Not so sure I'm still loving my dealer

[delurker]

I took my bike back to the dealer today for them to install a petcock they'd ordered. The one on it leaks and the service guy eagerly ordered another (he said). I have to take it back next week because I apparently missed whoever the guy is that has to write up a warranty service order. Or something like that. Not really a problem; I don't mind that.

I did ask about the recall, though. I just can't help feeling like the guy blew me off. He told me mine was fine because he checked it personally before it ever left the showroom floor. He's positive it's just fine. The thing is they didn't issue the recall until seven days after I'd bought the bike. How would he have known to check it? Even if he did, they've been selling a buttload of Rebels lately. How does he remember he specifically checked mine? I'm just a little worried. I'm having ugly images of passing or being passed by a big truck and blowing oil on my back tires right about the time I'm between the tandems of the big truck and sliding right up under it. Doom and gloom and all that.

So anyway, should I be taking his word for this? Do I really have a choice? He got down on the ground and showed me this hose and whatever it is that's supposed to be defective and told me mine was just fine. The way he checked, he said, was that he took it off and blew through it, and he's sure he did that before it ever left the showroom floor seven days before the official recall.

Am I being blown off?

[gareb85]

I know you are in Georgia and I hope you didn't buy from Newnan ,Ga. I think the salesman and Mechanics might be alright but the man that does the contracts is a freaking joke.

[delurker]

[Philmccan]

If you don't want to trust the guy you spoke with call this number 1-866-784-1870. Give them your VIN# and they will let you know if your bike was affected. If you ask they will also give you a number for other qualified Honda repair shops that can fix it.
_________________
working on it.

[Duke]

And since you are both the closest so far, are either of you planning to go to the Rebel Rally in Helen?
_________________

Duke
"Skills must be Learned"
------ Herb Christian

[gareb85]

Why Duke my good man, Have you not checked the signup list? We are staying at the Chalet Kristy. I'll probably leave Franklin around 7:30 on the 4 th and head on up to Helen. I'm gonna trailer it to Gainsville and ride to Helen from there. I can't handle riding anything but an armored tank through Atl.

[Duke]

Actually yes; I have.

it was sort of a get-it-out-there type plug for anyone who hasn't been keeping up
_________________

Duke
"Skills must be Learned"
------ Herb Christian

[delurker]

Phil, my husband said the same thing you did. He told me to call and see if I could deal with another dealer. I was sure that I had to have any recall work done by the dealer I bought the bike from. I don't mind "making" them do it, but now I worry about leaving my bike there with this guy and having him just tell me he did it or something. Gah, I'm such a cynic.

I will call the number and give them my VIN, and if I need work, see if I can set it up to have it at another dealership. Last week, my guy here seemed so cool. I don't know why he's blowing me off about this little recall part.

And Duke, no. Not this year.

[ThumperWabbt]

Warranty work and recall issues should be able to be done through any Honda dealer and still have it covered. Double check to be sure, but I know I can get my Sebring worked on at any Chrysler dealer and have warranty work covered. Well, when it was still under warranty. Wouldn't ya know 2 days after it expired, the check engine light came on...
_________________
~Thumper~

Thumper Thinks Out Loud

[delurker]

ThumperWabbt, isn't that the way it always goes? It's like those warranty writers know!

[Philmccan]

delurker,

Iam actually having my bike worked on at another dealer, due to them being closer. As long as they are Honda certified its no problem. And that is the only places the 1-800 number will refer you to. Hope this helped.
_________________
working on it.

[jsonder]

delurker:

There is a section for evaluation of dealerships, etc.

Give these folks the kind of recommendation they deserve -- simply to be named as having precognition about recalls and knowing that your bike is fine.


