klr storage bag

[Larry Zakreski]

I ve owned three KLR 650s, a 2000, a 2002, and a 2004, and have about 15,000 miles on them, including one memorable eight week trip to the tip of Baja. Until recently, the Kawasaki KLR 650 was absolutely, positively, undeniably my favourite Dual Sport motorcycle. And I told everyone who would listen that this was so. In great detail. However, after my most recent experience with Kawasaki Canada and with a dishonest and incompetent local Kawasaki authorised dealer, I will soon be switching brands. I will never again buy any Kawasaki motorcycle, no matter how good it is. Because, no matter how great your motorcycle might be, without competent and honest local dealers to support you, you are shafted. And in my experience, Kawasaki Canada allows dishonest and incompetent dealers to exist and to continue existing. This is my story there is more too it, but here are the basics. You decide if riding a Kawasaki is worth the hassle. I ve decides to do what many other local Kawasaki riders have already done - switch brands, and go to some other dealership, where servicing means something other than what the prize bull does to the unsuspecting cows. At 4000 miles the engine in my 2004 Kawasaki KLR 650 dropped a valve, and was almost completely rebuilt by the local Kawasaki dealer under original manufacturer's warranty. 600 miles later, after breaking it in as carefully as I could, I brought the KLR in for servicing and inspection. This servicing supposedly included an oil and filter change. 900 miles after this servicing, with three months still left on the original one year warranty, the piston seized. On checking the oil level, it was found that the engine was completely out of oil with no leaks and no blue smoke. I was told to bring my KLR in to the local Kawasaki dealer for warranty inspection . Without my written or expressed permission, the dealer disassembled my KLR engine, then gave me some pretty incredible excuses as to why warranty would be refused. The first story was that bike had run out of oil because I had mounted a Supertrapp exhaust system, which caused the engine to run rich, which caused the engine to burn up all the oil . I denied that this explanation was physically possible, by showing them that the exhaust system was totally dry of any oil residue. They then switched stories and tried to tell me the engine was running rich, which caused it to run hot, which damaged the piston I denied that story as well as we all know, if an engine is running rich, it will run COOL, not hot. At this point I suggested two much simpler theories that the KLR had left their servicing without sufficient oil, or that it had been rebuilt incorrectly. Since I know positively that other motorcycles have left this shop with insufficient oil after so-called servicing , I was fairly certain that lack of oil was the most likely cause of failure. The dealer adamantly refused any responsibility, either for a bad rebuild, or for incompetent servicing. I then called Kawasaki Canada who said they would check into this. Kawasaki Canada s customer service representative then called me back to tell me that there would be no warranty because the KLR owner s manual clearly states that the rider should check the oil before every ride " something which I admitted I had not done. BUT, why should I be held totally responsible for checking the oil consumption or oil level after the bike was just rebuilt and serviced by a Kawasaki authorised dealer? Realistically, have you checked your oil level in the last 900 miles? Do you consider this a valid reason to refuse a warranty? Do you consider 1500 miles after a rebuild a legitimate life span? Or 2 litres of oil in 900 miles as legitimate oil consumption? When I took my 2000 KLR to Baja, riding HARD in the hot HOT weather, it used about 1/2 liter in 3,000 miles. Why shouldn't I expect my 2004 to do the same? In researching this incident for further legal action, I went to several other motorcycle shops, and showed the service managers/technicians the damaged piston and the dry exhaust system. Every shop I visited denied the possibility of oil burning being the cause of the seizure. The most experienced Kawasaki trained technicians pointed out the piston showed distinctive signs of four corner seizure , which is most commonly found with a piston that is too tight in the bore. I have several signed statements from these shops to support these facts. While visiting these other shops, I was also told some incredible stories of dishonest and incompetent behaviour on the part of this particular Kawasaki dealer. It seems this dealer has a well known local reputation for refusing valid warranty claims, billing the customer, then double billing the manufacturer as well. This, and other dishonest and incompetent practices, has previously lost them two other motorcycle lines. So, why does Kawasaki Canada allow this dealer to still represent their product?? Should we conclude that Kawasaki Canada is not interested in protecting Kawasaki customers from dishonest and incompetent dealers? Why don t you contact Kawasaki Canada and ask them about this yourself? If you want to comment, feel free to contact me @ SGShaftedme@... __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[matteeanne@yahoo.com]

