Downs Brothers customer service.

vwfan79

vwfan79

Active Member
#1
#1
Has anybody else had problems with customer service with the downs bros racing? I bought a clutch and it didn't hold up to my motor, I contacted them and they sent out a new driver with kevlar lining and it helped. Then I found that I toasted a bearing and contacted them to see about buying a new one and was told they would send me one along with some stronger springs, that was over 2 months ago. I have contacted them with little response, was told the first package was sent back cause it ripped. They said there was a second package sent out but I never saw it, there was supposed to be a third send out in a box this time but it never happened. I just need a bearing and have told them many times I'm more then willing to pay for it and shipping but they said they would just send it. I haven't even heard from them in about a month now dispute my emails and text. So I have a $225 clutch sitting here that is useless, unless some one knows where to get one of these bearings.
 
R

rmm727

Active Member
#3
#3
I'd go find a local bearing shop. That is a thrust bearing. They'd know what specs to measure and get you set up.

I bought one but barely use the mini its on. IMO, these are more of a novelty than anything. They sounded cool and everyone always wanted one but you kinda lose out on the gear reduction provided by the slip of the centrifugal clutch versus trying to manual slip the Downs Bros. clutch. I had mine smoking one day so I don't try to slip it too often. I was kinda turned off by them when they promised the first releases to be at a discount price and that never happened. Clutch ended up being more than what they originally said and then you needed that adapter or a Pro Mod mount to keep the chain lined up. When mine needs a new friction material, I better get a free, upgraded one like you and others on here have received.
 
H

Hent

New Member
#4
#4
Nick, hopefully you'll get it all back together.

I tried to become a distributor for their clutches, as well as the parts so the customer service and shipping end could be completed all through the warehouse, but they didn't have much interest.

It's only a matter of time before China starts reproducing them.....
 
Phil1958

Phil1958

#5
#5
Hent said:
Nick, hopefully you'll get it all back together.

I tried to become a distributor for their clutches, as well as the parts so the customer service and shipping end could be completed all through the warehouse, but they didn't have much interest.

It's only a matter of time before China starts reproducing them.....
Click to expand...

i had several conversations with danny and his cohort in regards to
securing VC or private investor funding, and possibly using my
existing chinese supply line people. that was months ago and
emails and phone calls stopped being returned. i would say these
two brilliant engineers and honest guys couldn't squeek out a
profit on these clutchs at the retail price.

in defense of their response to me; it may have been a polite way
of saying 'we don't want to deal with you'.:laugh:

you can't hate a guy for that:thumbsup:
 
vwfan79

vwfan79

Active Member
#6
#6
The part that gets me is I was willing to pay for this stuff and the shipping and still nothing. I just want to get the clutch back together otherwise it's just a $200+ pile of parts.
 
Txpowdercoater

Txpowdercoater

New Member
#7
#7
I'm still waiting on the upgraded clutch material for mine, as it is, its totally useless and the clutch is really only good for small HP stuff, small like 5hp and under. The way mine went, I'd say under 5.
I built a bike around the clutch, and blammo, clutch doesnt hold worth poop. Maybe it would work better if I had it installed on a 5-6" diameter tire. Mine didnt last long enough to wear the thrust bearing out.:shrug:
I guess I could bug them some more, was just hoping I wasnt going to have to be a pest about it. bummer.
 
vwfan79

vwfan79

Active Member
#9
#9
My original clutch material didn't even get me down my road and back, the upgraded driver worked better but still wasn't perfect. The heavier springs I was supposed to be getting were supposed to take care of any slipping. I didn't want to be a pest either but I got to the point I had no choice and still nothing so I started this thread.
 
creia

creia

#11
#11
Phil1958 said:
i had several conversations with danny and his cohort in regards to
securing VC or private investor funding, and possibly using my
existing chinese supply line people. that was months ago and
emails and phone calls stopped being returned. i would say these
two brilliant engineers and honest guys couldn't squeek out a
profit on these clutchs at the retail price.

in defense of their response to me; it may have been a polite way
of saying 'we don't want to deal with you'.:laugh:

you can't hate a guy for that:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Regardless of how "brilliant" and "honest" they are, there is no excuse for not returning calls and emails. Sounds like they are really lacking in customer service skills. I have no dog in this hunt as I did not purchase from them, nor would I EVER now, after reading some of our members experiences. Not the kind of place I do business with...
Michael
 
M

mckutzy

Member
#12
#12
I know when I bought my clutch, there was a bit of a hangup for getting in touch, although I havent rode it much, but I also havent really had any bad experience with the clutch. Id say more operator error and tuning of my gearing setup.

I kinda figured if there was any problems there wasnt going to be much assistance, but most of which I probably could handle myself.
 
B

Bill Ellerby

New Member
#15
#15
Try checking out Motion Industries website. When it comes to bearings they are a great place to do business. You should be able to locate a nearby store. There is a store in Los Angeles. At 2041 Saybrook Ave. Phone# 323-728-0281
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top