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Very RUDE person at WheelSport in Orleans...

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Big_Dadda :)

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Dec 22, 2003, 11:32:08 AM12/22/03
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This morning I took my kids into Wheelsport to check out the dirt bikes. (To
get them thinking about the upcoming season, and the promise of dirt bikes).

We casually looked around, no problem, kids were by my side and not
touching, we moved into the acceroies area, where there is one of those side
by side 6 wheelers...I think its Kawa Mule ??

Anyway we walk over to take a look, and the kids ask me of they can sit in
it, NOT being any signs around I said it was OK if they sat in the seats, as
they were getting in, some crusty old man, I later learn his name is FRED or
FREDDIY, come screeching over and says, "Thats not acceptable, your not
allowed in there.....Fine.....I said, come on kids, get out, which they did,
at this point I suggested that he should have some signs up (as they do on
all the other machines), saying touching NOT allowowed, he kept mumbling
"its just not acceptable",I then told him I would do my shopping elsewhere,
to which he said "FINE, BE MY GUEST, GO AHEAD!".

Now I maynot be a big consumer, but having bikes and sleds and being in
touch with people that do, was it worth turning me away as a past and future
customer ???

I was told by one of the staff, to just "Ignore Him", but thats fine.

Next time Im even considering buying parts/clothing OR even a new
motorcycle, I will do my damnedest to shop somewhere else.

People like this should realise, its the little everyday Joe that keeps
these places going, and they should not forget it, being rude was neither
called for or tactful, so "FREDDY " at wheelsport...Heres a " BITE ME" for
ya.

Big_Dadda :)


blade

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Dec 22, 2003, 4:35:44 PM12/22/03
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I'll make sure I never stop in there to shop!

Nobody needs that bullshit do they. Was it his money invested in those
bikes, I doubt it very much. What does he give a shit if someone sits on
them!


"Big_Dadda :)" <simon_...@videotron.ca> wrote in message
news:q0FFb.25723$pc1.8...@wagner.videotron.net...

James Black ZRX

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Dec 22, 2003, 5:42:59 PM12/22/03
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>
> People like this should realise, its the little everyday Joe that keeps
> these places going, and they should not forget it, being rude was neither
> called for or tactful, so "FREDDY " at wheelsport...Heres a " BITE ME" for
> ya.
>
> Big_Dadda :)

It seems to me every few months old Wheelsport get's trashed. Some
people will be along to defend them no doubt. I for one will not deal
with them. I find them ignorant and arrogant. I have witnessed it and
been subject to it.

James

Sue

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Dec 22, 2003, 8:31:52 PM12/22/03
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I don't shop there because it's too far away for me, but I think the Fred
you're referring to would be the owner, Fred Coleman (spelling??). He seems
to be someone people either love or hate.

It's certainly your right to take your business and money where you're
treated decently! Our family has had very good service at Motorsports
World, but there will be people who will have complaints about them too.
Shop around and stick to the store where you're comfortable.

Sue


GhostRider

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Dec 22, 2003, 11:23:43 PM12/22/03
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Yah, Fred can be quite crass and those are unpleasant moments to say the
least. But like any other business there are some excellent people that work
there, for instance the parts manager is an around great guy who has in his
owns right brought some measure of reform to the way that his section
operates. Likewise I am intimately aware of a least one occasion where the
service department has gone beyond the call of duty and saved their customer
thousands of dollars by performing warranty work for damages can only be
described(admittedly) as operator error.

I also use a not all too subtle measure of satisfaction when dealing with
the various dealerships around town, and I have to honestly say that they
all have their ups and downs. Too bad we can't replace them all with
machines, then we would be guaranteed of receiving consistently bad service.

"Big_Dadda :)" <simon_...@videotron.ca> wrote in message
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gtgreet5

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Dec 25, 2003, 11:45:28 AM12/25/03
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Yep, that's Fred the owner.

I have not had pleasure in doing business with him, but I have
done business at his store and I've never had any problems
with his staff.

He is simply a crusty old man. Needs a good cuff outside
the head..

And like others have said, some people like him and others
hate him.

The people that I've noticed who really like him are the older
folks who sink $40,000 into a wing, side-car, and trailer.

