Private Club Motors / PowerSports — Local services in Houston

I purchased a 2013 Ducati Panigale 1199S from Private Club Motors in Houston, and unfortunately, my experience has been extremely disappointing. I was assured by the sales representative, Franklin, that the major Desmo service had been completed. Based on that, and other verbal confirmations, I moved forward with the purchase from out of state (I reside in Tampa, Florida).

Once the bike arrived, it became clear I had been misled. Within just 2.5 weeks of ownership, I had to bring the bike to a trusted local Ducati dealer, only to be told that it was not safe to ride. The issues included: • Leaking oil and brake fluid • Worn front brakes • A battery that needed replacement (despite being told it was brand new) • Brake fluid damage to the fairings and dash

The dealership here in Tampa wouldn’t even test ride the bike due to its unsafe condition.

Despite the Panigale being a used bike with over 15,000 miles, I was told that the critical maintenance items had been addressed. That was absolutely not the case. As of today (June 18), I’m still waiting on parts from Ducati, and the bike has remained unusable since it arrived. I’m now facing over $4,000 in repairs just to get it to a safe and rideable state.

While I do believe that once the necessary repairs are completed the bike will perform well, this situation has been a major setback. I trusted Private Club Motors to represent the bike honestly, especially since I couldn’t inspect it in person. Unfortunately, that trust was misplaced.

I’m not writing this to damage their business, but to share my experience so others can do their due diligence. When buying sight unseen—especially from out of state—you’re relying heavily on the integrity of the dealership and sales staff. In my case, that integrity was 6/30/25 UPDATE* I was contacted by the service team at Private Club Motors and they have since gave me one of the best solutions to my problem! They went above and beyond! I was referred to the number one Ducati Technician in the US that happens to be based out of Tampa! He is currently conducting the DESMO service along with the other issues and I should have her back up and running within the week! This is customer service at its finest! I will post an update once the service is complete! , and I’ve learned a tough (and expensive) lesson.

Buyers: please get independent inspections, ask for service documentation, and don’t take verbal assurances at face value.

6/30/25 UPDATE* I was contacted by the service team at Private Club Motors and they have since gave me one of the best solutions to my problem! They went above and beyond! I was referred to the number one Ducati Technician in the US that happens to be based out of Tampa! He is currently conducting the DESMO service along with the other issues and I should have her back up and running within the week! This is customer service at its finest! I will post an update once the service...

Liars, poor work ethic, time wasters!!!! Men lie; women lie however numbers don’t so now I provide you with FACTS!!! Since November of 2023 I been taking my time shopping for a specific car I been interested in, a 2019 BMW 750 with low mileage. By the numbers I received 13 phone calls, 11 emails and 9 text messages until recently at the beginning of January 2024. In particular, in the last 48hrs I received 7 text messages, 6 phone calls and 4 emails regarding the car of my choice. I set the appointment up for 6:00pm after work(Houston traffic from Greenspoint) on Jan 23. I arrived at 5:56pm and was told they were in the middle of closing with another customer and would be with me shortly. Keep in mind they called and texted me all day regarding my appointment and that the car would be ready for viewing(let the lies began). Car and associate wasn’t ready upon my arrival and I was immediately asked do I want to see other cars—(lie number 2, I told you what I wanted and didn’t ask for anything else so why offer.) The kid (sales guy from Iran 22years old) then said wait here while I bring your car around to be looked at. The lies are starting to spew now then he said “sorry the car is missing the front windshield and the tech had to put it together” and then had the nerve to offer me water, which I declined. Keep in mind it’s 6:20 and still no sign of the car yet. I waited an additional 10 more minutes and walked out without seeing or speaking to anyone at 6:30pm sharp. Keep in mind they wasted my time, travel, gas and most importantly my energy for a car that didn’t have a windshield and wasn’t ready. If I could give this company zero stars it would be more fitting than 1 star. Poor professionalism, poor time management, zero priority for the customer is the least I could say. You would think if someone is spending up to 34k they would be prompt but most importantly have the car ready to be viewed. Don’t do business here; they are a waste of time!!! To my military veterans and any decent person run in the opposite direction as this company does not value our service and time.

Feel free to contact me however you didn’t bother to call or text when I left at 6:30pm sharp yesterday to issue an apology for your POOR SERVICE. You have my number and email but I fear your business is cowardly based and mostly do this to your BLACK CUSTOMERS only!!! I’m Samuel Pearson, the black guy you let sit for 30min whom didnt see the car you said you had, and wasted my time and gas with a confirmed appointment!!! I’m glad I didn’t waste my money with scammers and liars!!! Don’t do business here!!! You about to be social media famous next!!!

P.S.: Take Chic fil a training classes on how to treat customers and don’t waste others time would...

This dealership really deserves 10 stars for how excellent they were to do business with!

I had been looking for a long time for my Yamaha R1, and it was tough to find because I was very specific in what I wanted. When I came across the one at Private Club Motors, I knew there was no way I could let it go. I immediately inquired about the bike late on a Friday night, and was contacted by Saturday morning.

Ismael, Laszlo, and David were the three gentlemen that I interacted with, and they all went above and beyond to help me. I had come across the bike so early that upon inquiry, the bike was not even on the dealership floor yet and was still in transit. Regardless, David understood my interest and helped get all the financing and numbers worked out very quickly. He was extremely helpful and transparent with pictures and the terms behind placing a deposit on the bike. With my residence in CT (1700+ miles away), I still felt very comfortable with all the information provided that I had a deposit placed on the bike within a few days.

Ismael was the one who handled the financing, and again made everything so transparent. With the bike being so far away, I was unsure of whether I would need to fly out to Houston. However, every question or piece of information I could come up with Ismael not only provided, but had available before I even asked the question. Laszlo provided me with even more pictures as well as video, and even a list of everything that had been done to the bike during its service at the dealership.

I am someone who is extremely detailed, and triple checks everything before I make a decision. Trying to make a substantial purchase when you are over 1700 miles away is definitely not the most comfortable thing, but Private Club Motors made it extremely easy. The communication was top notch. Even after Hurricane Beryl slammed into Houston, Ismael and others were working from home since the dealership did not have power. I was still able to get in touch with him regarding my R1, and they even had techs in the shop working with whatever they could find despite no power to get some of the bikes ready to go. If that doesn’t speak volumes about the quality of the dealership, I’m not sure what does.

Overall, I can’t recommend this dealership enough. Even when it came to transporting my R1 to CT, they were very open and honest about what they thought would be best for me rather than what was best for them like most dealerships. If you’re in the market for a bike or some higher end vehicles and especially if you are out of state/buying from far away, this dealership and everyone involved will ensure you have the best experience and get exactly what you are looking for! Thank you Private Club Motors for my...