 America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
I've posted this on Triumph Rat, so if you've read it, my apologies. I'm just trying to get all the feedback I can.
I purchased an 03 America. I fell in love with it the first 2 days I had it. That's good and bad, since at the end of the day a starter gear went. Apparently it rattled around and damaged the case, so a bunch of things have to be replaced now. Here's my dilemma:
They offered to refund my entire purchase price, including any interest I'd racked up on the loan. I can exercise this option at any point until the repairs are finished (initial estimate is 3-5 weeks, depending on how long it takes to get parts). I've been looking around for one similar, but I just can't find one for the same money. I can't afford a new one.
Some people have told me to take my money and run, because the bike sounds like trouble. Others have said not to worry about it, it was probably a fluke thing and as long as they repair it correctly I shouldn't have any trouble with it.
What would you do in the same situation, assuming I can't find an affordable replacement before it's fixed? Take re-delivery? Walk away?
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
Take the refund and walk away.
Tony G
'03 America
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
I was hoping you wouldn't say that.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
take it and buy another one, these bikes having problems like that is a rarity
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 877
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 877 |
Take them up on the offer, get your money back and look for another one.
Cheers,
Brad
To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 221
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 221 |
I agree with Brad. There's plenty of these being sold all over the country. Give it a couple of weeks and you'll find one. Use http://www.cycletrader.com/ and EBAY and you'll find one guaranteed.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216 |
Depending on many things, getting your full money back may not be a bad deal. There's no way you could match that in any other scenario unless they were to offer you a new machine. It may well be repaired that it will never fail again. In most states if it were to have to go back to warranty service for the same problem a couple more times, or be taken out of service for a certain length of time, Triumph, not the dealer, would be liable to provide the purchase price with all it took to get you on the road (as you have described), or a new machine. Research the Lemon Laws for your state. If the laws of your state are favorable, keep the repaired machine with the knowledge that it will be right, or be made right. If the laws in your state favor the dealer, take the money now before they retract the offer. I got a new machine from Triumph. My 03 went bad. In the end I was offered a replacement engine package, but by then the laws of 3 different states were in my favor for a bunch of money or a new bike. Whatever you decide to do, I'd recommend you make and keep detailed notes of what happened, when it happened, who you spoke with when, and what was said. Good luck.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
If you keep it, and something else happens, you'll NEVER get that much money back on it if you try to sell it. There's a few for sale on here, I'm sure you can find one.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
MART.. 1ST...MY 'O3 HAS BEEN TROUBLE FREE...Love It !
That being said...some machines are cursed by a "bad moon" take the money and buy another.... Do not take the chance that something else might go wrong... i.e. My wife has a sister...they are beautiful girls both..but her sister is trouble....get ride of the troubled sister !
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 420
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 420 |
Reading this post kinda reminded me of a saying I used to hear my Grandma say, don't throw the baby out with the bath water.... sometimes it seemed like a good answer then other times you'd just be scratching your head. Personally I don't think there's enough info to get solid advice on the situation. I'm assuming they are making the repairs at no cost to you... if you're paying for them then screw that and get your money back. It's a machine and machines break all the time. When I think of the things that have happened to vehicles of mine of the years.... so how many miles on it? Is it really good shape or look like it's been rode hard and abused? What did you pay for it? Is it setup the way you'd want it or do you have to throw down for goodies?
Sounds to me like they are trying to make you happy. Since you've got a few weeks left.... shop around, see what you find. I wouldn't be freaking out about it myself. As was mentioned before, pretty rare occurance but doesn't mean it's all bad juju.
Steve
Last edited by glazer; 06/29/2006 7:06 PM.
Steve
(hewhoshallremainavatarless)
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
The bike is in great condition. No dings, dents, or scratches. The only problem it had was the speedometer needed to be adjusted and the front brake lever needed to be replaced. It's had 2 other owners. The first drove it 1000 miles and traded it for a Harley at the dealership I bought it from. The second drove it 900 miles then moved into the city with his gf. His parents wouldn't store it for him anymore so he sold it back to the dealership. So, it has 1900 miles.
I had it for 2 days and put 100 miles on it. I loved it. It road great, looked great, and was comfortable. Then I went to the store, came out, and the starter just whined. Supposedly a starter gear fell off, rattled around and damaged the case. They are replacing the case and all. The dealer doing the work has two certified Triumph mechanics (school in Atlanta every year, etc) who does quite a bit of Triumph business.
It has a bunch of extras, windshield, chrome, Triumph leather bags, off road exhaust, etc. I paid $4800 for it.
Since they've offered my money back, I've spent the last week looking for a replacement. I found a few that I didn't like the color as much (but would have lived with) that had no options, some ride damage, and were more money. They said I had until the time the repairs are done to make up my mind. I plan on continuing to look. Why not? I have nothing to lose.
I just have no familiarity with Triumphs. I had a Honda once that I had a ton of engine work done on, then drove it for a million more miles with no problems. I just wanted to hear what others had to say.
