Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Pitviper on June 22, 2009, 07:55:07 pm

Title: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 22, 2009, 07:55:07 pm
 Why is it going to take two weeks to get the parts for the recall to the dealers? If the factory is air shipping them to Classic and they send them out to the dealers ground shipping, then it should be more like a week or less. It's already been a week since I was notified of the recall and have not been able to ride my new Bullet. So it looks like it will probably be another 3 or 4 weeks before I get to ride it again. Also I have to haul it 2 hours away to the nearest dealer on my dollar, and leave it for who knows how long till the repairs are made. Thanks R.E. for a wonderful experience with my new Bullet!!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Thumper on June 22, 2009, 08:14:01 pm
Recalls stink. And they stink for the dealers, importer and manufacturer too. I'm sure they are earnestly doing all they can (even though it might not *seem* like it to you).

They probably don't want to promise a timeframe they might not be able to meet - so their estimate may be a little long.

Just remember, we didn't buy YamaKawiZukis so we have to expect things to be a little different. We usually cut our host the occasional slack - goodness knows he cuts it for us enough!

Patience friend.

Matt
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: longstrokeclassic on June 22, 2009, 09:07:59 pm
I've already posted my experience with regards to the gearbox recall on my BMW motorcycle. The bike cost almost four times the price of a new bullet when I bought it so perhaps I had a right to expect a slightly different level of aftercare service.
The gearbox had a similar problem with the possibility of 3rd or 4th gear locking up without warning. Once the bike was back and I had finished running it in the sickening experience of the recall was long forgotten.
When my lean burn was rebuilt by the UK importers after the big end failed (and outside the guarantee) It took five weeks, despite dropping the engine off and then collecting it myself due to the time for new parts to arrive. They wouldn't supply me with the parts required because they insisted on rebuilding it themselves. They didn't charge for parts, they didn't charge for labour.
 
From what I understand your guarantee will restart once the bike has been sorted, that's more than anything else I personally have ever heard of on offer from any other manufacturer.   Unfortunately sh!t happens and these things do take time and in this instance some of that time is not under the control of the importer.

Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: t120rbullet on June 22, 2009, 10:00:17 pm
In it's first year my new Harley spent 9 weeks in the dealer waiting for a new speedo.
The attitude of both Harley and the Dealer was "so what".
No loaner, No pickup and I had to argue with them to even acknowledge that there was even a problem.
If REM or CMW wanted to they could probbly slip some hack job through and not even have to do most of them but they want to set up a plan and do the job right.
Sometime doing the job right takes more than a day or 2.
Plus, If I'm not mistaken this is the first REcall that they have had in the US so there is going to be a learning curve for all.

Yes, my G5 is down too but when I get it back having it done correctly and once and for all is going to be much more important to me than some 5 minute hack and slap so I can suffer later on down the road.   

And last of all,
Thanks REM and CMW for taking a problem most manufactures would just blow off and actually making it right.
CJ
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: ace.cafe on June 22, 2009, 10:55:54 pm
Nice first post

.



Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: UncleErnie on June 22, 2009, 11:27:27 pm
I can understand how he feels.  I'm royally PO'd about my aluminium tank and the fact that I have to fix it myself.  You pays yer money and you taakes yer chances. 
At least they're willing to fix this situation.  I imagine they may be a bit overwhelmed, too.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: REpozer on June 22, 2009, 11:51:07 pm
Lets see. Looking at my 5Th grade globe of the earth........A frater leaves Madras/ Chennai and heads for the open sea at lighting speed of 15 knots,chugging towards Madagascar off the coast of S Africa.
This proposed route should be far enough away from Somalia as not to have to run a zig zag pattern ( more saved time) and sound general quarters for pirate watch.
 Once safely around the Cape of Hope( wounder why its named that?) and back out to open ocean you can batten down the hatches as you leave the S Atlantic and head into the N Alantic.
 Oh did I fail to mention its also Hurricane Season in the N Atlantic? We can hope for calm seas and of course no mechanical problems at sea.
 Finally off the Eastern sea board (U.S.)some where at anchor waiting for one of the ship pilots to come out and safely navigate into a shipping port. Now that we are safely in ,we can deal with customs,( use your imagination on how smooth that will be)
Some time after that, CMW has to sort through all this cargo and find your part.  
All said and done I think 4 weeks sounds fast to me........
Just my thoughts......
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 23, 2009, 08:13:09 pm
Nice first post

