My requirements:
Ships within 2-3 days.
Has most GS500E parts in stock.
Has prices comparable to mrcycles.com
mrcycles is decent, but they don't keep many GS500 parts in stock. They always have to get something from California since I order some esoteric things along with the routine stuff. My local Suzuki dealer sucks even worse, not even having things like valve shims and sprockets in stock. Seriously, it's a bike that didn't change for well over a decade, how much of a burden is it to keep routine maintenance items like valve shims and sprockets in stock?!
Try www.bikebandit.com
I was considering bikebandit, but their prices are consistently higher. Are they worth it?
NO. Bikebandit is acceptible only if you're a masicist or have no other options.
Always try Ebay first.
Quote from: makenzie71 on February 22, 2006, 09:32:04 PM
NO. Bikebandit is acceptible only if you're a masicist or have no other options.
Always try Ebay first.
Well, I'm not a masochist, which is why I ordered from my local stealer exactly once. mrcycles.com got parts to my door faster than the dealer could get them in their store. That, and after assuring me after 2 calls that they'd call me when they got the parts, they didn't call me when they got the parts....
Now, if it's something I want right away, I call and ask, "do you have x in stock?" The answer, invariably, has been no, but it's always worth a shot....
what are you looking for?
Right now, nothing except for valve shims once my 2.15 gets in from mrcycles. I just want a dealer that keeps parts for the GS in stock and is good to deal with.
I'm fond of Ronayers.com I've made several purchases from there and I'm satisfied.
I placed an order once then found a dicount code posted on gixxer.com. The part had already shipped the parts when I emailed them about the discount and they credited $15 back to my credit card...
3d
I use bikebandit because they're helpful, their website is very thorough and their shipping is a flat $6 for ground. Other places might be a dollar or two cheaper but the difference in shipping probably makes it up and then some.
-M
having used RonAyers and Bikebandit IMO RonAyers is the lesser of two evils.
Bikebandit is higher priced but they deliver when they say they will deliver. Shipping is $6.00 usually.
Ronayers was cheaper but not by a whole bunch. and Both times I ordered they screwed up my billing info, and did not deliver for 3 weeks.
After a few dozen emails they delivered within 7 days of confirming my order. Shipping was $8.00.
I would go with RonAyers. If they have an issue with your order they will email you asap.
You wont get 2-3 day delivery. From anybody.
Great thread. I have been thinking a recommended listing of trusted parts dealers was missing, especially for a noob like me :thumb:
Quote from: 3imo on February 23, 2006, 08:37:00 AM
having used RonAyers and Bikebandit IMO RonAyers is the lesser of two evils.
Bikebandit is higher priced but they deliver when they say they will deliver. Shipping is $6.00 usually.
Ronayers was cheaper but not by a whole bunch. and Both times I ordered they screwed up my billing info, and did not deliver for 3 weeks.
After a few dozen emails they delivered within 7 days of confirming my order. Shipping was $8.00.
I would go with RonAyers. If they have an issue with your order they will email you asap.
You wont get 2-3 day delivery. From anybody.
I'm confused. You say you prefer Ron Ayers, but Bike Bandit sounds better according to your story.
I don't care about 2-3 day delivery. I just want them to get it out the door within 2-3 days, which means either having it in stock, or a local warehouse having it in stock.
I think most of the large online parts suppliers pull their orders from large warehouses-maybe the same ones. I've ordered from Ron Ayers as well as Bike Bandit. Their timing is about the same even though Ron Ayers is located in my state and Bike Bandit is on the other coast. You wouldn't go wrong with either.
What about a place for non-factory parts, such as sprockets, tires, tools, etc.
I've ordered from MAWOnline and they seemed pretty good. Fast shipping, good selection and good prices. Pretty bad website though...
I have also ordered from BikeBandit, good shipping rates, quick delivery, but prices are a little higher. I'll try Ron Ayers on my next order...
If you want sprockets and chains FAST! then hit up sumofallparts2 on Ebay. I placed an order at like 11:30pm on the 14th and my chain/sprocket set was here at 12pm on the 16th.
Another good place for non-factory stuff, ironpony.com They have a retail store here in Columbus, I love that place...
Quote from: fettcols on February 23, 2006, 11:10:13 PM
Another good place for non-factory stuff, ironpony.com They have a retail store here in Columbus, I love that place...
+1 :thumb: I forgot to mention them, I just ordered some tools from them. Really fast shipping...
Quote
I'm confused. You say you prefer Ron Ayers, but Bike Bandit sounds better according to your story.
I don't care about 2-3 day delivery. I just want them to get it out the door within 2-3 days, which means either having it in stock, or a local warehouse having it in stock.
Quote
I know, thats what I meant by lesser of two evils.
ROnayers may have just had an issue with my order. It did happen twice though. I would go with them because they did contact me as soon as they had a prob and tried to fix it. I would give them another chance. just for good customer service.
they gave me a warm and fuzzy.
bikebandit left me feeling like John after visiting a Pro. YA kno what I mean?
Hi there,
I've had good experiences with several online stores, but when I need genuine factory Suzuki parts, I get the best deals from a dealership in Western PA that sells for a lot less, even after their reasonable shipping charges.
Their toll free number is 800-860-0686.
They sell Suzukis, Yamahas, KTMs and Kawasakis.
I saved $30 on a new fuel petcock for my GS500 by buying from them, compared to my local dealer.
Very friendly and excellent service.
Highly recommended.
Good luck,
Todd
You also might want to check out www.denniskirk.com
THey have ALOT of stuff. Compare prices though. BUt really fast shipping. UPS.
Thanks for all of the good info guys.
I just decided to give bike bandit a shot. I needed new handlebars, and they had the bikemaster cafe style bars. I wanted to try them before I spent a bunch of money on some more expensive bars that I can't stand to use. I also ordered some miscellaneous parts that I needed so that I could see how long it took to get here from CA.