Powersports Northwest — Local services in Chehalis

1 star for the Sales Manager — no issue with anyone else at the shop.

TL;DR: There are two MT-03’s in the store, but they wouldn’t let me buy the newer one.

I’m going to leave this review in a conversational format, so enjoy the ride.

Background: I saw two MT-03’s listed at Powersports Northwest and was able to negotiate a price I liked over email. I got the check ready, drove two hours down south to see the bike in person.

When I arrived, I learned they had two new MT-03’s in the showroom: One showed obvious signs of being test ridden (let’s call it the old bike). The other was fresh and untouched (let’s call it the new bike).

A test ride had been promised in our email conversation, but when I got there, I was told I couldn’t test ride unless I was fully endorsed — meaning I had no way to check the bike’s condition before buying.

Two different salespeople that did my paperwork tried to push out old bike for me, even though I repeatedly said I wanted the new bike. Eventually, they told me the Sales Manager wanted them to sell the old bike first. That’s when the conversation started:

Me: “So I saw two MT-03’s in the showroom, why can’t I buy the new one?” SM: “Because the manufacturer is going to charge us money if the bike is sitting there for too long, so we have to sell the old one first. What’s wrong with the old bike?” Me: “But if you don’t sell, you’re going to pay for that new one regardless. As a customer, I hope you can understand that I’m buying a new bike, and I have a preference for which one I’d like.” SM: “You are NOT getting that new one! If you don’t want the old one, we’ll just sell it to someone else, no problem. We have rules here that we sell the old bike first.” Me: “Oh, is that rule communicated to customers? How would I know?” SM: “Well, did you ask?”

Me making this face (:O) and speechless for a bit.

(Omitting some repeated back-and-forth — volume was raised a bit on both sides.)

Me: “Well, how long have they been sitting here?” SM: “I don’t know, we’ll see.” (Walks to another office and pulls the file for both bikes) SM: “The old one arrived in Feb. I DON’T HAVE THE NEW ONE!” (Looks outside to his apprentice salesperson) SM: “Yo, get me the paper for the MT… That new one arrived in July. We are not selling that one.” SM: “What’s wrong with the old bike?” Me: “If you look here, here, and here, there are obvious signs of people test riding it.” SM (shrugs): “Whatever dude.” Me: “If you’re not selling it, why put it here?” SM: “OH! YOU KNOW WHAT, IT’S NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE SHOWROOM.” Me: “Alright then, put it away if you’re not selling it.” SM: “I will!” Me: “Alright, see ya.” SM: “Bye.”

SM then tries to act tough — both hands on the handlebar, pulls in the clutch while holding some paperwork, and manages to push the new bike about 5 feet away. I assume it’s going to storage since, according to him, it’s “not supposed to be in the showroom.”

At this point, I walk away. I stop by the entrance to thank the salesperson who had the good email conversation with me. Then I glance back to see where the new bike ended up, and guess what…

It’s right back in its original spot! (See picture 2.)

I didn’t end up buying the bike, but now I have a story to...

Updated response below.

I moved to the area almost 5 years ago and this is the closest dealer. I own and maintain 4 motorcycles, so often go in for parts, oil, etc. I prefer to support my local dealers and purchase from them rather than ordering online. This year I had to replace front and rear tires on my Harley. I purchased the tires from Powersports Northwest. Typically I do the tires myself by hand but changing a rear touring tire is a huge pain. When I bought the tires I asked about cost of having the dealer change my tire and was told it would be $40 if the wheel is off the bike. The service department told me to call when I was ready to schedule the tire change. A couple weeks later I got the tire off and called in on a Saturday afternoon to schedule. The first person I spoke to immediately became upset thinking I wanted to bring it in that afternoon, I had to explain to her I was only trying to schedule an appointment, once she calmed down she transferred me to the service department who then advised me the cost would be $80. I asked why so much, that was not what I was quoted and I had already taken the wheel off the bike and old tire off the rim, I just wanted the new tire installed, the guy said “that’s what we charge.” I no longer purchase any parts or maintenance items here and instead go to Olympia. I also purchased a brand new MT09 from the dealer in Olympia back in the spring because they allowed me to test ride first, but Powersports Northwest told me I would have to purchase the bike before I could test it. I get some dealers are doing this due to insurance costs, but I’m going to take my business to the dealer who will let me test ride. I recommend going to Paulsons or Olympia Motorsports, I have had much better service since going to those dealers.

Update: I tried calling but couldn’t get past your gate keeper. Apparently you have a customer service team in several departments? I’m sure you meant for me to speak to whoever heads up your service department. But whoever answers your phones wasn’t going to transfer me unless I could tell her why I was requesting to customer service team and specific department. At the time I called I was having a brain lapse and couldn’t think of how to respond to her. I tried to explain it was with a couple of departments and I was just told to talk to the customer service team. I really didn’t feel like explaining the situation to her as this was the same person who answered the phone when I tried to schedule my tire service and I found her rude. Just like last time, she sounded irritated with me asking to speak the the customer service team. I just gave up and ended the call. You guys really suck, how about you actually tell me who to request to speak to if you really cared about my business. Thankfully I have other options for my parts, service, and...

On 12-27-24 I brought home my new polaris ranger xp 1000. Went to take my grandson on a ride and heard a rattle . Pulled it in the shop and couldn't find anything. So the grandson got back in and his door wouldn't shut. I told him will go in the morning. So I spent almost 5 hrs checking it over. Found a bolt in drivers side cup holder, both doors were loose, water was low, 3 bolts about to come out one gone under hood electricalbox, 2 rubber stops missing on tail gat, tape above passenger door messed up mutable screws loose though out the machine. Took in in and they fixed most of it. Instead of taking the roof off they just took a razor knife and cut it flush. Had to take it back to have it fixed right. Took it a few days later for a ride in the snow and water was leaking all over me and my wife. Took it back in and they siliconed it like a 5 yr old did it. I have pics and videos. Called them , said the would put a new windshield in it, waited 5 weeks for it. Kid brought it back to me and said everything was perfect, no leaks at all. Went for a drive the next morning and it was filthy inside and out. Cleaned inside with windex, took it over to the water hose and washed outside and it was leaking worst the it ever has. Found all six hing bolts loose. Went in to talk to the owner to show him pics and videos and the first thing he said to me is you Joe, yeah I saw your bad review you left us. Said do you want us to put a 100 windows in it or what. I said if That's what it takes. Than I he more aggressive and said will just do a lemon law. I said that fine. Shane took it to the glass guy down the road , owner said we don't have a glass guy. Another lie. I left. Got a message from Shane with a number and Vin # an hour after I git home. Called them and they said they don't do legal council. So this morning I went to change front diff and back diff. And found tons of metal in front diff. . Worst I've ever saw in40 some yrs of changing oil. Went to show power sports and told the owner about me fixing the water leak myself, he said , that's nice. Showed him the metal in the oil, he said oh. Than Shane looked at it and said that he usually changes his every 50 hrs. I told him I was told to go by the book. 200 hrs or 2000 miles. He said you know what Joe.. were done with you. Owner called me on my way home and tells me I'm never to come in his store again. Great way to treat customers. Lie to them and treat them like crap after spending over 35,000 dollars on a polaris. Guess I stuck with a POS. Hope everyone sees this and thinks before they go to power sports in chehalis wash. The owner lied to me, the service manager, the salemale and the delivery guy also lied. Terrible...