Robert
Bowie,#2Consumer Comment
Sat, February 23, 2008
I am 200 pounds. My custom is dropped 3 inches from what the factory frame/suspension was, and I have no ground clearance issues. I can put someone behind me and still not have any problems. Here's your sign. A custom bike is not a factory original, thus the term CUSTOM. If you are ground-pounding, the issue is directly related to the weight ON the bike, not the bike itself. Lose weight(lots of it apparently), or adjust the spring tension.
John
Langhorne,#3Author of original report
Fri, February 22, 2008
I literally have not heard a thing from Brian's Harley Davidson since I explained to Dan McKarthy that I am not going to contact NBC Channel 10 news, Tracy Davidson, until they do something other than call me and discuss my concerns. The reason for my last update was to show Dan McCarthy some good faith. I believe in giving a person the benefit of the doubt. From the first time Dan contacted me about their deception, he closed the conversation with "Could you please tell Tracy Davidson at NBC 10 that we are addressing your concerns?" EACH AND EVERY time after that, five times in total, Dan McArthy has spoke with me he closed the conversation with a request for me to contact another one of the many sources I have reported their deception to. Dan Mcarthy has had all the sincerity of a hungry snake talking to a rabbit. He has wasted my time trying to free himself and their company of the WELL DESERVED attention their deception has brought them. Brian's Harley Davidson (Dan Carthy) told me that they would fly in two Thunder Mountain mechanics to install two new shocks on the bike and reset the ride height to where they think it should be. When I asked him what the height is he said he didn't know. I in turn told him that I have an independent expert that can install the correct shocks to prevent the motorcycle from dangerously hitting the frame to the ground. If Brian's Harley Davidson provided me with the shocks I would pay all remaining costs to correct this pre-existing problem and I would relieve them of all responsibility. Dan McCarthy answered "We will consider this". I never heard from them again. You would think the cost of the shocks has to be close to the cost of flying two techs in AND supplying the two shocks. The inevitable conclusion to draw from all of this is that they ONLY contacted me so they could tell the "pressure groups" that they are "working with me and my concerns." They could resolve this issue and make right by their deception for the same cost of what they offered to do. I have contacted numerous Thunder Mountain dealers as well as Thunder Mountain Company about this problem. Thunder Mountain put me through to, Danielle, the tech support person. She clearly explained to me that the advertised ride height 4.5" was based on a rider of 180 lbs. as the conversation went on she explained that my problem was being caused because I weigh 280 lbs. (WHAT?!) I immediately cut her off laughing and explained my body weight is 195 lbs. She told me that someone from Brian's HD told her that and then apologized. She then told me she would call Brian's about the problem and call me tomorrow. I NEVER heard from her again. Approximately a month later I called Thunder Mountain explained the problem and they put me through again to Danielle. Her answer to the same question this time was "the ride height is based on no one sitting on the motorcycle." It's almost like living through an episode of the Twilight Zone. Equally interesting is the responses I received (that are readily available) from other Thunder Mountain dealers. Their replies indicate that they contacted Thunder Mountain Company and were told I was being "handled" and not to worry. I spoke with two Thunder Mountain outside regional reps. they both listened to my concerns and never re-contacted me. From one end to the other no one gives a d**n, THEY GOT MY MONEY, and now they are done with me.
John
Langhorne,#4Author of original report
Wed, February 06, 2008
1/29/2008 10:30 am Dan McCarthy called me at my office. Dan opened the conversation with a heartfelt apology for not getting back to me about my concerns for safety in a timely manner. He also assured me that from this moment on Brian's Harley Davidson's will be working with me towards complete satisfaction on my behalf. Regardless of the things that may have lead him to the decision to work with me; I believe he is completely sincere and highly motivated to assist me as I'm sure they assist all of their customers to complete satisfaction. Dan's general demeanor is that of a friend and not an adversary that just wants to get me "out of their hair". We are discussing the safety concerns and I am confident we will arrive at a resolution. Sincerely, John
Barbara Jean
Monticello,#5Consumer Suggestion
Thu, December 27, 2007
We bought two Harleys from Winchester Harley-Davidson in Winchester, Virginia. The service couldn't have been better. They were wonderful. However, I see your plight and it's not fun. The last thing any of us with only two wheels needs is an unsafe bike and a bunch of crap for our money. Call the H-D Motor Company (the 800 number is in your owner's manual/HOG paperwork) and tell their customer service reps what's happening with Brian's H-D. The dealerships are sworn to uphold the reputation Harley-Davidson has built over the last century. The Company won't be happy with this one and I'm betting they'll get to the bottom of it and you'll be riding as soon as the snow melts.