Replace or Repair??

[bdinnerv]

Hi All,

Just a quick preface, I wont be naming any manufacturers, models or dealers here, and ask that those who do know the details to just keep them to them self for the moment.

I purchased a brand new, semi exotic (ie close to $30,000 on a motorcycle) a few weeks back (about 5), have ridden it happily a couple of times since then and clocked up about 2,000 k's on it. Now, I absolutely love riding this bike, it is great to ride, looks great and I thoroughly enjoy it. I was riding the other weekend with a bunch of mates doing the old road, wollombi, putty road back to sydney loop, it was a screamer of a day and we were having a blast until a few k's before the start of Putty road, where for some still unknown reason, my brand new, 2000 km old engine decided it had had enough and was going no further. At this point, then engine said no more and decided it and the oil inside it would part way, with the oil being sprayed onto the bike, and of note onto the nice hot exhaust system, at which point the oil decided to go up in flames.

Now I dont know how many of you this has happened to, but I for one can say that riding along at around 100 km/h and realising that there are flames flicking up from the side of the nice full fuel tank between your legs is not a very nice experience to say the least. I managed to pull over, get the stand down (I almost just jumped off and threw it away to let it burn, but it is very hard to sit there and watch your brand new $30,000 toy go up in flames) and put the fire out before the thing went bang.

Now, I will throw in a shameless plug here, if anyone has something like this happen, or jut brakes down or has a flat and is sydney based, give the guys at motorcycle movements a call, they came up to Singleton and picked me up and did a great job (call them on 0419448885 - keep that number handy when riding) - After sitting on the side of the road for a few hours Motorcycle Movements turned up and gave me a lift back to the dealer where I dropped my bike off and left it for the weekend.

At this point, I wasnt too worried, I was thinking "hey, I have just shelled out a fair amount of money here and I am sure that the dealer and the manufacturer will be all over this like a bad rash, this kind of thing probably doesnt happen too often and will most likely be a high priority, they will have the engine pulled down by the end of monday and a full plan plan to set things straight pretty quickly" - I couldnt have been further from the truth. By the end of monday, the dealer informed me that they had been too busy to look at it yet and would probably get around to it tomorrow. By the end of tuesday, I was informed that they dealer had sent an email to the local rep for the manufacturer and that they would have to wait for a response from overseas before proceeding. By the end of wed, the head office had not responded so we were still in the same spot effectively as the weekend (A bike that we all new was stuffed). Approval from the head office to finally pull the engine down came through today, and as I was keen to find out what was happening with my new toy, I rang the dealer to find out what the update was, at which point I was informed that "I am just wasting everybody's time calling for an update, give me a call back in a week or 2 and we will see where we are at".

Now as part of the communication process (it is a stretch to call it communication at the moment but I will stick with it), I was informed that the bike would be repaired, it would probably take around 4 weeks, the engine will most likely have to go back to head office so R&D can look at it, then they will send an engine back etc etc, all chewing up time. All in the meanwhile I am sitting here with no bike, a 5 week old bike in a workshop that I am making payments on, have paid insurance on, will most likely be twice as old when I pick it up compared to when I dropped it off, and the only thing I get told is that my phone calls to find out what is happening are annoying.

So, my questions to you all are:

Am I expecting too much here??? Should I just lay off and let the dealer (I personally dont think 1 call a day to find out what is happening is too much but hey, that is me)

Am I expecting too much from the timelines? Is it fair to think that a catastrophic failure of your brand new motorcycle should be a high priority and that a few hour job such as pulling an engine down should be done straight away?

Should I expect the factory to replace my brand new motorcycle rather than spend weeks and weeks repairing my bike (from what I can tell, but I havnt got a list of the damage yet, is that it needs a coat of paint (not a fan of that idea on a brand new bike), new engine, new swing arm, possibly new rear shock and who knows what else)

Should I be expected to wait for head office overseas to respond to queries, send motors back to, ship replacements etc??

I am pretty frustrated with the whole process to date, but am trying to give the dealer and manufacture a chance to get this right but also want to make sure that I am looked after to the extent of my rights in this whole process - would be interested in hearing comments from you all regarding this??

Cheers.

[jasonbw]

methinks you need to simply email them the link to this very thread, then ask them when would you like their name posted up... there is NOTHING wrong with your expectations.

[dazzler]

o.k.... if i had my bike in there getting prepped for a T.D and was told it was gonna be done by thursday so i get all excited then,

in rolls your machine and they stop my bike to work on yours to find out what went wrong and my bike was not ready until the next monday i would be pissed....

so in theory you are no more important than me customer wise, however your case is!!

but as for the repair i gather you are in the queue and when your bike comes up to the top off the 'in tray' you will be served accordingly...

i cannot comment on the other parts of the process, however hound them like crazy i reckon they'll get sick of you and do it for ya. just dont hound them too much(the fine line) otherwise they will spit in ya burger if ya know what i mean!!!

[RIPPERTON]

Sell the Ducati
and buy a real bike

[Johnny]

Painfull to read mate..


Annoy them ? annoy THEM ????? that is not customer service if thats what they said mate, that is down right rude and unacceptable !.

Id want nothing less than a replacement bike.., Hound them... even more so considering their being arroggant pricks.


edit...NAME AND SHAME THE PRICKS !

[bdinnerv]

Sell the Ducati
and buy a real bike

Maybe thats what I should have bought?

[lilninja]

I would suggest, you let them have 1 more week with it then drop in and see the manager of the dealer, If you dont get anything out of him then give the head office of this said motorcycle a call and put the fire under them.

[Turtle]

methinks you need to simply email them the link to this very thread, then ask them when would you like their name posted up... there is NOTHING wrong with your expectations.

+1... its worked in the past huh Jase ??? (cough cough.Shannons.....)

[dazzler]

dinner you have to go to the shop and annoy them!!!!

keep a record of EVERYTHING phone calls (if you can) emails, similiar cases and their results!!

good luck the road ahead is long and winding!!

[clarkey]

Contact ombudsman asap and talk via consumer affairs, things seem to work better with a lil pressure

[wade193]

What a scary experience that would have been. I would want it replaced. I think your bike should get priority because of what occured. Dealership should be all over it trying to resolve it as quickly as they can. I would have been angry to be told im wasting my time calling. They need a reminder to do there job, if they did they you wouldn't have to call. But it is a fine like cause they are just as likely to let it sit to 'punish' you so to speak. There must be someone else you can speak to in an attempt to bypass them. Email manufacturer or something.
Hope you get it resolved quickly.

