Lemon Bike

**jmesax** · 18th May 2010, 09:36

I bought a Suzuki DL1000 from a guy on Trademe about a 1 1/2 months ago. From the first long ride on I had problems with the bike. I had a mobile mechanic (recommended on kiwi bike) come out to look at it and he couldn't figure out what was going on with the bike. Finally I took it to Coleman Suzuki and they're even mystified but it's looking like it's the ECU (electronic control unit) which is going to cost $3500

The previous owner seems nice enough and he says he never had any problems with the bike (he even recommended kiwibiker and some other things) and he didn't ride it much so I can imagine he didn't have an idea although it didn't work from the get go (only on long rides though - it seemed to be ok on short rides in the city). He has agreed to pay half of the repair bill but I'm wondering if this will happen now that it's this expensive. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do through trademe or a "lemon car/bike" organization - there are some things like this in the US (where I come from).... or any other good options? I bought the bike for $5500 so I'm not sure the repair is even worth it. Thoughts?

**98tls** · 18th May 2010, 09:41

If me i would get on to a DL devoted forum and see what you can pick up,cost you have been quoted is absurd.

**onearmedbandit** · 18th May 2010, 09:43

The only recourse in a private sale that you can rely on is if the bike was incorrectly advertised. If it was bought second hand from a dealer you're covered by the consumers guarantees act, however that doesn't really apply in this instance. You could possibly persue it in small claims court if the bike was advertised as 'running mint' or 'in perfect condition', however this is something that should really be confirmed before handing over the money (which I realise isn't always possible with trademe. You say you're wondering whether he'll pay now that it's so expensive. Have you asked him yet? He may be a decent guy who is gutted for you and willing to help out.

Has anyone swapped an ecu from a good running bike yet to determine if this is actually the issue? It would be a huge waste of time, money, and concern if the ecu is replaced and the problem is still evident.

**miloking** · 18th May 2010, 09:47

Originally Posted by jmesax

I bought a Suzuki DL1000 from a guy on Trademe about a 1 1/2 months ago. From the first long ride on I had problems with the bike. I had a mobile mechanic (recommended on kiwi bike) come out to look at it and he couldn't figure out what was going on with the bike. Finally I took it to Coleman Suzuki and they're even mystified but it's looking like it's the ECU (electronic control unit) which is going to cost $3500

The previous owner seems nice enough and he says he never had any problems with the bike (he even recommended kiwibiker and some other things) and he didn't ride it much so I can imagine he didn't have an idea although it didn't work from the get go (only on long rides though - it seemed to be ok on short rides in the city). He has agreed to pay half of the repair bill but I'm wondering if this will happen now that it's this expensive. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do through trademe or a "lemon car/bike" organization - there are some things like this in the US (where I come from).... or any other good options? I bought the bike for $5500 so I'm not sure the repair is even worth it. Thoughts?

Ebay is your friend!!! You can probably find used ECU for around $400-ish... does it have key with transponder coded to the ECU or something like that? (if not ECU swap should be relatively easy)...but as 98tls said, dedicated forum advice is definately worth the try because its not first time i heard dealer wrongly blaming ECU for something they cant explain or dont understand....

**MSTRS:Me** · 18th May 2010, 09:53

It could be something as simple as a poor earth. This creates greater resistance in the affected part of the loom, leading to hot wires and 'stuff'. Electronics don't like that.
I had a 'problem' with fault codes that was being blamed on the ECU. It turned out to be corrosion on the battery terminals.

**98tls** · 18th May 2010, 09:53

Just re-read your post,if the ECU was fucked then the there would be no difference from short to long trips,if its going bad when up to temp i would be looking at the likes of a coil etc breaking down.Did Colemans put it into dealer mode and check for codes etc?

**marty** · 18th May 2010, 09:55

2 second google search

http://www.fixya.com/motorcycles/t25..._2200_4300_rpm

**98tls** · 18th May 2010, 09:57

These guys seem to know there stuff from what ive heard.http://www.stromtrooper.com/

**imdying** · 18th May 2010, 10:01

Originally Posted by jmesax

From the first long ride on I had problems with the bike.

"Problems" ?!?

Originally Posted by jmesax

the ECU is going to cost $3500

Nup, you're being taken for a ride, no DL ECU is that much even retail.

Originally Posted by jmesax

He has agreed to pay half of the repair bill

You're lucky, he's under no obligation.

Originally Posted by jmesax

I'm wondering if there is anything I can do through trademe or a "lemon car/bike" organization - there are some things like this in the US (where I come from).... or any other good options? I bought the bike for $5500 so I'm not sure the repair is even worth it. Thoughts?

Unless it was misrepresented to you, you're screwed

**cowboyz** · 18th May 2010, 11:21

if guarentees of a good bike that wont cause trouble is what you wanted you should have brought off a dealer. Huge ups to the seller for offering to pay half. Friked if Id be doing the same! Who is to say you didnt break it on the ride home?

**Squiggles** · 18th May 2010, 11:29

If it turns out to be the ecu i'd be on ebay/dedicated v-strom website/the phone to the wrecker before shelling out... there's a dl650 ecu on ebay for $170US, no good to you but gives you an idea of second hand price...

**dogsnbikes** · 18th May 2010, 11:51

Originally Posted by jmesax

I bought a Suzuki DL1000 from a guy on Trademe about a 1 1/2 months ago. From the first long ride on I had problems with the bike. I had a mobile mechanic (recommended on kiwi bike) come out to look at it and he couldn't figure out what was going on with the bike. Finally I took it to Coleman Suzuki and they're even mystified but it's looking like it's the ECU (electronic control unit)

Has anyone tested the ECU regulator??

As already said though cheak the basic's before jumping in with both feet

Cheak for Loose Plug connections make sure they are secure and pressed home tight also cheak for any discolouration on the plug terminals,
cheak your fuse's too, are any of them heating up causing the plastic to bubble but not blowing the fuse itself,

Run some injector cleaner through next time you head out on a decent ride,Use half a bottle of Calibre injector cleaner from super cheap then use 1/3 every 3rd or 4th tank and use above the min octane recommendation,

**98tls** · 18th May 2010, 12:33

Was in town this morning and decided to check the quoted price at the local Suzuki agent,yep $3354 + i guess Casbolts added in some labour,jesus H thats expensive.If indeed it turns out to be the ECU then try the guys at the link i posted earlier and no doubt you would get one for far less,actually about $3000 less at a minimum.

**imdying** · 18th May 2010, 12:54

Originally Posted by 98tls

Was in town this morning and decided to check the quoted price at the local Suzuki agent,yep $3354 + i guess Casbolts added in some labour,jesus H thats expensive.If indeed it turns out to be the ECU then try the guys at the link i posted earlier and no doubt you would get one for far less,actually about $3000 less at a minimum.

Pffft, $756USD. Robbers.