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Honda-Suzuki of San Mateo
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17 reviews for Honda-Suzuki of San Mateo
At 646 miles, I took my 2009 Burgman 400 to Honda-Suzuki of San Mateo for its 600-mile initial service. Knowing that 600 miles would arrive before the end of this week, I called last week to make an appointment for the 600 mi. service. The appointment making process was easy and painless. They were able to fit me in on Thursday, a day I requested.
After reading all the posts about shady dealerships, incompetent or untrustworthy mechanics, and horror maintenance-related stories, I wanted to make sure I did my homework before stepping foot into the dealership. At home, I copied the Suzuki recommended service chart and specifications and highlighted everything that was to be done at the initial service. Right when they opened at 9 AM on Thursday, I took my Burgman in to be service and presented the service manager with my printouts. The service manager, Jim, assured me that all that was in their service manual. The head mechanic, Leon, was friendly, respectful, and professional. He was very open to allowing me watch him while he worked on my scooter. I told him that although there was another powersports dealership that serviced Suzukis near where I reside, I was more than willing to drive out of my way so that he could work on my Burgman. He was very meticulous and thorough while working on my bike. He did what my owner's manual recommended and much more (i.e. adjusted tire pressures, adjusted the volume of the horn, etc.). Leon actually removed the tupperware to tighten all the chassis bolts and nuts. Although he only found two loosened bolts (exhaust bolt and bolt at sidestand switch) and re-torqued them, it was really reassuring knowing that he was so detailed in his work. What really impressed me the most about Leon was that he said he had to be so detailed because peoples' lives depended on his work. How many mechanics do you know make that kind of statement?
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7/25/2009
When my former favorite motorcycle shop, East Bay Motorsports, canceled their only order of 2009… Read more »
I've been here a few times, both to browse and to have work done on my F4i. The big old guy is kind of cocky, but he's still pretty friendly. They let me leave my gear there while the bike was being worked on, which was pretty cool. Parts and labor costs were average.
They sell a little bit of gear, but it's not a place I'd consider visiting if I was actually looking to buy any gear.
Took my Honda VFR in for some servicing for which they quoted me a decent price, definitely less than other dealers and indy shops in the area. I liked the old-school shop vibe of the place, none of the polished oversize slick-back shops that can be quite common.
The bike was ready when I picked it up and was running great after the 32k servicing. So why only two stars? I labored over 2 or 3 and this is why only 2:
When I dropped off the bike I mentioned there was a K&N air filter in the airbox. I mentioned that I will service that myself after I pick it up, just haven't had a chance to before I brought it in. When I pick up the bike, there's about a $70 charge for a Honda air filter. Huh?
They tell me that the K&N was so far gone that it couldn't even be cleaned. Huh? It's cotton gauze... if it's not torn it can be cleaned and reused... doesn't matter how much dirty 'air' and bugs get trapped in it. So my high-performance, *reusable* air filter is no longer in my possession and I'm [over] charged for a disposable Honda part.
And really, two stars because they didn't keep the part to return from me. It's just standard business practice in my opinion to keep a part that you changed without the owner's permission to reinforce the idea that it was too far gone. No old part?
The mechanic rides a VFR of the same vintage, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.
I picked up my shiny new Honda CBR1000RR Repsol from John last weekend, and I was very pleased with the whole experience of buying a bike from them!
My usual spot to shop just closed (R.I.P. Marin Cycleworks!), and I needed an alternative to Golden Gate Cycles (I won't spend a dime in that shark pit). A brief Google search, and VOILA - Honda-Suzuki of San Mateo!
As I pulled up to the shop, I saw my bike sitting in the window. I've been dreaming of the Repsol replica for some time now, and really didn't think that they were importing them to the states this year. BUT, there it was - just waiting for me.
Honest price, no crazy mark-up and no hard sales. John had me riding away the next day on my new bike! Great mom and pop shop!
When I asked the price of a bike I was told there should be a price tag on it (but the was not). No big deal, I was not planning to buy one in any case. The guy behind the svc desk was willing to talk a lot, but I was ready to get the bolts I was there for and quickly bolt. He was nice enough to lend me a wrench so I appreciated that. I guess I could give them 3 stars but was not too excited about finding these guys...Scuderia in SF is still head and shoulders above any bike shop I have been to so far!
this is a smaller store, but if you're looking for something in particular they can usually bring it up from their warehouse in a day or two. they do price matching so always shop around first (duh!)
john is the guy behind the desk that will probably greet you first. respect him b/c he's freakin' 66 and is crazy sharp. he's really honest and will cut you a great deal.
i got my pink s40 from him. that's right, suzuki's stock "red" this year is a nice....bright...MAGENTA. i named her barbara.
with the purchase of a bike, he'll also give you 15% off your accessories so do spring for that lock to keep your new bike safe.
john also offered to help me sell my old motorcycle for NO profit b/c he mentioned he had some customers inquire about a used rebel. how's that for service?
love john. he is good people.
