Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Vince in Milwaukee on April 18, 2015, 06:55:48 PM
-
I know it's been said quite a few times on here already, but I just want to say again how lucky we are to have MG Cycle. Placed an order late Thursday afternoon, it shipped a bit later that same afternoon, and I had a small package sitting on my porch @11AM this morning (Saturday). Then, to top things off, I had ordered wrong sealing washers and they corrected it and sent me the right ones. Now I just need to devote a little more garage time to get the LeMans III going.
-
I had the same positive shipping experience with them, and also found their prices to be about 40% of what my local dealer charges.
-
Kind of miss talking with 'em, or at least one of them.
Rich A
-
They are prompt and once they know where I am they ship economically. Never had a miss.
-
Good folks, and entertaining. I bought some exhausts from them a number of years back, came in a nice box, with labels all over it "Caution, Fragile, Unicorn inside, Handle with Care"
-
I got an order from them packaged in an actual mailing box. They usually find one sitting around the store and tape the crap out of it. I like their service.
-
As much as I like the other dealers, MG has the best user friendly website with service to match.
-
Considering how well they service you guys in the US it's just a real shame they are too risky for those of us in other countries. They refuse to quote shipping cost before you place and pay for an overseas order. I don't know why they can't advise shipping cost like every other company with online sales. I have heard a few stories from people that have taken the risk and ended up with a very nasty shipping cost surprise.
Luckily there are several other good Guzzi parts/accessory suppliers out there and hopefully MG will get with the times sometime soon.
Joe
-
MG Cycles, Thumbs Down from me.
God bless them and good for you guys who can deal with them. I've had problems with them for years and even an attempt (on my part!) to make amends went off-rails a few years ago.
They are the most rude business people with whom I've ever dealt. I haven't fooled with them for years because of it. I do a lot of work with old Guzzi bikes and I constantly find people in the trade who confirm my bad experiences with MG Cycles.
I am not one prone to have trouble with people and having me say something like this is rare.
We have too many alternatives, much better business people out there where we can spend our money.
Curtis Harper at Harpers and his bunch are fine gentlemen, polite, courteous, friendly and helpful. Dave Richardson out at Moto International is the same. The list goes on.
If some of you like MG, then fine. I wish them no harm. Maybe things will change some day. I am only a (past) customer with money to spend that they have driven away.
-
Just goes to show ya. When you're in business, you can't please everyone. Rick and Gordon have gone out of their way to help me get what I've needed on some of my odd ball projects. Good guys, and really know their stuff.. ;-T
-
I don't think MG Cycle is an authorized Moto Guzzi dealer. The small amount I save isn't worth it to me. :BEER:
Matt
-
Rick and Gordon have been absolutely fantastic to deal with over the past 3 or 4 years that I have been purchasing from them. They helped me with so many details on my Eldorado and V7 Sport rebuilds. When I have ordered something that they think I may have gotten wrong they always call and walk me through what I am working on and what I may actually need, and they have always been right in their assumptions. Shipping has been very fast and trouble free to Canada, and they go out of their way to make sure my order gets processed as soon as possible.
They are not alone in being very helpful, Harpers' is right up there and I have even bought a few things from HMB in Germany form time to time. I think it is the web site that MG Cycle has built that sets them apart for speed and simplicity of ordering.
Being in business is not an easy thing (I can honestly say that as being a small business owner) and retail, especially for something as fickle as motorcycle parts must be a daily challenge, so I tip my hat to anyone who can keep an operation that caters to enthusiasts a going concern. Everyone has bad days and I would sure like to fire some of my clients from time to time but in business the customer is always right, even when they are not on their best day.
-
Harpers is listed as a MG dealer. Think of it as dealer support. ;-T :BEER:
Matt
-
That's like saying you'll only go to authorized MGNOC events.
Harpers isn't an authorized dealer either. But MG sells genuine parts to both of them, so why does it matter?