I love the bike and don't want to settle for one I like "almost as much", but I don't want to buy a nightmare, either.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
If they are offering that kind of deal take it. I would be wondering what eles they found when they tore it apart.
Believe me they will use that offer against you if anything else happens to the bike after they fixed it and you go the lemon law route.
Remember this is business. You will find another bike, hell you said it would take 3 to 5 weeks to fix it anyway plenty of time to find another one.
Good luck.
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
Quote:
If they are offering that kind of deal take it. I would be wondering what eles they found when they tore it apart.
Believe me they will use that offer against you if anything else happens to the bike after they fixed it and you go the lemon law route.
Remember this is business. You will find another bike, hell you said it would take 3 to 5 weeks to fix it anyway plenty of time to find another one.
Good luck.
People keep saying that, but I've called every dealer in the state and most say they haven't seen a used America in forever. Riverside has one that's scratched up, and Mom's has one that has a deposit on it.
That's why I'm undecided. If I can't find one I can afford before this is fixed, I can either take my money and walk or get back on a bike I love and hope for the best.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
Martlet,
Send a PM to Benny and ask him what he reaaly thinks you should do. I love to read and I have read almost everything on this site.
There are alot of guys on this site who know what they are taking about and he is one of them.
I went back a re-read your post and in your second post you say it has 1900 miles on it. These bikes are not even broke in until they have 2500 miles on them.
Maybe it is a fluke and nothing else will happen, the one thing I can attest to is these engines are bullet proof. It may be worth taking the chance on keeping it.
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Awe shucks I'm all choked up  I'll actually be up in Wilmington, MA later in July, so maybe we can hook up and look at a bike or two if you get some rounded up by then. Feel free to drop me a PM or whatever and we can figure it out. Actually my friend who I will be visiting got married in Salem on May!
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
north river motors in salem mass has a used one if i remember correctly. low miles to. if your serious i will go there with you as i baught 2 bikes from them and they treat me good
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
Martlet,
Are you in NH...sounds like it (and your info says nothing)...
If your in NH and the bike is in Portsmouth...those guys are top notch when it comes to Triumphs...(salesmen from the "other" NH dealer used to go there when they REALLY needed something fixed)
If it's in Windham then take the money...if it's in Merrimack at the "new" Triumph dealer...I...well..I just don't know anything about them but they scare me!
Lemon Law in NH says three times for the same issue (then there's some other verbage about time out of use...and issues significantly effecting resale or value...blah blah blah...)
But from the sound of it (IMHO) they may have seen something else...see if they'll let you take the goodies and the $$$ then you can put them on your new ride...Triumph cant use the goodies (dealer may try to sell them used) but they wont go back across the pond.
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
I'd take the money and run! Get out, and try again.
The bike may be snake-bit.
You'll find another.
Charlie
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
I fell in love with it the first 2 days I had it
It sounds like you really want to keep the bike due to the great price, all the options, and the love factor. 
Noting Rob's post, if you trust the dealer/mechanics to put her back together properly and considering that these bikes are strong, that's not a bad idea. Make sure you know what they have to do to make it right or walk away. For instance, if this was Bob Keen at Palm Beach Triumph, I would take the repaired bike knowing that I would probably never have to worry about it again. Good dealers are good dealers, period.
That said, if you don't completely trust the dealer to make the repairs, don't walk away, run!
Are they offering any warranty for after the work, btw?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
I'm in Salem, MA, not NH. The bike is currently at Riverside in Somerville, MA. I haven't heard anything about their service either way, except that they have Triumph certified technicians who train once a year in Atlanta.
North River in Salem does have a used America. I went to look at it and it was scraped up. That's about all I saw wrong, except I wasn't keen on the color.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
Martlet,
You should update your profile it helps when people know where you are just click on My Home.
I checked all the dealers in CT. websites and other than some re-built 70 models they did not have any America's or SM's in their used inventories.
Sounds like you love this bike, that is the way with Triumph's once you find the one for you you just know.
I'm going by my dealer tomorrow and I will ask him if me know's of any for sale. What color are you looking for ?
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
Quote:
Martlet,
You should update your profile it helps when people know where you are just click on My Home.
I checked all the dealers in CT. websites and other than some re-built 70 models they did not have any America's or SM's in their used inventories.
Sounds like you love this bike, that is the way with Triumph's once you find the one for you you just know.
I'm going by my dealer tomorrow and I will ask him if me know's of any for sale. What color are you looking for ?
I liked the black w/ silver, but due to their difficulty to find, I'm open to just about anything.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
tanks and fenders are easy to change...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274 |
I thought that Lemon Laws were for new vehicles only. Ask a lawyer, you might be surprised. In VA there are some mercantability laws that say a good or service must be suitable for the intended purpose, but they stop short of guarantee/warranty issues. Oh, I almost forgot, take the money before they change their mind.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
Last edited by RobBA05; 06/29/2006 11:21 PM.
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Rob, I don't know how it is there, but in Nevada lemon laws only apply to vehicles purchased new. Used is "caveat emptor".
