
Theres more than enough left overs across the country.
Theres a dealer in Nashua New Hampshire that had a couple.