First Renaissance in Tucson closes...now Fast-By-Ferracci in PA

[JJ]

Major Bummer!! 

[normzone]

Bummer. I have some receipts from that place that I acquired when I bought my Bassa from the PO near there.

[Kev m]

Not surprised and no loss.

Actually, considering they were probably drawing some business away from Coopersburg Eurosports (a good dealership with a staff that actually gives a crap) it's probably a good thing.

I've told a number of stories on here about the arrogance and ignorance I encountered at FBF over the years despite trying to be a good customer to them (bought the last 2 bikes off them before giving up and realizing I should have gone to Coopersburg).

Anyway, good riddance.

[jas67]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/fast-by-ferracci-dealership-shutting-down/

It's been in the works for over a year and the deals haven't been completely finalized just yet, but the multi-line Fast by Ferracci dealership located in the Philadelphia suburb of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, is going to be shutting down soon.

"I'm ready to retire," Eraldo Ferracci told Roadracingworld.com Tuesday. "I'm 79. I don't want to wait too long."

According to Ferracci, a living legend in the world of Ducati and the world of motorcycling, he is selling his 15,000-square-foot building and the property it sits on to one entity and he is selling Fast by Ferracci's Ducati franchise to an existing motorcycle dealership group in Philadelphia that is owned by a man he has known for 45 years.

As for the company Fast by Ferracci, Ferracci said, "I'm going to keep the company because I do a lot of piston kits and a lot of special parts for mail order, like lowering kits, stuff that [don't] require too much work. Once I design the parts and I [when] like on the bike, then I mass produce and sell mail order. I don't want to do too many items like I do now, but I can continue that one [company]."

Ferracci says that after he sells his Ducati franchise and building he's going to spend more time enjoying his passion for hunting.

Fast by Ferracci is still selling Ducati and MV Agusta motorcycles, parts, accessories and clothing until the sale of the franchise is complete, and Fast by Ferracci will continue taking in motorcycles for service work for the next three to four months, according to Ferracci.

For more information, go to www.ferracci.com.

To read about Eraldo Feracci and his dealership, check out the November 2011 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.

79, hell, I'd retire too!

[leroysch]

I missed that Renaissance had closed. Got the second 916 to arrive in Tucson from them. Sad to hear.

[Perazzimx14]

Not surprised and no loss.

Actually, considering they were probably drawing some business away from Coopersburg Eurosports (a good dealership with a staff that actually gives a crap) it's probably a good thing.

I've told a number of stories on here about the arrogance and ignorance I encountered at FBF over the years despite trying to be a good customer to them (bought the last 2 bikes off them before giving up and realizing I should have gone to Coopersburg).

Anyway, good riddance.

We all have our opinion of dealers. I wouldn't walk across the street to piss on Coopersburg Eurosports if the building was on fire. I bought my V7R there and it was a terrible experience.

[Travlr]

What's interesting to me is that both owners were unable to sell their business's.  I spoke with the guys at Renaissance about it.  Neither they (Ducati/Moto Guzzi) or the Triumph/KTM dealer who also went out of business were able to sell them.  Now Ferraci.  No buyers so they had to close.

That tells you a lot about the motorcycle biz right now.

Mike

[Kev m]

We all have our opinion of dealers. I wouldn't walk across the street to piss on Coopersburg Eurosports if the building was on fire. I bought my V7R there and it was a terrible experience.

Well, to be fair, I called Coopersburg first the day we bought the 696, and I DIDN'T go there because they sorta blew me off on the phone "Yeah, we have a 696 and a V7, no we're too busy with a Triumph demo truck to show them to you today" so I decided to try and make a better relationship with FBF.

Have you ever used FBF?

Here's a summary of the BS FBF tried with me alone:

1. Brought Breva 1100 to them under warranty complaining about pinging. They agreed to look at in under warranty, then after getting it insisted on performing full service (which it didn't need). Still would ping after picking it up.

2. Bought 696 from them. Day of delivery salesman couldn't find someone in parts for 1/2 an hour (mid-day) to locate basic maintenance items for us - like filters and crush washers. Sold us wrong crush washers (seriously, WTF). Sold me the oil for the first service, but didn't even have the right viscosity (I found out when I got home and looked it up).

3. Brought 696 back a week later to pay to have them shut off the maintenance light (no DIY tool available at time). Had to fight with them to only charge me $50 (1/2 hour) and not actually change the oil that I'd JUST CHANGED at home.

4. Put deposit on V7 with them, was called as soon as their demo was available. Had to pull over on side of rode a mile into demo to adjust clutch cable because there was no way on God's green earth that it would go into neutral otherwise.

5. Picked up V7, adjusted clutch cable in parking lot, went to shoot a sizeable gap in traffic and had to backpeddle bike because it wouldn't stay running (see early 1TB cold start issues).