[Mozzie]

Wow sorry mate. It does sound like it has caused enough damage to write it off if it was an insurance case, but it's not is it ? It's a warranty case so you will just have to be patient and let it go through the motions, But it does sound like the dealer is not helping you with info and from what you've said they seem to be treating you as some sort of pest which bad custumer service. Not good mate. I hope the bike will be replaced ,but that is up to the manufacture. Maybe take your business else where once it's all sorted. Best of luck with it mate.

[Big Lunt]

I would ask them to give you a loaner whilst your waiting for the bike.....also I would expect a new bike as that is ridiculous waiting for the bike to be repaired

I used to buy european for something different many years ago but learnt very quickly!!!!

[jace]

Why are you bothering with the dealer if the bike is insured.

If you want your new bike,which is what I would expect if it was me, get onto the insurance company & get the process started on getting your new bike.

Going by the damage that you are describing its a writeoff anyway....



.

[Captain]

Unbelievable.

[frostyscurse]

Benny... as you know, I'm in the know... this is fkn deplorable, I respect your right and willingness to protect the manufacturer..... However,at 30k... you are showing more restraint than I could muster.... let this be an issue of the past asap for all involved...........

and next time GO GREEN

[Pict]

Contact fair trading?

Pretty sure there is something that would entitle you to a replacement bike, or a refund.

You bought goods that failed, and now you are being disadvantaged because those goods have failed.

[zRoYz]

Benny... as you know, I'm in the know... this is fkn deplorable, I respect your right and willingness to protect the manufacturer..... However,at 30k... you are showing more restraint than I could muster.... let this be an issue of the past asap for all involved...........

and next time GO GREEN

+1 if it was my bike that I just paid 30K for & that happened & the dealer treated me like that with the comment he made on the phone I would be straight down there to let him know in person what I thought of his comment. I would also be sending emails straight to the manufacturer & I wouldn't be holding back naming names after that treatment. I would go to the extreme of standing at the door way telling anybody walking in to go else where & if they wanted proof ask to see your bike & ask what there doing about it.

Jace insurance costs you this is defiantly a warranty issue.

[*Oggy*]

Waste of time goig through the stealerships... they have taken their money and they are more into selling the next deals....

Deal directly with the Manufacturer... Find the top bloke and start communications with him.. record everything and be smart..

At the end of the day , if he replaces the bike, then its no skin of his nose, but if you go calling him and his company dickwads, then you might find the path to enlightenment a bit more long winded.

You could of course go through insurance, but why make a claim, when they should just take away the lemon and give you a decent bike that you paid for.

Good luck..

[adendes]

Contact fair trading?

Pretty sure there is something that would entitle you to a replacement bike, or a refund.

You bought goods that failed, and now you are being disadvantaged because those goods have failed.

look into this a bit more i'm sure you are entitled to a new bike, check with consumer affairs

[Captain]

I don't think any legal action / consumer affairs would hurry things along, they can argue that they are doing all they can, a few weeks (as unreasonable as it seems) is not unreasonable in the legal sense. I'm simply playing devil's advocate here, but I don't think they are in breach of any consumer law.

Having said that, the dealer really needs to be a little more helpful here, poor service and bad attitude is just plain wrong.

[bdinnerv]

Contact fair trading?

Pretty sure there is something that would entitle you to a replacement bike, or a refund.

You bought goods that failed, and now you are being disadvantaged because those goods have failed.

I spoke with DFT yesterday about the issue, they said that the case meets 3 of the 5 requirements for either repair, replacement or full refund (my choice, and they said by the sounds of it, I had grounds for any one I chose) - you only need to meet 1 of the requirements for the DFT to take it up. The process however, and I tend to agree with it is, that you have to try and resolve the issue with the dealer / manufacturer your self first, then lodge a formal complaint with the dft.

I run a business that sells video conferencing equipment, with a similar value to this motorcycle (units up to about 40k). If I had a client call me on monday with a faulty unit, we would have checked the unit out by the end of the day, identified a fault, contacted the manufacturer in the US that night (even if it meant I had to stay up till 11pm to do so) to confirm a replacement, and if there was not a replacement unit locally, we would have one air freighted in, sitting at the client site back up and running no later that thursday - usually no later than tues arv if there was a unit locally - we would bend over backward to ensure that the customer was kept happy and that the item they had spent their hard earned on was doing what we sold it to them for, none of this backwards and forwards with the manufacturer, trying to call them at 5pm your time and not getting a hold of them, so heading home for the night and chasing it up tomorrow, 4 week delays etc. When you deal with customers yourself and provide a level of service, you come to expect it from others that provide service to you - in this case I dont think it is un-warranted.

Someone previously mentioned that if they had their bike in being prepped for a td (or a service or what ever) they would be pretty pissed off if their bike was bumped for mine - I totally agree, but this incident happened on a sat, was back in the workshop sat night. For a capable mechanic, it only takes a couple of hours to pull an engine out of a bike and fully strip it down - something that a keen business owner would have made a point of heading into work on a sun, or staying back mon night after you have done the scheduled work to make sure it is done promptly and get back to the client asap. Once again maybe I expect too much, but it is how I run my business and keep my customers happy.

[dilbee]

id suggest talking too to a solictor about the situation of the bike catching fire while riding. Go back and tell the shop that you might be taking legal action against them as by the sounds of it one of their mechanics could of stuffed up with pre-delievery check on the bike.
But saying that they could just say to you that if something was a miss or not right it should of happened before. Had the bike just had its 1st service? Was the engine casing cracked or how did the engine oil come out?

[Big Lunt]

I remember couple of years back when I was marshalling for Moto Concepts had a guy on a 999 (from memory) which was just run in and was doing 1st track day.

Engine case juet opened up and spewed oil everywhere and damged the engine.......needless to say he was heading straight to the dealer to drop it off and ask for his money back!!! Never new what happened after that

[CowskinBodybag]

and to think i was pissed off with a $200 compressor that gave me grief!
best of luck.

