Inspection expectations: What would you do?

[Ocean1]

Don't I wish I had one....

But a thousand busted knuckles and assorted disappointments line the path... still not sure if im there yet but always learning

Swapped one for a 250 Villiers James once.

That's at least one deal I got right. Sorta.

[jasonu]

What would be the liability of the inspection provider if they inspected a bike for me (as I don't know what I am looking at and want a qualified professionals report which I paid top coin for) and they failed to notice the tires were down to the cords and the brakes didn't work for shit. I then buy the bike, ride it down the road and stuff it up the back of a bus because the brakes failed. Total write off, I'm really banged up and the owner of the bus wants me to pay for the damages.

[Sharn]

Thanks for all the replies. I gathered there would be a mixed bag of responses.

I agree with you all, and there is no disagreement with the fact, that for the age of the bike that these inconsistencies are to be expected. However- when an expert is contracted to perform a service (which should be inline with the association of which they are a member of) it is reasonable to expect that they would identify these 'expected faults', so one could then say 'ok, that is a fair representation of the vehicle, I know about these issues and can factor them into my purchase'. What has happened in this case, is the inspection has not identified any of the faults, and as a result the bike has been purchased under the assumption that the expert opinion disclosed all the visual faults they could find, with an according price paid. I definately do have a case here under the CGA, and it will be interesting to see what the results of my efforts are.

What stopped me from looking at the bike myself? I have little mechanical knowledge, and what I do know is not what I would consider to be substantial enough to make an informed decision- and the so called experts come in here. My knowledge, or what the provider assumes I know, is completely irrelvent to the service they provide. Naming and shaming is not really in my interests at present, but spme of you might take a hint...

This bike is what I wanted and a road legal one is desirable, due to the high demand for other uses. It runs ok despite needing a bit of work, really just what one would expect (and I definately do not have high expectations for a bike of this age). I don't want to sell it yet, I am using it as a stepping stone to a larger bike next year and I am not in a financial position to go ahead and splash out on another- if I can even find one. It's not what I thought I was getting, but I will enjoy it and treat it well while its mine.

Chalk it up to experience, while knowing that I am unable to fully trust any motorcycle shop due to their apparent variance in service? Absolutely. In future, put my faith in private mechanics who can demonstrate an expert opinion? Yes. Let the top shop fail to open their eyes and flash me off (cause I'm a chick?). No.

I will update this thread in quite some time, once the outcome of my dissatisfaction is defined. Over and out!

[rocketman1]

I have found that most bike shops in Hamilton are good to deal with.
They will spend to time to talk to you, or just talk bikes, That the most important thing for me.
The local Yamaha dealer was the only one that would not have a chat, but they have now gone broke, wonder why.
Bugger cos guess whos now got a Yamaha...
Honesty isthe next, be careful of those that push their own brand too hard , they will not have a balanced veiw, and are more likely to BS you.
If they knock other brands then be on your guard.
If They are not interested in you when you havent bought, they are going to be far less interested in you when u go back to complain about something that has gone worng with what you may have bought.
Buy from the guys that are good to you, and make you feel good, and are friendly, you should always be able to reason with them.

[Katman]

What stopped me from looking at the bike myself? I have little mechanical knowledge, and what I do know is not what I would consider to be substantial enough to make an informed decision

You do have a pair of eyes in your head though, don't you?

[flyingcrocodile46]

You do have a pair of eyes in your head though, don't you?

Not much value in opening them when you abdicate responsibility for using them by purchasing indemnity for a ridiculously small fee (when considering the unrealistic expectation of liability by some).

[Hoon]

I'm selling my '91 ZXR400 L1 shortly. It's an ex-race bike. A lot of people shun away from ex-racebikes but I'd vouch mine is more reliable and in better condition than 95% of similar bikes on the road today. It's done 1'10's around Puke (a better rider would shave 3s off that) and I also beat the NZ 400cc 1/4 mile record with a 12.95s. I take my racing seriously and made a lot of effort to ensure everything was well maintained and working optimally. Yes its been laid down a few times but its all been fixed and I'll be selling it with new factory fairings and new original paint scheme.

My point is that ex-race bikes shouldn't be an instant turn off. If I was the buyer I'd start asking more questions like race history/lap times, go faster parts, how good the previous owner was with maintenance, any crashes (lowsides pfffttt!!!). You might be onto a winner and could be riding home on a well prepped bike that is ready to join the starting grid.

[CookMySock]

Nar sorry I think you're being picky.

[JimmyC]

My experience with pre-purchase checks tell me they're not worth the money. I bought an AA inspection for my third car which I bought from a LMVD who wouldn't get one done for me. It passed the inspection with flying colours, but it was only at its next WoF I was told I'd been driving around for 6 months without an air filter... Right there in the fine print the AA 'inspection' states they will not remove anything to look at something else. Useless.

[GDOBSSOR]

Woodman- no the owners did not, and when informing them of my findings they have expressed surprise (which could be true or false, but I am in no position to make a judgement)

Mossy- all faults I have noted are visual. I am going to inform the shop in writing if I am taking this matter further and allow them 10 days to offer a response/solution to my problem.

The issue I forsee is finding a shop locally who is willing to provide a legal document for me. Seems they may like to stay in bed with each other....

You go girl. If they had done the job they are supposedly qualified to do and you paid them to do, it would have saved you pain, time and money. If it was my bike, I'd tear them a new one.