Based on what I've been told by them, MG Cycle gets its parts through other channels, never from Moto Guzzi directly. Often they can get the same parts that are supplied OEM to Moto Guzzi, but often not.
Moto
P.S. Though one of the staff can be crusty at times, I've never found them anything but helpful.
-
They're the best.
I keep worrying that one day, Gordon is going to get fed up with my impossible requests and tell me to take a hike. Hasn't happened.
-
I'm just going by what the Harper's crew have said on the forum here. I'm guessing they would know.
Harpers isn't an authorized dealer either. But MG sells genuine parts to both of them, so why does it matter?
Rodekyll; Why don't you get a life and quit spouting BS
-
Hi Mike. ;D Wondered where you were. :BEER:
Matt
-
They're the best.
I keep worrying that one day, Gordon is going to get fed up with my impossible requests and tell me to take a hike. Hasn't happened.
No chance of that, he has put up with me for years also, he's a tough bird.
-
No chance of that, he has put up with me for years also, he's a tough bird.
He's also the cranky one. They've been nothing but good to me, and their web site is second to non for finding parts and easy ordering. Red light green light!
-
He's also the cranky one. They've been nothing but good to me, and their web site is second to non for finding parts and easy ordering. Red light green light!
Rick is normally the "cranky" one, though he was downright chatty last time I called. Both guys have always been great to deal with in all the years I've been buying from them.
Knowing if the part is in stock when I order is invaluable to me. Beats placing an online order, waiting several days expecting it to ship, only to get a call that 3/4ths of the order is out of stock. >:( I know - I should call to place my order... ::)
-
Rick is the "cranky" one, though he was downright chatty last time I called. Both guys have always been great to deal with in all the years I've been buying from them.
Knowing if the part is in stock when I order is invaluable to me. Beats placing an online order, waiting several days expecting it to ship, only to get a call that 3/4ths of the order is out of stock. >:( I know - I should call to place my order...
I stand corrected. Must have caught Gordon on a bad day recently. Still, he took good care of me with an issue I had with one of their parts. I can only imagine the grief they must catch from people around the globe.
-
I don't think MG Cycle is an authorized Moto Guzzi dealer. The small amount I save isn't worth it to me. :BEER:
Matt
I call BULL SHIT.... ;D
Take a look here: http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/find-dealer/index.html
Paul
-
I apologize, Mike. And I'm pulling the comment.
-
I call BULL SHIT.... ;D
Take a look here: http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/find-dealer/index.html
Paul
Probably allows them to sell MG parts, they don't sell bikes.
-
Cranky Dick, yea that's the ticket! ;D
-
Probably allows them to sell MG parts, they don't sell bikes.
If that is true it's very disappointing. Moto Guzzie of NA is screwing over their dealers. Not exactly what you would call support. :BEER:
Matt
-
I call BULL SHIT.... ;D
Take a look here: http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/find-dealer/index.html
Paul
You don't make any sense. MG Cycle is not listed at the link you posted, and never has been. (Evidently you didn't bother to look.) It's not a dealer nor an authorized Moto Guzzi parts supplier. They used to have an explicit statement to that effect on their site or maybe their invoices, but I can't find it now.
-
I got a load of parts from them the other day. I have ordered twice and have had good experience. I am still fairly new to the guzzi world but I have found that sometimes you have to diversify your sources because of availability etc. I consider MG a go to when I need something.
-
Guys, MG Cycle is a parts house. Harper's is, from what I have gleaned over the years, a dealer. They had/have an acrimonious relationship with the home office which is complicated. Whatever, if I needed parts, I would go with either one.
-
It's more of a warranty issue than anything else. I would hate to put their parts in a motorcycle under warranty and have that part be cause of a failure. :BEER:
Matt
-
You don't make any sense. MG Cycle is not listed at the link you posted, and never has been. (Evidently you didn't bother to look.) It's not a dealer nor an authorized Moto Guzzi parts supplier. They used to have an explicit statement to that effect on their site or maybe their invoices, but I can't find it now.
Oops, sorry about that. I was wrong....... Again!