[Captain]

I run my business pretty much the same way mate. The thing is, yours (and mine) are based on on-going relationships, so keeping the client happy is essential, or he will take his business elsewhere. It's a little different with the motorcycle retailer. I'm not saying it's right, but it is different.

[Kat00]

Your a better man than me.

[bdinnerv]

id suggest talking too to a solictor about the situation of the bike catching fire while riding. Go back and tell the shop that you might be taking legal action against them as by the sounds of it one of their mechanics could of stuffed up with pre-delievery check on the bike.
But saying that they could just say to you that if something was a miss or not right it should of happened before. Had the bike just had its 1st service? Was the engine casing cracked or how did the engine oil come out?

I think what happened (this is of course speculation as I still dont know if the engine has been pulled down and what the actual cause is) is that a piston either melted, cracked, deformed or dropped the rings, has let oil up from the crank case, pumped it back out via the inlet valve into the air box, apparently a hose on the airbox was either off or got blown off in the process, and oil got blown out of the air box everywhere.

To be honest, I am a little pissed that the incident itself happened, but understand that things go wrong from time to time and things can fail, so dont think I will be getting a solicitor onto the fire issue. A quick search doesnt show anyone else complaining of a similar issue (but hey, they may have been gagged ). I am more frustrated that I am now coming up on a week after the incident and still know no more than I did 5 minutes after it happened. This issue seems to be part dealer and part manufacturer process to blame.

[Lopeman]

Mate if it was me i'd NAME them, Both dealer and bike, and SHAME them.

the way the dealer is treating you is absoulte B/S and i sure as hell dont want to do anybuisness with them, but its a bit hard if i dont know who they are.

In regards to the bike, its not good from the manufacturer but there is always that 1 in a million, some people win lotto, some buy brand new bikes that catch on fire. I wouldnt hold it against the bike company unless there were more cases, but that real easy for me to say seeing as its not my bike thats rooted.

chin up mate, it will all turn out sweet in the end, may be a bit of dicking around in the middle though

[Slippery]

I smell an Agusta...

[zRoYz]

I smell an Agusta...

If it is I bet I can guess the dealer......

[dilbee]

oh ok. so internal issues did it. well in that case get up em for a new bike. Just lucky you didn't get hurt as that would be a even bigger issue to that dealer/manufacturer. I wonder if this could cause a recall on that type of bike?

[LittleBear]

When I crashed my bike all I did to it was break all the plastic bits and the leavers, it took the repairer about 5 months to fix it. when I got it back it still had scrtchs all over the tank and chips in the fairing. Being a full insurance job ya think they've done more.

Nah, sorry. some of these guys are flat out with a dozen customers doing the same thing that you are. give em some space and check in once a week. (casual like)

it's your insurance company you want to pester the shit out of. they'll screw you over quicker than you can blink so if you get up them they will in turn get hold of the repairer.

best bet would be to get hold of the assesor who approved the repairs. (if your insurance is dealing with it that is)

it all takes time and ya need a little love in the repairs or it'll come back with Gremlins.

[Naked Twin]

Well the sales rep did say these were F**king hot. Okay jokes aside, you have spoken to the DFT, now fill in the forms, send the distributor a letter CC to DFT, Consumer affairs, AMCN, Rapid and any other bike magazine you can think of. That should get their attention and ask them what they would expect you to do if they just spent 30K on a bike they decided to lunch its engine and catch fire and then be told this could take 5 weeks. Don't be nice, nice people get screwed, you paid your money you have done nothing wrong and you at least deserve to be given a similar bike as a loan whilst this is being sorted.

Oh just so know having been down this path with a Japanese manufacturer over a warranty issue they won't airfreight the parts, so if it is European then it is a minimum 5 weeks just by boat for a new engine. I had to send a similar letter for the distributor to suddenly find the parts of an existing bike to replace mine after waiting nearly 7 weeks.

Good luck.

Nick

[Captain]

It's only been one week Nick.

I'm more concerned at the tales I read about the insurance in the bike industry. A car smash is usually repaired pretty fast, yet bikes seem to take forever. Why is that?

[Naked Twin]

I know what you are saying Captain, but if you be nice like I did they sit on their hands, then when you make a shit fight all of sudden they can find the problem and fix it. If he hadn't been as smart as he was he could have been on fire or worse sliding down the road, I think a little more care and understanding on the dealer part is the least they can do. Personally after the way he was spoken to I would do the letters.

On why bikes take so long - they don't stock a lot of the parts in Australia (so I found out). I blew a clutch when a chain decided to come off at 120 km/h and lock the rear wheel a couple of years ago. Well of course we don't stock that part or the swing arm that got chewed up by the chain so stand in line. Not a lot of fun when you are being told to wait and wait and wait.

Nick

[Pict]

Whoever said nice guys get screwed, pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Keep pushing, push until you get some answers/something done. Dont get rude or start abusing them though.

Edit: And make sure they're aware that you're willing to take them to DFT. Ask for a replacement bike or a refund. They need to know they cant walk over you.

[bdinnerv]

I smell an Agusta...
If you can tell me where I could buy a 1078RR Agusta for 30K I would gladly ask for my money back and go and buy one, alas, on the road, they are about 40K . . .

That said, I have had a bad experience with an MV before as well, but it wasnt mine. A mate lent me his to test ride for a weekend, rode it, rode it hard, didnt get a scratch on it, the day before I was to return it I got a flat tyre (picked up a nail on the road) so doing the right thing I said I would get the wheel off and replaced. I wheeled the bike out of the garage, put it on the side stand, turned my back and heard a "click" which was the side stand hitting the frame, closely followed by a "crash" of the bike hitting the ground. The insurance quote to fix the bike was a bit over $20,000 (yep, $20,000 for a bike falling off the side stand) but the insurance claim was refused (dont ask me about that!) so I got stuck with the bill, which I have only just finished paying off (hence I have not been out to the track once this year - grrr) and now I have this to deal with.

I think I am just not meant to have a Euro bike, the trusty R6 just keeps on going . . . .

[jasonbw]

Holy Shit !!! You made my heart sink reading that.... onya for paying for that! That's bloody life altering!

