Price gouging warning

[R650R]

Normally don't bother to check prices on certain OEM parts as they rarely change and are good value on many items. However just got stung bigtime on a set of rear pads, checked with dealer and apparently I'm not the first to complain. Checking websites and comparing parts prices all the other items are on par with prices in other countries but this one item is way out of range. Have sent an email to the head office in NZ to see what they have to say for themselves. As this part also fits many other bikes in their range perhaps we should start a list of OEM parts that you should never buy. Hopefully they will come to the party here and make an adjustment or compensation.
Part was $81 in 2007 now the list price is over $180! The dealer did give me a discount on that though but that is still out of the park crazy when top level aftermarket stuff is about $50.
Wonder how many people who drop their bike off for service and dont notice things like this ticking up the final bill...

[imdying]

Which brand?

[R650R]

Which brand?

Guess... Just heard back from head office. Apparently the normal price is $86 but the extra is because it was airfreighted but dealer never mentioned that. So thats going to be a phonecall because thats pretty piss poor to not say its going to cost twice as much. You think if somethings going to be astronomically higher in cost you'd phoneback or say this is going to cost megabucks. Been awhile since I've had to order parts that weren't in stock in NZ and know it usually costs a little bit more but this is ridiculous.
In my younger days I used to ask the cost of everything and keep a close tab on things, guess this is what happens when you trust someone to not rip you off.

[Katman]

Why would you buy genuine manufacturers brand brake pads?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Why would you buy genuine manufacturers brand brake pads?

They sometimes are the best. I know when I was racing KR1's...the genuine Kawasaki pads were way better than SBS, Vesrah or anything else avail at the time. Mind you...that was a fucking long time ago!

[Katman]

I know when I was racing KR1's...the genuine Kawasaki pads were way better than SBS, Vesrah or anything else avail at the time.

That may be so Pete.....but I think we're talking about a DR650 here.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That may be so Pete.....but I think we're talking about a DR650 here.

Yeah fair enough! Wasn't sure what bike he was talkin 'bout.

[Katman]

Apparently the normal price is $86 but the extra is because it was airfreighted but dealer never mentioned that.

I've only ever heard of extra being charged for air-freighting on large, cumbersome packages.

A set of brake pads should not have incurred any extra freight charge.

[Crasherfromwayback]

A set of brake pads should not have incurred any extra freight charge.

Agree 100%. I smell something fishy...

[R650R]

Pads are for my GSXR750. Have always liked the feel and operation of genuine pads on the rear caliper on this bike and my 1100 so never tried anything else. Use EBC HH pads on front discs though.
Back in the day when it was Town and Country used to get the RGV250SP pads for the GSXR1100, identical fit, worked well and heaps cheaper at the time than the 1100 ones.
Enquirys into this matter will continue...

[Gremlin]

$180 won't even buy you a set of pads at regular prices for BMW (and no air freight). After a bill for pads all round coming to $650 ish (3 sets, 2x front 1x rear) I've never used the BMW pads again.

EBC is less than half the price (still sintered etc). No brainer.

Doesn't look like I'll buy BMW rotors either. So in answer to your thread, the basic consumables for BMW (oil and filter etc) are good prices, but the less consumable items (pads, rotors) hahahahahhahahaha

[caspernz]

Price does seem wonky...but how do you complain when you never asked the price from the get-go? Be interesting to hear how this one ends

[AllanB]

Couple comments:

The dealer should have called you re freight charge and asked if it was OK to go ahead.


And


In the event stock parts are stupidly high, a 'good' dealer should call and say I can fit Suzuki pads for $xxx or I can get EBC (etc) for $xx - what do you want me to fit.


Tough times for bike shops and if they want business they need to smarten up.