Prices
Toisich,
No disagreement here! It is not widely understood how Honda and its dealer network operate. It is not like car companies, to whom many compare Honda. Honda has an "agreement" with its dealers that goes way back to the beginning when Honda first started to solicit dealers back in 1958.
Without going into long details, it is now 2004 and times have changed and law suits fly every which way and people are a lot more critical of how they spend their bucks (except for foreign aid. Don't get me started). You are right that many who spend big bucks on a motorcycle think it should be perfect. And, many think that Honda should warranty "anything" that might happen to the bike. Of course, that is not possible and no company would do that. If one compares Honda's past record of quality, service and warranty to other bike makers, Honda will win every time.
That does not mean they are perfect by any means. The weakest point, however, has always been the dealer network. Most dealers are multi-brand dealers and that complicates matters. In fact, I use this as a way to understand how helpless Honda is in the US business climate. Think about it. If Honda had the control many think it has, why would any company allow its dealer to sell competing products? Honda and Yamaha have been deadly market enemies for years!
I have sat down with the Senior VP of Sales of Honda (for whom I used to work) and pleaded the case for a revision of the dealer agreement to give Honda more power over its dealers. He said it couldn't be done legally and dealers would sue Honda for restraint of business.
So, the only way to get poor dealers in line is to make Honda aware of misconduct and failures to do appropriate service. Many say, "It won't do any good." Maybe. But when I was a cop, people would sometimes balk at making a crime report because they didn't see that it would do any good. That's not true. If enough "crime reports" come into the office, something has to happen. It may not be what you wanted, but it will pay off in some way.
The motorcycle business is not a big business for the dealers. Most dealers "make a living" and that's all. There are some who, IMO, follow Honda's policies and programs and thrive. Good service is one of the main keys to the dealer's ability to make it with their customers. But, like all around us, we see more and more people who just don't care as long as they are making it.
Honda cannot tell you who are the "good" dealers and who's are poorly run. They know, but the laws prohibit them from telling you who they are. I have dealt with hundreds of them in the past and traveled with the Honda Field Reps. The reps. do the best they can to bring dealers into line. I can remember dealers who will not let the reps. in their shop! One dealer pulled a gun on a Honda rep. because Honda found out he was defrauding Honda with warranty claims!
Over all, things work pretty well at Honda. Contrary to what some would say, they are honest to a fault and the people who work there are dedicated people. The top brass are all riders and most are enthusiasts.
But, that's only my opinion and my observations. I will now get down from my soapbox.
but a higher price doesn't mean the quality control is gonna be any better. Just a new set of different growing pains Notice I didn't say hidden defects!