6. Told by Pete Roper there was a new map available, dropped by FBF to ask if I could make an appointment to reflash module (ask JAS67 about this, he was a witness). Ferracci himself gave me BS speech pointing to MG Franchise sign on building that he wouldn't touch the V7 unless I paid him to do a full service (not needed at time), because "when he plugs the V7 into the tool they know if it's been worked on" or some crazy shit like that.


In contrast, called Coopersburg when it was time for 696 first service, they were not only very reasonable and accommodating, but were willing to do the service before the maintenance light came on (by mileage, it was close but we got a rear flat and wanted to do everything in one trip). But were happy to let us come back in a week or two on a Saturday to shut off the light - oh and for $40 or so were happy to reflash the V7 ECM that same Saturday.

Now all dealers can have a customer service problem from time-to-time, no big deal.

But the pure BS that Ferracci put forth on multiple occasions, including some bait-and-switch, was just unreasonable.

I stand by my initial report, no loss.

[Perazzimx14]

Well, to be fair, I called Coopersburg first the day we bought the 696, and I DIDN'T go there because they sorta blew me off on the phone "Yeah, we have a 696 and a V7, no we're too busy with a Triumph demo truck to show them to you today" so I decided to try and make a better relationship with FBF.

Have you ever used FBF?

Here's a summary of the BS FBF tried with me alone:

1. Brought Breva 1100 to them under warranty complaining about pinging. They agreed to look at in under warranty, then after getting it insisted on performing full service (which it didn't need). Still would ping after picking it up.

2. Bought 696 from them. Day of delivery salesman couldn't find someone in parts for 1/2 an hour (mid-day) to locate basic maintenance items for us - like filters and crush washers. Sold us wrong crush washers (seriously, WTF). Sold me the oil for the first service, but didn't even have the right viscosity (I found out when I got home and looked it up).

3. Brought 696 back a week later to pay to have them shut off the maintenance light (no DIY tool available at time). Had to fight with them to only charge me $50 (1/2 hour) and not actually change the oil that I'd JUST CHANGED at home.

4. Put deposit on V7 with them, was called as soon as their demo was available. Had to pull over on side of rode a mile into demo to adjust clutch cable because there was no way on God's green earth that it would go into neutral otherwise.

5. Picked up V7, adjusted clutch cable in parking lot, went to shoot a sizeable gap in traffic and had to backpeddle bike because it wouldn't stay running (see early 1TB cold start issues).

6. Told by Pete Roper there was a new map available, dropped by FBF to ask if I could make an appointment to reflash module (ask JAS67 about this, he was a witness). Ferracci himself gave me BS speech pointing to MG Franchise sign on building that he wouldn't touch the V7 unless I paid him to do a full service (not needed at time), because "when he plugs the V7 into the tool they know if it's been worked on" or some crazy shit like that.


In contrast, called Coopersburg when it was time for 696 first service, they were not only very reasonable and accommodating, but were willing to do the service before the maintenance light came on (by mileage, it was close but we got a rear flat and wanted to do everything in one trip). But were happy to let us come back in a week or two on a Saturday to shut off the light - oh and for $40 or so were happy to reflash the V7 ECM that same Saturday.

Now all dealers can have a customer service problem from time-to-time, no big deal.

But the pure BS that Ferracci put forth on multiple occasions, including some bait-and-switch, was just unreasonable.



I stand by my initial report, no loss.

2012 V7R's were hard to come by each dealer was to get 2. Local dealers all had deposits on both bikes with a waiting list if buyers backed out. I called Coopersburg in or around August of 2011 and I was 3rd inline. A couple of weeks later one of the buyers dropped off the list so I moved up. Sent in a $500 deposit and the waiting started. Thursday April the 11th 2012 I get a call stating my bike was in and when did I want to pick it up. I said I'd be in at 12:00pm the following day with cash in hand. Guy on the phone agrees and says everything will be ready to go. Next day I leave work early and arrive at 11:50am. The place was busy and it took me about 1/2 hour to get someones attention. Finally I get my sales person and he tells me I'd have to wait because he was going on a demo ride. This ended up being about an hour wait. Then he chose to deal with another couple for another hour before getting to me. We finally sit down and I hand him the remaining balance in cash. The paperwork takes an inordinate amount of time (over an hour) with the sales guy making about 10 trips between his desk and the finance depart. Remember I didn't finance the bike I paid cash. Should have been a 20 minute transaction. Finally he takes me back to the bike gives me about a 8 second tutorial and says see you later. I asked if he minded helping load the bike on my truck as they have no loading area or hill to assist in one person loading. He relents and does help. As soon as the bikes rear wheel is on the tailgate says see you later. I'm left to hold the bike and tie it down myself. I'm pretty mad at this point but I got my new bike and ready to finally head home. The crowning blow was right before we loaded the bike I asked if all the fluids were topped off including the fuel. I got a resounding "yep they sure are". So after about 4-1/2 hours at the dealer I'm finally on my 3 hour trip home. Get home unload the bike and take it for a quick spin around the neighborhood. Within 1/10 of a mile the low fuel light pops on. At this point if the salesman was in front of me I would have run him over.

