I was going to attempt the Iron Butt Endurance Run from Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska in the established time of 14 days.
On June 10th, 2017, I left Key West on Highway US 1 North to Atlanta, Georgia and then West toward Missouri.
On June 13th, 2017, and Columbia Missouri, I heard a whirring noise that seem to come from the engine and my right mirror was vibrating more to the left. After a few more miles, I knew something was terribly wrong. I checked my GPS and went approximately 22 miles to the nearest Honda dealer, but to no avail, as they only dealt in lawn mowers. Instead of wasting more valuable time, I called my insurance, Rescue Plus, for assistance. They told me they could have it towed for me in the morning, so I got a room and spent the night in Columbia. The next morning, June 14th, 2017, the tow truck driver arrived at 7 a.m. He highly recommended I go east bound to the St Louis area to Donelson Cycles, instead of going westbound towards Kansas City. Being time was critical, I was hesitant to backtrack 110 miles and lose time, but the driver said Donelson had the reputation of accommodating Travelers ahead of others, and would likely do this for me, since I was on a time limitation.
When I arrived at Donelson Cycles, 9851 St Charles Rock Road St and Missouri, I told the service manager, Brian Chastain, my problem. I had experienced so many variances, from a vibration on the right side to a roaring sound coming from somewhere underneath the bike that was difficult to explain. And with my helmet on, sometimes I could not hear anything, but could feel the vibration. With this limited information, Brian told me to have a seat in the customer lounge and he would check it out.
About 10 minutes later, I went back to the shop area and saw my bike on the rack, the back end was jacked up and a mechanic was removing the rear wheel. I returned to the lounge while they worked on it, and approximately one hour later Brian came out with my drive shaft in his hands and showed me the broken U-joint. I gave Brian the go-ahead to make the repairs. From start to finish my bike was back on the road in three hours. Fabulous!!!
While talking to Brian and two others, including the mechanics, I felt comfortable that this was a very professional group. The efficiency, professionalism, friendliness, and cleanliness of this dealership are absolutely the best I have ever seen. I have been to many dealers in my 50 some years of riding but this place is TOPS.
Sincerely,
Don Blake (GWRRA# 088523)
Life Member
Welcome to Donelson Cycles
Donelson Cyles in St Louis also carries new Yamaha Motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles, Honda Motorcycles, and bikes from Ducati. As a leading Motorcycle dealer in St Louis we focus on providing you a large selection of new bikes like Honda Gold Wings, CBRs,
Star Motorcycles, and many more. Check out our
new units to see the great selection on new bikes.
In addition to unit sales, we also provide parts and accessories from Honda, Yamaha, Triumph and Ducati. You will also find your Michelin, Dunlop, Metzeler and Yuasa brands as well. Whether you have a Street bike, Dirt bike, ATV, UTV or Scooter, we will have the part you need. In-store prices may vary from those displayed on the website. If you can't visit on of our stores, you can easily find what you need on our website. We check orders often so feel free to place your order and we will ship directly to you by UPS or USPS. For further ordering questions contact us directly at 1-800-325-4144.
Donelson Cycles-St Ann
9851 St Charles Rock Rd
Saint Ann, MO. 63074
Phone: (314) 427-1204
