Boulevard suzuki not happy

[ged]

Hi, I dont know what to do. I have just hit a bit of a hurdle. I purchased a set of piston rings off Boulavard Suzuki which I thought was a standard size for my bike 1980 GS850G.
PISTON RING SET (STD)
12140-49001

When I finally got them and $500 of other parts shipped over, I put them up against the old rings and I found that they were about 1mm larger.

I did see on the same parts list RING SET, PISTO
12140-45121 (replaces 12140-45120)
but I thought nah it must be the other ones that have (STD) standard beside them.

Any way I have sent a number of emails to see if I can send them back and get the other ones in exchange. Just waiting for an answer, hopefully it will be ok and they will do it.

It has been a week now with no answer I think they are not going to allow me to do it. I think that the parts list is very misleading and Boulevard Suzuki is not responding to my request.

I have seen other parts sites with the same wording in the parts list. But some I have found where they clearly explain the piston ring set sizes with the part numbers.

So what do I do keep sending emails for a response or do I go to another company and purchase my parts and sell the rings I have?

[salty_monk]

I would persist... or try a phone call (use Skype to get over the issue of cost).

[bwringer]

Your story is a little hard to follow, but it appears that you received the 1.0mm oversized rings ( 12140-49001 ) instead of the standard size you thought you ordered. The part number for the standard size GS850 rings is 12140-45121 (the original part number is 12140-45120, which has been superceded). Is that correct?

First, check your verification email to see what part number you really did order. I agree that most of the fiches are very confusing at best, incorrect at worst. If you ordered the wrong part number, even if you were misguided by an incorrect fiche, they may or may not be much help. Some dealers don't give a hoot about online orders.

But, there is some good news:

It just so happens that the 1.0mm oversize GS850 rings ( 12140-49001 ) are also the standard rings for the 78-80 8-valve GS1000 models. (Suzuki never re-engineers anything if they can help it.) So if Boulevard won't take them back for whatever reason, or shipping and restocking is too much, you should be able to sell the OS rings easily to someone who is rebuilding a GS1000E/S/G/GL.

Also, the regular size GS850 rings are still available, and are a bit cheaper than the GS1000/+1.0mm rings -- I'm seeing $29.21 a set at Partshark.com , as opposed to $35.10 for the larger rings.

Partshark.com is a good US vendor, and there are several that are cheaper than Boulevard, and don't gouge you on shipping.

Google your local Suzuki shoppes, too -- chances are, one near you sells parts online at a discount. The one near me has even better prices ($28.60 for the GS850 rings), and I can go pick up my goodies when they come in, slobber on new bikes, etc.


EDIT: Just noticed that you're on the other end of the planet from here... You might also try contacting Z1 Enterprises if you can't get Suzuki parts locally -- they can obtain Suzuki parts if you supply the part number, and they have loads of experience with international shipping.

[azr]

I just order the same thing for my 1000 (along with other parts). I phoned about the rings and a good thing I did because like you I was about to order the wrong rings. I've yet to receive them (they're on their way) but I'm confident they are the correct ones. Best thing to do with Boulevard is call them. Emails don't tend to get answered very well. I've ordered from them a few times now with no problems. They are a bit crappy to call back or email back but are always easy enough to get a hold of on the phone.

[GS1000G Shopper]

They have a member here, I think it is Ashley? She's the parts manager and has been very helpful. Try a PM. Cheaper than an international call.

[pete]

Greg, that's a real bugger! But yes, PM Ashley on here and see if that helps, alternatively someone on here may be willing to give their toll free number a call for you.

Emails are tending to be a bit slow these days I've noticed, but other than that things are good...

[landshark]

If you get stuck and the rings do fit the 1000 and match my bike contact me. ill do you a fair deal.

[ged]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I sometimes just get frustrated and impatient. Anyway have sent Ashley a PM and see what happens.

Engine assembly has come to a halt until I sought out the rings. Got a price for a set of correct size rings from local Suzuki shop $50 each set.

You can see why I have being buying parts from the States. I try and write out a list of parts I need then just order in a bulk lot for the cheaper shipping cost.

[pete]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I sometimes just get frustrated and impatient. Anyway have sent Ashley a PM and see what happens.

Engine assembly has come to a halt until I sought out the rings. Got a price for a set of correct size rings from local Suzuki shop $50 each set.

You can see why I have being buying parts from the States. I try and write out a list of parts I need then just order in a bulk lot for the cheaper shipping cost.

I hear ya on the price. An odd little bit here and there is fine locally but a rebuild hurts... I continually save half price minimum by buying in from the states, even including the shipping price.

[ged]

Hows that for service.

Sent a PM to Ashley and straight away she answered.

Boulevardsuzuki has no problems with me exchanging over the piston rings.

Great news and great service, thank you Ashley and thank you Boulevardsuzuki.

Will definably be using this company again.
Well done.

[pete]

Hows that for service.

Sent a PM to Ashley and straight away she answered.

Boulevardsuzuki has no problems with me exchanging over the piston rings.

Great news and great service, thank you Ashley and thank you Boulevardsuzuki.

Will definably be using this company again.
Well done.

Glad to hear it Greg!