Paul
-
Always the best service from both vendors! ;-T
-
Never a problem with MGC and have been dealing with them for longer than I can remember. Great website, prompt email responses and even a free T shirt stuffed into a recent order. Never got the wrong part, runaround or bad information.
Before MGC I used Moto International almost exclusively and enjoyed the printed catalog. That was pre y2k. Then the catalog stopped, the website was not very useful so I moved to MGC. Also pre y2k there was "Parts is Parts" which was mail order only, had a curious catalog but Steve always came through for me and was fun to talk with via phone or face to face. HIs personality added to the screwball Guzzi ownership experience. Stan's BMW/Moto Guzzi in Gainseville was good to me in the late '80s, which had a lot to do with my buying the LeMans and Monza from him, then making a point to stop in and visit whenever in Florida to see my parents. Relationship building.
I've tried other vendors but consistently had issues with parts not as advertised, "so what, it works for me" attitudes or dealers with very indifferent order filling schedules and high markup compared to other sources.
Good to have choices.
Tobit
-
Gordon and Rick have always been good to me and I have learned to get right to the point with Rick as you never know which Rick is on the line. Quite frankly, I have learned to order parts from the closest source provided they have them in stock. If not in stock, I move on to the next source.
-
MG have always been good folks to deal with.
However, for us Canuckians it is a little more of a problem. Their website claims that they have arranged a 'No Brokerage Fee' deal with UPS for Canadian customers. It has been my experience that this is not quite truthful. While their invoices contain no brokerage fees, I always get a separate bill from the brokerage company for services rendered about 3 weeks after receipt of the order.
I'm not quite clear why they won't/don't/can't ship USPS.....Internatio nal Priority Post uses Purolater, charges no brokerage fees and will deliver to a Post Office Box.
I'm just sayin......
G
-
It's more of a warranty issue than anything else. I would hate to put their parts in a motorcycle under warranty and have that part be cause of a failure. :BEER:
Matt
Dude... an OEM part is an OEM part. get over where it came from. I support ANYONE that sells MG parts that keep my bike on the road. I don't care how tightly they are tied to the mother ship or not. Most that are aren't around very long, so what does that tell you?? If MG is a dealer and they don't sell bikes, then that's more time spent stocking parts for us. Go to a dealer for your parts and you'll likely get a "I can order that for you" statement. I betcha 9 of 10 times they won't have the part. I much rather support a warehouse that can ship what I need when I need it. Plenty of places to get bikes elsewhere. We are EXTREMELY fortunate to have great places like MG and Harpers. THANK YOU to BOTH. ;-T
-
Dude... an OEM part is an OEM part. get over where it came from. I support ANYONE that sells MG parts that keep my bike on the road. I don't care how tightly they are tied to the mother ship or not. Most that are aren't around very long, so what does that tell you?? If MG is a dealer and they don't sell bikes, then that's more time spent stocking parts for us. Go to a dealer for your parts and you'll likely get a "I can order that for you" statement. I betcha 9 of 10 times they won't have the part. I much rather support a warehouse that can ship what I need when I need it. Plenty of places to get bikes elsewhere. We are EXTREMELY fortunate to have great places like MG and Harpers. THANK YOU to BOTH. ;-T
;-T
Hey when I see a rare opportunity to agree with KevD I take it! ;)
-
I have been watching this and I am not going to enter into Pro or Con between us or MG. They have a right to conduct their business and treat their customers as they see fit.
Just to clear up some confusion about the dealer question it is true that we are a Moto Guzzi dealer. MG is not, and as far as I understand has no interest in becoming a dealer.
Yes, we had some issues with the two previous management/owners of Moto Guzzi but that is ancient history and the details are not subject to being disclosed. During that squabble another dealer was set up in the area and when the settlement agreements were struck he was in the middle. By mutual agreement he still is a Moto Guzzi dealer today.
