Another Vic Dealer down

[danriley]

7/21/2010:

Yesterday Morning I received news that we (Kline Motorsports) would no longer be conducting business; and that Tousley Motorsports would be gaining control over our Polaris/Victory/Suzuki franchise, along with our current inventory of machines and parts.

For everyone that gave us a chance, thank you very much!

Please also give Tousley a chance, and also give them your feedback: If they pissed you off in the past, let them know about it (in a professional way). Dealers need your comments in order to adjust how they do business.

Thanks again everyone! ... See you on the road!

[Shadow-Runner]

Confirmed that today. They have Kline is referring us over to Tousley, but when I called Tousley they indicated they will get the service manuals and parts in a day or so. Person I talked to was not familiar with Victory but told me the above.

I will let you know how it goes.

[RickJ]

Yikes!!

I didn't shop at Kline very often, but the times I was there they were nice to deal with. Good luck to you and your staff in whatever you pursue in the future.

[Rowebote]

Sorry to hear that. Are any of the employees going over to Tousley? Hope everything works out you guys.

[Shadow-Runner]

Last talk I had with Tousley (on Friday) was they were still awaiting the service manuals to figure out what to do with Victory and when. Would not commit to any service scheduling. He also mentioned that no Kline techs had come over.

[Rowebote]

Originally Posted by Shadow-Runner

awaiting the service manuals to figure out what to do with Victory and when.... He also mentioned that no Kline techs had come over.

That doesn't exactly instill confidence,

[MikeD]

It takes more than just manuals . . . like maybe tools, software and know-how?!

[danriley]

albert, kline's service writer is being transplanted to tousley. so at least there might be SOME knowledge.... he definitely knew his vic's. most of the guys are out looking for new jobs; i went to kline nissan... but am currently interviewing with lube-tech for a brand marketing position. im about through with kline

[MikeD]

If that's the same Albert that worked for Mies a few years ago, his work on my bike was top-notch (as is all of the service @ Mies).

[P40VEGAS]

I stopped into Tousley on Wednesday, they wanted people to know they are trying to get everything organized that is being brought over from KLINE.. They were genuinely excited about the brand and the folks who have already stopped in. I think they will be an asset once they get online and get some techs up to speed.

Patience for a new dealer is needed. Just my two cents. They seemed like good guys.

[Rainmaker]

where is Tousley?
`

[RickJ]

Originally Posted by Rainmaker

where is Tousley?
`

White Bear Lake

http://www.tousleymotorsports.com/

[bthrasher]

Just got back from Montana on the TC and was surprised to get an email from Kline saying they were bought by Tousley. I bought my bike from Kline and have used them for service from time to time. I'm sorry to see them go but will look forward to giving Tousley a chance.

Thanks, Kline, you always did right by me.

[dutchbrown]

FYI, stopped at Tousley yesterday and even though they do have the Vics out on display (front of the store at that with their own display) they do not yet have any of the Vic gear from Kline out yet as they haven't gotten the inventory in their computer. They said Monday at the earliest... so if you are planning on stopping by to pick up some Vic oil or gear, you may want to give them a call first to see if it's in their computer or not.

Also, not sure if they are set up yet for Vic service, would have to check on that as well. Last I heard the Kline guys were interviewing for some positions there so hopefully they hire a few with some good Vic experience...

[bassman]

Originally Posted by MikeD

If that's the same Albert that worked for Mies a few years ago, his work on my bike was top-notch (as is all of the service @ Mies).

I can second this. Albert didn't actually do the mech work as far as I know, but he had a good knowledge of the bikes and the work required. I had a bad experience with them that fortunately was close to home when the all too common front pulley spun out after they had worked on it and said all was well. Turning a bad experience into a good one had Albert doing all work on the new pulley at no cost to me, and then offered me a chance to buy the OD pulley and only pay for the difference between that and the stock pulley and no labor.

With that problem well taken care of, I had them do the fuel filters in the tank, and while tank was off put the new clutch cable in I'd bought there a couple of years earlier and carried as a spare. All work was top notch at what I thought was fair prices. Sorry to see them go but if some of the guys make the switch to Tousley it may help them get off to a good start. Tousley has a great mechanic shop and may be a great addition to the Victory service and dealerships locally. They have a major share of area market and would love to see Victory continue to grow.