Regardless of whether they put it right you should tell us IMHO, so that we can make our own decisions on services that we choose to use. If they put everything right, then things are better, but it doesn't change the fact that you got poor workmanship and bad customer service. Why do you feel the need to protect their reputation after your experience with them?
Peterpoddy - There is a section on this forum called Dealer and Workshop Reviews (it's near the foot of the list). It contains quite a lot of comments good and bad about various named dealers. Perhaps the dealer you have had problems with is already under discussion, and you could confirm or contradict what others have said. Otherwise you could start a thread there. Just a suggestion.
Pete, cheers, I'll have a look. Oh, I've just proved 2 things I said in the OP too: 1) It won't take a pro mechanic 1.5 hrs to fit a chain and sprockets. It took ME that long because I've only ever fitted 3 chains before, I wasn't sure how this bike came to bits, i'm crawling around on the floor, and my chain tool is a bit old and past it. With a dealer worksop, experience and tool kit, it's a 45 min job 2) The knocking sound that they replaced the wheel bearings for was 100% definitely the worn chain.
I feel your pain buddy My 996 went in for a major service and a refurb rear shock job ...they had the bike 2 months, it cost 1200GBP .....their customer service was crap, I had to do all the phoning and chasing to get answers. They never called back when they said they would, eventually the bike was returned at almost 8:30pm instead of reasonable daylight hours. These are an extremely reputable workshop, I got 120GBP off the total bill????? This is the last "big name' in Ducati that I ever use.....and yes they are coventry based and I don't care if they get the hump at me mentioning that.
Mmmmmmmmmm, I've heard a few grumblings of the Coventry dealer, in fairness I've got no complaints about 'em. Mind, I've never used 'em either. My bike is currently in Ducati Wolves, for what I think is a small job. We shall see.
Don't forget to send a copy of your letter to Ducati GB, Keep them in the loop of your correspondence.
everyone can make a mistake but its how they rectify it that sets a good mechanic apart from an average one good luck getting it sorted
Think some of the problems arise at Coventry when all the mechanics get robbed out the workshop on race days. Never had an issue with any of their work personally.
Name and shame them, if they then rectify the problems, continue with the post. Please don't let anyone else suffer what you've experienced thus far.
It pays to check the bike thoroughly before riding away, the loose adjuster could have resulted in a serious crash if the chain had hopped the sprockets. Any decent garage should return the vehicle roadworthy and clean. There is just no excuse for dirty fingerprints and oil on the bike. If the customer is not happy, even if they may be wrong, you try and resolve the situation to their satisfaction before they leave. After the door has closed you will have lost the customer, plus 5 of his mates. Duke.
I have always been full of praise for my local main dealer. Just had a service and the guy i dealt with this time was a bit of a knob, had the service details down wrong from my booking phone call so said i would have to leave bike for a week (90 miles home, fook off) or have a partial service and leave out non essential stuff but then he wouldn't stamp the book. I think who you get to deal with on the day can make the difference. Now there is no warranty it will likely go elsewhere for what i don't do myself.
I was done wrong by a local bike shop/tyre/MOT place last year....I made f'ing sure none of my mates/relos/acquaintances/pets/ went in there!
Well, it's easy isn't it? There are two main main dealers in Hampshire.....That's Snells and Moto Rapido...... Regardless as to which dealer it was that did such p*ss poor work, at least by naming both of them should at least make them think that their customers are watching what they do and how they resolve it if there is a problem.......Furthermore, it might prevent any other dealer from taking shortcuts or employing a half-wit to work on bikes, particularly where the safety of the rider is concerned.... If the main dealers carry on the way they are, then I can see more and more issues like this occuring......In fact, I don't think it is just Ducati, but all the main dealers, regardless of whether it is cars of bikes.......They are all looking for a quick big bucks bill to present the customer, and they will try to bullsh*t the customer even when the customer is more knowledgeable than the idiot that is working on the vehicle. There are no longer any 'proper mechanics' in the main dealerships, but basically nothing more than 'fitters' and many of them are plain incompetent.....The trouble is that they rely on customers needing their vehicles and they rely on the good old British customer not complaining or taking matters to a higher level. The same applies to the vehicle manufacturers. However I have good service from Moto Rapido in respect of spares and advice, and on that basis, if I was nearer to them and was flush, I would be happy to let them work on my bike............I have never used Snells. AL.
This is beginning to remind me of the evil 80s where there were no decent Honda dealers that I ever encountered at all. The feeling was so widespread that the uni bike club I belonged to did all work on all members' bikes. In the world of Ducati, I've been massively fortunate (but also put in the miles and the time). First Pantah from Oxford Motorcycle Engineers - a small offbeat and passionate outfit. Then had Steve Wynne of Sports Motorcycle Racing (prepared Hailwood's TT bike) when I lived in Liverpool (not the nearest but the best). In Switzerland had a semi retired Italian mechanic who looked after collections of priceless MV Agusta's and other exotica. Then finally Bernard "Le Costard" Favre in the Valais in Switzerland - the hidden garage - since 1990. And what he doesn't know isn't worth knowing. So have always avoided major dealerships, always dealt with the boss. Always been a happy camper. If you go to the local main dealer here, it's nothing but disaster.
Bit harsh and way off the mark. Not sure the guys at Snells who build, repair and maintain all sorts of bikes and includes a very successful race team owner would agree, nor would the Rapido guys who do the same and funny enough run a BSB team...not sure what you define as a mechanic but where I come from someone who can determine an issue, strip and repair or replace ticks the box...and both these dealers have them
