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I see your point.
However where I’m coming from is that I have recently have had to rely on a dealers service department for a bike for a couple reasons:
Purchased schedule maintenance programs
Warranty issues
Modifications beyond my abilities
Time (lack of)
Lack of the proper tools to do a certain task
Over the years all my bikes in my past I have bought them used. And did all of my own wrenching.
Bikes were a lot simpler to work on. (except Nortons)
I grew up in a family owned auto repair shop, so tools were never a real issue.
I also didn’t have to money to take into a shop.
Overtime I have been lucky to buy new bikes out of the box. And again some of the technologies on these bikes are beyond hands and head.
So my experience with some local service shops, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki have given me mixed service.
Now I am about to add Ducati to my experience.
So with the power of the Internet and forums like this (good) one. I chose to you my lack of riding time to as a tool to find out what is the best way not to waste my time and money.
As for being delusional, you have got that right.
Because if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be so fucked up about bikes
http://www.clubhousemotorsports.com/
It's a bit of a hike, but Eric is the freaking man when it comes to Ducati's. Significantly less expensive than any dealer i have gone to.
1995 Honda RVF400
2003 SV650 Superbike ...eat a dick Scottie
2007 Ducati S2R1000
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8330/4.5.0.77 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)
I was sponsored by BCM back in the day, had Kyle servicing my bike when he was @ Naults and he is def. Spot on w/ mechanical aptitude. Mike @ Wagners is great, Guido @ Eastern too. I bought my 848 from Seacoast though b/c they blend smart ownership, customer service, reasonable rates (by dealer standards) and top notch techs all together. I no longer see that balance in other shops lately... Usually one bad apple can ruin a reputation pretty quickly. Have not dealt much w/ Eastern but I know that Randy (manager) and Guido (tech) are great guys. You can't go wrong w/ Seacoast or Eastern IMO. If its a deal you're after, buy on eBay and go to Eric (former BCM tech) @ Clubhouse Motors. He'll pick up and drop off your bike for the cost if gas! We're lucky in New England to have more than one Ducati shop, let alone several good ones!
+1 for seacoast. dont have a duc but my i got my ape from them and every service appointment has been nothing but positive.
I sell to most of those....
Dunbar - Tom. You either love him or hate him. We get along very well. But I also know people who would want to push him in front of a large moving vehicle. A++ Ducati tech. Loves to talk, hates BS. Be straight, be honest.
Clubhouse - Eric is a former BCM tech trained by Bruce. SUPER guy. Notice he is NOT at BCM anymore...
BCM - If you can't say anything nice.....Bruce and Suzi were BCM. These people are NOT BCM.
Wagner - Jeremy is a first class tech. Good shop, good people.
Eastern - same as Wagner. Good shop.
Moto Milano - another very good shop. Gerry loves his Duc's.
Gengras - depends on the tech. And they are moving anytime now.
Valley Motosports - another really good Duc shop. Jerry runs a tight ship.
I'll toss is two more -
Rockwell Cycles in Fort Montgomery NY. Hour from Danbury. Nick races at LRRS. Ducati, Triumph, Husky and Bimota. Very good techs.
European Cycles in Middletown, NY. Steve is another Bruce Meyer trained tech. AWESOME shop. Just branched into BMW service too.
Don't forget Riverside. They don't buy from me, but in between Great Bay and Dunbar is them in Somerville. Have fun finding a place to park.
Putting his hands in the air, like he just doesn't care.
Check out my eBay store!
Dave - Motorace - Michelin
My bike was bought at Great Bay Motorcycles. I haven't seen them mentioned anywhere in this thread. I'm trying to figure out where to take my 848 for the recall work as soon as I can get it on the road. Seacoast looks to be just as close as BCM (if you call 180 miles of slab close) so I'm gonna keep looking at this thread to figure out where to go.
BTW, on a side note, Great Bay never filled out the Desmo Owners club card in the back of the book for the previous owner. This means that I can't call up ducati and switch ownership so I can get the remainder of the warranty and roadside assistance. Anyone know an easier way to do it? or do I have to bring it to Great Bay to have this done.
I have met Mike and Jeremy at Wagners a few times now (winter clinics - thottle body set up, 4v adj and cam belt replacement and suspension service and setup) and I really like both of those guys, both extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. This is going to be a heavy influence for me, as I hope to be buying a new (to me) bike this spring.
Have bought parts from BCM a couple of times, never an issue.
Have bought parts from Moto Milano a couple of times, never an issue. Have had work done there (dyno tuning, carb cleanup, some other things) and always been extremely happy with the standard of work. Also, Gerry and the crew are great people too.
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
Bikes: Ducati: 748 (Track) Honda: RC31 (Race/street)/ CRF 110 Mini Moto/ Hawk Endurance Racer Kawasaki: ZXR1200R
BOMO Instructor
EX# X
Graham
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into a committee — that will do them in"
When I was sponsored by BCM, it was back when Bruce and Suzie greeted me as "Happy Kid." I had a ball and they were always spot on. We then got a great deal with Naults, who happened to have Kyle doing the wrenching then... so that was a no brainer as well. I know, and trust Kyle to work on anything with 2 wheels and a desmo L-twin in it. I also know Miles and he's a great shop hand. I haven't done too much business up there since being down in MA however, but there was an episode with my 851 where I was contemplating building a motor for it. It was 1 part my delusional self thinking I had more $$, and one part lack of customer service on their behalf. The end of it was we agreed it was a misunderstanding, shook hands and moved on. I would still bring a bike there if I were in that neck of the woods, but I no longer feel compelled to haul up there... as the other shops in the area have all been great to me. FWIW, when I had my Aprilia, Seacoast impressed me quite a bit, and I bought my 848 from em. It's also nice to see those guys every weekend at the track where they pit next to us.
never heard anything good about great bay
When I start my KTM in the morning, rules are broken. Its inevitable...
01 SV650S (RC51 eater)/07 690SM /03 300EXC/14 XTZ1200
TRACKS:Firebird/NHMS/VIR/Calabogie/California Speedway/NJMP/MMC/NYST/Palmer/Thompson/Club Motorsports
there is no doubt...KYLE (who is at BCM- and was trained from age 16 under Bruce) *is* the guy - if you have a wierd problem or need major work or performace stuff - he is the whizz -on race motors - he has solved a number of problems, ALL others have failed to rectify...
Graham
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into a committee — that will do them in"
Anything wrong with Riverside in Somerville?
Its close to you.
I dont have a Ducati but I've had other small stuff done there
and found them responsive and on time.
-Akira
2008 Honda CBR 600RR
most of my needs over the years have been race related-as with my friends and fellow racers... mainly at loudon - the promp service from the likes of Bruce, Kyle, Eric is top notch...and they do/did house calls:-)....
but I would not hesitate to use Jessie at Seacoast as well.. the others I have no first hand dealings in the last 9 years-therefore no comment.
Like most things you go to the *people* you trust not the business name....
Graham
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into a committee — that will do them in"
Another vote here for EASTERN CYCLE its a nice small shop with good stuff all around.
Does anyone know which Seacoast dealership is Kyle at now?
Freedom cycle, he's not at seacoast anymore
Ducati/MV Agusta/Kawasaki/Beta
#277
Boston Tier 1 Racing/ Fishtail Instructor
DP Brakes Northeast Road Racing Representative
Thanks Ducman!