Fox Valley Cycles

Reviews 6

CO

Cosmo

I hate writing the truth in this issue, ergo a bad review on a shop Ive been dealing with since 1982, but different owners now; however, I hope I can help fellow motorcyclists make a decision before pouring good money into an investment and find out Fox Valley Cycles isnt there for them after the sale is made. My Honda motorcycle is still under warranty as of this writing until 9/23/2017, thus, a claim would not incur a loss in revenue by FVC(Fox Valley Cycles) if the mechanic/part owner Jim actually looked at this problem more intuitively... He made me feel like I was bothering him. This year I purchased a 2017 Honda CRF125F paid in full on said date of March 23, 2017 for my 10 year old daughter. Around May 1st the electric starter chugged a bit, so I unfastened the 2 seat nuts under plastic fender, lifted the seat, and charged the battery with a high end, low amp motorcycle charger/tender. After my charger indicated a full charge, I proceeded to put the seat back on. When I used a small ratchet and 10mm socket to fasten the nuts(like Ive been tightening nuts, bolts, and screws since 1975 as a child), the metal bolt broke off using little if any strength nor torque. The metal bolt and nut were NOT stripped, no metal threads stripped like were usually accustomed to seeing, nor the surrounding plastic broken as it should have broke before metal breaks... No, the metal bolt broke off quite easily, whereas plastic should have broken first. I brought the seat back to FVC knowing I did nothing wrong, and the very nice sales person brought my seat back to Jim the mechanic/part-owner who DID NOT even look at the damage. He went directly to the computer, used his two index fingers to navigate his parts/pricing website(probably his finger pecking time was included), and quoted me ~$250 to replace the seat. Um, bolt? Um can you fix? Um.... ? But that was it... I was basically told Im SOL..."You must buy a whole new seat", Jim said. I could easily pay for a new seat, however, this is about principle... The bolt broke with light tightening pressure, and FVC did NOT care. They know this is my 10 year old daughters motorcycle, however, they told me, "At least you have one bolt." So at least I have, um, 1 seat bolt??? Thats OK??? I fixed the seat in 15 minutes using a spare nut/bolt from my toolbox, and I hope everything holds up ok since they told me 1 bolt is fine, moreover Im not using OEM parts(Nut and bolt from my toolbox) as this motorcycle was intended to use. But everything should be fine since Im taking their advice that 1 bolt is good enough... Its too bad the Fox Valley Cycles mechanic doesnt possess any real mechanical ability other than replacing parts vs. fixing them. Id certainly hate to be the litigant in a court of law if the seat breaks while riding, and an injury or death occurs after being told by the Fox Valley Cycles dealership that 1 bolt should be ok. Jims ham-handed ability to only replace the entire seat... and not fix 1 bolt... was clearly demonstrated. I guess I shouldnt expect anything even remotely comparable to my expectations when dealing with someone who clearly doesnt appreciate someone coming in and paying ~$3,300 cash on a product they sell and still under warranty where if he put a moments time into evaluating the problem, hed have discovered the bolt is flawed with an air pocket at the broken spot on the bolt... If this issue now becomes handled properly and important to them, I will remove this review. As Im writing an honest review, I should include Chris in sales, and Zac in parts are very helpful and friendly people. I also feel maybe they could have helped my case with Honda warranty, but maybe theyd have received some chastising from Jim the owner if they would have helped me exclaim to Honda Corp. that the bolt was flawed. The bottom line is I would never go to Jim for anything ever again, nor buy a bike from FVC in the event theres a warranty problem; I feel Jim would be utterly difficult to deal with as conveyed with his Leave me alone attitude. PR

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Justin Foust

Upon purchasing my (now wifes) ACE 750 used on Craigslist all prior receipts show the bike had orig come from Fox Valley Honda, as well as where the prev owner took the bike for all servicing. That bike is a work horse and is probably the most reliable machine I have ever owned in my life. So when my Sabre 1100 started hesitating I took it here for a carb cleaning. The manager, Jim, was polite, knowledgeable, and straight forward. I thought I needed a carb cleaning, they offered to adjust/blow out my A/F screw first in order to try and save me a few hundred bucks. It did not correct the problem but I appreciate that they made an attempt to save me some money. The bike now runs more smoothly then when I purchased it 2 years ago. Would definitely recommend. Will return when necessary. Their selection of bikes is large, especially for how small the building looks from the outside. They have a good selection of helmets/gear, as well as new & used bikes.

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steve kramer

Fantastic! I have a Honda generator that the pull start rope broke on. I originally called DuPage Honda who quoted me $200 labor plus parts to fix it. Fortunately i called Fox Valley cycles for a second opinion who completed the repair for $50.00 and took the time to print out the maintenance schedule for the generator and walked me through basic maintenance on the unit. The repair manager completed the repair the same day and stayed a few minutes past close so i could pick up the same the day. Fantastic customer service and i would definitely buy and service all of our Honda Power Equipment from this shop. Honda commercial equipment is the best and so is this location!

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Brian Cantor

This is a terrific shop, and highly recommend it for sales and service. Ive had my bike serviced there on several occasions, and the team always gets it running in top shape. I purchased a Honda generator there a couple of weeks ago, and the experience was stellar. Generators can be purchased on-line, but Fox Valley makes a very strong case to buy from the dealer: They gave me good advice on the right generator for me, then unpacked it, did all the assembly (battery plus a wheels package), filled it up with gas and oil, and took me through the operating procedures. Not bad! And all for the same price as on-line dealers. Definitely the way to go, strong dealer.

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Charlie Ford

They always get my parts in fast, many times theyre faster than bike bandit. Ive previously purchased things like brake pads and other maintenance items, but today I worked with Christine regarding a warranty. The USB phone charger I bought for the bike didnt work on Monday, and I had used it only a day total. I called up and came in. Christine exchanged my USB charger for a new one to get the warranty replacement, even though fit some reason it worked when I showed her. Very professional and fast, less than 15 minutes. I can see myself spending a lot more time and money here.

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Don Francique

Im not a bike owner but hoping to be one soon and I must say the advice received from the guys there as to the steps I should take to becoming a new rider, along with some good conversation makes it a place I highly recommend for purchasing a first, second, third, or any number bike and going by the reviews about the shop, they seem to be the smart and best choice to go for when looking for a motorcycle and I plane to get my first from them.

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