Others have commented on Motor Sports World, and I've
dealt with them for years. Not to bad, but I've had to return
my bike 4 times to get issues resolved.

Most of my business was done with Darotune Honda. I've
always had excellent work from them, and I've been doing
business with them since 1989.

I think they are closed now .. hmmm. Any ideas?

"Big_Dadda :)" <simon_...@videotron.ca> wrote in message
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B

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Dec 26, 2003, 8:06:30 AM12/26/03
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"I think they are closed now .. hmmm. Any ideas?"

Darotune also owns PowerSports, on Prince of Wales and Hunt Club. At first I
thought it was just a rumor but then I saw the owner of Darotune behind the
counters at PowerSports and helping cusomters.

Regards,
Blaine

"gtgreet5" <5t...@adsf.com> wrote in message
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Sue

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Dec 26, 2003, 10:31:25 AM12/26/03
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I think it's the other way around, PowerSports owns Darotune. I'm pretty
sure Darotune is still open though.
Sue

"B" <2blain...@rogers.com> wrote in message
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ddr

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Dec 26, 2003, 10:34:22 AM12/26/03
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B wrote:

"I think they are closed now .. hmmm.  Any ideas?....Darotune also owns PowerSports, on Prince of Wales and Hunt Club...."
1. I don't think Darotune is closed <as yet> but I haven't been by to check that for sure; try phoning to see.

2. "Mr Darotune" doesn't own Powersports; but I think he does have a piece of it. Can't say how big a chunk.

Don

Wayne Jones

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Dec 26, 2003, 3:18:55 PM12/26/03
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I did business with Fred back in 1973 and he wasn't old then but still was
very unfriendly. I always felt that he didn't want to sell me parts for my
Skidoo and he was just doing me a favour. Never could understand how he
stayed in business with his attitude but he's flourishing.
Wayne

"gtgreet5" <5t...@adsf.com> wrote in message
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m...@home.com

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Dec 26, 2003, 6:59:38 PM12/26/03
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Powersports owns Darotune & the Harley place on Merivale (as far as I
know). Darotune's selling snowmobiles now & the leftover bike parts
is what I heard.

Been dealing with Powersports since they opened... personally, I've
had great service there. The prices marked on some accessories are
the old Darotune prices and most are negotiable. Just talk to them &
bargain.

Rog

kurt

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Dec 26, 2003, 8:54:38 PM12/26/03
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Actually, they are both part of the Butler car group, along with Freedom
Harley. A friend of mine has a son who pilots for Butler at the airline he
co-owns, Celtic Air. Guess who the "other" owner is?

"ddr" <ddr...@travel-net.com> wrote in message
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Paul Woodward

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Dec 26, 2003, 9:10:54 PM12/26/03
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I concur. Bought my ST there and couldn't ask for better pre and post
service. Ran out of gas (stupid me) on the way there one day and called to
say I would be late and they sent a truck out with gas for the bike. No
charge for either the gas or the trip.

Paul
ST1300
Samantha
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Global Rider

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Dec 27, 2003, 9:40:19 AM12/27/03
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"Wayne Jones" <wayne.jon...@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:PI0Hb.170363$ea%.97844@news01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
...was just doing me a favour. Never could understand how he stayed in

business with his attitude but he's flourishing.
Wayne


Wayne, the "doing you a favour" scenario that some of us are familiar with
is typical of most businesses, at least up here north of the border.

As for the other part, luckily for them, consumers are quick to forget or
couldn't be bothered to go elsewhere. Their own fault!


All the best,
Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page
http://www.ott.igs.net/~ace

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Sue

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Dec 27, 2003, 4:20:12 PM12/27/03
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"kurt" <kh...@sprint.ca> wrote in message
news:OE5Hb.666$qP5....@newscontent-01.sprint.ca...

> Actually, they are both part of the Butler car group, along with Freedom
> Harley. A friend of mine has a son who pilots for Butler at the airline he
> co-owns, Celtic Air. Guess who the "other" owner is?

I'll bite...who's the other owner? And of which of the businesses?