_________________
John, 1989 NX250, 2009 CRF230L (L'il Red Piglet), 2001 Rebel - sold
nekid bikes feel faster

[Shadow Shack]

[fenry]

I just bought a 2006 used (482 miles) Rebel, and had some of your same concerns. I asked the service manager about recalls on the bike, manufacture date versus clutch problems (2005 holdovers), setting shock preloads, and adjusting the shift lever to accomodate my riding boots. He was unable to answer any of my questions! And this from a dealer supposedly rated #1 by an industry mag (Midamerica Motoplex). I finally prevailed upon him to enter the VIN, and thank goodness he came up empty. I would agree with those who tell you to find another dealer in whom you can have some confidence. I'm sure going to. I paid $108 for a 600 mile service, and when I got the bike home (transported in my Chevyvan) I found the chain was dry as the desert. I guess $108 wasn't enough to cover a little 80/90 gear oil.

Find another dealer and watch them enter the VIN.

[longbeachgary]

2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
." - - I '
. . I- -."
Bulletin
HON- ~ m e r I e a iH ondn Motor CO., Inc.
2007 CMX25OCICL
Crankcase Breather Replacement
safety and emissions regulations exists in certain
2007 model year CMX250ClCL motorcycles.
A small number of 2007 CMX250CICL
2007 CMX250C
JH2MC130*7K300001 thru JH2MC130*7K307108
motorcycles, may have a defective crankcase
breather separator. During the molding process,
the breather passage may have been
of pressure inside the crankcase and may
cause the left side engine seal to be pushed
out of position and an oil leak will occur.
2007 CMX250CL
J H ~ M C31~ *7 ~300001th ru JH2MC131*7K300912
blocked by a thin layer of the injected plastic
material. This blockage will create a build-up
Safety Consequence
denotes check digit.
Oil leaking from the failed seal while riding
can spray onto the rear tire or the road,
increasing the risk of a crash.
Emission Consequence
American Honda is sending a letter to owners
of all affected 2007 CMX250ClCL models
advising them to take their motorcycle to a
Honda motorcycle dealer to have the Safety1
Emission Recall procedure performed. A copy
A defective breather separator will cause the 1
of the Customer Letter is rbproduced on
7 of this Service Bulletin.
meet state and federal regulations. The unit
may fail a state or local emissions inspection
if this recall repair is not done. Although only
a small percentage of 2007 CMX250ClCLs will
need the breather separator cover replaced, it
is very important that the unit meet the mandated
emissions regulations.
C12007 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. -All Rights Reserved
According to federal law, any affected
units in your inventory cannot be sold or
leased until they are repaired. Refer to the
REPAIR VERIFICATION and IDENTIFICATION
sections of this Service Bulletin for more
details.
1 of 8
MTB 1191 4 (0703)
CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The ~nformat~oinn t his bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools,
equipment, and tralnlng to correctly and safely maintain your Honda. These procedures should not be attempted by "do-~yto urselfers," and
you should not assume this bullelin applies to your Honda, or that your Honda has the condition described. To determine whether
this ~nformat~oapnp lies, contact an authorized Honda dealer.
2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
A large number of units have been repaired
and will have either a punch mark on the VIN
and/or a white paint mark on the separator
breather chamber cover. Before you begin the
repair procedure, do the following:
1. Check to see if a punch mark has been
placed to the left (at the beginning) of the
VIN.
If you see a punch mark, the unit is OK,
and no further action is necessary.
If there is no punch mark, check the VIN
against your Dealer Responsibility Report
or Unit Information on iN. If your report or
iN indicates lnspection and/or repair completion,
the unit is OK. Place a punch mark
to the left (at the beginning) of the VIN.
If your Dealer Responsibility Report or iN
indicates the unit has not been inspected
and/or repaired, go to step 2.
NOTE: If you have any questions about
repair verification, please contact your DSM
or Warranty Assistance at (800) 421 -1 900,
option 7.
2. Look to see if a white paint mark has been
placed on the outside (visible) portion of
the breather separator chamber cover.
If the breather separator chamber cover
has a white paint mark, the unit is OK, and
no further action is necessary. Place a
punch mark to the left (at the beginning) of
the VIN, then file an Inspection Only
claim to notify American Honda of your
findings.
If there is no white paint mark on the front
of the breather separator chamber cover,
go to step 3.
NOTE: To perform step 3, you will need a 5 X