[Jake]

I smell an Agusta...
I smell an RC8, maybe from <dealer removed> :confused1:

[bdinnerv]

Everyone, as per my initial request, if you think you know the details, please keep them to yourself. Speculation about what brand / dealer it is is only going to cause misplaced issues for the dealers / manufacturers. I did not start this thread to rubbish a dealer or brand of bike, but to get some feedback as to how this is being handled.

[Jake]

Sorry, removed the dealer speculation. I reckon they're handling it appallingly, given that the fault could easily have resulted in your death they should be giving you a big apology and a shiny new bike.

[saf]

From what you've said you've spoken to the dealership and the DFT.... have you spoken to the manufacturer yet? And in that regard have they replied?

And for the record, you might not be miffed that the bike caught on fire because it's a one in a million. But correct me if I'm mistaken but if you suffered 1st degree burns and broken bones from a high speed motorcycle crash caused by a short coming from their overpaid R&D dept you wouldn't be so accepting.

Treat it like the bullshit it is and ditch the lube. Nice guys do finish last.


And yeah, my heart sunk when I heard that side stand click too... :(

[bdinnerv]

From what you've said you've spoken to the dealership and the DFT.... have you spoken to the manufacturer yet? And in that regard have they replied?

And for the record, you might not be miffed that the bike caught on fire because it's a one in a million. But correct me if I'm mistaken but if you suffered 1st degree burns and broken bones from a high speed motorcycle crash caused by a short coming from their overpaid R&D dept you wouldn't be so accepting.

Treat it like the bullshit it is and ditch the lube. Nice guys do finish last.


And yeah, my heart sunk when I heard that side stand click too... :(

This is the frustrating bit, I have spoken to manufacturer (well at least the local rep company) and they basically said I couldn't deal with them direct and I would have to lodge my complaints with the dealer. So I sent a formal letter (fax) to the dealer with a request to forward my concerns to the manufacturer as well as formally asking that the bike be replaced, but havnt had any formal response yet . . . .

There may a be a mis-interpretation regarding the fire / incident - I am pretty pissed that it happened and caught fire, and yes, it could have been a lot worse, but I am not about to turn around and say that the manufacturer makes a shit product and should be run out of business based on 1 isolated incident (unless it isnt isolated), however I am going to jump up and down to make sure it is resolved, if the incident had have been worse (and it easily could have) then I guess I would be very very pissed - I think I am just lucky that it didnt get worse and that I managed to get off quickly and put the fire out

[saf]

Mate you're solid evidence that chivalry is not dead. I was implying however that had you not handled it quickly and luck was not on your side the outcome could have been much much worse. Appreciating it didn't and taking it in your stride is to your credit, however that needn't extend to accepting terrible customer service.

As Roy said, I'd be down at the dealership causing a shit-storm. Other customers wouldn't get delayed if all you want is the dealer to escalate the situ to the manufacturer.

In the IT world when a piece of hardware or software fails you typically have to make a huge ruckus to get anything done, even when there is a time guaranteed response. Get the big boss on the blower and tell him your nuts were scorched and almost crashed at high speed due to a problem with their bike. And not just any bike, a brand fucking new one! And not just any brand new one, a brand new expensive one! They're damn lucky you weren't injured, now the least they can do is fix or replace your bike...

... actually the least they can do is keep you updated and not shrug off your enquiries.

[Jake]

Given there's no recall and this doesn't seem to be a common problem or known issue, you have to wonder if the dealer is trying to cover up a stuff up in delivery prep?

[holdontight]

Given there's no recall and this doesn't seem to be a common problem or known issue, you have to wonder if the dealer is trying to cover up a stuff up in delivery prep?

I was thinking this myself.
Demand a new bike.
The resale value of your bike will be shit if repaired. Why should you be the one to wear that.
Just walk into the dealer and demand a new bike. If theres on on the floor point to it and say "I'll have that one. Make it happen now I'll wait"

The problem with the bike started when it was built or when it was pre delivered. It was not & is not you problem. There is only 2 peaple to blame. One of them needs to replace what you paid for. A BRAND NEW BIKE. Not a patched up one made to look like new.

[saf]

I was thinking this myself.
Demand a new bike.
The resale value of your bike will be shit if repaired. Why should you be the one to wear that.
Just walk into the dealer and demand a new bike. If theres on on the floor point to it and say "I'll have that one. Make it happen now I'll wait"

The problem with the bike started when it was built or when it was pre delivered. It was not & is not you problem. There is only 2 peaple to blame. One of them needs to replace what you paid for. A BRAND NEW BIKE. Not a patched up one made to look like new.

+1

On opinion and avatar.

[OutOfControl]

The resale value of your bike will be shit if repaired. Why should you be the one to wear that.

+1

Imagine telling a potential buyer what happened to the bike, I very much doubt they would want to purchase it after hearing the story and I personally wouldn't want to offload this bike on someone else.

[zRoYz]

I just can't believe how relaxed & nice your being about the whole thing, I would have steam coming from my ears & be telling the dealer I'm taking the burnt bike back to have it professionally inspected for the cause & you the dealer will be hearing from my lawyer. If it is found cause was negligence then also expect a law suit. I also would me make sure I conveyed the above to the dealer manager not some paid cronie.

I could write up many a story about dealers &warranty work etc & none are good & all were only resolved with major push from the customer. 2 week old RSV warped rotors dealer said no warranty due to Aus distributor saying no, needed letter to factory & dealer was told to replace them. VFR warranty recall bike was left with dealer & stolen from dealer. Dealer told client to claim on there insurance they wouldn't pay & couldn't produce key he handed them. Took lawyer to make dealer replace bike. VFR placed in for service never run right after was sent back many times over another year which the dealer treated as warranty. In the end dealer tried to give bike back not running stating they couldn't fix it (not kidding). Honda Aus was contacted & took bike to another dealer who they new had a wiz bang mech who fixed problem in 1hr, the original dealer had timing out 1 cam shaft which would have happened at service. The original dealer had replaced many parts under warranty so don't think Honda would have been to happy when they found out real cause (original dealer is still a Honda dealer funny enough). Guy picks up new bike rides it home & once there gives his new pride & joy the once over & notices no oil in sight glass rings dealer. Dealer mech comes to his place loads bike on there ute & confirmed no oil in sight glass when there should be. Guy asked for new bike as was 1 day old, dealer then denied oil problem & mech backed that up who transported bike back to workshop. Mistake guy made was not taking pic of sight glass or recording conversation with mech as proof.