Its not the brand it's the dealer. No need to switch brands, just spend a great deal of time telling the world about how bad the dealer is like "Lynnwood CycleBarn in Lynnwood Washington" they suck real bad and you should never shop there! --- Larry Zakreski wrote:

> > I ve owned three KLR 650s, a 2000, a 2002, and a > 2004, and have about 15,000 miles on them, > including one memorable eight week trip to the tip > of Baja. Until recently, the Kawasaki KLR 650 was > absolutely, positively, undeniably my favourite > Dual Sport motorcycle. And I told everyone who would > listen that this was so. In great detail. > > However, after my most recent experience with > Kawasaki Canada and with a dishonest and incompetent > local Kawasaki authorised dealer, I will soon be > switching brands. I will never again buy any > Kawasaki motorcycle, no matter how good it is. > Because, no matter how great your motorcycle might > be, without competent and honest local dealers to > support you, you are shafted. And in my experience, > Kawasaki Canada allows dishonest and incompetent > dealers to exist and to continue existing. > > This is my story there is more too it, but here > are the basics. You decide if riding a Kawasaki is > worth the hassle. I ve decides to do what many > other local Kawasaki riders have already done - > switch brands, and go to some other dealership, > where servicing means something other than what > the prize bull does to the unsuspecting cows. > > At 4000 miles the engine in my 2004 Kawasaki KLR 650 > dropped a valve, and was almost completely rebuilt > by the local Kawasaki dealer under original > manufacturer's warranty. 600 miles later, after > breaking it in as carefully as I could, I brought > the KLR in for servicing and inspection. This > servicing supposedly included an oil and filter > change. 900 miles after this servicing, with three > months still left on the original one year warranty, > the piston seized. On checking the oil level, it > was found that the engine was completely out of oil > with no leaks and no blue smoke. > > I was told to bring my KLR in to the local Kawasaki > dealer for warranty inspection . Without my > written or expressed permission, the dealer > disassembled my KLR engine, then gave me some pretty > incredible excuses as to why warranty would be > refused. > > > The first story was that bike had run out of oil > because I had mounted a Supertrapp exhaust system, > which caused the engine to run rich, which caused > the engine to burn up all the oil . I denied that > this explanation was physically possible, by showing > them that the exhaust system was totally dry of any > oil residue. > > They then switched stories and tried to tell me > the engine was running rich, which caused it to run > hot, which damaged the piston I denied that > story as well as we all know, if an engine is > running rich, it will run COOL, not hot. > > At this point I suggested two much simpler theories > that the KLR had left their servicing without > sufficient oil, or that it had been rebuilt > incorrectly. Since I know positively that other > motorcycles have left this shop with insufficient > oil after so-called servicing , I was fairly > certain that lack of oil was the most likely cause > of failure. > > The dealer adamantly refused any responsibility, > either for a bad rebuild, or for incompetent > servicing. I then called Kawasaki Canada who said > they would check into this. Kawasaki Canada s > customer service representative then called me back > to tell me that there would be no warranty because > the KLR owner s manual clearly states that the > rider should check the oil before every ride " > something which I admitted I had not done. > > BUT, why should I be held totally responsible for > checking the oil consumption or oil level after the > bike was just rebuilt and serviced by a Kawasaki > authorised dealer? Realistically, have you checked > your oil level in the last 900 miles? Do you > consider this a valid reason to refuse a warranty? > Do you consider 1500 miles after a rebuild a > legitimate life span? Or 2 litres of oil in 900 > miles as legitimate oil consumption? When I took my > 2000 KLR to Baja, riding HARD in the hot HOT > weather, it used about 1/2 liter in 3,000 miles. > Why shouldn't I expect my 2004 to do the same? > > In researching this incident for further legal > action, I went to several other motorcycle shops, > and showed the service managers/technicians the > damaged piston and the dry exhaust system. Every > shop I visited denied the possibility of oil > burning being the cause of the seizure. The most > experienced Kawasaki trained technicians pointed out > the piston showed distinctive signs of four corner > seizure , which is most commonly found with a piston > that is too tight in the bore. I have several signed > statements from these shops to support these facts. > > > > While visiting these other shops, I was also told > some incredible stories of dishonest and incompetent > behaviour on the part of this particular Kawasaki > dealer. It seems this dealer has a well known local > reputation for refusing valid warranty claims, > billing the customer, then double billing the > manufacturer as well. This, and other dishonest and > incompetent practices, has previously lost them two > other motorcycle lines. > > So, why does Kawasaki Canada allow this dealer to > still represent their product?? Should we conclude > that Kawasaki Canada is not interested in protecting > Kawasaki customers from dishonest and incompetent > dealers? > > Why don t you contact Kawasaki Canada and ask them > about this yourself? > > If you want to comment, feel free to contact me @ > > SGShaftedme@... > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam > protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >

