Well, my bike is back in the shop for the third time to have the cam cover gasket replaced. If any of you are in Florida or are even thinking of going to Lakeland Harley Davidson, let me urge you to stay away! They have the worst service department I have ever seen. They were simply going to replace the gasket for the third time...so I said, how about looking for a root cause here, such as bad maching on the cam cover. They insisted it was just a gasket, so I called HD Customer Service. Turns out the cover was warped, now I have to wait another week for the part to arrive (It's been in there over a week now).

When I get the bike back, I will NEVER go to Lakeland HD again. They must think that there customers are stupid or else they are just arrogant enough to think I won't find out that they lie to customers. In fact, I don't even think they have a tech that knows anything about the VROD.

ARRRRGGHHHHHHHHHHH!

ps. thanks for listening!

vrodwheels I feel your pain it took my dealer five attempts and I finally just fixed the problem myself. It seems the chrome on the bottom of the cover is the problem. It makes it near impossible for the covers to seal correct. I had to take and sand the chrome on the bottom of my cover and then use a small amount of sealer before I could get mine to seal. The funniest part was that I had just gone from regular warranty to extended warranty and after 5 attempts they informed me that I would have to pay the deductible to have them do it again. Needless to say I canceled my extended warranty and got my money refunded. I don't think my local dealer could fix a bread sandwich without screwing it up.

Max

I know this is not much help. but in Illinois we have a lemon law. If you take your motorcycle to a dealer three times for the same problem, or if it is in the shop for more than 30 days for the same problem, they have to replace the motorcycle. Samething for cars. You may want to check your state law, and use that to pressure the dealer a little.

I doubt that the "Lemon Law" is a very good approach to take with your dealer in Florida, Illinois, or many other states for that matter.

For one thing, the law usually requires that the defect or "non-conformity" to express warranty, "substantially impairs the use, market value or safety of that vehicle." A little oil seeping out of the valve covers is an annoyance that needs to be fixed - but it probably doesn't rise to the level required.

Additionally, the Illinois statute defines a "reasonable" number of attempts on the part of the dealer as four, where the defect still exists.

Most importantly, however, the "Lemon Law" in both Florida and Illinois specifically EXCLUDES motorcycles. The dealers in both these states know this very well, and by bringing it up you are only going to lose credibility in their eyes. (Take a look at this summary of State Lemon Laws (http://www.carlemon.com/lemons.html) to see what the rule is in your state.)

I doubt that the "Lemon Law" is a very good approach to take with your dealer in Florida, Illinois, or many other states for that matter.

For one thing, the law usually requires that the defect or "non-conformity" to express warranty, "substantially impairs the use, market value or safety of that vehicle." A little oil seeping out of the valve covers is an annoyance that needs to be fixed - but it probably doesn't rise to the level required.

Additionally, the Illinois statute defines a "reasonable" number of attempts on the part of the dealer as four, where the defect still exists.

Most importantly, however, the "Lemon Law" in both Florida and Illinois specifically EXCLUDES motorcycles. The dealers in both these states know this very well, and by bringing it up you are only going to lose credibility in their eyes. (Take a look at this summary of State Lemon Laws (http://www.carlemon.com/lemons.html) to see what the rule is in your state.)

You are correct, I don't think it will help with an oil leak. But it has been used for motorcycles. I included a quote from a local law office.

The IL lemon law lawyers of Krohn & Moss. Ltd. will handle lemon law claims for all types of defective vehicles including cars, trucks, mini-vans, suv’s, recreational vehicles and campers, full size vans, boats, motorcycles and even jet skis. If you have a defective computer or other consumer product, consumer protection laws might also offer you “lemon-aid”.

You might post you thoughts here: http://stealer-dealer.com/ The post there was actually complimentary on lakeland (sales only) . You could add your 2c worth.

I've had my V-Rod worked on several times at Brandon HD (maybe 20 miles from Lakeland). Normal service intervals, recalls, lots of parts replacement with chrome. Good work. They have a tech that specializes in V-Rod. The DO NOT have a dyno. They charge more per hours than Lakeland. They've never had my bike for more than 3 days, usually 2. Good luck.

Well, my bike is back in the shop for the third time to have the cam cover gasket replaced. If any of you are in Florida or are even thinking of going to Lakeland Harley Davidson, let me urge you to stay away! They have the worst service department I have ever seen. They were simply going to replace the gasket for the third time...so I said, how about looking for a root cause here, such as bad maching on the cam cover. They insisted it was just a gasket, so I called HD Customer Service. Turns out the cover was warped, now I have to wait another week for the part to arrive (It's been in there over a week now).

When I get the bike back, I will NEVER go to Lakeland HD again. They must think that there customers are stupid or else they are just arrogant enough to think I won't find out that they lie to customers. In fact, I don't even think they have a tech that knows anything about the VROD.

ARRRRGGHHHHHHHHHHH!

ps. thanks for listening!


Well, at least we are in the same state. Hi!!! I'm Ski. If your ever in the area, look me up. I wish I was there. This would have been taken care of along time ago. Yes try TAMPA. Sounds like a good shop. I have my opinions. But anyhoo. I'm at Miami H-D. Call anytime Wed.-Sat. Or e-mail me at VRODSKI1@aol.com. Later SKI.

In fact, I don't even think they have a tech that knows anything about the VROD.

They had a great v-rod specialist, he was the best however; Stan moved to Houston to be closer to his family. I have had a pretty good experience with Lakeland HD! I purchased my v-rod from there (2nd 2/tone v-rod in the tri-county area) and many, many parts. They have done all the work on my bike from day 1. Sandman the Service manager is a prick )need to know how to talk to him), I know more about the v-rod then Glen and Patrick the service advisors and Jerry is the new v-rod tech. He has been to v-rod school but that doesn't seem to mean anything. I have had a few minor problems with the Service and have gotten it taken care of right away! I am really good at making people see my way about things and issues. My recommendations for you are: I am sure that you have went round and round with Sandman with no resolution. Speak with Bill the GM and express to him your concerns, frustrations and inconveniences. I am not sure of your history with them (purchases and service) but word of mouth is a very strong thing, it would hurt there bottom line to loose you and others as customers. Speak your mind in the right direction and then do as you choose.If you decide to go somewhere else, I am good friends with Orlando's Service dept Shop Foreman and some techs! They do a great job at service but it is hard to get a close appointment. They do give you an HD loaner bike for the day. A real loaner bike not a Buell Blast like Lakeland HD. What area do you live in?? Good Luck:D:D: