So I call FLATOUT today ..

[Steve]

A lot of people around here are taking BassCliff's "recommendations" as gospel. Now don't get me wrong, I admire his passion & enthusiasm. =D> But his is just one opinion, and only that. Problem is, a respectable business gets a poor reputation as a result.

Personally, I don't think he has that list posted as a 'recommendation' as much as it is a list of available resources. All these differences are nice to know, though. 8-[

.

[Ghostgs1]

Don't have any prior experience with Flatout, however I've used Bikebandit and Z1 and several others. Remember to compare apples to apples. Flatout is a Suzuki dealer and sells Suzuki parts. A lot of them are harder to obtain than an after market item like a handlebar. I placed an order with Flatout for some carb parts and a few Suzuki only parts. They responded quickly with a conformation and shipping info e-mails. Parts are due tomorrow only 10 days from ordering. Seems like good service to me, especially since my local dealer won't lift a finger to find any part for a GS. Ray

[TheCafeKid]

Valid point. Unfortunately, aside from general maintanence items, Z1 doesnt really stock a whole lot. Which is ok. My suggestion of Z1 was generally for those parts that you NEED NOW, as in yesterday, to keep the bike in tip top. As far as OEM parts, i stick with BB or Babbitts, never tried flatout as of yet...

[psyguy]

Z1 deals in aftermarket parts for older motorcycles. They do not sell OEM parts. When you order a valve shim from Z1, you get an aftermarket part from their stock. Nothing at all wrong with that, and they can usually ship the same day. However, they do not stock or have access to parts only available from Suzuki, like piston rings, seals, etc.

for the sake of accurate info, i beg to differ... z1 can get oem parts (although doesnt stock them)
because of their good communication, i order oem parts from z1 even though it takes longer to get them

i fully aggree with everything else you said, though, mr bwringer :-D

[bwringer]

for the sake of accurate info, i beg to differ... z1 can get oem parts (although doesnt stock them)
because of their good communication, i order oem parts from z1 even though it takes longer to get them

i fully aggree with everything else you said, though, mr bwringer :-D

Interesting -- I didn't know Z1 did that. Of course, any independent shop can set up an account with a distributor and order OEM parts.

It's yet another pebble on the mountain of evidence that Z1 has incredible customer service -- you're on the other end of the planet, yet they're willing to give you the kind of service that keeps you coming back.

[psyguy]

Interesting -- I didn't know Z1 did that. Of course, any independent shop can set up an account with a distributor and order OEM parts.

It's yet another pebble on the mountain of evidence that Z1 has incredible customer service -- you're on the other end of the planet, yet they're willing to give you the kind of service that keeps you coming back.

yup, that IS why i keep comming back and also say nice things about them to other prospective overseas customers (the z1 also charges just the actual usps shipping costs, unlike many other places, and being down under, it makes a lot of difference)
regards

[Joe Nardy]

Well, day three and no reply to my email asking for a status update. Flatout's website still shows my order status as 'reviewed' as of 3/18.

While I understand the OEM parts order process and don't expect to receive parts in a couple days this is bad service. I figured I'd have my parts within two weeks or at least a status. BikeBandit has always sent me status emails if a part is hard to locate and when they do locate said part. They are sometimes slow as well but at least they let you know what's going on. And I don't think they charge your credit card until they ship the items (I could be wrong about this).

If I ever receive my parts from Flatout, which I'm beginning to doubt, that will be my last order with them.

Joe

[posplayr]

That is bad for Flatout

but you can call the phone number for online sales. I have always had someone pickup and be helpful, even if e-mail contact was sparse.

With OEM parts you have to be aware that some of the vendors will hold up an entire several hundred dollar order just for one screw if they are waiting on it. BB for example will not split orders you have to delete items from the order with the back ordered part and re order it in a separate order.

So something to keep in mind is to check back with the vendor to see if anything is back ordered or otherwise delayed and separate that item out (usually after the order was made) and reorder from same source or go else where.

Posplayr

[TheCafeKid]

It has been my experience with Babbitts, that they will split orders. As stated thier shipping costs are a bit higher, and small items end up being more expensive (weird stuff that cost 79cents elsewhere, costs 2and some change from them) BUT their other prices tend to beat BikeBandit but a lil bit. This is counteracted by the shipping costs i guess, but like i said they will split orders. Just an FYI.

[Joe Nardy]

but you can call the phone number for online sales. I have always had someone pickup and be helpful, even if e-mail contact was sparse.

With OEM parts you have to be aware that some of the vendors will hold up an entire several hundred dollar order just for one screw if they are waiting on it. BB for example will not split orders you have to delete items from the order with the back ordered part and re order it in a separate order.

So something to keep in mind is to check back with the vendor to see if anything is back ordered or otherwise delayed and separate that item out (usually after the order was made) and reorder from same source or go else where.

Posplayr

That's all understood and fine. However, in today's world, electronic communication is the standard. If I can order parts online and receive a confirmation email with a reply email address it shouldn't be unreasonable to expect a response. If I knew what was going on with the order I could make changes if necessary. I have had several instances with BikeBandit where items I ordered were backordered. BikeBandit has always sent me emails explaining the status. If Flatout had done the same I wouldn't be upset. However, I have no idea what the status of my order is other than 'reviewed' and that my credit card has been charged the full amount, despite having sent an email asking for a status update. I understand if others have had good luck with Flatout. I have ordered a lot of things online and Flatout is the worst at communication of any vendor I have ever dealt with. I expect to get my parts at some point but will take my business elsewhere from now on. If anyone asks my opinion on Flatout it will be negative. I will explain the reason for my negative feelings and point out that others have had good experiences with them.