My first post reflects my first experience.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 23, 2009, 08:20:37 pm
Lets see. Looking at my 5Th grade globe of the earth........A frater leaves Madras/ Chennai and heads for the open sea at lighting speed of 15 knots,chugging towards Madagascar off the coast of S Africa.
This proposed route should be far enough away from Somalia as not to have to run a zig zag pattern ( more saved time) and sound general quarters for pirate watch.
 Once safely around the Cape of Hope( wounder why its named that?) and back out to open ocean you can batten down the hatches as you leave the S Atlantic and head into the N Alantic.
 Oh did I fail to mention its also Hurricane Season in the N Atlantic? We can hope for calm seas and of course no mechanical problems at sea.
 Finally off the Eastern sea board (U.S.)some where at anchor waiting for one of the ship pilots to come out and safely navigate into a shipping port. Now that we are safely in ,we can deal with customs,( use your imagination on how smooth that will be)
Some time after that, CMW has to sort through all this cargo and find your part.  
All said and done I think 4 weeks sounds fast to me........
Just my thoughts......
"The factory has assembled repair kits and they are being airshipped from India." Kevin Mahoney

That means on a plane not a "frater" ship. By the way it's freighter.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: REpozer on June 23, 2009, 11:14:44 pm
"The factory has assembled repair kits and they are being airshipped from India." Kevin Mahoney

That means on a plane not a "frater" ship. By the way it's freighter.
Good !You should be happy.
Isn't a pit viper  some kind weird snake?
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: REpozer on June 23, 2009, 11:56:41 pm
Pitviper,
You gatta hang in there.
All joking has been  in fun.
This is a good forum ,and CMW is serious about customer service.
You do have to remember , these are niche British bikes made in India.
RE is no doubt going all out to take good care of you.
Let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on June 24, 2009, 01:04:35 am
Viper,
We tried to notify customers before the factory had even devised the fix which is why you are waiting longer than normal. The normal procedure is to notify the government, go through the paperwork and then issue a recall.
As far as recalls go, this one is going at lightening speed. We expect our first shipment of parts tomorrow, but with US Customs being painfully slow anything is possible. The customers to be taken care of first, then bikes on dealers floors and finally those in my warehouse. Also this is a worldwide recall so I am thrilled to get these kits so quickly. You will get a government approved letter  sometime in the future, probably well after the parts are at your dealers. We are waiting for them to approve the letter now.  Transporting your bike to the dealer will not be your responsibility so I have no idea where that came from. None of our dealers have been given those details either so if yours told you that they are speculating.
A terrible inconvenience to be sure and we understand being frustrated. If we don't hit any snags  this should be behind us and you soon. Hang in there. In the long run your safety is more important than most anything else.
I would encourage you to check on recalls on other brands of motorcycles and cars. You may be surprised. The NHTSA list for just May of this year is 13 pages long.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 24, 2009, 04:39:49 am
Viper,
We tried to notify customers before the factory had even devised the fix which is why you are waiting longer than normal. The normal procedure is to notify the government, go through the paperwork and then issue a recall.
As far as recalls go, this one is going at lightening speed. We expect our first shipment of parts tomorrow, but with US Customs being painfully slow anything is possible. The customers to be taken care of first, then bikes on dealers floors and finally those in my warehouse. Also this is a worldwide recall so I am thrilled to get these kits so quickly. You will get a government approved letter  sometime in the future, probably well after the parts are at your dealers. We are waiting for them to approve the letter now.  Transporting your bike to the dealer will not be your responsibility so I have no idea where that came from. None of our dealers have been given those details either so if yours told you that they are speculating.
A terrible inconvenience to be sure and we understand being frustrated. If we don't hit any snags  this should be behind us and you soon. Hang in there. In the long run your safety is more important than most anything else.
I would encourage you to check on recalls on other brands of motorcycles and cars. You may be surprised. The NHTSA list for just May of this year is 13 pages long.

