Jake Thomas
1/5
I have such mixed feelings towards this family owned business.
The first time I interacted with the dealership was in April 2023 to purchase my current bike(2023 ZX6R-KRT). They wanted over $14,600 OTD which is more than the $13,100 OTD I paid at RideNow Phoenix, which they were upset when I said I bought elsewhere and the price.
July of 2024, I came to Kelly’s for a second opinion from the service department. After speaking with the service rep Dave, he tells the other shop owner that I got a second opinion from him causing unnecessary drama.
I let this slide and gave Kelly’s another chance. I bought from the parts guy Brandon a few times and have nothing negative to say about him. He was respectful and professional at all times.
Recently I have had an issue with intermittent fuel pump priming on my bike. Brandon raved highly about the service department and recommended I give them a chance to work on the bike. I ended up scheduling an appointment with Niko(great guy and no complaints) after Niko called Kawasaki to see what the potential issue might be since a new fuel pump, relay assembly, tip over sensor, and battery did not resolve the issue.
Niko shared Kawasaki said to check the gray ground wire from the ignition for 6-9 volts and then replace the ECU if that showed no concerns. I then scheduled an appt for a week out and Niko said it would be an hour diagnostic charge. This was verbal so I understand it’s hear/say.
I showed up to my appointment 30 minutes early to be told by Dave that Niko was not working that day and he would be taking over. This was the same person who started drama the first time.
I was told then that it would be 1.5 hours labor to do the diagnostic and swap the ECU from a wrecked ZX6R they had in the shop. I agreed since I did not have Niko’s price in writing and I figured Dave would have the bike fully checked out. I was dead wrong.
I was told my bike was done 2.5 hours later. I was told they swapped the ECU and that I should let them know in a week or two if it still has the issue and that I had to pay a “deposit” of $247.71 for the work that day. I agreed and paid without thinking much of it.
I walked out to my bike and the first turn of the key I had the same issue. I immediately walked inside and let Dave know. Dave told me if I wanted them to look at it, I would have to pay another diagnostic fee and wait 2 weeks for availability. I felt taken advantage of. Dave then offered for me to purchase a new ignition without doing a diagnostic and it would be a little over $1,100 to install. I could not believe the price. Dave then pointed me to the sales representatives and told me to consider trading in my bike. I own my bike but was not opposed to the thought so I spoke with Dallin. While I have no complaints towards Dallin as it was out of his control, I waited for almost 45 minutes to get a trade in value before I left the business all together as I felt my time was being wasted.
I was called by Dallin 2 hours later and told the most the manager would offer is $6,000 trade in value. I knew this was a complete low ball. I denied the offer after Dallin also shared that the best OTD on a 25 ZX6R-KRT would be $14k plus an additional $500 to swap the tires with less than 100 miles from my current bike to the new one. I immediately denied a purchase and stated I would go back to RideNow Phoenix for my next bike purchase.
I reached later obtain my old ECU back after reading the service report and realizing the shop never did a diagnostic on the bike and simply charged me $247.71 to swap an ECU from a wrecked ZX6R onto my bike which made me hesitate on what was actually done.
I was told by Dave that it would cost me another $123 if I took the ECU out of my bike myself(which it takes 15 minutes from prior experience) and $247 if his guys did.
After some back and forth, I realized this business cares more about a quick buck than a long term customer.
I have disputed the transaction with my credit card company for lack of proper service and will not be a customer any further.
