Not a Ducati or MV Agusta dealer/service.
GP Bikes: A Masterclass in Operational Incompetence and Mechanical Neglect
- Thread starter streptoman
- Start date
Not a Ducati or MV Agusta dealer/service.
I bought 7 bikes from GP over the years and never had an issue with any of them. Anyone can have a bad day. I can't even imagine what it takes to run that place and all that staff. I had a friend come out from Toronto west for the first time, he was amazed. He said this is like going the the bike show and I agree. I'm glad they are 5 min from my house.
Successful motorcycle shops become a victim of their own success. Eventually, they get too much business and have to hire more staff. I've had the issue from every shop I've been to, except my most recent, and others have complained about it. First shop I ever took my bike to, was Ontario Cycle Salvage, and they did a great job, but there was still one mechanic that you didn't want anywhere near your bike.
The Ol Boy used to buy Rupp sleds and mini bikes from Snow City way back in the '70s.
streptoman
Member
It must be quite
satisfying to
It must be quite satisfying to do a good amount of work on your own. I would much prefer this myself. I would definitely agree that the old fuel would have found its way into the rail and injectors; however, starting the motor would have circulated it under pressure. In the end, everything turned out okay (not an excuse for the act at all). I've got the Streetfighter back, driving great, and the MV is getting her 1,000km service right now. I'm now with Dukes of Cycle in Etobicoke. Trustworthy and competent; I'm happy with them.
streptoman
Member
I've come across a few negative reviews ...probably should have researched a little more first. But it's a little difficult to find local alternatives considering the scarcity of the MV units
streptoman
Member
Hahaha, I actually responded to a reply to my post from 2010, merely to see how the system would react. No explosions.
streptoman
Member
I did receive an SMS from a Jerry over the ordeal (informing that he was with the salesman and to call to talk about the Ducati, the same day that the sales manager informed that this particular salesman was off), but I had no idea who he was, so I let it pass.
streptoman
Member
Definitely a high level of apathy for customer retention. Shop loyalty is not worth much at all anymore, as you've clearly discovered. I suppose buyers are becoming more and more savvy and shopping around, and sellers are reacting ...the wrong way.
I believe loyalty is still worth something. For example at GP bikes. I have mostly been a customer for gear and service for over 16 years. I recall when they were still a smaller shop in Ajax. In any case everytime I go and buy some gear. They will not only apply the typical 10% off everyone gets. But once they input my contact info into their system. They see my customer history. They typically give me another 5%-10%.off. Now it also depends on who I'm talking to.
As far as service goes. Again they see my history with them and the fact that they are my go to for my annual maintenance and scheduled service. They never try to upsell, just provide suggestions, give me a reasonable service cost, schedule and communication. Now there are time that my service completion is delyed and I may have to start the follow up calls. But overall I think their service is professional and competively priced.
Just like most reviews , the ones that have a bad experience are the ones that will provide feedback. The ones that are generally satisfied just move on.
The way I see it. GP wouldn't be as successful as they are if their service on the gear, sales, and bike service wasn't good for all these years.
As far as service goes. Again they see my history with them and the fact that they are my go to for my annual maintenance and scheduled service. They never try to upsell, just provide suggestions, give me a reasonable service cost, schedule and communication. Now there are time that my service completion is delyed and I may have to start the follow up calls. But overall I think their service is professional and competively priced.
Just like most reviews , the ones that have a bad experience are the ones that will provide feedback. The ones that are generally satisfied just move on.
The way I see it. GP wouldn't be as successful as they are if their service on the gear, sales, and bike service wasn't good for all these years.
Well said.
But, I think its important to judge service industries on how they handle the **** ups.
Case in point, BMW tech forgot to put all my engine (car) components back where they should be during a routine oil change, I know this because I change the oil myself every other service. Imagine my surprise when I popped the hood to change the oil after 5000kms and my engine compartment was out of wack. I called the service department the next day and requested a call back from the manager. He called, we spoke, I sent pictures and he called back in 20 minutes. "I reviewed the control plan and youre right, that should have been put back. The tech says he doesn't recall not doing this but it is clearly a requirement. We'll handle that internally, but id like to offer you a no charge service to make this right at your earliest convenience. Id also like to offer a loaner for the 24hrs it will take us to correct this."
Showed up the next day, loaner secured. 24hrs later my car was fixed, cleaned and the service manager and the GM came down to introduce themselves personally and apologize.
That is the kind of treatment that secures loyalty, not just doing a good job with the occasional hiccups.
