When dealing with businesses today, it's certain that you need to watch them closely. Caveat emptor.
My tale of woe began innocently enough. My son, who at the time was serving win the US Army in Iraq, wanted a motorcycle when he got home. He decided he liked the looks of the 2007 Suzuki GS500F. They are well regarded bikes, good for beginners, and with a fairly long lineage - which makes acquiring parts somewhat easier. We began the search. Action Powersports of Tulsa had one listed for $4500.00. It had only 850 miles on the odometer which was good; but it had been dropped once, resulting in some light damage to the fairing, mirror and turn signal. That was too much $ for a damaged bike. However, eventually, they came down to $4100.00, which I accepted. This *supposedly* included the warranty.
On riding the bike I soon noticed a persistent, heavy tapping sound when coming off idle. It was worse when cold, but never went away. There were multiple possible reasons for this - some of them very bad. I contacted Action Powersports and told them about it. They asked me if the bike had ever gotten its "first service" - which is part of the maintenance agreement when a dealership sells a motorcycle. I learned the bike had been sold by another dealer, and that it hadn't gotten its first service there, or anywhere. But, I was told by Action Powersports that they would honor the first service agreement anyway, and to bring it in. A week later, when I went to collect the bike, I was handed a bill for $283.00! The valves had needed adjustment I was told. "What about the first service agreement?", I asked. Because the original owner of the bike hadn't brought it in for its 600 mile checkup, the first service agreement it was said, was null and void. They sold me the bike, I'm certain, knowing this.
When I complained about buying an almost new bike from them with valve issues, and getting misled into thinking it was covered, then getting knicked for the bill, I was told I should "be happy" that I got, "a great deal!" I don't agree. It would have been an easy matter for Action Powersports to let me know that the problem wouldn't be covered as part of the first service contract. I could have made an informed decision. For $283 I would have adjusted them myself! To top it all off, the valves are still tapping!
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