Letter To Yamaha

[StarRider07]

I sent an email to Yamaha Canada. It is the only one I could find a way to send something to. I called Yamaha in the USA and they told me they don't have an email address (ya right). I went to Yamaha Japan web site and there is no email address there either. If anyone has an email address for Yamaha Japan, I would like to get it. Anyway, here is what I sent to Yamaha Canada. What do you think?

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I would like to know why Yamaha doesn't listen to, or address, their customers concerns. Just myself, I know 5 people that are no longer Yamaha customers. A president in one of our provinces, in a Star group that fully supports Yamaha has stepped down because he has gone the HD way. I am sure that others have emailed you and you may or may not have replied. I don't know because I never see or hear Yamaha bring up concerns brought up from their customers.

I just bought my 2nd Yamaha. It is a 2007 Venture. I must say that it is a very comfortable ride and my wife loves it. However, so many of us want to know a few things.

And I, as a customer, would appreciate the courtesy of you answering each of these questions / concerns. I am going to rant on, but again, as a customer that has spent a lot of money on your product, has been loyal, and hopes that you want me to continue to be loyal, will address these questions and concerns.

 

 

Why are you still using OLD technology on this bike?

 

Why have you not gone to Fuel Injection on the Venture?

 

Why still a cassette player and not a CD? Do you still buy cassettes??????????????

 

Why no tachometer? Other gauges??????

 

Why don't you take a look at a Harley dash on their touring bikes? CD Player on current and pre 2007 bikes. Built in tachometer, temp gauge, oil gauge, battery gauge, etc.

NO DUMMY LIGHTS that only come on when it is too late!!!!!

 

When I bought this bike I was told it comes with an MP3 player. I haven't got mine yet however I have seen them and the word is, it is a cheap piece of #$@#$. Why would you insult your customers that buy your high end bike with a cheap piece of crap? It is an insult and you would have been better off offering nothing at all. This little unit might have been a good offer to your customers that buy your scooters. But a Venture?? Come on. You could have offered an Ipod Nano. You know, a little class with a class bike. Maybe my next bike will be a generic bike.

 

Why have you not addressed the whining in the motor? May that is normal, maybe not. Doesn't really bother me a whole lot but would still like to know.

 

What about the CHIRPING sound (the George Jetson car sound) in our bikes? When I got my bike it was not there. After about 3 weeks, now it is there and it is getting louder. Now that sound is very annoying. What is it? So many of us are concerned with that chirping sound and yet I have hear or seen nothing from Yamaha regarding this. Some say it is a bad clutch basket. Is this the case? Are you leaving it up to us to correct this problem so you don't have to do a massive recall? Are you afraid to actually look after your customers??????

The chirping is starting to get quite loud in my bike. Enough to distract from the stereo playing.

 

I suggest that you start having some quality control. More so than I am sure you already have.

 

I suggest that your department at Yamaha Canada starts watching what their customers are saying on a forum called VentureRider.org at:

http://www.venturerider.org/

 

There are a lot of other concerns, however this is enough for now. I am curious as to how serious you take this email and how it is dealt with. Curious to know how valuable my business is to you.

Hope to have all above mentioned answered. Hope to hear from you soon,

 

Greg

[Gary N.]

Good luck with that. I called Yamaha Canada customer relations about the run around I'm getting trying to get my CB fixed (not from the dealer) and all they would do is pass the buck on to Clarion. I didn't buy a Clarion bike, I bought a Yamaha bike.

[6pak]

Ya know, Comments like this are what make me think that if I ever get rid of the '89, that I will be pointed towards a Honda. The local stealer for example- when you walk in the door-you MUST go through the showroom to get to service or parts. You have 4 or 5 salespeople attack you on your way to the back, then when you get there you have to stand in a 4 or 5 people line to get waited on.

I hope the people on this site know how much their knowledge and advice are appreciated.

While I may never know it all, you folks have got me to the point that I'm not afraid to tackle any problem that may arise with the moneypit.

[StarRider07]

Good luck with that. I called Yamaha Canada customer relations about the run around I'm getting trying to get my CB fixed (not from the dealer) and all they would do is pass the buck on to Clarion. I didn't buy a Clarion bike, I bought a Yamaha bike.