I realize us UCE owners were notified early in the process for safety reasons and that the process is going as fast as possible, but it's still frustrating not being able to ride your new bike. I am glad the parts are near and hope to hear from the dealer soon. Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 24, 2009, 04:47:38 am
Good !You should be happy.
Isn't a pit viper  some kind weird snake?

Happy parts are on the way, mad I can't ride my bike.

All rattlesnakes are Pit Vipers.  Water Moccasins (Cottonmouth), Horned Desert Viper, Lance-head, Eyelash Viper, the Copperhead, and some Tree Boas are a few other examples of pit vipers.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: JMHAZ on June 24, 2009, 03:00:01 pm
Not to derail the thread, but which tree boas belong to Viperinae? I never heard of this before.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on June 24, 2009, 04:41:45 pm
Well we sure understand the not being able to ride frustration. Of course this couldn't have happened in Jan or Feb.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: JMHAZ on June 24, 2009, 05:10:22 pm
No manufacturer is perfect. A friend's brand new BMW F800GS kept quitting on him; the dealer finally figured out that the fancy fuel gauge was showing a third of a tank when it was actually empty. A common problem, it developed.

I'm very satisfied with the way this issue has been handled. While I'm waiting to hear the parts have arrived, I have a lovely piece of motorcycling sculpture on my shop porch!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on June 24, 2009, 06:55:44 pm
We caught a break today. The NHTSA approved the letter we will be sending out to dealers and customers so we will start sending them as soon as we have a recall number. We are also going to send parts to dealers as soon as they get here and not wait for a recall number.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 24, 2009, 07:59:51 pm
We caught a break today. The NHTSA approved the letter we will be sending out to dealers and customers so we will start sending them as soon as we have a recall number. We are also going to send parts to dealers as soon as they get here and not wait for a recall number.
Sounds good. Thanks for keeping me up to date.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: DaBulletMan on June 26, 2009, 03:09:53 pm
Be patient my man... My friend Jeff and I both put money down on 2 G5s, A black one and a British Racing Green one. Were were told that they were under recall but that didn't matter.  We really want our bikes too but are patient enough to wait as we want them right. Got a call on Thursday from Bill at Interstate MC in Rolla, MO that the parts are in Chicago and as soon as they get them they are going to drop everything and get right on them. Hopefully next week. Remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder. lol...

Rich ;D
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on June 26, 2009, 03:26:20 pm
We got the official approved recall letter from NHTSA this morning. In the US it is now officially NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V-235. Our letter to customers and dealers was approved by NHTSA yesterday so we will start mailing them today. Parts are in the US and should be here any day. (customs etc). The day they get here we will start shipping them to dealers. We already have instructions on how to do the job ready to go. Once the parts get into the system it shouldn't take too long.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 26, 2009, 04:53:50 pm
Be patient my man... My friend Jeff and I both put money down on 2 G5s, A black one and a British Racing Green one. Were were told that they were under recall but that didn't matter.  We really want our bikes too but are patient enough to wait as we want them right. Got a call on Thursday from Bill at Interstate MC in Rolla, MO that the parts are in Chicago and as soon as they get them they are going to drop everything and get right on them. Hopefully next week. Remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder. lol...

Rich ;D

Patience is not one of my virtues. I got the same call from Bill and he said the parts could be in as early as today but probably Tuesday. In the post after yours Kevin says that Classic hasn't got the parts yet, so I don't know how Bill is going to get them today or even by Tuesday. Seems nobody really knows what their talking about. I would guess it will be the week after next before I ever get my bike in to Interstate for the recall work.  All I can say is this sucks!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: LJRead on June 26, 2009, 05:05:56 pm
Having waited many months to even get a bike (Machimo and Thunderbird) I have little empathy for someone having to wait two or three weeks.  We live in a time of instant gratification, which in itself sucks. 