No sense in having two dealers in close proximity trying to compete and sell the same thing. It might work for Honda but not Guzzi. Because of our location we opted out of stocking a lot of new bikes that are accompanied with large expense and historically is slow moving for all dealers. However we can still special order new bikes and have done so several times. We are and have been for 45 years a full service repair and restoration shop which keeps us very busy.
Kevdog said that ...."An OEM part is an OEM part" That is not always the case. As far as where it came from is not irrelevant though and by this I mean the original source and not the purveyor. There are lots of items that are passed off as original Guzzi parts that most folks would not think of as being NON OEM but they are.
These items are things like Rear drive ring and pinions that are not properly heat treated and fail quickly, Crash bars that don't fit, Luggage racks that break, exhaust head pipes that can't be installed because they are not bent correctly. I am sure there are a lot of others.
These things are lessons that have to be learned the hard way, usually when the end user calls back to tell us of the issue. When we discover such a problem we refund the customer and remove that item from our advertisement until we are sure that it has been corrected.
I do not know how others handle that but I believe that the correct way to do business is to nip the problem in the bud so as to not continue selling what is known to be defective.
So Kevdog, I only have responded to that part of your comment, I hope you understand.
Mike
-
I get your point, but to be pedantic, AN OEM PART IS AN OEM PART.
Aftermarket parts are fine, though quality often varies.
Something aftermarket being passed off AS OEM is fraud.
-
Well being Pedantic as I am about restorations I believe an OEM part is exactly what that refers to "Original Equipment Manufacture"
Not inferior stuff from some other Manufacturer, I E a Knock Off! which there is a lot of coming out of Mandello
-
Yeah, I'm not claiming I can spot the difference and I rely on businesses and professionals like yourself to sell me the OEM (if so represented) or a quality aftermarket accessory or repro part. But I certainly wouldn't expect anything to be misrepresented.
-
I've never had anything other than the very best experiences with the guys at MG Cycle, even on the smallest of orders or questions. They know Guzzi, and can let you know if you're ordering the wrong part, or trying to do unnecessary work, and will suggest better and less expensive solutions if there are any.
I've never had the impression they were in business to make big bucks, but to work with Guzzi owners. Mention BMW and see how fast they shut you down! And, they also have a history of racing Guzzis.
Personally, I'd give them 10 thumbs up, and wish there were more like these guys around. ;-T
-
I have had great experience with MG...great service, call back when left number...they took the time to explain things to a new Guzzista...I am sold on them.
-
I have had great experience with MG...great service, call back when left number...they took the time to explain things to a new Guzzista...I am sold on them.
Ditto.
-
I have had great experience with MG...great service, call back when left number...they took the time to explain things to a new Guzzista...I am sold on them.
Yes, good communication is also a bonus. They actually call you back and answer your emails. What a concept.
All too often these days it feels as though you have to beg a business to take your money.
-
Yes, good communication is also a bonus. They actually call you back and answer your emails. What a concept.
All too often these days it feels as though you have to beg a business to take your money.
Cam, I got a message from Mike about this that read
"Much thanks Mike. If Dave Brown (DB Cycles) calls looking for a complete set, that's for my bike. He did the resto, and bought the crap repops.
Please Pass this along to Curtis too.
Cam"
Thus I assumed there was no more communication needed. Since I have not spoke to Dave Brown for quite some time, the ones he bought are not from us, so the crap repops come from somewhere else.
If there was something I missed, My appologies, but the communication seemed pretty simple to me.
Below are the ones I have.
(http://i1307.photobucket.com/albums/s588/CurtisHarper530/2015-04-21_0001_zpsnemeehyl.jpg) (http://s1307.photobucket.com/user/CurtisHarper530/media/2015-04-21_0001_zpsnemeehyl.jpg.html)
-
Mike,
Ever talk to Curtis about an NOS set of tank and side cover badges?
Cam
[/quote]
Curtis forgot to mention that your original question was if we could supply NOS ( New old Stock) badges which were what we understood you wanted because you already had the crap repops. We were still looking for some NOS and to date we do not have any that are not chipped or dull finish.
