Kawasaki warranty disputes or requirements

**grego** · 14th August 2006, 22:12

I am having this ongoing problem with my friendly local Kwaka dealer and indeed the local importer.
It goes something like this: In the maintenance schedule there is a list of things that have to be done and checked at the usual intervals, starting with 1000km, then 6000kms etc etc .
I found (to my own surprise) that of the list of items some of them are markt with a "" K "" and according to the explanation, """Items marked with a ""K"" should be serviced by an authorized Kwaka dealer""" and my instant reaction to this is: ""All items in the schedule NOT marked with a ""K"" DO NOT have to be serviced by an authorized KWAKA dealer.. (Like oil and filter change for exampleis not marked with a ""K "")

Now one of them insist my warranty is gone, the other reckons its still OK if I have everything done by a dealer , in future, be it marked or not marked with a ''K""

I know that routinely people probably just drive the bike in the shop , have it serviced , get the stamp in the book, pay a hefty bill and be done with.
Who is legally in the right ?????
Are you guys willing to "risk it ". What is the common practise , if any ?

Am I really the only person ever in the history of NZ motorcycling to query this warranty ?

there, that should put the cat amongst the pigeons.......

**sAsLEX** · 14th August 2006, 22:14

I would say they have in the contract spelled out how and what is to be done by whom and if you follow that you should be safe legally. Though they will have better lawers than you.

Dont get warrenties on old bikes.

**bugjuice** · 14th August 2006, 22:18

I've always taken my bike into Spectrum and they've always done a decent job for a decent price. I've always changed my oil and filters.

I have been told that anything with a K needs to be done by a stdealer and everything else needs to be done at the time required, by anyone else. But keep receipts of items bought for the bike, in case you have to dispute anything. You should be fine if you follow the guides of your manual. If there's any dispute, go to the dealer that's being good, no matter where you bought the bike from

sAs, it's a new bike, not an old one

**Squeak the Rat** · 14th August 2006, 22:23

"we have provided spaces on page...... where an authorised Kawasaki dealer, or some one equally competent can record the maintenance"

"Please note that Kawasaki cannot assume any responsibility for damage resulting from incorrect or improper adjustment done by the owner"

Don't risk it mate. Are you as competent as a dealer and able to prove you did everything right if something goes tits-up? Probably not so Kawasaki will (imho) rightly say sorry.

Get a dealer service during the warranty period. Do the non-K stuff yourself after this.

**sAsLEX** · 14th August 2006, 22:37

Originally Posted by bugjuice

sAs, it's a new bike, not an old one

I know hence the warrenty, was pointing out the fact I have never had a warrenty so what would I know

**NinjaBoy** · 14th August 2006, 23:00

Originally Posted by Squeak the Rat

"
Get a dealer service during the warranty period. Do the non-K stuff yourself after this.

That's my theory too. Not worth the hassle at warranty claim time if there is an issue.

**Motu** · 14th August 2006, 23:27

They can't tell where you can and can't get your bikes serviced - it's part of your rights as a consumer.You can choose your own servicing dealer.

**Zed** · 14th August 2006, 23:47

I know that Ducati's and the like need to be serviced by the correct agents, but never heard about any Japanese manufacturers requiring it? Sounds to me like the party who thinks you've voided your warranty is just splitting hairs on a technicality. With this bike you should probably get all work done at the 'approved' workshop just to cover your bases! :spudguita

**grego** · 15th August 2006, 12:12

To "squicky rats comments : "Don't take any risk" I feel like explaining that I do not mind to take financial risks especially considering the REAL RISKS
I am taking every blooddy time I go out on the strrets with my bike. All these other fuckn idiots that are aiming their tincans at my fragile little body now THAT IS A REAL RISK>

**Squeak the Rat** · 15th August 2006, 12:22

Originally Posted by grego

To "squicky rats comments : "Don't take any risk" I feel like explaining that I do not mind to take financial risks especially considering the REAL RISKS
I am taking every blooddy time I go out on the strrets with my bike. All these other fuckn idiots that are aiming their tincans at my fragile little body now THAT IS A REAL RISK>

Oh, ok....

(put down the pipe!)

**grego** · 15th August 2006, 17:02

I would not want you to put down yer pipe man, I wouldn't want to be responible for you coming of a real high, so you just keep on sucking on the thing and have fun !!!

**FzerozeroT** · 15th August 2006, 17:24

When I had issues with my bike (KRR150) they didn't want to know about it, the headlight reflector (internal) started peeling away, they were only going to cover it if it caused the bike to fail a WOF - and yes I did take it to the dealers every service interval to have the headlight fluid topped up.

**Lou Girardin** · 15th August 2006, 17:33

If you do an oil change using approved oil and filter, they cannot void your warranty. With more technical things like valve clearances etc, be careful. Don't touch them unless you really know what you are doing.
To void a warranty, they have to prove what you did caused the failure.

**Motu** · 15th August 2006, 18:13

Zigactly - who's to say your altenative sevice agent isn't more qualified than their own staff?? You the consumer have been given powers far beyond your ability to control.....the service providers live in fear of you realising this....

**grego** · 15th August 2006, 19:27

They are also going on about ""loyalty""
And of course they mean loyalty to the kwaka dealer.
I argue, that I would like to take it to the man who works in the other bike shop down the road, I am loyal to him, he used to fix my Beemer about 20 years ago...........

I think Lou and Motu are on to it.
The importers and the dealers are making up their own rules, with the constant threat of us voiding the warranty and in the past nobody would take the risk they got away with it.
Noweredays the consumer has much more rights and is better protected---------or, we are wising -up to the smart tricks ???