The following is a little long but very interesting, well at least to me. It is my correspondence with a Ducati dealer regarding some parts. I am interested to see what some of you think. All names have been replaced by ****. I am not here to bash anyone, just a bit baffled by the reponse I received to my second contact with the dealer.
Initial message:
Do you carry Agip 4T 20-50 oil? I also need a filter and crush washers for my 1994 888? Please let me know what you have, and how much.
Thanks
Dealer responce:
Subject: Re: oil and filters
No Agip, only Mobil 1, sorry.
Filters are $8.50 and crush washers are $.50
thanks
********
My response after receiving this message:
Thank you **********
I think you and ******** need to have a small chat about pricing though. I was in the neighborhood today on business, before I had the chance to read this email, and dropped in to get my filter, and oil. I was charged $10.45 for my filter, and $0.08 for my drain plug washer. The non replaceable screen washer you did not have in stock, which seems odd considering I believe every Ducati has one. Or at least the 4V motors. I also wanted 20/50 oil which you do not carry.
I am going to be very honest. I have yet to deal with a Ducati dealer that owns up the Ducati name, and price tag associated with the bikes. I have personally dealt with *******, *******, *******, and *******. (4 different Ducati dealers)
******** - I purchased a 916 new from in 1998, it returned once for service. When I picked the bike up the clutch squealed so bad I made it to the first stop light and turned around to have them check it out. Seems when the reassembled the clutch ( after replacing the leaky push rod seal with 600 miles on the bike ), they got grease all over the clutch plates. No interest of letting someone this incompetent work on my bike again. Which was really sad considering the mechanic that worked on the bike owned a 916.
******* - I have never been so turned off by the arrogance of a dealership. I was spoken to like I had no idea what a motorcycle is. Virtually impossible to get some to answer the parts phone calls, and then get put on hold for 20 minutes or so. They probably received four calls from me and that was the end of it. The last call they were trying to charge me $80 for a service manual that Ducati told me suggested retail was $39. Never considered dealing with again.
******** - was the only dealer I had some what acceptable service. First service was a puked voltage regulator, very smooth. The second : My bike was returned to me in good running order after service. However it was after two weeks of constant calls to find out why the bike was not completed yet. They had it for a total of 4 weeks, for a 6K service and tire change.
******* - Well lets just say it is not a surprise ******* lost the Ducati line. I was personally taken for about $50 in special order Ducati parts that never came in, and no one could seem to find record of me ordering.
I have been dealing with out of state dealers for parts, filters and the like. All with good luck, so far. I was truly hoping to find something a little closer to home, and more convenient. I am firm believer that a "good" mechanic is invaluable, and your relationship with that dealer/mechanic is even more valuable.
Good luck.
Dealer response
Sorry ********, it seems as if we will not be the dealer for you. It's obvious that we will not be able to serve you needs. We feel that it would be a good idea to terminate any sort of relationship we have. I fear that in the future we could do noting but let you down.
good luck and thanks
*********/*******
If individuals would like actual dealer names I would be happy to supply them offline. Please give me an email in your reply.