 

My point exactly. They don't listen to us. Why can't they get it through their thick skulls that if they treat us good, we will keep coming back. Not to mention the good word would get around and guess what,,,,, their customer base increases. Why doesn't this click in with them????????

 

Greg

[Guest ReinyRooster]

I must also chip in hear and say that as someone who owns a 1st Gen. it would seem natural that when I move on to a newer bike, the 2nd Gen. would be a logical choice. I have to say though that with the number of comments mentioned here by members dissatisfied with some issues with the bike and generally poor customer service by Yamaha, I will broaden my search when the time comes. May not be for a few years but.....

[StarRider07]

I thought I would send another one.

 

I sent a letter to you already today and hope to get a reply. Further to that letter, I think this might be a good tread in the VentureRider forum to watch. Go to:

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15657

It would be real nice to actually have someone with Yamaha to enter comments in there. Start showing your customers that you really do care.

Take a look at the guy (Gary N.) with the CB problem. Why wouldn't you look after him. Show him he is a valuable customer. Even if it is Clarion's problem, you could (as a major customer of their's)call them to see to it that they look after him. Purhaps a message to him would be a good idea.

Again, the URL is:

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15657

Greg

[philmartin]

Has anybody tried calling this number...

 

 

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

6555 Katella Avenue

Cypress, CA 90630

 

Sales, marketing and distribution of Star Motorcycles.

 

Customer Relations

(800) 962-7926, press "1" for Star Specialist.

[whozleft]

You know guys, in general the Venture is a great bike. Let's compare it with the new HD's. They have problems overheating, whining just like the Venture in certain gears, etc. All that and they cost thousands of dollars more than ours did up front.

 

I have two friends that just bought new Harleys. (For the record, I love Harleys, but can never seem to bring myself to purchase one.) Both of them bought the bikes this summer and have alrady been back to the dealer not including all the extra money they have spent along the way.

 

I have the chirp in my Venture and it can get annoying at times. I wish it would have come with a CD player, but it didn't. But the bottom line is that we all bought these bikes. Now we're complaining on this end of it. Seems to me like maybe we could have done more homework up front and then spent our money. None of the complaints I see on this board are new complaints. Rather they have more or less been around since the second gens first came out. So are we complaining about the bikes, or are we mad because we bought them in the first place?

 

Having said that, Yamaha would do well to listen to what is being said on this board and others. Especially since competiotion in the motorcycle market is so big right now. Seems to me that they would want to do a much better job at customer service. That is one place where Harley has done a great job with their martketing. People actually are willing to spend much more money to be part of the ever growing Harley Davidson family. They do have a sense of togetherness that you can't ignore.

 

I do love my Venture. I think it's much more comfortable than an Ultra, but my nexy bike will more than likely be a Harley in a few years. Only because they do seem to care about those that buy their products.

 

WAKE UP YAMAHA!

 

I now return you to your regular programing.

[StarRider07]

Has anybody tried calling this number...

 

 

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

6555 Katella Avenue

Cypress, CA 90630

 

Sales, marketing and distribution of Star Motorcycles.

 

Customer Relations

(800) 962-7926, press "1" for Star Specialist.

 

Yes, I did call this number. That is how I found out they don't have an email address.

[Freebird]

I spent some time on that number about 3 or 4 years ago. Didn't find it to be especially satisfying. The DO have email addresses, they just don't want anybody to know them. I actually got hold of one back then and email the head of Yamaha customer service in the USA. I emailed him a couple of times and got no response. I then emailed him again and said "look, I KNOW this is the correct email address for you and if I don't get a response within the next few minutes, I'm going to publicize it."

 

hmmm.....he replied about 10 minutes later.

[StarRider07]

Good morning and thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments. I will

certainly forward your thoughts and suggestions to our factory liaison.

This type of information is very beneficial because it allows us to tell

our designers and engineers the type of motorcycles and features our

customers are requesting.

This motorcycle is incredibly reliable and you will undoubtedly get many

years of enjoyment owning it. We have a very broad line-up and you will

certainly see huge improvements and introductions in many of the other

motorcycles we produce. The time will come, hopefully within the next few

years, where we will return to this model and add the many improvements and

upgrades you recommend.