David Robinson

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Dec 28, 2003, 11:05:48 PM12/28/03
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saw your post - I recently bought an ST 1300, and am interested in
connecting with other Ottawa area ST1300 riders. By the way - I bought mine
from Wheelsport, from the "crusty" owner's son. I have had good dealings
with this store.
Dave

"Paul Woodward" <woodw...@videotron.ca> wrote in message
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kurt

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Dec 28, 2003, 11:23:15 PM12/28/03
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Pat Butler owns the small plane, a turbojet 8 seater and the other owner (of
the airline) owns the large jet, a 737 I think so he can travel home to
Wales. Celtic Air, as in Celtic House Investments for Terry Matthews.


"Sue" <susanrem...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:RP-dnRzs3Kn...@magma.ca...

Wayne Jones

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Dec 30, 2003, 4:21:42 PM12/30/03
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I haven't had any problems with the dealership since I got back into biking.
They are very friendly and cooperative. I just remembered how Fred was in
the old days. I have talked to hime lately and he has actually mellowed. Now
he seems to just hang around the store to talk to the customers.
Wayne
blue 2000 gl1500se


750ACEMAN

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Dec 31, 2003, 8:31:19 AM12/31/03
to
I agree with you Wayne....a dealership doesn't stay in business for 30 plus
years unless they do something right...Fred Kolman was having a real bad
day. Wheelsport has always treated me very well. The secret to Wheelsport is
to deal with the great staff there and just say hello to Fred and keep
walking. He has offered sits on bikes to me. All shops have a bad side. I
can tell you about my bad experiences at Ottawa Goodtime but that
accomplishes nothing. I just go there to make some of the jerks work.

Ride Safe..Spring is on the way.....Gene 750 ACEman


"Wayne Jones" <wayne.jon...@rogers.com> wrote in message

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Global Rider

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Dec 31, 2003, 7:36:51 PM12/31/03
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"750ACEMAN" <gen...@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:HcAIb.41509$INs....@twister01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
>The secret to Wheelsport is:

Stu in parts.

I have known Stu since the days he worked at Hurst in the late 80s. If I
ever opened a shop (not going to happen as I'd hate selling garden equipment
and sleds), I'd hire Stu, Bruce and Super Dave from OGTC and Guy from MSW.
Can't comment on service personel as I have no dealings with them.

Fred

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Mar 10, 2004, 7:13:33 PM3/10/04
to
I bought my 99 Magna new from WheelSport 5 years ago. The staff was great
and the service manager is excellent.
I however have never gone back there because of the way I was treated by
Fred. I must have spent a good $3-4k on parts and service since then. Fred
is the most arrogant unprofessional and condescending individual I have ever
met. the fact that the profits roll up to this dink is reason enough to
take my business else where. My wife thought he was some rusty old fart
that was dragged in by the cat. well I plan on buying a new bike this
season and may possibly go to Good Time. I have been doing all my service
there over the years and they have been just great. When I changed my oil
last fall they tightened my chain and fixed a few other things no charge.
They have good staff and treat customers the way customers are supposed to
be treated. And yes, it's very true that Fred's place has done well over
the years despite him. Just imagine how big they could have been with out
his unpopular reputation..... and for those who respond to this in defense
of Coleman...that's great. We all have choices.


"Global Rider" <global_...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3ff36...@corp.newsgroups.com...

Arthur

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Mar 10, 2004, 8:33:53 PM3/10/04
to
If Fred was habitually at Wheelsport, I might feel the same way. I DID feel
the same way a few years ago...but Fred is semi-retired now and his son,
Jim, manages Wheelsport's day-to-day operations now. At least that's my
understanding.

Whether you patronize Wheelsport or OGTC or somewhere else, your money is
going to profit someone. I bought my Goldwing at Wheelsport last year, and
still feel good about it. I have never talked to Fred in all my recent
dealings with Wheelsport. Currently they (Stu and Mitch) are 'bending over
backwards' for me in trying to fix a problem that Honda Canada should have
acknowledged long ago. I think they're doing a fine job, and would buy
there again. I never went there for service until I bought my Goldwing, but
they're just as good as OGTC in my opinion. BTW, whoever was in charge of
service when you bought your Magna is no longer working in that position.
Mitch is in charge of service now.

Cheers,
Arthur
'03 GL1800

"Fred" <fbk@REMOVE_THESE_CAPSrogers.com> wrote in message
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Fred

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Mar 10, 2004, 9:06:08 PM3/10/04
to
Hey Arthur,

Congrats on your new Wing, very nice!!!!