It didn't used to be that way, and maybe shouldn't be that way now.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: REpozer on June 26, 2009, 05:10:37 pm
Having waited many months to even get a bike (Machimo and Thunderbird) I have little empathy for someone having to wait two or three weeks.  We live in a time of instant gratification, which in itself sucks. 

It didn't used to be that way, and maybe shouldn't be that way now.
Word!!!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: PhilJ on June 26, 2009, 10:54:18 pm
Patience is not one of my virtues. I got the same call from Bill and he said the parts could be in as early as today but probably Tuesday. In the post after yours Kevin says that Classic hasn't got the parts yet, so I don't know how Bill is going to get them today or even by Tuesday. Seems nobody really knows what their talking about. I would guess it will be the week after next before I ever get my bike in to Interstate for the recall work.  All I can say is this sucks!
Everyone is really being nice and offering encouragement and all you can say is "it sucks"?
All I can say is WaWaWA get a grip,
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: enfield_33 on June 26, 2009, 11:09:15 pm
Well, it does suck, I'm sure.  But let's keep encouraging the viper and perhaps he will lighten up as well.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: DaBulletMan on June 26, 2009, 11:42:48 pm
Probably Bill has some pull if you know what I mean. How else could he have 2 G5s sitting in his showroom when no one else can get em... lol  Relax it will happen. Have a few cold beers as the heatwave goes on. You need to learn to relax and enjoy even having one in person to at least to see and sit on. I am Jealous.i  have a Kawasaki 1500 classic and a Honda CT 70... Love em all...  Big to little .Love the bullet for the 500 thumper and a standard bike to boot. Patients is a virtue...
All good things come to those who wait...

Rich

Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 27, 2009, 02:00:37 am
Everyone is really being nice and offering encouragement and all you can say is "it sucks"?
All I can say is WaWaWA get a grip,
I'm sorry, I meant to say I love having a brand new motorcycle sitting in my garage that I can't ride and don't know when it will be fixed so I can ride it. ;D
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: PhilJ on June 27, 2009, 10:52:06 am
I'm sorry, I meant to say I love having a brand new motorcycle sitting in my garage that I can't ride and don't know when it will be fixed so I can ride it. ;D
I'm sure that if feels terrible. We've all been there from time to time.

This post of yours shows you can't help being negative, which validates my other post.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on June 27, 2009, 04:04:35 pm
Now boys lets play nice and not let this get personal.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: LJRead on June 28, 2009, 06:33:11 pm
Nothing personal here - we have all chosen R E for a variety of reasons - now we need to learn to live with our decision, including storing away a lot of patience.  It is definitely worth it!!!

What really sucks is negativism, which we all are plagued by and which I fight against every day!  It is quite simply a choice.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Thumper on June 29, 2009, 01:33:57 pm
Nothing personal here - we have all chosen R E for a variety of reasons - now we need to learn to live with our decision, including storing away a lot of patience.  It is definitely worth it!!!

What really sucks is negativism, which we all are plagued by and which I fight against every day!  It is quite simply a choice.

I'm with you LJ. Frankly, PitViper might be better off selling the RE and moving on to a Hondawskimaha.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on June 29, 2009, 09:15:00 pm
Please let's not disparage another member, I really don't want to have to shut the thread down.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: r80rt on June 29, 2009, 09:44:57 pm
I know my constant cheer leading for this new engine may be getting old. But I promise the wait will be worth it, these are fine motorcycles!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on June 29, 2009, 10:22:19 pm
I know my constant cheerleading for this new engine may be getting old. But I promise the wait will be worth it, these are fine motorcycles!
I can't wait to get to the point your at (past break-in) and really do some riding. I got to ride it for 320 miles before notice of the recall and am going crazy wanting to ride again. Hopefully something will happen this week with the recall parts and work.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: r80rt on June 29, 2009, 11:15:13 pm
I know you must be frustrated as hell, but man this bike is so worth it, I'd give anything to be able to help you get going faster. when you get her back you'll forget the whole thing, you have a great motorcycle waiting for you.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: LJRead on June 30, 2009, 12:00:56 am
I'm pretty sure that pitviper knows most of what we say is tongue in cheek and he is welcome to vent his frustrations.  I'm frustrated that they are out of epoxy resin in town, slowing my finishing work on the rickshaw a little.  But there is so much left to do that I can work around the problem. 

