Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Son of Pappy on May 21, 2013, 05:21:02 PM

Title: Dealer warning
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 21, 2013, 05:21:02 PM
I was told today that the stock '08 C14 came with 166 RWHP, by the service manager.  He took mine for a spin, claimed it had maybe 1 or 2 more ponies than his stock '08.

You decide, would you return for anything in this store?

Shame, as I used to like this store.  For professional reasons if you want to know which store this is shoot me a PM.  The shop is due West of Seattle..

So far today I have had offers of $3500 firm and MAYBE $4000!!!!  Reckon I will just be patient, the right guy will come along.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: lather on May 21, 2013, 05:53:17 PM
 Nothing out of the ordinary.
Look up "service manager" in your Thesaurus:
Service Manager:  a common term for "full of ****"
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Barry on May 21, 2013, 06:51:59 PM
I was told today that the stock '08 C14 came with 166 RWHP, by the service manager.  He took mine for a spin, claimed it had maybe 1 or 2 more ponies than his stock '08.

You decide, would you return for anything in this store?

Shame, as I used to like this store.  For professional reasons if you want to know which store this is shoot me a PM.  The shop is due West of Seattle..

So far today I have had offers of $3500 firm and MAYBE $4000!!!!  Reckon I will just be patient, the right guy will come along.

IF the presence of idiots determined who I never did business with, I'd be hard pressed to find anyone to do anything for me.

Barry
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: firehawk618 on May 21, 2013, 08:35:51 PM
I have found those "know it all's" at every dealer and repair shop I've ever been to.  Just look past it and decide if they're worth going back to.

GLWS of your bike.

If it's on craigslist then 1000x GLWS.  I so hate selling anything on there.....sooooo many time wasters.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: BlkBird on May 21, 2013, 08:43:24 PM
I'm the spiteful type, I'd probably go to the GM, tell him the SM is a moron and advise him as to why you would never be returning.  Stupid like that needs to be recognized.....
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: texrider on May 21, 2013, 08:50:02 PM
Him being such a pro and all, ask him to run for pinks. When you have his bike, you can sell them both for fun and profit!  ;D
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 21, 2013, 09:33:09 PM
I'm the spiteful type, I'd probably go to the GM, tell him the SM is a moron and advise him as to why you would never be returning.  Stupid like that needs to be recognized.....
I know the GM, aint to partial to him but seeing as to how the family has done buisness with this shop since the late '70s?  They broke the mold today.  I bet we have bought 10+ bikes, quads, and even a pair of 3 wheelers from them.  Heck, it's where I bought my Connie from.  It seems loyalty is a one way street.  So I am doing my part to return the favor...

Him being such a pro and all, ask him to run for pinks. When you have his bike, you can sell them both for fun and profit!  ;D

Seeing this guy ride I could probably run the GS (Pirelli Scorpion street legal knobbies) at Pacific Raceways and win his pink slip ;D  Imagine riding with a pair of loafers, on wet roads, on a bike you had never ridden before :o
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: stevewfl on May 21, 2013, 10:04:47 PM
Heh he's the most close to accurate stealership manager I've heard of to date. He must've been high to come that close anyways (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/anim_toke.gif) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/avatars/anim_toke.gif.html)
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: gPink on May 22, 2013, 04:09:07 AM

Seeing this guy ride I could probably run the GS (Pirelli Scorpion street legal knobbies) at Pacific Raceways and win his pink slip ;D Imagine riding with a pair of loafers, on wet roads, on a bike you had never ridden before :o
And you let him ride your bike?
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: ZG on May 22, 2013, 12:25:50 PM
I was told today that the stock '08 C14 came with 166 RWHP, by the service manager.  He took mine for a spin, claimed it had maybe 1 or 2 more ponies than his stock '08.

Did he repaint it?  ??? :-\ :stirpot:
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: booger on May 22, 2013, 06:12:34 PM
I'd return, if he can get my bike fixed, on time, for a reasonable costs.

My service manager doesn't necessarily need a calibrated butt to do what I need him to.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 22, 2013, 08:11:32 PM

Did he repaint it?  ??? :-\ :stirpot:
No, he didn't say sixteen.six that the black bikes come with ;)

I'd return, if he can get my bike fixed, on time, for a reasonable costs.