I have many more stories of woo, dealers just want to turn over bikes they don't care less about after sales service or anything they can't make money on which is very sad but reality.

[jace]

Jace insurance costs you this is defiantly a warranty issue.

Why would it cost him anything when he's not at fault?
I'd still look into it as an option anyway....





.

[Captain]

How is it an insurance issue, exactly? It's not an accident, it's mechanical failure.

[dazzler]

dinner.... you must burn money to keep yourself warm at night!!!!

30k is a lot of dosh for a bike, a fuct one at that!!!

o.k being nice may get results but lets look at this situation from the outside

your bikes fuct beyond all doubt..yeah??

and your gonna be all nice about it, thats admirable
tomorrow i've got 30k to spend on a bike(tell him he's dreaming..haha!!)
..so i go into same shop as you and buy same bike as yours and the same thing happens

well thanks for trying to help me, when you could of! i could of gone with my second choice.

many here have named and shamed many a different dealer, brand, make,model... and someone has changed their mind because of it.... thats fair too!
but we have saved someone the same pain you are experiencing, and if it was me i would be saying a big thank you for that!!!

tonight while you lay awake in bed thinking about what is happening to your bike the mechanic is out on the piss, the dealership owner is sipping on a $130 bottle of Moet with his mistress while the wife is at home with the kids, the CEO of the Brand of your bike is currently filling his super yacht full of diesel ready to bon voyage.... they do not give a flying fuck about you mate, you've paid them the money.

ding...(the bell rings) next customer please

so enjoy your 2 hours sleep tonight, think about that!!!

and when you go to work tomorrow and get the shits with everyone around for being so lame, dont blame them blame yourself because you have something else on your mind mate!!!
its not their fault..... and its sure as hell not your fault

[mymojomoto]

Shame on you Mr. Dinner for not considering other peoples interests as you sit and wait while you get fisted by the dealer! Me thinks Mr Bar Should be less concerned about his bike and maybe put himself in Mr. Dinner shoes for a sec and think what it would be like if there was no prospect of even riding your brand new bike in the forseeable future. Keep up the fight mate and let us know how you get on so we can all learn a little from other's experiences and be prepared should anything as unfortunate as this happens to one of us or our mates.

[triumph]

mr dinner and mr bar .:lmao:

[Frosty675]

I'd give them a week of peace and then literally take a bag of shit and walk into their shop and throw it at their fan during the second week. :cursing:

[gobig2000]

haha be honest you threw it down the road at the track...:stirthepot:


If you can tell me where I could buy a 1078RR Agusta for 30K I would gladly ask for my money back and go and buy one, alas, on the road, they are about 40K . . .

That said, I have had a bad experience with an MV before as well, but it wasnt mine. A mate lent me his to test ride for a weekend, rode it, rode it hard, didnt get a scratch on it, the day before I was to return it I got a flat tyre (picked up a nail on the road) so doing the right thing I said I would get the wheel off and replaced. I wheeled the bike out of the garage, put it on the side stand, turned my back and heard a "click" which was the side stand hitting the frame, closely followed by a "crash" of the bike hitting the ground. The insurance quote to fix the bike was a bit over $20,000 (yep, $20,000 for a bike falling off the side stand) but the insurance claim was refused (dont ask me about that!) so I got stuck with the bill, which I have only just finished paying off (hence I have not been out to the track once this year - grrr) and now I have this to deal with.

I think I am just not meant to have a Euro bike, the trusty R6 just keeps on going . . . .

[ZXRider]

I personally dont know why you put the fire out!!!!! I would have let it burn and got the insurance...Nothing worse or less attractive to a next potential buyer than a "repaired bike"....Just my opinion....

[jace]

Hey Capt,

You've been busy deleting again, but you forgot to delete your last post as well or do I have to answer that Question again?



.

[Captain]

Mate that was a question, nothing more. You did explain that the 'fire' component might make it an insurance issue, fair enough, something for the OP to think about.

[ZXRider]

I must say Mod's Deleting there own post's on forum's (if this is the case) Is bad form.You should take your moderator hat of when posting.......

Read twice post once!!!!!

[Captain]

How's that? I deleted my own as well so that there is no bias ... they were all irrelevant and added nothing to the thread.

[ZXRider]

How's that? I deleted my own as well so that there is no bias ... they were all irrelevant and added nothing to the thread.

That may be the case but if the other person's post was irrelivant and added nothing to the thread isn't it your job to delete it then and there rather than quote them and make a comment ,not like the out come and delete to where you now see fit?

And now this is an irrelivant post and should be deleted......

I don't have nothing againt you Captain I just hate over Modding:cursing:

[Captain]

So do I, but it wasn't a 'one off' innapropriate comment, it was a back and fro that went a little off the rails, hence why it was all removed. I'm human, only doing my best, feel free to send me a PM if you want to discuss this further.
Maybe we can get back to the topic? I do agree with the comment Jase made re trying to help the original poster, I think we're all doing that.

[KW4K4]

I'd give them a week of peace and then literally take a bag of shit and walk into their shop and throw it at their fan during the second week. :cursing:

you dont have that much patience frosty

[bdinnerv]

I personally dont know why you put the fire out!!!!! I would have let it burn and got the insurance...Nothing worse or less attractive to a next potential buyer than a "repaired bike"....Just my opinion....
I don't know what I was thinking at the time and in hindsight it may have been better to just let it burn to the ground, but I can tell you that when you are standing on the side of the road in the "heat" of the moment looking at your pride and joy that you just forked your hard earned out on, the first thing that crosses my mind is to put the damned fire out before the nice full tank of fuel goes up.
On the positive side, the manufacturer finally called me yesterday (this was the first call all week I had received) and bought me up to date, assured me that this was being treated very seriously all the way up through managment, that the bike would be inspected by the manufacturer on Monday and I would get a full response with plan of action Monday arv. So whilst it has taken a while, I atleast have some communication and a time line for progress. I just hope that the response Monday is a favourable one - will update you all on mon :) time to sit back and watch everyone at eastern creek for the rest of the day

[Dunno]

Must be a relief finally speaking to someone & not being made to feel like a leper. Hope it all works out for you mate.
A new bike will do nicely im sure.

[Mozzie]

Good news to some dergree there mate. You'd near feel like a beer now would'nt ya.