I'm curious to see how the UCE will hold up over the miles.  Teething problems wouldn't concern me much, but how well it does long term might.

Have a friend who rented my commercial site that is wanting a Royal Enfield.  He is good at upkeep, but maybe not so good at fiddling - so maybe a UCE is in his future.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: r80rt on June 30, 2009, 12:09:33 am
I know it's early, but I'm positive RE got this engine right. There is absolutely nothing that I can find that I don't like about it, or anything I think could have been done better either. I believe this little wonder will pop along for many years.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: PhilJ on June 30, 2009, 01:51:36 am
Ok r89rt that's enough of that. I've got a great AVL withonly 12K miles and I really don't want to be thinking about the really quit engine and and see there I told you to back off. ;)
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: r80rt on June 30, 2009, 01:54:11 am
Sorry, I can't believe how smitten I am with this thing  ;D
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on June 30, 2009, 08:39:25 am
Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I offer the two following short stories to, in particular, those colleagues who are experiencing the UCE recall.  Both stories are true and, among others, include lessons about patience and positive thinking.  I sincerely hope you put them to good use in your less than ideal – but very temporary – UCE recall situations.

Absolutely No Regrets

I know this fellow who first spoke of getting a motorcycle to the small group of family members and close friends who followed him out of the funeral home, as he stepped out for a cigarette, during his mother's viewing.  All those around him were very surprised to hear his statement "I'm going to start looking at motorcycles."  This was especially the case with his wife and soul mate of 31 years at the time.  She and the others in the group asked questions like what are you saying and why at this point in your life?  His responses were: "When I was about 10 years old, I drew the first art work worthy of going on the refrigerator's door.  It was a motorcyclist leaned over on a curve ahead of a cloud of dust.  As all of you know, my father" (who had passed away 9 years earlier) "was a car guy.  Although he thought motorcycles were dangerous, it would have not killed him to have seen me on a motorcycle.  When I was 15 years old, my mother, on the other hand, said to me: 'It would kill me to see you on a motorcycle.'  This is why I am now going to start looking at motorcycles."  He was 52 years old when he buried his 85 year old mother.  

This fellow can be seen on his motorcycle all over town and even when he visits his parents at the cemetery.  You cannot miss him because he wears an open face helmet and he rides with a huge smile on his face.  Those that do not know about his two-wheel career and ride with him make comments like you have ridden all your life or you have ridden a ton.  Those who do know him and his motorcycle story have asked him do you regret not having started riding earlier in life?  His response has always been: "Absolutely no regrets."


The Happy Young Man Who Won the Poker Run

The Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association (GABMA) held its 24th British in the Blue Ridge Rally from June the 4th through the 7th.  The Poker Run was held on Saturday morning.  I helped two other club members at the last station.  This was where the riders drew their 5th card and the three of us kept the scores.  At approximately 12:30 PM two participants drew the best hands of the day.  These were Four Kings and immediately following a Straight Flush.  These hands were drawn by a fellow in his late forties and his nephew in his late teens.  The Straight Flush hand held until 1:00 PM when we closed the event.  Later in the afternoon and without giving away the winner of the Poker Run, I took the time to talk to these two fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.  It turned out that the uncle lived in Florida and the nephew in Georgia.  The uncle trailers his two impeccable 1969 Bonnevilles and he and his nephew get together every year for the rally.  The two of them were quite the enthusiasts; they were very positive individuals, they were really "good people", so to say!