So I guess whomever Dan Brown bought them from should be replacing them with some quality replacements. Don't ya think???
-
Curtis forgot to mention that your original question was if we could supply NOS ( New old Stock) badges which were what we understood you wanted because you already had the crap repops. We were still looking for some NOS and to date we do not have any that are not chipped or dull finish.
So I guess whomever Dan Brown bought them from should be replacing them with some quality replacements. Don't ya think???
I bought some of the supposed "crap" badges and really couldn't tell any difference from the originals other than they didn't come curved to match the contours of the tank. No biggie - a bit of bending (by hand), test fitting, bending, testing, repeat until they fit was all it took. <shrug>
-
I bought some of the supposed "crap" badges and really couldn't tell any difference from the originals other than they didn't come curved to match the contours of the tank. No biggie - a bit of bending (by hand), test fitting, bending, testing, repeat until they fit was all it took. <shrug>
It takes a really critical inspection to see the paint popping off, ::) but then as you say you really couldn't tell any difference
-
I'm on the hunt for original ones. I like how the OEM ones have a fatter gold outline, whereas all the repros I'm seeing (including the above shown) are almost painted to the edge.
As far as MGcycle and Harper's go....Both of those places are getting half my paycheck each month, so I kind of have a love-hate thing going on. I love you guys, and I hate you guys too ;D
MGcycle has a better website, Harper's have some rare/odd parts that nobody else seems to have (brackets, bolts, etc) - As far as customer support goes, I've been very please with both. No complaints here.
-
It takes a really critical inspection to see the paint popping off, ::) but then as you say you really couldn't tell any difference
No "paint was popping off" the ones I bought. I do pay very close attention to details like that. What I meant was there was no difference in size, materials, plating or anything else - except they weren't curved. Virtually identical to the point that they could have been made by the same company with the same tooling as the originals.
-
Mike/Curtis, why you assumed my "communications" comment was directed at Harpers I don't know. Perhaps you're automatically playing defense lately due to getting hammered by a couple ass-wipes that are no longer here? I was referring to many businesses of ALL types out there that don't want our money bad enough, NOT Harpers. Having said that, When I PM you with a question, I don't expect to see my message copied and posted in the thread (above). If I did, I would have posted it here to begin with. It was a Private Message asking if you had something in stock that I could buy from you.
Here are the "crap" (my word) NEW REPRO badges that came on my freshly restored Lemans. NOT BOUGHT FROM HARPERS.
Is there anyone out there in their right mind that would think these are acceptable? Looked like this after less than 100 miles on the bike. Fortunately, the GOOD guys at the place of purchase promptly sent me a new set - no questions asked. Hopefully the new set holds up, or I'll have to have the well worn factory originals repainted by a steady hand. BTW, these are much thicker than the OEM badges.
"Critical inspection" to notice the paint flaking? Really?? Wasn't this a "Thumbs Up to MG Cycle" thread?
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/Crap_zpskndcwuns.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/Crap_zpskndcwuns.jpg.html)
-
I've had good and bad service. When the Oem center stand broke after 2 weeks the Mgc response was get it welded.
-
I've had good and bad service. When the Oem center stand broke after 2 weeks the Mgc response was get it welded.
What had you hoped they'd do?
-
I originally dealt with MG mainly because it's easy to order from their website .All parts were at my door in a few days. They even called me one time to explain a potential problem. I've ordered truck and bike parts online since 2000 and probably spent near 10,000 bucks... MG Cycle gives exceptional service and is an example how to do online sales..
-
Is there anyone out there in their right mind that would think these are acceptable? Looked like this after less than 100 miles on the bike.
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s674/Conklin3512/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/Crap_zpskndcwuns.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/Conklin3512/media/CONKLIN-PC/850%20LeMans/Crap_zpskndcwuns.jpg.html)
You must have been riding really fast!! ;D
-
You must have been riding really fast!! ;D
Good point. The LM 1 is so fast maybe the paint blew off!
