Dealing with a LEMON after buying...

[Rogue Rider]

Buying a bike can be fun and exciting, but sometimes the flavour and novelty wears off very quickly.
Late last year I purchased a bike from a dealer, it was a bike I always wanted to get, and the opportunity arose that was simply too good an opportunity to pass up, at least that was what I thought.
The dealer knew me, I was a previous customer, He informed me of the bike they had, that it was cheap because it was made up of 3 different bikes, but was all good and had no structural compromises.
I was happy with the explanation, and I asked and confirmed that the bike wasn't a smash job, and that it had No mechanical issues.
I put up the deposit and financed the balance 11500 with MTF finance through the shop.
Straight away there were some issues, minor but annoying. The same issue required numerous lengthy trips back to the dealer.
I had some secondary advice on the bike which revealed several assembly faults, one of which was a burnt out clutch due to being installed back to front. There were also some odd foreign bolts in places as well as some missing ones.
The bike was clearly poorly reconstructed....
The issues continued, and so did my frustration. In the end I rode the bike back to the dealer and gave it back to them. I ended up taking another bike instead, of close value, but the costs involved with the pig were $3000.
I worked out today that with the new finance amendment form on the replacement bike, (Because MTF don't allow title transfer) the ordeal has cost me over $4,000. Money I will never see again, and I am still paying for it........

WARNING! Always trust your intuition and follow your own advice. I never buy bikes with suspect or odd pasts, and never buy an itsa bitsa..... I made a huge error and I will never make that mistake again.


Has anyone else made a dumb arse decision before, is it just me lol...... This is the first bike out of over 40 that I have had a lemon.

[SMOKEU]

You could take them to the disputes tribunal, but it's very much a case of buyer beware. I personally wouldn't buy a bike that's been made up of several bikes unless it's a cheap old dirt bike or something like that.

[Rogue Rider]

You could take them to the disputes tribunal, but it's very much a case of buyer beware. I personally wouldn't buy a bike that's been made up of several bikes unless it's a cheap old dirt bike or something like that.

I agree, buying a bike with a chequered history is definately a WARNING to run from.... I am happy ish with my resolve, just more mad at myself for doing such a dumb thing..... Sad thing though is someone else has brought the bike, and I know that it has some major issues coming up....... thats why I took it back to the dealer over selling it privately, I couldn't do that to someone, and at least a dealer gives you some comeback credibility.
I have seen the bike around, I really hope that it is plain sailing for them, and that the issues were only mine....

[SMOKEU]

I agree, buying a bike with a chequered history is definately a WARNING to run from.... I am happy ish with my resolve, just more mad at myself for doing such a dumb thing..... Sad thing though is someone else has brought the bike, and I know that it has some major issues coming up....... thats why I took it back to the dealer over selling it privately, I couldn't do that to someone, and at least a dealer gives you some comeback credibility.
I have seen the bike around, I really hope that it is plain sailing for them, and that the issues were only mine....

Let's just hope it's structurally sound and that the brakes and suspension are safe, for the sake of the next poor bugger who rides it.

[PirateJafa]

The best thing to do with a lemon is to pass the love along.

Just ask Rayray401 how much fun a bits-bike is.

[Rogue Rider]

Let's just hope it's structurally sound and that the brakes and suspension are safe, for the sake of the next poor bugger who rides it.

Rest safe, I did the brakes, discs and repaired the engine so it wouldn't sieze... The shaft is the worry, it has some serious wear in it according to AMPS who inspected it for me. Not sure what a shaft drive would do if it gave out?

[Rayray401]

WARNING! Always trust your intuition and follow your own advice. I never buy bikes with suspect or odd pasts, and never buy an itsa bitsa..... I made a huge error and I will never make that mistake again.

Definitely agree there. Such a pain in the arse getting everything done and not able to ride. By the time it was ready it was winter
Sold the thing after..what lemon did you buy Rogue Rider?

[jack_hamma]

Has anyone else made a dumb arse decision before, is it just me lol...... This is the first bike out of over 40 that I have had a lemon.

I am laughing at the thought of a cabbage trying to ride a lemon

Next question dumbarse....

[2wheeldrifter]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ns-in-Auckland

Helps when buying fruit...... very simple question too.

[Grubber]

I'm sure there is a good explanation but...... after 40 bikes....ow come you went and brought a bitsa?
Just seems an odd thing to do for someone who has already had a bit of experience.
No matter, lucky this time by the sounds of it.
Must admit, i did the same a few years ago but mine was new when i brought it. Maybe it had something to do with it being a Harley....who knows?

[SMOKEU]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ns-in-Auckland

Helps when buying fruit...... very simple question too.

I would only use a pre purchase inspection as a very rough guide to the mechanical condition of a vehicle; I got a cage inspected by the AA (not alcoholics anonymous, but the other one) who gave it the all clear, and I've had endless problems with that car. It really depends on the mechanic and how thorough they are.

[Rogue Rider]

after 40 bikes....ow come you went and brought a bitsa?
Just seems an odd thing to do for someone who has already had a bit of experience.

Must admit, i did the same a few years ago but mine was new when i brought it. Maybe it had something to do with it being a Harley....who knows?

I hear you, I guess I just got caught in the moment, I always wanted a Rocket 111, and this one was cheap, (for good reason lol) anyway, cheap is a good indicator and I walked straight into it.

Rest assured, I won't be making any mistakes like that again. I have had Harleys, Triumphs, Guzzi's and all manner of 2 wheeled machines. I have to say I do like Harley's, just not so fussed on the twin cams, I think if I was to go there again, I'll stick with the EVO's of the 90's.