All the awards for all the events were handed out starting at 7 o'clock in the evening by the club's president.  The announcement of the Poker Run Award came at about 30 minutes into the ceremony.  When David heard his name, he sped through the crowd toward the club president on his two wheels.  He flashed an ear-to-ear smile at the audience, as he accepted the plaque.  And, the happy young man who won the Poker Run sped back to his place on his wheelchair.

Yes, the uncle has a Velorex sidecar attached to one of his beautiful Triumphs.  His nephew cannot – and will never – ride a motorcycle on his own.  But David can count on his uncle – once a year – to allow him to enjoy and participate in his favorite sport: riding motorcycles, especially in his uncle's sidecar!
    
My friends, I close by listing some of the positive elements associated with the UCE recall.  For the record, I do not draw a paycheck from either REM or CMW.  In the interest of full disclosure, nonetheless, I am a shameless agent for the Bullet in all of its variations.  In addition, I do feel bad for those of you who are going through your temporary trials and tribulations.  

The "filter" I include below should distill the matters we know into the pure truth or the facts and, obviously, trap the impurities or the emotions of the moment.

The Positive Elements Associated with the UCE Recall
  
Quality Control
We have proof that REM has actually instituted quality control standards, measures, procedures and records because the factory employees were able to pinpoint the range of the VIN Numbers affected by recall.

Identification/Solution/Plan of Action
REM readily identified the cause of the problem and its solution and developed a plan of action to fly the factory technicians and the parts to repair the affected units.

Transparency
REM and CMW (1) put the recall and its cause out in the public domain in a very prompt manner.

Clarity and Frequency of Communications
Kevin Mahoney (1) has made very clear announcements regarding the recall.  He has posted informative updates through the progression of the matter.

Expediency
Mahoney (1) got the Federal Government of the United States of America to move in an atypically expeditious manner.

Other Elements
All of these are there if you reread the public record in the CMW Forum we access and post into.    

Note 1: I exclude the other international importers and distributors only because I am not aware of the steps they have taken with regards to this matter.

In the end, I hope this post helps all, most or some of you.  

El Fin
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: REpozer on June 30, 2009, 08:54:20 am
Well Said!! Br Juan

Bravo!!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on June 30, 2009, 09:01:09 am
Br. Poz, I thank you!

(On another note, how's that book coming along?)
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: REpozer on June 30, 2009, 09:04:44 am


(On another note, how's that book coming along?)
Still in progress. Thanks
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: fun2drum on June 30, 2009, 12:31:11 pm
Here's an example of how bad it could be:

My 03 Land Rover is within a VIN range that had a possible oil pump problem that was caused by the engine pump mount holes being slightly out of allignment with the ones on the pump.  This causes stress on the pump that eventually causes the pump housing to crack and fail.  To put it simply,  these Rovers that were affected could suddenly lose oil pressure and blow their engines with no warning.  The engine blows about 2 seconds after the oil light comes on.  There was even a service bulletin from Land Rover that admits the defect and specifies the VIN range. 

Did they recall?  NO.  Will they fix the problem if out of warranty?  NO. 

The engine failure will usually happen before it hits 50,000 miles, and mine has 130,000 miles so I'm out of the woods on it, but many owners who paid more than 50,000 dollars for their Rover were left to fend for themselves on this serious problem. 

I am extremely impressed with the way this Royal Enfield problem is being handled, though... 
Yes it does "suck" that the problem happened, and I'm sure if you asked the people from your dealer all the way up the chain to the CEO of Royal Enfield, they would agree and say, "It sucks".   The reality is things sometimes suck.  What makes a company great is how they HANDLE THINGS when they suck.   
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: enfield_33 on June 30, 2009, 02:03:28 pm
Br Juan,

"Some people take this glass and say its half-full and others take it to be half-empty. 
I'd say you're the half-full kind of guy."