-
I've had good and bad service. When the Oem center stand broke after 2 weeks the Mgc response was get it welded.
If it was a stand supplied by Moto Guzzi you should contact the dealer you bought it from for a warranty
If it was from them then it was not a Moto Guzzi supplied part.
-
I'm on the hunt for original ones. I like how the OEM ones have a fatter gold outline, whereas all the repros I'm seeing (including the above shown) are almost painted to the edge.
I believe everybody is stuck with the aftermarket ones unless one of the yet unopened containers of parts is unloaded and we find some.
If some are found we will do a post
Mike
-
If it was a stand supplied by Moto Guzzi you should contact the dealer you bought it from for a warranty
If it was from them then it was not a Moto Guzzi supplied part.
Yeah I kind of realized that when it didn't come with any warranty
-
I'm confused, Jim. You say you got an OEM stand from MG Cycle? What do you mean by OEM?
-
I'm confused, Jim. You say you got an OEM stand from MG Cycle? What do you mean by OEM?
I'd also like to know this answer. :pop
-
I'd also like to know this answer. :pop
Me Too. ???
-
well since so many are interested. It was a center stand for my 02 stone bought probably in 02 or 03 that came in moto guzzi packaging. Long time ago and I paid to have the broken leg welded by a Harley shop. Evidently there either was no warranty or they couldn't be bothered with it. It was agravating because I had just bought several hundred dollars worth of stuff from them previously, crash bars, HBO backrest and rack, aluminum timing cover, etc.
-
I understand the situation now. The problem is that according to the comments here, MG cycle doesn't sell oem parts. If that's true and the stand came in a genuine guzzi bag, the defect needed to be addressed by a genuine guzzi dealer, not MGC. Their website has one listed, but it's not for the late Tonti and is billed as an 'upgrade' and different than the oem part.
Hope this helps.
-
I agree that an OEM part must be dealt with through a dealer. I still am not seeing how MGC is pulling the wool over our eyes by selling "OEM" that's not really OEM. I see it pretty clearly what they are selling by their statements.
-
Keep in mind this was over 10 years ago. Not a big deal to me anymore.
-
Keep in mind this was over 10 years ago. Not a big deal to me anymore.
Good, but in case the time reference raises more questions, it was more than 10 years ago that I was told by one of the MG Cycle crew that "none of their parts" were supplied by Guzzi. So that hasn't changed to the best of my knowledge.
-
So Jim -- did you ever try for a solution through an authorized dealer?
-
So Jim -- did you ever try for a solution through an authorized dealer?
I doubt he did since he had it welded up at a HD dealer 10 yrs or more ago. What's the point of your question?
-
It seems like a simple question to me. What part don't you understand?
-
In order for us to get a part warrantied through Piaggio, we must supply the invoice number on which we purchased the part from them. And it must go back thru the purchasing dealer. In this case, no dealer could have helped him.
-
It seems like a simple question to me. What part don't you understand?
My question to you was not to antagonize you but after reading all the comments and his explanation about the time that had passed, How could you think anyone much less a dealer could do anything to help.
Maybe you didn't understand..
-
Thanks for the policy explanation, Curtis. :)
Jim's posts confuse me. He lists items he bought and seems to say he bought them at mgc, but when he had a problem with one of them mgc had no interest. Some of the items seem to be oem, which suggests that they didn't come from mgc. I'm trying to sort out what happened. If his search for a remedy started and stopped with a 3rd-party store it's one thing. If the actual oem seller was contacted and had no interest it's something else. The best way I can think of to find out is to ask Jim, on account of he was there.
-
I would imagine that the part came from an old inventory buy out from a dealer gone out of business. One might compare it simply to Ebay. When someone buys a part from the original OEM dealer it is then considered second hand. It may be new in the package but it is no longer bears the manufacturers warranty. Lots of sellers are selling parts as NOS or OEM parts, yet they have nothing to back up the warranty with so you get advise such as "Have it welded".