Thanks,
Joe

[posplayr]

I don't disagree a bit.

>>>>That's all understood and fine. However, in today's world, electronic communication is the standard.

However I'm sorry, I guess I have lowered my standards lower than you have. Underpaid (vendor) help or scamers on Ebay, you can't be too picky these days.

Fortunately, I have gone into any transation with Flatout under the assumption it would take longer but the price was lower. Generally they have not been bad, but the online status is still not as good as human voice confirmation.

I guess you makes your picks and youse takes your chances. I have a $330 junk GS100ED head that I have to fight ebay paypal on.

Good luck on the parts...

Pospalyr

[jeff.saunders]

[QUOTE=bwringer;791980]There seems to be quite a bit of confusion here... many of you have a faulty mental model of how these businesses work, and your expectations are often unrealistic.

Flat Out is a large-ish Suzuki dealer in Indianapolis. They have microfiches on their web site and you can order OEM Suzuki parts there. They provide real part numbers, and have the best parts prices. (There are lots of dealers with online fiches provided by Power Sports Network, but many obscure part numbers or charge more.) As noted above, Flat Out tends to not communicate very well and they require a signature upon delivery, which is confusing, silly, and aggravating. However, you will get your parts and if there's a problem, real people will make it right.

Z1 deals in aftermarket parts for older motorcycles. They do not sell OEM parts. When you order a valve shim from Z1, you get an aftermarket part from their stock. Nothing at all wrong with that, and they can usually ship the same day. However, they do not stock or have access to parts only available from Suzuki, like piston rings, seals, etc.

These are COMPLETELY different types of businesses.

QUOTE]

I beg to differ - we sell a large volume of OEM parts. We do not tend to stock that many Suzuki parts at this time, but we can order ANYTHING from Suzuki that is still available. Our pricing is very competitive on Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha parts. If you browse our web site, you will see a good (large) selection of OEM Kawasaki and Honda parts. We will be adding Suzuki parts as we continue to grow.

Places like Bike Bandit and Flatout DO NOT stock the Suzuki parts you are ordering either. They place their order with Suzuki AFTER you place your order. Depending how efficient each place is, depends how quickly parts arrive from Suzuki and are dispatched to you.

Yes, we do focus primarily on aftermarket parts, but we source parts from whoever makes sense to allow customers to keep their bikes on the road.

Unlike many places, our business model is to ONLY advertize what we have in stock - this allows us to ship the vast majority of orders the same day. Having said that, we try to find parts for customers using both OEM and aftermarket sources - not only in the USA, but in Japan and other markets.

We also have been working to source parts that have disappeared from OEM stocks.

[posplayr]

I only placed one order with Z1

It was for just less than $300 I think.

They have a nice selection of somewhat obscure motor cycle tools (remote tank, fork level tool, tappet tool, tappet feeler gauge, carb gauges , OEM style black engine paint, etc )and everyone of the items ordered was in the mail the next day.

Very impressive and certainly not the norm.

Posplayr

[Joe Nardy]

I beg to differ - we sell a large volume of OEM parts. We do not tend to stock that many Suzuki parts at this time, but we can order ANYTHING from Suzuki that is still available. Our pricing is very competitive on Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha parts. If you browse our web site, you will see a good (large) selection of OEM Kawasaki and Honda parts. We will be adding Suzuki parts as we continue to grow.

Places like Bike Bandit and Flatout DO NOT stock the Suzuki parts you are ordering either. They place their order with Suzuki AFTER you place your order. Depending how efficient each place is, depends how quickly parts arrive from Suzuki and are dispatched to you.

Yes, we do focus primarily on aftermarket parts, but we source parts from whoever makes sense to allow customers to keep their bikes on the road.

Unlike many places, our business model is to ONLY advertize what we have in stock - this allows us to ship the vast majority of orders the same day. Having said that, we try to find parts for customers using both OEM and aftermarket sources - not only in the USA, but in Japan and other markets.

We also have been working to source parts that have disappeared from OEM stocks.

Jeff,

Thanks for this valuable info. Next time I need OEM parts I will definitely check with you first!

Joe

[bwringer]

I beg to differ - we sell a large volume of OEM parts. We do not tend to stock that many Suzuki parts at this time, but we can order ANYTHING from Suzuki that is still available. Our pricing is very competitive on Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha parts. If you browse our web site, you will see a good (large) selection of OEM Kawasaki and Honda parts. We will be adding Suzuki parts as we continue to grow.

Places like Bike Bandit and Flatout DO NOT stock the Suzuki parts you are ordering either. They place their order with Suzuki AFTER you place your order. Depending how efficient each place is, depends how quickly parts arrive from Suzuki and are dispatched to you.

Yes, we do focus primarily on aftermarket parts, but we source parts from whoever makes sense to allow customers to keep their bikes on the road.

Unlike many places, our business model is to ONLY advertize what we have in stock - this allows us to ship the vast majority of orders the same day. Having said that, we try to find parts for customers using both OEM and aftermarket sources - not only in the USA, but in Japan and other markets.

We also have been working to source parts that have disappeared from OEM stocks.

Good info, Jeff. I stand humbly corrected. And it's exciting to hear that you're bringing the same incredible level of knowledge and service to sourcing OEM parts.

And I'm especially interested to note that last sentence... do you want our wish lists of discontinued OEM Suzuki parts now or later?

However, it doesn't say anything on your web site regarding OEM parts, other than "Genuine Suzuki" or "Genuine Kawasaki" notations on some parts listings.

How would one go about ordering a batch of OEM parts? Email you a list of part numbers? Call? Are you ready for this?