Loyalty goes both ways and at what point do you give up on it?
I've been a customer of theirs since the Ajax days as well and continued when they switched to the big building. Bought 3 bikes and plenty of gear. Used to always deal with the same apparel person (Mary-Ann I think was her name) and she was great. Ordered in gear I was interested in with no pressure to buy if it didn't fit right.
Right up until a few years ago. No call-backs when I tried to buy/order a new KTM dirtbike. No care to try to make a deal on a new $25k bike even when presented with other dealers lower advertised price. They were hundreds more on both a pair of boots and a helmet and only offered me a 5% discount when I asked if they'd price-match.
Even bought a new pair of offroad pants there last year and on my first ride of the year the back of the calf area separated into a 5" hole. No crash. no abrasion or tear of any kind, it just came undone. I emailed GP with a photo and they said it must be crash damage and they won't cover a repair or replacement. I'll fully accept the consequences of my crash, and I do that plenty, and I wouldn't try for a free replacement for my error but my numerous bikes bought at GP plus and at least 50 other retail purchases there gained me no loyalty from them to hear my issue in this instance. So when does loyalty end on the customers side?
I bought my last bike at Peak Powersports (Oakville) and what a breath of fresh air it was. They actually seemed happy you were there and didn't treat you like a number. I've been back there since for other items because of it.
I'm one of those that shopped at Harwood ave, always dealt with the parts guy Bob (hope he's still happy retired) but i did notice on my last visit that GP bikes has changed, but probably due to the clientele, I felt out of place as a bike guy looking for a bottle of water wetter. Showroom was filled with Instagram influencers buying their first 40k bike lol, I ended going down the road to Royal where i felt more at home. Kudos to Jerry on what he's built though, store is def booming, just not with boomers .....
Longtime customer as well, from back in the Ajax days.
Their service dept is terrible. Had big problems a couple of years ago when a miscommunication between their parts dept and service dept netted me the wrong size tire. Lots of fingerpointing, "We're not Parts. We're Service. That's a Parts problem. Or a YOU problem".
WTactualF?!?!
I lost it.
When I call GP Bikes, I'm not speaking to two different companies. I'm speaking to GP Bikes as a single company.
I ran around town sourcing a tire within 24 hours. I told them I'm bringing it in and asked them to mount the tire since it was still at their shop.
"Nope, you lost your place in line. We'll get to your bike in 2 weeks time"
*Your* mistake and *I* get bumped?!?!
WTagainF?!!
Bike was originally in for it's 50K service. I was on a road-trip through the Mid-Atlantic BDR in the US. A couple of days into the ride, I found coolant dripping down the side of my bike.
I took off the side panel:
They left the coolant cap unscrewed and dangling underneath the side panel.
Unbelievable...
Their service dept is terrible. Had big problems a couple of years ago when a miscommunication between their parts dept and service dept netted me the wrong size tire. Lots of fingerpointing, "We're not Parts. We're Service. That's a Parts problem. Or a YOU problem".
WTactualF?!?!
I lost it.
When I call GP Bikes, I'm not speaking to two different companies. I'm speaking to GP Bikes as a single company.
I ran around town sourcing a tire within 24 hours. I told them I'm bringing it in and asked them to mount the tire since it was still at their shop.
"Nope, you lost your place in line. We'll get to your bike in 2 weeks time"
*Your* mistake and *I* get bumped?!?!
WTagainF?!!
Bike was originally in for it's 50K service. I was on a road-trip through the Mid-Atlantic BDR in the US. A couple of days into the ride, I found coolant dripping down the side of my bike.
I took off the side panel:
They left the coolant cap unscrewed and dangling underneath the side panel.
Unbelievable...
Yea I get what the posts above are saying. It's not the same when they were a smaller operation where the staff remembered who we were. The way I see it with all shop and retail closings over the the years. At least we have one successful operation that will be around. Sure they may not be as personal as they may have once been. But I know I would of struggled finding gear I like or service that was convenient and overall good without GP. I do see some new service places showing up near me. But part of me wonders how long they will be around. All the dealers that I purchased my last three bikes are no longer operating.
Finding someone you trust and a good shop for retail is difficult these days.
My best experience was with Frekyguy... Im not sure he's still working on bikes. But if he was able to do authorized factory warranty repairs. I would chose him over any shop.
Finding someone you trust and a good shop for retail is difficult these days.
My best experience was with Frekyguy... Im not sure he's still working on bikes. But if he was able to do authorized factory warranty repairs. I would chose him over any shop.