40 mm screw to complete the inspection procedure.
See the PARTS INFORMATION section
of this Service Bulletin.
3.Remove the left side cover and airbox
cover, and pull the air filter out of the airbox,
but do not detach it from the breather
separator hose.
4. Detach the breather separator hose from
the nipple of the breather separator
chamber, and remove the breather hose/
air filter from the airbox.
5. Gently insert the 5 X 40 mm screw into the
breather separator chamber cover hole
until it bottoms.
NOTE: Do NOT use force when inserting
the screw.
5 x 40 MM SCREW
If the screw slides all the way into the
chamber cover hole, the unit is OK. Place a
02007 Arner~canH onda Motor Co.. Inc. - All Rights Reserved
2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
punch mark to the left (at the beginning) of
the VIN, then file an Inspection Only
claim to notify American Honda of your
findings.
If screw threads are still visible after it has
bottomed, the unit is NOT OK, and must
be repaired. Go to the REPAIR PROCEDURE
section of this Service Bulletin.
During these procedures, refer to the 1996-
2007 CMX250C REBEL Service Manual.
The tools you will need to perform this repair
include a 90-degree needle-nose plier, 8 mm T
wrench, Phillips-head screwdriver, 114-inch
ratchet with a 4-inch wobbler and Phillipshead
bit, and a piece of fuel hose 15 cm long.
1. With the left side cover, airbox cover, air
filter and breather separator hose already
removed, move the carburetor drain
and breather hoses up and out of the
way to the left side of the engine.
2. Remove the plug and clip from the bottom
of the breather separator drain hose.
3. Remove the airbox drain hose.
NOTE: It is necessary to remove the airbox
drain hose so you can hold the
breather separator chamber mounting nut
with a finger when installing the new
breather separator chamber.
4. Remove the right side cover, clutch cable
bracket, clutch cable, crankcase breather
1 hose, and carburetor hose.
02007 Amer~canH onda Motor Co., Inc. -All Rights Reserved
2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
5. Remove the beather separator chamber
mounting screw, then remove the
breather separator chamber.
6. Replace the breather separator chamber
cover with seal.
7. Reinstall the breather separator chamber.
NOTE: Working from the right side of the
unit, you must hold the nut in place with a
finger when starting and seating the
mounting screw during reinstallation.
You can also use a piece of fuel hose 15
cm long to aid starting and seating the
mounting screw.
t e
a** * .*-
r d '5 '. U rn
15 CM FUEL HOSE
8. Tighten the screw.
9. Reinstall the rest of the components in the
reverse order of removal.
02007 Arner~can Honda Motor Co.. Inc. - All Rights Reserved
After you have completed the INSPECTION1
REPAIR procedure, make a punch mark to the
left (at the beginning) of the VIN.
PUNCH MARK
9JHZMC13007K300595
You MUST inspect the unit BEFORE ordering
parts. See the INSPECTIONIREPAIR VERIFICATION
section of this Service Bulletin before
ordering parts.
If the unit needs to be repaired, order the parts,
and then call TechLine at (800) 421-1900,
option 9. American Honda will then release
replacement parts to your dealership. Open
ordering for parts will begin July 1, 2007.
Cover, Breather Chamber
PIN: 17362-KR3-000
HIC: 2040194
Seal, Breather Chamber
PIN: 91 305-KB4-670
HIC: 11 94331
Screw, Pan 5 X 40 MM
(suggested measuring tool)
PIN: 93500-05040-OA
HIC: 01 71 835
This Safety Recall will be in effect until all
affected units have been repaired according
to this Service Bulletin, regardless of the date
of purchase.
2007 CMX250C/CL #2
MARCH 2007
Normal warranty claim submission requirements
apply. After completing the Safety1
Emission recall, submit one warranty claim
per unit with the following information:
WARRANTY CLAIM TEMPLATE:
2007 CMXZBOCICL lnspection only
Template: Q41A
Flat Rate Time: 0.2 hr
2007 CMXZBOCICL lnspection and
Breather Separator Replacement
Template: 441 B
Flat Rate Time: 0.4 hr
The California Air Resources Board (CARB)
requires vehicle emission recalls to be completed
prior to California registration renewal.
Uncorrected emission recalls will result in the
inability of affected owners to renew their California
vehicle registration.
After completing the inspection andlor repair,
and stamping the VIN with a punch mark, all
California dealers must issue a completed
Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of
Correction certificate to the vehicle
owner.
California dealers will receive the Proof of
Correction certificate(s) with this Service Bulletin.
If you need more certificates, call Customer
Support at (866) 784-1 870.
Fill in the appropriate information on the certificate
and give it to the customer. (See the
sample on the following page.)
NOTE: It is critical that you write down
