Bike Bandit Blows

[Guest]

It's nice that you can place OEM numbers into thier search. But the good stuff kinda ends there.

I'm into my third week waiting on a gasket set for my 1100 now and may have it at beginning of next. Thier customer service guy tried to BS me about time frames. Told me Suzuki was completely shut down for the week of Christmas/New Year, which my local dealership said was BS and backed it up by getting me parts that week. Was told they would ship my stuff 2 day air, and it is now coming ground. When I first inquired about the compinents in the set I got attitude from the girl about that. Still ordered to save a few bux.

Please join my boycot friends, These Guys Suck Balz! Rude and dishonest doesn't work for me.

[Frank Z.]

2 words: Boulevard Suzuki (prices)
2 initials: Z1 (barely do you finish placing your order when the stuff is at your door.)

[Steve]

In my experience, Bike Bandit tends to be the second most expensive supplier out there.

Yeah, Boulevard Suzuki is better, Z1 is better, LOTS of others are better. In fact the only one worse is Alpha Sports.
Alpha has a great list of superceded parts numbers, but, like Bandit, that's where the good stuff ends.

My personal favorite for most of my purchases is G&S Suzuki.

.

[DCrippa]

I've heard it said before and I'll repeat it cuz I found it funny ... It's Right there in the name.

I've ordered from them before - that was before I knew of Z1... I've also ordered from babbitsonline and they were good but what I noticed was some places mark down bolts and stuff but Jack up shipping and other places had lower priced shipping but jacked up Prices on parts - weird.

[70GT]

I never order from bike bandit I found there prices to be outlandish . I buy a lot of stuff from dennis kirk never had any trouble with them . On a few occasions lately ive been able to get it cheaper at my local suzuki shop the part may be a few dollars more but with out the shipping charges still comes out cheaper . 70 GT

[btbarb]

It's nice that you can place OEM numbers into thier search. But the good stuff kinda ends there.

I'm into my third week waiting on a gasket set for my 1100 now and may have it at beginning of next. Thier customer service guy tried to BS me about time frames. Told me Suzuki was completely shut down for the week of Christmas/New Year, which my local dealership said was BS and backed it up by getting me parts that week. Was told they would ship my stuff 2 day air, and it is now coming ground. When I first inquired about the compinents in the set I got attitude from the girl about that. Still ordered to save a few bux.

Please join my boycot friends, These Guys Suck Balz! Rude and dishonest doesn't work for me.

Haven't tried Boulevard Suzuki yet. Z1 is first choice, second choice is PartShark.com

[5azzmonkey]

Haven't tried Boulevard Suzuki yet. Z1 is first choice, second choice is PartShark.com

Partshark.com and z1enterprises.com are what I use too, both have been great!

[GS ace]

I once did business with Bike Bandit a few years ago. I emphasize the word "once".

[koolaid_kid]

Back in 96 when I first started riding my KZ750E I used to use them. I still use them for their search functions when I am looking for a part. I then figure out what fiche I need and go to another vendor and get the part(s). You still have to shop around; sometimes the shipping charges at on site negates any possible savings over another site. The proprietary parts numbers is a hassle, for certain. I have to go to the fiche, see which part it is, then go to another site for a factory part number. This applies to Kaws also, for those so inclined.

[850GT_Rider]

Back in 96 when I first started riding my KZ750E I used to use them. I still use them for their search functions when I am looking for a part. I then figure out what fiche I need and go to another vendor and get the part(s). You still have to shop around; sometimes the shipping charges at on site negates any possible savings over another site. The proprietary parts numbers is a hassle, for certain. I have to go to the fiche, see which part it is, then go to another site for a factory part number. This applies to Kaws also, for those so inclined.

I'm doing the Saltymonk brake upgrade this winter (hopefully). I got a nice set of Concours calipers and master cylinder, but will want to rebuild all before installing. I don't want to use K&L seals and stuff, so what's a good source for OEM parts for the Kaws?

[gbw]

The last few times I've ordered OEM parts for the GS or the Bandit, after shopping around, I just placed my order with the local Suzuki dealer (Suzuki of Carol Stream IL).

Their price was a little higher but it was a wash (or nearly so) since I didn't have to pay shipping charges.

They usually have the parts in 3 business days. I like talking to the guys in the shop and seeing what new and used bikes they have. It works for me because they are only about 10 minutes from my house.

Also I like supporting them. They are the only Suzuki dealer around now after Schaumburg Suzuki went out of business. I don't buy much but I like having them around and would hate to see them go under.

[FLHGSRay]

I had the same problem with BB, waited 2 plus weeks for throttle and clutch cables. I sometimes buy from the local dealer, although I'm shying away from that. He quoted over $500 for brake rebuild parts, got it from Boulevard for less than $150. No contest. I'd like to buy locally, but I won't be raped in the proccess.

[Hornswaggle]

I used BB once also and had a similar experience with long shipping delays. Did not impress me at all.

[gbw]

...the local dealer...quoted over $500 for brake rebuild parts, got it from Boulevard for less than $150.

That is crazy markup. I'd give the local dealer a chance to price match, but baring that, go with Boulevard. I'm going to start checking with them on my purchases!

[ddaniels]

Yep, I gave up on BB a long time ago because of waiting time. Problem is they order from OEM, which ships to them, then they process again and ship to you. Would be a lot better if they would pull their heads out and start drop shipping direct to the customer.