Great buying experience, I bought my Ruckus last year during the high gas prices. Even with the high demand, John matched the price that Mission was going to charge. I went with John because he had one coming sooner. The whole process was great and he even updated me on when my Ruck was going to be delivered. He even let me use his fax, so I could take care of my insurance stuff. Regarding service, I had them install tires on my sportbike and gave me a good price. Their tire installer used to work for dunlop racing or something, they were able to balance my rim without the need of weights. Awesome.
EDIT: Can I give them six stars? I punctured the same tire within three weeks, and I knew exactly where to go. Carl even gave me a ride in his vette to the Caltrain station! I like this place better than any shop in the city. They open at 9am, which is pretty rare among bike shops.
Might be the only place on the peninsula that does motorcycle tire repair. $45 labor +$7 parts = much cheaper than buying a new tire!
It is a 10 minute walk from the Hillsdale Caltrain station if you need to drop off your bike.
Gotta love the old guy sass.
The old guy that works here is very friendly and helpful. He offered me a great price on a bike right off the bat. Most other dealerships start at a higher price and then you have to haggle with them to come down. I'd recommend this place.
I just bought a new bike from these guys -- I called them, John told me it was in stock, and that he'd be there 'til 6 every night if I wanted to come take a look.
They were laid back as can be: no sales pressure or rushing, no push on accessories, no ridiculous warranty nonsense, no hidden fees. Simply competent folks who are happy to share their stories and knowledge, and are still eager to learn.
The experience of buying was great: I could come pick the bike up whenever it was convenient for me; Carl came to collect me from the train station, so I didn't have to find a ride; the bike had been tested out, polished to a shine, and checked end-to-end before I got there; and John walked me through everything he could think of to make sure that my first ride -- and the rest of my ownership -- would be smooth sailing.
Even the customers are great characters; you can tell that they have a faithful clientele, many of whom fall into the 'friends' category!
I'll be heading back for my first service, and for any bits and bobs I need to buy along the way. Who knows: maybe I'll be back for another bike at some point, too!
I had a flat and went to Honda-Suzuki. The $50 was fine to fix and the mechanic is great, very professional and reliable.
I just changed my review and removed three stars - I went back with another flat (nail) on the rear tire. Turns out that the tire was toast, went in at an angle. No problem.
Asked for a cost on a tire and was told $263. Holly cow. Said the tire would arrive in the AM. After the sticker shock I looked online and called the Yamaha dealer at 0900. They had a good tire exactly $100 less. I immediately called San Mateo at 0906 and was told "he's already got the tire on".
Frankly I have a little bit of a hard time believing the story. To pay $100 more for a tire than a nearby dealer is insane. If the difference was $30 , I could live with it. Basically I felt like they had me. Already at $50, would have cost me $70 for a tow and a fight.
Left a really bad taste in my mouth. I still can't get over that the dealer would have been nearly $100 less. I've been stewing for days.
Will I go back, not a chance. Felt they made a really bad error in judgment to make a little money.
Real mom and pop (well, pop and pop) sort of establishment. Tiny.
I've not bought a bike here, but had two of mine serviced and they did a great job. They even gave me a free screw for a kick start I was installing on a 3rd bike.
You need to call and schedule your service.
Extra star for being across the street from the Prince of Wales Pub.
"Hi, I need a set of brake caliper bolts for an '01 f4i" says I. "Ok, those are special order, but why do you need them? Did you break or strip them?" says he. "No, but the shop manual says to change them when you do your brakes" says I. " NAAAH, save your money. they don't need to be changed unless you fuck them up" says he. "Right on, thanks!" says I.
Small shop, mom and pop. I buy oil and filters from them on a regular basis. Cool old dudes, know their shit. Check 'em out.
Small place..I came here twice and both times the sales people barely acknowledged me; one time the salesguy waved at me from his desk, the other time they acted as if I was transparent!
A great shop staffed by great guys. I've bought parts from them and had work done by their service department. Work was always done on time, and for the price quoted which has always been fare.
It's a small shop, not really full of lookers and gawkers like a lot of dealerships are. It's kinda out of the way, and the staff and customers seem to like it that way ;)
The guy really doesn't give a drop about people returning to his shop in the future - very rude and demanding. And he carries only 2 bikes per make. There is not even a color variation in the shop.
I bought a bike from them last year. Even though they don't seem helpful and friendly, they were to me. I've taken my bike there for service, and they always seem to have it done before the estimated time. I would definitely take my bike ther efor service and if in the market for another bike would probably buy it from them unless I'm looking for a different model they don't carry like a BMW or something of the sort.
