469 Cycle Shop — Local services in New Haven

While I’ve always enjoyed bike nights here and my interactions with Big Mike and his friendly staff. I had my first chance to pay 469 back with more than a T shirt purchase for all the free entertainment they’ve given me over the summer. I was out last Sunday enjoying a leisurely ride on my HD Springer when I encountered a roofing nail in my rear white wall tire. While the tire had ample tread it was older than the six years recommended replacement age. So I called 469 promptly Monday morning and discovered that they were closed Mondays. (No problem everyone deserves a day off) So Tuesday morning I return the phone call which after a short cue and a recorded message from Big Mike I push three and a pleasant lady from the parts and service department helps me out informs me the tire isn’t in stock and that white walls aren’t a big seller so they tend not to stock them, but could be ordered and be shipped arriving the following day. Plus to boot the were the lowest quoted price for this Dunlop tire beating the competition by $15-120.00 (amazing what differences are for the exact same tire). I called back to give them my credit card information so they could order the tire. And here’s where the excellent customer service experience came to a close. I only had access to the truck and trailer that night (Tuesday) and had to be at work on Wednesday, mirroring the same hours that 469 maintains. I asked the service lady if I could bring the trailered Harley out after work but before they closed to have the tire installed tomorrow (Wednesday) when it came in. Thinking this wouldn’t be an issue. But was promptly told that they didn’t have enough room to store a motorcycle for servicing. With me being told that. I was more than happy to place a few more phone calls and find someone that remembers what good quality customer service is, and goes above and beyond to provide it. I found that in Anstett Cycle Shop, while he was a tad more expensive. He was understanding in what excellent service is. While I believe in second chances and plan on giving 469 an opportunity at redemption and have always enjoyed the entertainment and community of their events, I really want 469 to be more than a place to purchase T Shirts or a...

Dropped In recently to purchase a couple of leather jackets for my wife and I, of all of the Motorcycle shops and stores I've visited over the years; this is the first time I've been treated so cold and impersonal. After browsing for over five minutes, not one employee offered to assist or even greet me during my entire visit. If that wasn't bad enough; a couple of employees left from behind the counter to "stand guard" near the jackets I was wanting to purchase, never once offering assistance. So much can happen in such a short period of time, I entered the store expecting to leave as a satisfied customer but, instead I left feeling like a suspected criminal. Very poor customer service. P.S I have extensive experience in the field of Customer Service having trained and facilitated workshops, seminars and courses in Customer Service Skills for the State of Ohio and now as a Trainer for the State of Indiana. Anyone with Customer Service experience understands "The Power of 10." Which theoretically suggests that for every single customer service experience good or bad; that person will inform at least ten others of their experience and those ten, ten others and the ripple effect continues etc......I could go on but, I won't, I think enough has been said already, point made.

UPDATE: Was recently asked to return to 469 by a fellow rider who made the owner aware of my experience regarding my previous visit there. Not only was I warmly greeted by the young lady behind the counter but, the owner himself came out to meet with me and assisted me with the purchase i originally had in mind. I believe it's only right to remain honest and fair when providing feedback or reviews on a site where others may refer to when making decisions on where to shop or buy particular products. Thanks to 469 for taking the time to make...

First off, right out of the gate I was lied to about the loan I got for the bike! Its not a lease to own, it is a lease with the option to purchase. I was never told that!

I was told all the fluids were changed and the drive belt was good. LIE!! They never changed anything! I drained the primary oil it was almost black same with the engine oil and same with the transmission so apparently you can’t take someone’s word for it!

My first ride in 2020 I heard a real high winding noise coming from the primary case. I don’t know what they did to cover it up and apparently the warranty “expired” I tried to buy an extension but they would only give me 3 months, which I begged for. I’m assuming the owner knew there was something wrong with the bike. 469 cycle mechanic said “it runs great.”

Found out the winding noise was the inner primary race bearing and seal so I pulled the outer primary cover off. The primary chain tensioner was put on backwards (who would does that!!!!??) and the chain was hitting inside the primary case. The nut to the compensated was drilling into the cover! Oh YES very nice.

I fixed that issue, a little YouTube and my hands. I take it out after repairs, now I feel a horrible vibration!!!

The chain was soooooo lose this it what happened: The compensator ($350) is worn out. The clutch hub is warped. The clutch hub bearing is bad. And I’ve only put 800 miles on the bike since October 2019 when I bought it.

If I could give anyone advice about buying a motorcycle from them I would highly recommend taking it to a different shop and getting it checked out it would definitely be worth the money!

I’m also wondering how much the other people who had a “great” experience were paid?!?!? Just sayin!

I’m hoping they will...