It is impossible for me to know this by e-mail but I believe your

dealership could very easily ride your motorcycle and determine if the

engine noises you are reporting are normal (this motorcycle does have very

distinct noises and the noises are probably normal and not an indicator of

any engine issues or problems). I will attach an article for you that

appeared in the Globe and Mail.

I regret you have not received your MP3 player and if you send me your

e-mail I can investigate if it is at your dealership or in our inventory. I

will share your concerns regarding the quality of the MP3 player that was

provided as a gift. I had quite a few e-mails from customers that reported

it worked quite well and I hope you find it suits your needs when it

arrives.

Regards,

Scott

[StarRider07]

Obviously he didn't read the second email:

 

Good afternoon! You should have received a reply to your e-mail earlier.

Regards,

Scott

[Guest KitCarson]

You know guys, in general the Venture is a great bike. Let's compare it with the new HD's. They have problems overheating, whining just like the Venture in certain gears, etc. All that and they cost thousands of dollars more than ours did up front.

 

I have two friends that just bought new Harleys. (For the record, I love Harleys, but can never seem to bring myself to purchase one.) Both of them bought the bikes this summer and have alrady been back to the dealer not including all the extra money they have spent along the way.

 

I have the chirp in my Venture and it can get annoying at times. I wish it would have come with a CD player, but it didn't. But the bottom line is that we all bought these bikes. Now we're complaining on this end of it. Seems to me like maybe we could have done more homework up front and then spent our money. None of the complaints I see on this board are new complaints. Rather they have more or less been around since the second gens first came out. So are we complaining about the bikes, or are we mad because we bought them in the first place?

 

Having said that, Yamaha would do well to listen to what is being said on this board and others. Especially since competiotion in the motorcycle market is so big right now. Seems to me that they would want to do a much better job at customer service. That is one place where Harley has done a great job with their martketing. People actually are willing to spend much more money to be part of the ever growing Harley Davidson family. They do have a sense of togetherness that you can't ignore.

 

I do love my Venture. I think it's much more comfortable than an Ultra, but my nexy bike will more than likely be a Harley in a few years. Only because they do seem to care about those that buy their products.

 

WAKE UP YAMAHA!

 

I now return you to your regular programing.

Any big manufacturing firm is like this......you have to understand their chain of command. The executives do not care to deal with customer issues and I do not think they know how to, I have recently found that all the phone numbers and email addresses you need are available, the thing is each area has a district manager, it has to go to him first. In able to be able to do that, you have to find a reputable dealer, one who will not put you off or ignore you , or give you some excuse. A good dealer, if you go through them, and be nice, can put you in touch with anyone you want to talk to, and the right people once in touch will stop and actually talk to you. This venture is a great machine, yes mine has a cricket under the gas cap too:rotf:, but it is being slowly resolved. I would not hesitate to take off and go to Oregon on it........if I was to try it on a Harley, I would want at least five contact people with trailers along the way. Hey a friend went with me today to a dealer in Sumter, South Carolina, he rides a Harley, he made it all the way there and back to Columbia without stopping and installing a new head gasket, do not know if he made it home yet or not:stirthepot::stirthepot: Kit

[juggler]

They responded. Hell must have frozen over.

 

 

Good morning and thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments. I will

certainly forward your thoughts and suggestions to our factory liaison.

This type of information is very beneficial because it allows us to tell

our designers and engineers the type of motorcycles and features our

customers are requesting.

This motorcycle is incredibly reliable and you will undoubtedly get many

years of enjoyment owning it. We have a very broad line-up and you will

certainly see huge improvements and introductions in many of the other

motorcycles we produce. The time will come, hopefully within the next few

years, where we will return to this model and add the many improvements and

upgrades you recommend.

It is impossible for me to know this by e-mail but I believe your

dealership could very easily ride your motorcycle and determine if the

engine noises you are reporting are normal (this motorcycle does have very

distinct noises and the noises are probably normal and not an indicator of

any engine issues or problems). I will attach an article for you that

appeared in the Globe and Mail.

I regret you have not received your MP3 player and if you send me your

e-mail I can investigate if it is at your dealership or in our inventory. I

will share your concerns regarding the quality of the MP3 player that was

provided as a gift. I had quite a few e-mails from customers that reported

it worked quite well and I hope you find it suits your needs when it

arrives.