Well done!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Thumper on June 30, 2009, 02:20:44 pm
Recalls stink. And they stink for the dealers, importer and manufacturer too. I'm sure they are earnestly doing all they can (even though it might not *seem* like it to you).

They probably don't want to promise a timeframe they might not be able to meet - so their estimate may be a little long.

Just remember, we didn't buy YamaKawiZukis so we have to expect things to be a little different. We usually cut our host the occasional slack - goodness knows he cuts it for us enough!

Patience friend.

Matt

If you'll look at the very first reply to this post (weeks ago) it was an effort to make the best of the situation. Each of us decides how we're going to respond to certain circumstances - that's our choice.

I'll get off my soap box now...
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: ace.cafe on June 30, 2009, 06:58:50 pm
Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I offer the two following short stories to, in particular, those colleagues who are experiencing the UCE recall.  Both stories are true and, among others, include lessons about patience and positive thinking.  I sincerely hope you put them to good use in your less than ideal – but very temporary – UCE recall situations.

Absolutely No Regrets

I know this fellow who first spoke of getting a motorcycle to the small group of family members and close friends who followed him out of the funeral home, as he stepped out for a cigarette, during his mother's viewing.  All those around him were very surprised to hear his statement "I'm going to start looking at motorcycles."  This was especially the case with his wife and soul mate of 31 years at the time.  She and the others in the group asked questions like what are you saying and why at this point in your life?  His responses were: "When I was about 10 years old, I drew the first art work worthy of going on the refrigerator's door.  It was a motorcyclist leaned over on a curve ahead of a cloud of dust.  As all of you know, my father" (who had passed away 9 years earlier) "was a car guy.  Although he thought motorcycles were dangerous, it would have not killed him to have seen me on a motorcycle.  When I was 15 years old, my mother, on the other hand, said to me: 'It would kill me to see you on a motorcycle.'  This is why I am now going to start looking at motorcycles."  He was 52 years old when he buried his 85 year old mother.  

This fellow can be seen on his motorcycle all over town and even when he visits his parents at the cemetery.  You cannot miss him because he wears an open face helmet and he rides with a huge smile on his face.  Those that do not know about his two-wheel career and ride with him make comments like you have ridden all your life or you have ridden a ton.  Those who do know him and his motorcycle story have asked him do you regret not having started riding earlier in life?  His response has always been: "Absolutely no regrets."


The Happy Young Man Who Won the Poker Run

The Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association (GABMA) held its 24th British in the Blue Ridge Rally from June the 4th through the 7th.  The Poker Run was held on Saturday morning.  I helped two other club members at the last station.  This was where the riders drew their 5th card and the three of us kept the scores.  At approximately 12:30 PM two participants drew the best hands of the day.  These were Four Kings and immediately following a Straight Flush.  These hands were drawn by a fellow in his late forties and his nephew in his late teens.  The Straight Flush hand held until 1:00 PM when we closed the event.  Later in the afternoon and without giving away the winner of the Poker Run, I took the time to talk to these two fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.  It turned out that the uncle lived in Florida and the nephew in Georgia.  The uncle trailers his two impeccable 1969 Bonnevilles and he and his nephew get together every year for the rally.  The two of them were quite the enthusiasts; they were very positive individuals, they were really "good people", so to say!

All the awards for all the events were handed out starting at 7 o'clock in the evening by the club's president.  The announcement of the Poker Run Award came at about 30 minutes into the ceremony.  When David heard his name, he sped through the crowd toward the club president on his two wheels.  He flashed an ear-to-ear smile at the audience, as he accepted the plaque.  And, the happy young man who won the Poker Run sped back to his place on his wheelchair.

Yes, the uncle has a Velorex sidecar attached to one of his beautiful Triumphs.  His nephew cannot – and will never – ride a motorcycle on his own.  But David can count on his uncle – once a year – to allow him to enjoy and participate in his favorite sport: riding motorcycles, especially in his uncle's sidecar!
    