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Look around the classifieds here, maybe yo can amke some kind of a deal on another bike, maybe this one. http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...;gonew=1#UNREADor this one http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...1&fpart=allAlso, ask the dealer exactly what they will be replacing and ask if you can see the inside of the primary drive up close. If the engine case is undamaged or they are going to replace it, AND they will guarantee their work and that they will fix any "hidden" damage that may be there and show up later in writing, Your original bike may very well do you just fine. One thing to make sure of though, demand that they replace the oilpump gears. If any bits of metal have passed through those gears, they are a sure bet to fail sooner or later. Make sure they clean the oil strainer and flush out the crankcase as well, wouldn't want any stray metal floating around in there. At any rate, rest assured that this sort of thing is not a common occurance on these bikes. If they fix it right, there is every probability that it will last you for years with no trouble.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
In NH and MA (I think in MA) if purchased from a dealer it qualifies...as long as it is still under the original MFG warantee!
Last edited by RobBA05; 06/29/2006 11:39 PM.
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
I liked the black w/silver
AHA! I knew it and now I completely understand.
You have a decision ahead of you that I do not envy. Keep us posted...
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
Quote:
call these guys
I did. They have nothing but a TBird.
I think I'll place a call today and find out exactly what work they are doing and if it's warranteed.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 228
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 228 |
I'm with Bonnyusa on this one. Knowing my dealer though, I'd be takin the money and running. You could see about working a deal with them on a replacement engine rather than repairs. It might have it's benifits even if you had to throw down a few bucks.
"They don't call it a SPEEDMASTER for nothin"
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
Update:
Supposedly the parts should all be in next week, except the case. Still no word on that. It had to come from overseas, I guess. By this time next week there should at least be a light at the end of the tunnel.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12 |
Get a new one. I have to agree with the "dont throw the baby out with the bath water" statement. I recently purchased a Speedmaster (about 3 months ago) and have had no problems. I have 2200 miles on it so far and love the bike. I cant say Im an expert on bikes considering this is my first one, but Im pretty sure that Harley wouldnt offer you the same deal if you had a problem with theirs. This offer speaks volumes to the companies customer service...something Harley and others seem to be lacking when i was shopping for a bike. Also, being in sales myself, there is no better warranty than a company that is offering complete replacement or complete money back including interest. That screams confidence in their product! Chances are that this is an isolated issue and that you fall in love for a long time with a new one.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Don't worry about it Martlet. Most shops guarantee their work at least for 30 days. Plus a starter isn't that big of a deal. Enjoy your bike when you get it back!!!!
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 922
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 922 |
Maybe you've been talking to the wrong people (us), when you should be talking with the dealer.
My suggestion is that you go to whomever it is that you've been talking with, tell him just how you feel about the whole situation (that you really like the bike, but are worried about further problems) and see what they say to you.
Since the dealer is so willing to take the bike back, no costs to you, tells me they are confident they can sell it easily (again). The demand for these models seems fairly high, and, as several have found, the supply is low. Ergo, quick resale for the dealer.
I'd keep the bike, but, you have to do what is comfortable for you, of course. I'll pray for you about it.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
Quote:
Maybe you've been talking to the wrong people (us), when you should be talking with the dealer.
My suggestion is that you go to whomever it is that you've been talking with, tell him just how you feel about the whole situation (that you really like the bike, but are worried about further problems) and see what they say to you.
Since the dealer is so willing to take the bike back, no costs to you, tells me they are confident they can sell it easily (again). The demand for these models seems fairly high, and, as several have found, the supply is low. Ergo, quick resale for the dealer.
I'd keep the bike, but, you have to do what is comfortable for you, of course. I'll pray for you about it.
Thanks. I've been talking to the dealer far more than I've been talking online. I just came here to get other opinions. The more information I have on the past experiences of others is certainly helpful.
The dealer is fairly non-commital. They essentially leave it in my lap. They said their primary concern, whether I walk away or take the bike, is that I'm happy with the service and options they provided. They said they are confident in the work, which is why they'll extend the warranty, but they completely understand if I'd rather not take it because of a "nagging doubt" I might have.
The more I talk to them, the less concerns I have. I'm still browsing, and if I see another bike I want, I'll get it. If not, then I'll take the one I like.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
|
|
Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
it was a sprag clutch problem?
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
Quote:
it was a sprag clutch problem?
I don't know what that means. Apparently a starter gear fell off and rattled around, damaging other stuff. They're replacing it all, including the case.
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
|
|
Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
ok had the same but less damage and after it's done no problems at all
My dealer and mechanics were really surprised about that its happend after abot 18000 miles !!
and even in UK I was waiting almost 2 weeks for repair and parts but job done bike ok another 5000 on the clock!!!!!
|
|
|
Re: America Woes
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 113 |
On the road again...
Got my bike back Saturday. Supposedly they replaced just about everything in the engine. When they put the new style case on, many of the internal parts had to be changed to the new style as well. Since everything is new, I have the traditional 500 mile break in period, then back to the dealer for an oil change and inspection.
It sure is nice to be on two wheels again.
|
|
|
|
|