Regards,

Scott

[Eugene]

I do love my Venture. I think it's much more comfortable than an Ultra, but my nexy bike will more than likely be a Harley in a few years. Only because they do seem to care about those that buy their products.

 

 

WIth all due respect, I disagree. My previous bike was a Harley and the dealer and company could care less if I ever bought again - ergo, I did not.

[royalstarjac]

Why are you still using OLD technology on this bike?

 

Why have you not gone to Fuel Injection on the Venture?

 

Why still a cassette player and not a CD? Do you still buy cassettes??????????????

 

Why no tachometer? Other gauges??????

 

Why don't you take a look at a Harley dash on their touring bikes? CD Player on current and pre 2007 bikes. Built in tachometer, temp gauge, oil gauge, battery gauge, etc.

NO DUMMY LIGHTS that only come on when it is too late!!!!!

 

 

It seems a little late to be complaining about these issues since you knew about them before you purchased the bike.

[Guest KitCarson]

WIth all due respect, I disagree. My previous bike was a Harley and the dealer and company could care less if I ever bought again - ergo, I did not.

Hey do you know why Harley went to the overhead cam chain? It is so when trying to keep up with a venture you can use both hands to help pull.:rotf::stirthepot::stirthepot:

[royalstarjac]

Hey do you know why Harley went to the overhead cam chain? It is so when trying to keep up with a venture you can use both hands to help pull.:rotf::stirthepot::stirthepot:

 

I've noticed on some of the tv shows like American Thunder they talk about spending thousand$ to bring the engines "close to 100 hp". The Venture has 98 out of the box for thousand$ less than a stock HD. List on an 08 CVO Ultra is $34,999! -Jack

[Pilot]

As others hear have said you knew the Venture had a cassette player and you may or may not have known about the whine, but you bought the Venture anyway WHY? I’ll tell you why because of the value and dependability of the machine. You do need to find a good dealer as they will bend over backwards for you, do you want to know why, because they want you to be satisfied and trade that machine in with THEM for a new one when the time comes. I will buy another Venture in a few years, I hope they have resolved the cassette and fuel injection as well as increased the HP by then. I have the whine and I never used the cassette (I don’t own any cassettes) but I still like the way the bike rides and handles. I have over 65000 miles on her and I never had to go back to the dealer because it broke down on the road, my friend bought an Ultra 2 year ago and his bike has been sitting in the repair shop more then in his garage. HD is not that customer orientated ask my friend, he is suing the dealer under the lemon law to get another bike. Just my 2 cents……

[Eugene]

Hey do you know why Harley went to the overhead cam chain? It is so when trying to keep up with a venture you can use both hands to help pull.:rotf::stirthepot::stirthepot:

 

:banana::banana: Good one!!

I actually quite liked my Dyna - just wanted to move up to a bigger bike but the dealers showed zero interest - maybe these days its different?

 

By the way - I sure learned how to ride my RSTD from this site - ie - higher revs etc. Used to really baby it - now I rev it up and it feels like a powerhouse --

 

Thanks guys and gals - this site is great.

 

Eugene

[Guest muskrat]

While I don't disagree with any of the complaints about features on the Venture that need to be improved - the issues with features and dealer responsiveness are clearly not limited to any brand. I have owned Triumph, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha (no Harley yet) - and with each bike - there were pros and cons - and my overall experience really depended partly on the local dealer. Each brand has some excellent dealerships - and some real dogs. You have to search as carefully and critically for the dealer you will ultimately work with as you do in making your bike selection.

 

As far as manufacturer responsiveness to clientele - I think the general lack of responsiveness to customer feedback is universal among the manufacturers - particularly if that is individual feedback. I think it comes back to the dealer - if you have a really good dealer who is responsive to your needs - competent - and interested in your satisfaction - they can greatly facilitate a response from the manufacturer rather than doing it individually.

 

I have yet to ride with a colleague, regardless of the brand, who doesn't have some gripes about their ride or about a dealer experience. It is sad, in a way, that the industry has so many poor quality dealerships -- makes it very rewarding when you find that one that does everything right.

 

OK - I'm done.