My friends, I close by listing some of the positive elements associated with the UCE recall.  For the record, I do not draw a paycheck from either REM or CMW.  In the interest of full disclosure, nonetheless, I am a shameless agent for the Bullet in all of its variations.  In addition, I do feel bad for those of you who are going through your temporary trials and tribulations.  

The "filter" I include below should distill the matters we know into the pure truth or the facts and, obviously, trap the impurities or the emotions of the moment.

The Positive Elements Associated with the UCE Recall
  
Quality Control
We have proof that REM has actually instituted quality control standards, measures, procedures and records because the factory employees were able to pinpoint the range of the VIN Numbers affected by recall.

Identification/Solution/Plan of Action
REM readily identified the cause of the problem and its solution and developed a plan of action to fly the factory technicians and the parts to repair the affected units.

Transparency
REM and CMW (1) put the recall and its cause out in the public domain in a very prompt manner.

Clarity and Frequency of Communications
Kevin Mahoney (1) has made very clear announcements regarding the recall.  He has posted informative updates through the progression of the matter.

Expediency
Mahoney (1) got the Federal Government of the United States of America to move in an atypically expeditious manner.

Other Elements
All of these are there if you reread the public record in the CMW Forum we access and post into.    

Note 1: I exclude the other international importers and distributors only because I am not aware of the steps they have taken with regards to this matter.

In the end, I hope this post helps all, most or some of you.  

El Fin

Very inspiring and appropriate post, Papa Juan!

I enjoyed it immensely.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on June 30, 2009, 10:47:02 pm
Brs. Enfield_33 and Ace, I thank you.  Yes, I am a glass-is-half-full kinda guy!  An optimist and a realist; in other words, a possiblist; or one who believes that any one of us can overcome even that hardest tests that await us out there.  Lastly, I take some of my cues from the words and actions of some the great individuals that preceded us. 

Examples:

Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: BRGreen on July 01, 2009, 01:04:51 am
Talked to my dealer today. He has 5 bikes on the floor that he can't sell. Hard to tell a prospective customer, "Sorry, you can't take that one as the transmission might freeze causing the rear wheel to lock up putting you in one heck of a skid."

When the parts come in, he will close the workshop for a couple of days to complete the repairs on my bike and those in the shop. He will have an assembly line set up and a team of mechanics to do each part. Every thing is set to go ONCE he gets the parts.

One great dealer.
Dave
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Pitviper on July 01, 2009, 06:31:52 pm
Called Interstate today and they have the recall parts. Now I just have to find a trailer to rent so I can haul the bike the 2 hours to the dealer.
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on July 01, 2009, 07:54:47 pm
Well, Br. Pit, you're making progress... I'm happy for you and hope that you'll soon be enjoying your new (and improved) Bullet.   ;)
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: LJRead on July 01, 2009, 08:18:53 pm
Brs. Enfield_33 and Ace, I thank you.  Yes, I am a glass-is-half-full kinda guy! 


Yeah, but in my case people seem to sometime think I'm "full of it".  Is this something to do with the half-full glass business? ???
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: r80rt on July 01, 2009, 10:27:59 pm
Bill will have you going in no time, I'm glad to hear things are going your way!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on July 02, 2009, 12:12:01 am
"Yeah, but in my case people seem to sometime think I'm "full of it".  Is this something to do with the half-full glass business?"  LJRead

I dunno, Br. Larry... it could be that you're a glass-is-full (always) kind of guy!!!  ::)  If this is the case, what do you fill the glass with?   ;)
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: LJRead on July 02, 2009, 01:20:51 am
I think I'm a glass-is-full-of-it kinda guy ;)
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: BRGreen on July 02, 2009, 01:27:10 am
Parts have arrived at shop!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: r80rt on July 02, 2009, 01:40:15 am
OUTSTANDING!!!!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on July 02, 2009, 02:09:38 am
Good deal, Br. Green!
Title: Re: 2 weeks for dealers to get recall parts?
Post by: Cabo Cruz on July 02, 2009, 02:11:20 am
"I think I'm a glass-is-full-of-it kinda guy  ;)"  LJRead

:D :D :D