In the weeks and months that passed I received multiple evaluation forms from Cooperburg asking how they did. I filled all of them out explaining what I experienced above and asked them to call to discuss in further detail. I have never gotten a response. One thing is for certain I will never buy anything from them again and I will do my best to direct others to take their money else ware.

My only experience with FBF was buying a exhaust for my Griso over the phone. FBF commissioned Termignoni make them a run of oval CF slipons for Griso's. At the time they were closing them out and were priced about $500 less than anything else available. Got the can and it was excellent quality. Met another local that had a Tenni SE and he liked the can so much he bought one. So my limited experience with FBF was good. The sales guy Hoke took time to answer my questions and shipping was fast.






 

[Kev m]

2012 V7R's were hard to come by each dealer was to get 2. Local dealers all had deposits on both bikes with a waiting list if buyers backed out. I called Coopersburg in or around August of 2011 and I was 3rd inline. A couple of weeks later one of the buyers dropped off the list so I moved up. Sent in a $500 deposit and the waiting started. Thursday April the 11th 2012 I get a call stating my bike was in and when did I want to pick it up. I said I'd be in at 12:00pm the following day with cash in hand. Guy on the phone agrees and says everything will be ready to go. Next day I leave work early and arrive at 11:50am. The place was busy and it took me about 1/2 hour to get someones attention. Finally I get my sales person and he tells me I'd have to wait because he was going on a demo ride. This ended up being about an hour wait. Then he chose to deal with another couple for another hour before getting to me. We finally sit down and I hand him the remaining balance in cash. The paperwork takes an inordinate amount of time (over an hour) with the sales guy making about 10 trips between his desk and the finance depart. Remember I didn't finance the bike I paid cash. Should have been a 20 minute transaction. Finally he takes me back to the bike gives me about a 8 second tutorial and says see you later. I asked if he minded helping load the bike on my truck as they have no loading area or hill to assist in one person loading. He relents and does help. As soon as the bikes rear wheel is on the tailgate says see you later. I'm left to hold the bike and tie it down myself. I'm pretty mad at this point but I got my new bike and ready to finally head home. The crowning blow was right before we loaded the bike I asked if all the fluids were topped off including the fuel. I got a resounding "yep they sure are". So after about 4-1/2 hours at the dealer I'm finally on my 3 hour trip home. Get home unload the bike and take it for a quick spin around the neighborhood. Within 1/10 of a mile the low fuel light pops on. At this point if the salesman was in front of me I would have run him over.

In the weeks and months that passed I received multiple evaluation forms from Cooperburg asking how they did. I filled all of them out explaining what I experienced above and asked them to call to discuss in further detail. I have never gotten a response. One thing is for certain I will never buy anything from them again and I will do my best to direct others to take their money else ware.

My only experience with FBF was buying a exhaust for my Griso over the phone. FBF commissioned Termignoni make them a run of oval CF slipons for Griso's. At the time they were closing them out and were priced about $500 less than anything else available. Got the can and it was excellent quality. Met another local that had a Tenni SE and he liked the can so much he bought one. So my limited experience with FBF was good. The sales guy Hoke took time to answer my questions and shipping was fast.

 

Well Peraz, thanks for sharing that. It sounds like just one guy, a crappy salesman (or maybe a crappy salesman having a bad day.... or MAYBE the same crappy salesman that "couldn't help us" the day I decided to go to FBF to buy a Duc instead of Coopersburg). Considering how well we've been treated by multiple people there now, I suspect he's gone or learned a lesson.

Conversely, FBF did have a couple of good guys - Jim (the salesman) and Hooke (who was the service manager IIRC). But it seemed like they were surrounded by people who were incompetent or just didn't give a #@#$#%$ ("hey see the name on the door" kinda attitudes).

The real deal sealer for me is the top guy. If the top guy is an ass, then hey, you can expect a lot of the people to work for him to be that way too.

And don't get me wrong, there were times Eraldo came across as sweet as pie - like if I was with Charlie (Avacatto) who I suspect spent near 6-figures with Eraldo over the last decade (2 Ducs, 1 MV, 2 Guzzis if I remember correctly). Eraldo saw me with him and gave me a big smile and friendly pat on the back as he greeted us.

But come back later and ask for something as simple as him hooking up the MG Scan tool to find out if I had the latest factory map in the second new bike I purchased from him in 2 years and BAMN - oh, I can't do that, I'll lose my franchise (translated - "Va Fa Napoli" in his vernacular).

I'll take my chances that Coopersburg has some good people who give a crap and have or had one butthead.

Though I don't begrudge you the feelings left over from that transaction.