[saf]

Good to hear they're taking it seriously.

Keep us updated!

[wade193]

Glad to hear that you heard something. Finers crossed for a new bike :ayyy:

[dazzler]

you gotta get a new bike..... nothing less!!! and thats that!

you bought a lemon if it gets repaired it will always be a lemon!!!
and it will always be in the back of your mind too

a replacement is the bare minimum.... and maybe bussiness class tickets to their factory to see its put together<--- damn good P.R in my eyes just ask *oggy* (?) about his blade....

[jace]

you gotta get a new bike..... nothing less!!! and thats that!

you bought a lemon if it gets repaired it will always be a lemon!!!
and it will always be in the back of your mind too

a replacement is the bare minimum....

+1
Anything less, you will be getting ripped off.

I hate seeing people getting Ripped.....:mad:



.

[Kimbo]

If it's an MV. I can tell you a story of a mate of mine wow had a huge court case with the impoters . On a trackday at the creek coming into turn 1 it spewed it's guts everywhere and threw him off and hurt him and the bike[written off]. After much wrangling it was found there was a worldwide recall to fix a problem. The Australian distritutor didn't do anything about it. It took my friend a lot of money and time[ lucky he has money]to get the money back. They settled just before a judgement was handed down. It cost the importer around $ 150,000.00 withcourt costs and law fees.

[muzz]

you gotta get a new bike..... nothing less!!! and thats that!

you bought a lemon if it gets repaired it will always be a lemon!!!
and it will always be in the back of your mind too

a replacement is the bare minimum.... and maybe bussiness class tickets to their factory to see its put together<--- damn good P.R in my eyes just ask *oggy* (?) about his blade....


youve got close to a lemon dazz .....youve got an orange !:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[dazzler]

yeah buddy and yours is a big red apple!!

or is that a pink delicious??

[bdinnerv]

Well everyone, just a quick update, though I would let you know the progress that has been made . . . . . . . .

[Pict]

Yeah, and? Whats the poop?

Edit: So nothing has happened? Still? Im guessing that what those dots are implying....?

[Irena]

C'mon, we all waiting for the news..............??? :)

[bdinnerv]

Hi All,

as of the last update, there was no update which was boiling my blood a bit. But I have just got off the phone with the manufacturer and they have said they are going to replace it!!!! I cant tell you how much of a relief this is as I have pretty much done nothing but stew and think about my bike for the last almost 2 weeks, but as they say, all's well that ends well.

Still need to speak to them again tomorrow to finalise details, but it looks like it is finally happening - yippee

[Devilish]

replace the whole bike or just the engine?

[Johnny]

Congrats mate, best outcome right there :clap: .

Hope manufacturer gives dealer hell too.

[jace]

Thats good news mate......:clap:




.

[Big Lunt]

Congratulations I bet you had a nice drink after hearing that

Sorry but you did get it in writing?

[Captain]

Once it's all over, will you tell us which bike it was? :D
So, did you have to go to consumer affairs, get a lawyer, make threats etc or just wait for the process to go through its' paces? Would be good to know.

Good news though :ayyy:

[frostyscurse]

Happy days Benny boy...... the correct outcome prevailed.

[bdinnerv]

Once it's all over, will you tell us which bike it was? :D
So, did you have to go to consumer affairs, get a lawyer, make threats etc or just wait for the process to go through its' paces? Would be good to know.

Good news though :ayyy:

Ok, so I dont have it in writing, and I dont have the bike in the garage yet and I hope I am not jumping the gun, but they have said they will replace it, so I am pretty sure that is what they mean.

Once it is all finalised, I will let everyone know, in the aim to paint a good picture and not a bad one.

I didnt get a lawyer involved, I did speak to the department of fair trading, but only to find out what my rights were and didnt actually get them involved in anything. I didnt make any threats either, I did send them a letter and I was pretty persistent with the follow up, but would probably say that I gave them a fair bit of room to move, in the end they have come through with the right solution where by I will be happy with the bike and they will be happy with their customers.

There are still a couple of small issues / formalities that need sorting out which I hope to have sorted out tomorrow. Now that we have a target in sight it makes it much easier for everyone (especially me) to work towards and end. I have to say I have lost a fair bit of sleep over this in the last 10 days but can see the light at the end of the tunnel now and should sleep well tonight and hopefully get everything sorted out tomorrow - they have said they cant replace the bike with the same colour - due to one of the issues I had with the bike before the engine blew (The bike I purchased had been painted up in the colours that I saw it in on the showroom floor and was not actually the factory finish - something that I only found out a couple of weeks after I purchased it) It boils down to the fact that they never bought that colour for my year model into AU, it only ever came in in one colour that I aint a huge fan of and that is the colour they will be replacing my bike with.

Hopefully all will be sorted out and finalised tomorrow and I will have a new bike to ride sometime soon

[Mozzie]

Cool, good news mate:mod_smilie_rockwoot, but now you wont sleep because you'll be thinking of you new bike:lmao:

[Big Lunt]

Guaranteed that you will be asked to sign a non disclosure document or something like that. But hey if its all in your favour and they are doing the right thing then I would see no reason to make them look bad.

Feel your pain and I think that we all empathise your situation.

[dazzler]

go on!! why not ask them to replace the bike exactly how you bought it!!!

by this i mean, get them to get it professionally paint just how you had it, seems fair was probably half the reason you bought it!

now if i was driving a,say, forrest green holden/ford big v8 car and i bought it brand new then it blew up and the only one they had similiar in the country was a PINK one whaddaya reckon how mucho man is that....

dinner mate you deserve your bike back
exactly they way you rode it out of the shop

and that includes the colour scheme.......

mate you can only ask them... sternly i reckon too, you just said its not the colour i like but i'll take it, you settling for less

i understand ya getting a new bike but..............

[bdinnerv]

go on!! why not ask them to replace the bike exactly how you bought it!!!

by this i mean, get them to get it professionally paint just how you had it, seems fair was probably half the reason you bought it!