What kinda of bike did you ride before?

I respect your comments and am sure you will continue to get good service
there.
I would have continued doing business at Wheelsport but will not because of
the way I was treated by Fred. Retired or not.
Anyways enough negativity (LOl). I was thinking of trading in my magna for
a new ST 1300 but was very disappointed after taking one for a long test
ride last fall power sales. The bike handled very sloppy and the engine
rattled like it needed a new valve cover. I was very shocked.
My Magna is in mint shape with 18K on it and I still love it for what it is.
I only do about 3-4k a summer. One trip or so for a few days with some
friends from TO. My buddy has a new BMW K1200RS and it puts the ST to shame
as far as handling and performance goes. My problem is that I don't feel
very comfortable in a somewhat crouched riding position. I'm 5-7" and the
Magna is just so comfortable to drive.
I was thinking of a Gold Wing as well.

"Arthur" <tro...@myprivacy.ca> wrote in message
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Paul Woodward

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Mar 10, 2004, 9:53:22 PM3/10/04
to
Fred,

Sorry you were disappointed with the ST1300. I test rode one extensively
before trading my VTR in on it and I have found the handling to be excellent
and the engine very quiet (sometimes too quiet) with the exception of a bit
of gear whine at low RPM. With my wife and I on board it is quite capable
and never feels sloppy to me and I have never before this owned anything but
sport bikes.. I did like the BMW as well but didn't like the braking
system.

Well, each to their own and I hope you find something out there that is
right for you.

Good Luck

Paul
ST1300


"Fred" <fbk@REMOVE_THESE_CAPSrogers.com> wrote in message

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alex

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Mar 10, 2004, 11:48:08 PM3/10/04
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Hi all

I Got my Yamaha seca over their and was served by Richard Ménard who was really helpful to the newbi i was the guys in the part have always been great fixing stuff and giving tips for free.

What i says is their a lot of good people in their don't bash everyone.

Alex

Sspeedy

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Mar 11, 2004, 9:39:06 AM3/11/04
to
I bought my first bike from Fast Freddy 25 years ago & that was the last
time I gave him a dime. Since then, I purchased 6 bikes from Loiselle
Sports. The new owner Etienne will offer you a decent purchase price & good
service. Good things are now happening at this dealership. Give him a call
443-3260

"Fred" <fbk@REMOVE_THESE_CAPSrogers.com> wrote in message
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Caruthers2004

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Mar 11, 2004, 10:09:53 AM3/11/04
to
In my few visits to Wheelsport I would rank their "customer service" as the
worst in the region. On one occasion I was able to walk around the showroom
for 20min without anyone even acknowledging my presence.

Motorsports world and darotune are smaller but both have excellent service.

with all this talk of gold wings I"m thinking this newsgroup has an 'older'
demographic ! ;o)

Max

RDale

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Mar 11, 2004, 11:26:07 AM3/11/04
to
Arthur wrote:
BTW, whoever was in charge of
> service when you bought your Magna is no longer working in that position.
> Mitch is in charge of service now.
>

Actually, Mitch just changed over to sales ... he is doing sales full time
now

Dare-x

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Mar 11, 2004, 8:31:36 PM3/11/04
to
I agree, I was going to buy a bike there last year and I saw this guy
not knowing who he was yelling at a unhappy customer. I mean this made
my girlfriend step behind me. I just shook my head and even though I
liked the bike I did not want to deal with them. I went to Daratune
that day and ended up buying my bike there that day. So that guy lost
the shop a sale that day!

caruth...@aol.com (Caruthers2004) wrote in message news:<20040311100953...@mb-m24.aol.com>...

Tinhat

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Mar 11, 2004, 11:17:06 PM3/11/04
to
I'd like to thank everyone who called and emailed saying they'll miss me at the parts and service counter.It's an overwhelming response. Even though I have been promoted to sales now, I still pride myself on our customer service and continue to make everyone feel at home at Wheelsport. As for the Fred bashing, we all have our opinions. After working for him for 4 years now, I see him as the old faithful dog on the front porch of a farmhouse, he will bark really loud as you approach the house but it doesn't mean that you're not welcome inside. Give yourself the chance to know him and you will see what a humourous man he actually is!! To all of you who have been loyal and continue to deal with us, we may not always remember your first name or what bike you ride , but we know who you are. Don't think it goes unnoticed !!