Q41 as the Recall Number.
The certificate may be requested by the California
Department of Motor Vehicles at the
time of vehicle registration renewal.
02007 Arncr~canH onda Motor Co.. Inc. - All Rights Reserved
2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
Write down Q41 as the Recall N J mber.
\
bceose Nuwaer Make Year W e l f3octy Type 'fBhlCl0 !UOtl:~I~caNl~u~mlbl Or
1
Manufaclurer Recall Number
The above described vehicle has been repaired, mod~lieda ndlor equlpped wrlh new ernlsslon control
devices lo meel applicable California Emission Control Laws.
Oeafer's Name Address, C~tyS. late and ZIP
Date Doalersh~p'sA uthor~zedS ignature
I x
Retur-n. _ lh~sce rttficafe to DMV only when required - othewlse retam lor your records * "- I _.- - - _. . " - ~ -a- - _m I-* *. - _ -- - _ __ _ . -_.
(02007 Amer~canH onda Motor Co . Inc -All R~ghtsR eserved
2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
March 2007
IMPORTANT SAFETY AND EMISSIONS RECALL NOTICE
Dear CMX250 Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources
Board.
What is the reason for this notice?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has decided that a defect that is related to both motor vehicle safety
and emissions regulations exists in certain 2007 model year CMX250 motorcycles. A small
number of 2007 CMX250 motorcycles, may have a defective crankcase breather separator.
During the molding process, the breather passage may have been blocked by a thin layer of
the injected plastic material. This blockage will create a build-up of pressure inside the
crankcase and may cause the left side engine seal to be pushed out of position and an oil
leak will occur.
Safety Consequence
Oil leaking from the failed seal while riding can spray onto the rear tire or the road, increasing
the risk of a crash.
Emission Consequence
A defective breather separator will cause the motorcycle to emit excessive crankcase emissions
into the atmosphere and will no longer meet state and federal regulations. Your
motorcycle may fail a state or local emissions inspection I f you do not have this recall repair
done. Although only a small percentage of 2007 CMX250s will need the breather separator
replaced, it is very important that your motorcycle meet the mandated emissions regulations.
What should you do?
Please call your authorized Honda motorcycle dealer and make an appointment to have your
CMX250 inspected. If necessary, a new breather separator cover will be installed on your
CMX250 free of charge. Although the repair will take less than one hour, please plan to leave
your CMX250 for a day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling.
California Owners Only:
After completing the inspectionirepair procedure, your dealer will give you a Vehicle Emission
Recall - Proof of Correction certificate. Keep this certificate for your records as
proof that the emissions recall was completed. Submit the certificate to the DMV only if the
DMV requests it. The DMV will not renew your registration until this emissions recall has
been completed. Please make sure the dealer completes and gives you the certificate.
02007 Amer~canH onda Motor Co , Inc. - All Rlghts Reserved 70f8
2007 CMX25OC/CL #2
MARCH 2007
Emission Warranty:
In order to ensure your full protection under the emission warranty made applicable to your I vehicle by Federal law, and your right to participate in future recalls, it is recommended that
you have this inspectionlrepair procedure performed as soon as possible. Failure t o do so
could legally be determined to be a lack of proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Who to contact if you experience problems.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Honda dealer, you may write to:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Motorcycle Customer Service
Mail Stop 100-4C-7B
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501 -2746
(866) 784-1870
If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the safety
defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the
date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to
http:// www.sa fercar.go v.
What to do if you feel this notice is in error.
Our records show that you are the current owner of a 2007 CMX250 involved in this campaign.
If this is not the case, or the nameladdress information is not correct, please fill out
and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our
records.
If you have questions.
If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with locating a Honda dealer,
please call Honda Motorcycle Customer Service at (866) 784-1870.
We apologize for any inconvenience this campaign may cause you.
Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Motorcycle Division
8of8 02007 American Honda Motor Co . Inc. -All R~ghtsR eserved