My service manager doesn't necessarily need a calibrated butt to do what I need him to.
After some 30+ years of doing buisness with them I expect a bit of return loyalty.  I tend to give what I get.  I'd rather pay off a bet with a buddy I made years ago (he rides a Harley) and ride a Harley... :o
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 23, 2013, 06:15:33 AM
 :yikes:
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: twowheeladdict on May 23, 2013, 10:57:38 AM
I love walking into the local dealership and mentioning to the salesman, "Oh I see you still have that bike on the floor".  9 times out of 10 the salesman will say, "no, that's another one."  To which I will reply. "Well the new one has the same skuff mark I noticed the last time I was in here."  The salesman will then realize he is caught or if he is real crafty will go inspect the bike.  Most salesmen and service managers don't know squat about bike details.  If I was that way in my job I wouldn't have it very long.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: booger on May 23, 2013, 07:12:32 PM
No, he didn't say sixteen.six that the black bikes come with ;)
After some 30+ years of doing buisness with them I expect a bit of return loyalty.  I tend to give what I get.  I'd rather pay off a bet with a buddy I made years ago (he rides a Harley) and ride a Harley... :o

I guess I'm not following you.  The SM not thinking you have the fastest bike around is indicative of his loyalty?

Nevertheless, I did have a Road King 3 bikes ago.  It was a good ride.  You could do much worse. ;)
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: clogan on May 23, 2013, 08:03:08 PM
I guess I'm not following you.  The SM not thinking you have the fastest bike around is indicative of his loyalty?

Nevertheless, I did have a Road King 3 bikes ago.  It was a good ride.  You could do much worse. ;)

I too am puzzled??? What in the heck does the SM's estimate of RWHP have to do with loyalty, or anything else???

Have I missed a couple of posts somewhere in this thread? Maybe the Mods deleted/redacted something, perhaps?
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 23, 2013, 08:32:49 PM
Guys, simple.  He simply stated his stock 2008 C14 had 166 RWHP.  He also said mine was only 1 maybe 2 more.  The bike is a claimed 155 at the crank, with an average based on several dyno runs I have seen posted in the mid 130s.  He made 2 absurd claims.  He also claimed he almost washed out the front end because the tire pressure was at 37.  Which pressure will offer the highest amount of grip??  To top things off he said he "May offer" $4000, which is $1500ish under KBB trade in value.  As my family has been buying new bikes, quads, 3 wheelers, and even a side by side since somewhere around '78 and I was getting ready to buy a new KTM I expected a bit of return loyalty.  Heck, I even bought a used WR for the school from them.

It isn't about the numbers and yet it is all about the numbers...  Word of mouth has more value and far better return than any other form of media.  I'll do my part to turn folks in another direction.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: ALLGRN1 on May 23, 2013, 09:01:23 PM
Maybe you should add some chrome wheels to your bike or a cup holder?
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: ZG on May 23, 2013, 10:03:15 PM
Maybe you should add some chrome wheels to your bike or a cup holder?

 ;D
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 24, 2013, 03:58:55 AM
Have I missed a couple of posts somewhere in this thread? Maybe the Mods deleted/redacted something, perhaps?

Not that I'm aware of and I would have been the one to do it.  Course I've been a little forgetful lately...
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: ManWorkinghere on May 24, 2013, 10:43:59 AM
The shop is due West of Seattle..


Interesting thread reading.  But since I don't live close by you, my high school geography skills kicked in to ask, 'What can be West of Seattle?'  Are we talking Hawaii, or just Bremerton?
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 24, 2013, 10:51:51 AM
Interesting thread reading.  But since I don't live close by you, my high school geography skills kicked in to ask, 'What can be West of Seattle?'  Are we talking Hawaii, or just Bremerton?
It isn't Hawaii ;)
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: clogan on May 24, 2013, 04:20:58 PM
Even though he doesn't come out and say it, I guess we have to assume that the OP was considering trading in his Connie for a newer model, and was disappointed at the trade in allowance he was quoted. But there again, the service manager typically has nothing to do with appraising trades. Maybe this particular service manager does??

At any rate, low ball trade values are part of the business. Hence the popularity of Craigslist, et al.

Generally a person is always better off selling used himself, and buying used himself. I have been guilty of buying new cars, but never a new motorcycle. Let the other guy take the hit; buy used and save thousands. And sell your used bike yourself.

