frame damage

[paulda93]

I am fairly new to the site and to the Buell world. I recently purchased a used 2003 XB9S from a dealership a couple of weeks ago and I have a question regarding the conditions as to which they sold me the bike. After getting a account for this forum I came across the thread that deals with what to look for when purchasing a used Buell, more importantly the frame damage portion of the thread. So, I didn't notice until a week or so after getting the bike that there appears to be frame damage to the left side of the frame (tank), below the frame puck. Now on to my question. When I purchased the bike from the dealership they charged me some lump sum of money because they claimed it was for a safety inspection that they conduct on all used motorcycles. My question, if they conducted such safety inspection how could they sell a bike knowing the frame (tank) was damaged. I know that I should have paid closer attention when inspecting the bike, but I didn't. Is there anything I can do? As always any and all help and/or assistance would be much appreciated.

Thanks and ride safe,
Paul

 

[iman501]

I'd call them up to see how they handle it, if they refund you some money then awesome, but if not then I'd be looking into other ways of handling it.

 

[Buellysses]

Can you post up some pictures?

 

[paulda93]

When I get off of work I will take a picture and post it.

 

[paulda93]

Sorry for the late response... I pulled off the frame puck and just as I imagined the frame is dented. I took a couple of pictures and will upload them later.

 

[Internet Annoyance]

Depends on your state, (laws) Ive been guilty of failing to look closely enough when purchasing,, But it all depends on the problem and your local laws.

#1) go in and ask to speak to the manager, be cool but firm, show supporting materials and perhaps a printout of posts on here. Keep in mind these guys usually are pros when dealing with customers, some even take training in psychology to manipulate you. If you arent very confident try and find a friend who is one of those people who is mentally sharp and dominant, who is skilled at verbal and psychological warfare, I have a ex whose dad was a master at this and bought cars from dealerships just for the fun of negotiating and mental domination. he bought and traded in cars once a month sometimes more just for fun, always came out on top.
If the dealer is cool, remind them you want a positive experience and be fair, most will see the logic of that, if they are bastards, well, that happens too.

#2) some states have lemon laws and buyers remorse due to SOB and Shifty bastards dealers,, the ones who can sell snow to a eskimo, and sell junk and then laugh in your face, this type of behavior is the Number #1 consumer complaint in most states along with auto repair shops doing bad work, Many states give you a window to return your purchase, some its 24 hours, some its more. If they arent cool with it,,,,,,, then pursue that or look into it.

 

[Negative]

If the frame is just dented and not leaking I don't really think that classifies it as unsafe ... Just unsightly ... I picked my Buell up with frame damage on the left side as well ... I simply repaired the damage ...

 

[Cooter]

I agree. A dent is just a dent. Perhaps it was priced accordingly?

I would be pissed if I paid a premium for a supposed perfect example. Was it represented as perfect?

 

[MotoX6]

Mines got a big dent right under the frame puck too. It gave my bike a salvage. Doesn't effect the bike though...just looks crappy right beside the frame puck..Bueller's would notice...no one else!

 

[Negative]

Mine was only noticable because ... it didn't have frame pucks ... I'm still searching around for a replacement frame, just don't have the cash at the moment ...

I'm also with Cooter on his post ... if they showed it to you and told you it was absolutely perfect or that it had "never been dropped" or something then I would be slightly miffed (don't get me wrong, I wouldn't return the bike I'd just bitch about it then kick dirt for a minute and go home and fix it still ... haha) ... but if they did that, that's pretty low on their part ....

 

[paulda93]

Sorry for the late response guys. I haven't been able to post any pictures because my phone decided it wanted to crash on me and the photos weren't backed up. The dealer did say that the bike had been dropped, but at the same time I got charged something like a couple hundred on some safety inspection in which, the inspector should have, and probably did notice the damage to the frame. All in all, the fault is mine, but I am still going to have a talk with the store owner as I have a friend whom knows him personally. If I haven't already said it, thank you to all of whom have provided some advice and ride safe.

Later,
Paul

 

[wolfo68]

Was it sold as a salvaged bike? If it was a dealer they should have noticed and that should make it a salvaged bike if it was truly inspected. On the other hand, if you took it home it is your word against theirs at this point.

 

[kd4gru]

What is the best way to repair a frame. Have a small dent ( less than 1\2 size of a dime)and fair size scratches.Both are where the left frame puck would be. Thought about just putting a set of frame pucks over it.Did not know if that's o.k.. or does it need to be repaired first. Also a deep gouge on left side of swing arm,app.3 inches long. No leaks or anything like that , just looks like crap. would post pics, but have not figured that out yet.

 

[Mope]

^^^kd - what you're describing needs nothing more than some body filler, sandpaper and buell aerosol spray paint specific to the year of your bike.

 

[kd4gru]

is the paint a H-D only item? Really hope the answer is NO..

 

[Mope]

For perfect match, yes. Not cheap per can, of course.

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-For...stions-and-Answers/Buell-XB--1125-Paint-Codes

 

[wolfo68]

what you're describing needs nothing more than some body filler, sandpaper and buell aerosol spray paint specific to the year of your bike.

Use aluminum filler, not just wally world body filler.

 

[kd4gru]

Thanks, on it.

 

[Mope]

Yes, aluminum is definitely a better choice......but I use Rage and did my buddy's probably 4 years ago (how I learned about Buells, actually) and it looks perfect to this day. Good old (cheaper) plastic filler on scratches and minor gouges is fine.