[delurker]

I'm all set to do this tomorrow. I made arrangements with a dealership 45 miles away. Anyone seen the weather forecast for the southeast tomorrow? Storms, wind, possible tornadoes . Hopefully, I'll beat it. I'm so frustrated that I can't trust my local dealer only five miles away to take care of this. I know I could "force" them, but after some of the comments the guy made, I am afraid he would just keep my bike for a while, give it back to me and tell me it was fine after not doing anything to it. That's pretty much what he did, anyway. Since this is something that could potentially get me killed, I'd rather make sure it's done. I'm sure I'll still use my local dealer for routine stuff.

Thanks for the info.

[delurker]

Well, I got the all clear from the dealer in the other town. He took me inside the shop, explained exactly what the problem was and what they do about it, checked it out thoroughly and declared mine a-ok. He documented it, put the hole punch on it and sent me on my way. I feel much better about it.

I learned some interesting things today, though. This mechanic said that if it were going to be a problem, it would have happened almost immediately after buying it. He said it happens pretty quickly, not after several hundred miles. I also found out that our FLIBS in my town was apparently part of the (if not the primary) reason behind the recall. They own and operate a bike shop where they do customizing, accessories, mechanical work- just a really nice place. Apparently, one of the owners' kids bought the Rebel and had problems with it smoking and blowing oil nearly as soon as she left the lot. They arranged to have it picked up and worked on, but it still was blowing oil. Anyway, there was a lot of hub-bub and they reported it to whoever it needed to be reported to, being familiar with bike stuff and all. I just thought it was interesting. My dealer had told me (when he blew me off) that "some girl" and her whole family had been up there raising hell about an oil leak on a new Rebel, but he didn't tell me the whole story. His comment to me that made me most uncomfortable with trusting him was, "All that fuss over a $3000 bike!"

Anyway, thumbs up from here, and maybe it's good news for the folks who are still waiting to get their bikes looked at. From what I understand, if you've been driving for a while and are not leaking oil, you're probably ok. Of course, do still get it looked at and cleared by the dealer.

[jsonder]

I'm glad that you are feeling better about your Rebel, BUT, the dealer who is ticked off about the fuss over a $3000 bike is STILL UNNAMED.

I sure wouldn't want to do business with that guy, nor would I want my wife taking her Rebel there either.

Use the forum (I know you found it 'cause you said nice things about Jack) to let your neighbors know which dealer to avoid.

John (stepping off of soapbox)
_________________
John, 1989 NX250, 2009 CRF230L (L'il Red Piglet), 2001 Rebel - sold
nekid bikes feel faster

[delurker]

To be totally honest, I'm hesitant only because the dealership has, for the most part, been pretty good to me. I only had this one bad feeling from this one guy there, and I'd hate to damage the reputation of an otherwise good dealership. I wonder if he may have been more mistaken than outright dishonest (though it doesn't excuse the "only a $3000 bike!" comment). After talking to the other mechanic today, I wonder if my guy might have just done a poor job of explaining to me that if the bike were going to have a problem, it would have already shown, though he still should have looked at it.

Still, I'll put a review in the relevant section. I'm just really not trying to damage their credibility based on this one experience which I admittedly may have partially misinterpreted or blew out of proportion.

[jsonder]

I'm sure that I'm overly cynical. The dealerships in southern Arizona are all part of the Powersports (PowerSports ??) mega corporation/franchise.

I don't know the inner workings, but the feel is all sales, no service.

Is this common in other parts of the country? Or is my problem being 65 and having grown up with dealerships consisting of 2 to 5 people - folks who took the time to talk to you - and not handling the glitz factor (and they're having none of the common parts I needed) very well?
_________________
John, 1989 NX250, 2009 CRF230L (L'il Red Piglet), 2001 Rebel - sold
nekid bikes feel faster