Take the dealer out of the process altogether.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: maxtog on May 24, 2013, 04:27:30 PM
Even though he doesn't come out and say it, I guess we have to assume that the OP was considering trading in his Connie for a newer model, and was disappointed at the trade in allowance he was quoted.

I am glad SOMEONE said it.  I really had no idea what "Son of Pappy" (AKA: SilveryLightBlueDammit!!) was trying to accomplish with the visit and made the same assumption.  Perhaps he posted that in some other thread that I didn't see?
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 24, 2013, 05:01:11 PM
Even though he doesn't come out and say it, I guess we have to assume that the OP was considering trading in his Connie for a newer model, and was disappointed at the trade in allowance he was quoted. But there again, the service manager typically has nothing to do with appraising trades. Maybe this particular service manager does??

At any rate, low ball trade values are part of the business. Hence the popularity of Craigslist, et al.

Generally a person is always better off selling used himself, and buying used himself. I have been guilty of buying new cars, but never a new motorcycle. Let the other guy take the hit; buy used and save thousands. And sell your used bike yourself.

Take the dealer out of the process altogether.
Guys, simple.  He simply stated his stock 2008 C14 had 166 RWHP.  He also said mine was only 1 maybe 2 more.  The bike is a claimed 155 at the crank, with an average based on several dyno runs I have seen posted in the mid 130s.  He made 2 absurd claims.  He also claimed he almost washed out the front end because the tire pressure was at 37.  Which pressure will offer the highest amount of grip??  To top things off he said he "May offer" $4000, which is $1500ish under KBB trade in value.  As my family has been buying new bikes, quads, 3 wheelers, and even a side by side since somewhere around '78 and I was getting ready to buy a new KTM I expected a bit of return loyalty.  Heck, I even bought a used WR for the school from them.

It isn't about the numbers and yet it is all about the numbers...  Word of mouth has more value and far better return than any other form of media.  I'll do my part to turn folks in another direction.
What did you think I said?  I reckon you missed the other reasons...
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: maxtog on May 24, 2013, 05:41:29 PM
What did you think I said?  I reckon you missed the other reasons...

That was the first I saw/read/heard anywhere you were wanting to sell your Concours.  So what is the plan?  Inquiring minds want to know...
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Cuda on May 24, 2013, 06:49:21 PM
Since I'm such a nice guy I'll give you $4,500.00 ;D


Don't hold back WHAT'S THE SCUMBAGS NAME?


Give us his e mail we'll set him STRAIGHT


Have a wonderful weekend  ;)



Keep The Bike
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: texrider on May 24, 2013, 08:38:29 PM
A bone-stock bike will fetch the best trade value. Modified machines usually take a bigger hit, especially if they have all sorts of home-made style 'improvements'.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: maxtog on May 24, 2013, 09:36:20 PM
A bone-stock bike will fetch the best trade value. Modified machines usually take a bigger hit, especially if they have all sorts of home-made style 'improvements'.

It really depends on what mods and how they were done.  Generally you are right, though.  I know I hate doing any non-reversible modifications on any vehicle.  I retain original parts and don't drill or alter anything unless absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Pokey on May 25, 2013, 12:08:30 AM
It really depends on what mods and how they were done.  Generally you are right, though.  I know I hate doing any non-reversible modifications on any vehicle.  I retain original parts and don't drill or alter anything unless absolutely necessary.


Make the bike your own, not like they are gonna hold their value anyways.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: maxtog on May 25, 2013, 06:31:52 AM
Make the bike your own, not like they are gonna hold their value anyways.

There is that, too.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: Scaffolder on May 25, 2013, 06:55:27 AM
I had my bike on consignment for almost 5 months trying to get $8500 for it. At the dealer I am almost completely done with. They just keep getting worse. I thought about lowering the price and thought, If the price was $8,000 and I saw it I might buy it. So I am keeping it.
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: ZG on May 25, 2013, 09:19:03 AM
Make the bike your own, not like they are gonna hold their value anyways.

+1...  :goodpost:
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 25, 2013, 06:12:50 PM
+ a bazillion...
Title: Re: Dealer warning
Post by: PlaynInPeoria on May 26, 2013, 01:30:49 PM
I don't buy a bike to sell, I buy it to ride and enjoy and make my own.

If I wanted to buy it to sell, I'd buy an HD. The people that buy them don't seem to care what they pay.