Thanks again!!
Mitch

Inspirlogic

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Mar 12, 2004, 8:03:29 AM3/12/04
to
I bought a Volusia from them last weekend. The service was excellent. I'm a
new rider so I asked lots of questions. The salesman was Jim. I also dealt
with a couple of people behind the parts counter and they were very
accomodating. Their price was very competative.


Fred Flintstone

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Mar 12, 2004, 4:27:10 PM3/12/04
to
Everyone there is most helpful...

The only gripe people have (and I most definatley do) is when the owner,
Fred, sticks his unwanted/unneeded nose in....He gets people annoyed, its
only because of people like Mitch etc that I go back, bought a new "Beanie"
lid there this week.

Fred, as I see it, is the only problem with wheelsport, the fact he owns the
place and makes money, aggrevates me, but the service of other staff members
there make up for the downfall...


"Inspirlogic" <inspir...@rogers.com> wrote in message
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Fred

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Mar 12, 2004, 4:44:06 PM3/12/04
to
Mitch,

Customer service comes from more then just one person. I am sure you are a
very well respected individual and a valued employee of Wheelsport. It is
because of individuals like yourself that Wheelsport is still in business.
Fred may be the nicest person around once you get to know him, but frankly
who cares. What I look for in an establishment where I dish out my hard
earned cash is professionalism, courtesy and RESPECT. All of these are from
my experience and opinion totally void of your owner. Does he actually
think he is that much better then everyone else?

I have been in sales for over 28 years and I have never once treated my
customers as rudely, unprofessionally or in such a condescending way as Mr.
Coleman. As far as your analogy of Fred being like an "Old Faithful Dog"
that is absolute nonsense. That would be like going to your local grocery
store and listening to the owner yelling at his/her customers and hoping the
ones that know he is "really a nice guy" will shop there. This man is rude
and based on my experience at your shop a number of your employees would
agree. The bottom line is yes, we all have choices and opinions. Word of
mouth is everything. If I am treated well from an establishment I tell
everyone about me positive experience. Conversely I will let everyone know
when I am treated like dirt. I strongly recommend if anyone is interested
in purchasing a new bike or looking for a place for service they stay clear
the hell away from Wheelsport. Try the GoodTime centre on Hunt Club and
Merivale, these guys are just fantastic. They will bend over backwards to
help you and yes, the owner is courteous and very appreciative of your
business.


If my experience is awful as it was at
"Tinhat" <mads...@netscape.net> wrote in message
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Kent Clarke

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Mar 15, 2004, 4:52:01 PM3/15/04
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In article <Byi4c.8957$1gU1...@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com>,
"Inspirlogic" <inspir...@rogers.com> wrote:

Cool! How do you like the Volusia? Had a chance to ride much? I was
looking at one there last week and I think it's pretty much exactly what
I'm looking for--retro looks but comfortable with a reasonable range.

750ACEman

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Mar 16, 2004, 10:25:54 PM3/16/04
to
Hey Kent....congrats on your purchase. That "salesman" you dealt with was
Jim Kolman, the V.P. himself. They will keep giving you the good service
too. I am sure if Fred was there he would have thanked you as well, or maybe
not. Who knows and who cares.

Ride Safe....Gene 02-750ACEman
"Kent Clarke" <ke...@dot.org> wrote in message
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Wendy Whiner

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Mar 16, 2004, 10:31:43 PM3/16/04
to
Freds a jerk.
I will never go back there again.


" 750ACEman" <gen...@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
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Johanne

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Mar 19, 2004, 6:04:37 AM3/19/04
to
Congrats on your new Volusia....that's also what I ride. You'll love it I'm
sure ;-)

If you ever want to check out a good source of information, drop by the
Volusia Owner's League at http://www.volusiaowners.com/

--
Johanne

2003 Suzuki Volusia VL800 Special Edition
"Midnight Hugger"
VOL # 3160
VDOGON # A4
GWRRA # 611451

To contact me directly, you'll have to remove the garbage that I put in my
address....I'm sooooooooo sick of spam.
____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________


"Inspirlogic" <inspir...@rogers.com> wrote in message
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