Actually, I bought it because I thought it was the factory colour scheme. The main issue I have with it being painted is that it is not factory - it is very close but not the same, meaning that if I need to get a panel replaced down the track, I cannot simply ring up the dealer and say "please order me in a new left hand panel in my colour" and slap it on the bike, I will need to get a panel, strip the whole bike back and then get everything painted so the colour matches everywhere. Part of the reason I bought a new bike is because I didnt want any of these headaches that come with a second hand bike and not knowing the history etc. The factory makes a bike in the colour that I wanted, they just didnt ship it to AU for '08 - something I only found out after buying the bike.

I rang them back today and said I wouldnt settle for a different colour bike, I forked out top dollar for the bike and colour I wanted, and wont settle for a substitute, only a replacement. They are considering the options and hopefully get back to me soon (is 18:41 AEST now and havnt heard anything, so hoping it is tomorrow)

[dazzler]

good on ya brother, seems they are doing everything right by you which is so good to see, i guess you just happen to be the millionth customer and bought a bike that...

"only 1 in a million bikes do this!!" and you were that person

you always hear bad stories.... this one is closer to home, and a fine result:ayyy:

[bdinnerv]

Well, just a quick update, still dont have a bike, they are going to repair mine by the look of things, they just cant tell me how ling it is going to take, they are saying "2 or 3 weeks" at the moment but wont commit to anything, so I am a bit worried at the moment that it could still be in the shop in 6 weeks time, but see what happens . . . .

They offered me to replace the bike, but only in a different colour to what I purchased, so I knocked it back and they are pretty much refusing to replace now, doesnt add up to me to repair it, not with the list of items that are being replaced and the labour, I would think it would be cheaper and quicker to replace, but not the case.

[jasonbw]

When I bought a blackbird in 98 they had two on the floor, one a newer model(coloured GREY), one a year older (coloured Black)... I asked for the newer model with the old model's (Black) fairing colour. No prob, they just swapped the fairings over.

I.e. What's stopping them replacing the bike for you, but giving you YOUR fairings.

[Johnny]

I.e. What's stopping them replacing the bike for you, but giving you YOUR fairings.

Bloody good question and thinking Jason !

[jasonbw]

sometimes I do that... been drinking.. HEAPS.

[bdinnerv]

I.e. What's stopping them replacing the bike for you, but giving you YOUR fairings.
There is firstly the small issue of fire damage, closely followed by the fact that the panels / tank on mine were painted before I purchased it without my knowledge, so they werent the factory colour (very close though) and they were chipping like crazy. I bought a new bike so I wouldnt have any headaches with paint etc, but seems to have proven not to be the case in this instance.

That said, as part of the repair they are replacing panels / tank with new ones in the factory paint - dont know why they couldnt get the panels for a new bike and slap them on . . .

They are replacing:
Both front brake calipers
Full fairing
Tank
Complete engine
Rear brake caliper
main wiring harness
rear brake master
swing arm
Rear shock

and a few other odds and ends.

[zRoYz]

:confused1:
Firstly you mentioned you wanted a replacement bike which would be the best option. You stated there going to give you a replacement but not is same color as yours wasn't factory but didn't have in writing.

You then say you knocked back replacement bike due to different color which you already new about. Now your getting your bike repaired but still with different color body work to your originals.

I don't understand why you knocked back replacement bike just because it is different color to your custom color originals when you stated already they couldn't supply that color. Now your getting repairs & still up shit creek with different color body work & now have to wait longer for repairs & hope like hell everything is like new.

[Kimbo]

I would be really worried about a bike that has been through so much , especially the burning part. Ok they are replacing the wiring loom and all the other stuff but it still blew up and caught alight and the original panels are not actually the factory colour. I know you have made a decision but I really would have pushed and only accepted a brand new bike. Mate it will always be in the back of your mind what happened to it .

[Bigdog]

Yep, looks like you should have snapped up the replacement bike. Good luck with the repairs on your existing one. Hopefully it'll get done soon.

[bdinnerv]

Yep, looks like you should have snapped up the replacement bike. Good luck with the repairs on your existing one. Hopefully it'll get done soon.

From a timing point of view the replacement would have been better, but if I had wanted one in that colour, I would have purchased one in that colour to start with. I am not exactly happy with the repair option - not sure how it is going to affect resale, not sure how I feel hopping back on a bike that has been on fire before, and not exactly happy with the whole scenario at the moment, but wait and see

[dazzler]

your too bloody soft mate, sorry it needs to be said!!!!!!

i would not be standing for any of their shit AT ALL!!!

and im sure 95% of members here wouldn't either!!

you're being shafted left right and centre, and THEY are laughing their tits off at you!!

good luck mate, you sure as hell need it!!

[wade193]

I am not exactly happy with the repair option - not sure how it is going to affect resale, not sure how I feel hopping back on a bike that has been on fire before, and not exactly happy with the whole scenario at the moment, but wait and see

If your not sure how you feel, thats exactly what everyone who thinks about buying it would think. I would have just gone with the replacement.


your too bloody soft mate, sorry it needs to be said!!!!!!

i would not be standing for any of their shit AT ALL!!!

and im sure 95% of members here wouldn't either!!

you're being shafted left right and centre, and THEY are laughing their tits off at you!!

good luck mate, you sure as hell need it!!

Agreed. They don't care at all and are just looking after their own interest. They just want the problem gone (you), which means you lose out. You didn't do anything wrong so why suffer again for something that wasn't your fault.
You need to walk away from this disaster, happy with the outcome.

[ZXRider]

I personally think they should a least have the common courtesy of giving you a reach around whilst trying to fuck you from behind........

Get a new bike at least IMO......

[holdontight]

take the new bike. Take a pink one if thats all they have.

[Belinda]

And they say its women that take fashion over function.......:confused1:

[rossco]

Well, just a quick update, still dont have a bike, they are going to repair mine by the look of things, they just cant tell me how ling it is going to take, they are saying "2 or 3 weeks" at the moment but wont commit to anything, so I am a bit worried at the moment that it could still be in the shop in 6 weeks time, but see what happens . . . .

They offered me to replace the bike, but only in a different colour to what I purchased, so I knocked it back and they are pretty much refusing to replace now, doesnt add up to me to repair it, not with the list of items that are being replaced and the labour, I would think it would be cheaper and quicker to replace, but not the case.

Fuck me dude. They are really giving it to you in the ass.
I had the same shit with my ute 2years ago.
I had abit of a talk to the manager and then gave him the key then ask for his keys for his car till mine was fixed.
Got the car back in 2days. (well a new one.)
Just hammer them.
I think they need to get you a new bike. Because your old one is gone and you pay for a new bike not a fucked one!!

[dilbee]

new bike, simple as that. Whats the point having the old one back with so many things replaced etc and having to be painted again. More stuffing around and how can you be sure the bike will be as good as before and wont have some issues down the track.
New bike, start fresh...

[08 ZX10R BULLET]

SO now that the problem has been solved(i would`ve taken a new bike in any colour) can you tell us what bike is it?

[jace]

not exactly happy with the whole scenario at the moment, but wait and see


Ok, now its getting ridiculous........:beatdeadhorse:


Time to name & shame.





.

[saf]

The colour must've been hideous for you not to accept it. But then again, that's only plastics and easily resprayed. At least the innards would be brand spankers... not that that really means anything as your last ones were too.

[ROB83R]

When you wanna sell let me know, I'll swap you my 97 zx6r for it.

Im ripping myself off, the ninja is worth more than that bike now.

Its been said a million times here, NEW BIKE nothing less. Don't take this shit sitting down mate.

[*Oggy*]

can we know the make and stealership now....

[bdinnerv]

Hi All,

Well, this has been a while coming, but I now have my bike back ! :)

I actually got it back the other week but wanted to make sure everything was OK which it is.

To start with, the bike is a KTM RC8 (I think most people know that now). As most of you know, they come in the standard KTM orange which I really am not a fan of, but also come in White / Black or Black, I have a white '65 fastback mustang with black interior, so I had to go with the white / black RC8 so it all matches :D (and as said, I really dont like the orange bike) which is why when I was offered the orange bike as a replacement I didnt take it.

It was a bit of a wait (5 weeks and 6 days from whoa to go) but the bike has come back to me in mint, as new condition. The only parts (major anyway) that weren't replaced was the frame and wheels as there was no damage to either. Starting from the front of the bike the front brake calipers, nose cone, fairings, tank, wiring harness, engine (complete long engine including throttle bodies, air box etc, basically everything you see between the tank and the ground), complete akropovic titanium exhaust system, rear master cylinder, rear brake caliper, complete swing arm and I am sure a list as long as your arm in small bits and pieces were all replaced.

The guys up at Procycles have done a great job in getting the bike back together in excellent condition and were quite proactive in making sure that every little detail was checked into - I have already dropped the bike back for a "first" service after the new engine was run in and a couple of other side effects that weren't visible in the initial repair process were picked up (such as a radiator hose starting to swell after it had engine oil on it) and replaced with parts getting shipped in overnight.

Whilst I think all parties were getting a little shirty throughout the process, with me most likely being the main aggravator (I think Anthony from Procycles caused a few headaches for KTM as well) and me getting a bit frustrated throughout, I am over the moon to have my bike back and in perfect condition (have already done 1200 odd k's on it). There were a few unexpected and pleasant side effects of the whole process as well - my bike was a early 2008 model and now has a 2009 engine in it. Whilst there is technically many differences between the 2 engines, the new 2009 engine is a whole lot smoother down the low end and rides alot nicer especially through traffic etc (I think the 2009 engine is just a little more refined and balanced but I may just be thinking that after a few weeks off the bike). I also apparently have the only white 08 model in the country which is nice to know.

I would have to say that if a similar thing happens to anyone else out there, definitely feel a bit pissed off that it has happened, but have some faith in the process and give your dealer / manufacturer a little room to move.

Ben

[Wattie]

while you were there, did you ask Procycles if my pair of tyres for my XR600 have come in yet??

it was about 5 years ago now. but i still have the same phone number, so shouldn't be too hard to call me to tell me they are in :)

[ozducati]

good to hear it was resolved finally and the main thing is you're happy!

[saf]

Glad to hear you got it back. Perhaps the best feature of your new bits and bobs would be if they're the new 'not catch on fire' type?

:)

[muzz]

at least when you sell it you can say its been hotted up:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:
i would have demanded a nu one but if your happy all is good:ayyy:

[wade193]

Good to hear that your happy with the end result :ayyy:

[Captain]

I would have to say that if a similar thing happens to anyone else out there, definitely feel a bit pissed off that it has happened, but have some faith in the process and give your dealer / manufacturer a little room to move.

Ben

You're welcome.

[Col]

good stuff
any pics?

[Mozzie]

:mod_smilie_rockwoot:ayyy::)

[Devilish]

Your bike looks awesome with the new white and matte white scheme, your definately better off have an 08 bike with an 09 engine, instead of an whole 08 replacement bike.

[WET4URacing]

now time to trade in on the R . that is the gear

[Johnny]

Congrats on the positive outcome, although I didnt think there could be any other being new bike..

With Store in mention, Ive had some pretty similiar experiences with a couple of the guys there, but for benefit of the doubts sake, that was a couple yrs ago .
Havent been back there till yesterday, and to my suprise the store has changed tenfold, not only store itself in thats its grown, but to a more KTM focussed one. From having a wonder through store, buying some accessories etc, seems customer service and attitude of the place has changed aswell, for the better ! ..

Edit, now knowing what bike it was,, Its the third case here in AU already (oil related) , that I know of alone, so I'd say a recall will come about intime, when manufacturer "admits" it that is..

[Jase]

I agree an ombudsman / fair trading give them a little time to act but gather your ammo so that the next time you speak to them if you are not happy with the communication between all partys concerned then let them know of your intentions and start firing your ammo at them. As far as a new bike catching fire from no fault of the rider and being a manufacturing problem or safety issue you should be getting a brand new bike bike not a new fire victim that has been repainted even if they do the repair the bike will never be the same as the heat will have got into areas that may not be picked up by an assesor so in the future i could see paint peeling off and possible chrome lifting which will not do the bike or your pocket any good seeing as though your paying for a new bike , Mate all i can say is Keep on them and gather your ammunition. Some manufacturers even offer a no lemon garauntee ??? .. Good Luck ...

[Devilish]

Havent been back there till yesterday, and to my suprise the store has changed tenfold, not only store itself in thats its grown, but to a more KTM focussed one. From having a wonder through store, buying some accessories etc, seems customer service and attitude of the place has changed aswell, for the better !

You should introduce yourself to the Big guy out there... I here he's a track rider...




:P