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[Conall]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but at least as it is written in the US KLR owners manual , tampering with the noise control system is strictly prohibited. By changing the factory exhaust and admitting you never checked the oil is not a good situation. Deny everything and admit nothing that is how damage control is managed by dealers. I check my oil every time I gas up, and this is with a KLR that burns zero oil. I would like to suggest that you ask Kawasaki Canada about their good will policy and try not to point fingers about the cause, as people get very defensive when you start saying they are incompetent/dishonest. Conall-sorry to digestifiers for not snipping, I usually see it as a good thing to do and don't want to set any bad examples. scroll down now. --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Larry Zakreski wrote:

> > I've owned three KLR 650s, a 2000, a 2002, and a 2004, and have

about 15,000 miles on them, including one memorable eight week trip to the tip of Baja. Until recently, the Kawasaki KLR 650 was absolutely, positively, undeniably my favourite Dual Sport motorcycle. And I told everyone who would listen that this was so. In great detail.

> > However, after my most recent experience with Kawasaki Canada and

with a dishonest and incompetent local Kawasaki authorised dealer, I will soon be switching brands. I will never again buy any Kawasaki motorcycle, no matter how good it is. Because, no matter how great your motorcycle might be, without competent and honest local dealers to support you, you are shafted. And in my experience, Kawasaki Canada allows dishonest and incompetent dealers to exist and to continue existing.

> > This is my story there is more too it, but here are the basics.

You decide if riding a Kawasaki is worth the hassle. I've decides to do what many other local Kawasaki riders have already done - switch brands, and go to some other dealership, where "servicing" means something other than what the prize bull does to the unsuspecting cows.

> > At 4000 miles the engine in my 2004 Kawasaki KLR 650 dropped a

valve, and was almost completely rebuilt by the local Kawasaki dealer under original manufacturer's warranty. 600 miles later, after breaking it in as carefully as I could, I brought the KLR in for servicing and inspection. This servicing supposedly included an oil and filter change. 900 miles after this servicing, with three months still left on the original one year warranty, the piston seized. On checking the oil level, it was found that the engine was completely out of oil with no leaks and no blue smoke.

> > I was told to bring my KLR in to the local Kawasaki dealer

for "warranty inspection". Without my written or expressed permission, the dealer disassembled my KLR engine, then gave me some pretty incredible excuses as to why warranty would be refused.

> > > The first story was that bike had run out of oil because " I had

mounted a Supertrapp exhaust system, which caused the engine to run rich, which caused the engine to burn up all the oil". I denied that this explanation was physically possible, by showing them that the exhaust system was totally dry of any oil residue.

> > They then switched stories and tried to tell me " the engine was

running rich, which caused it to run hot, which damaged the piston " I denied that story as well as we all know, if an engine is running rich, it will run COOL, not hot.

> > At this point I suggested two much simpler theories that the KLR

had left their servicing without sufficient oil, or that it had been rebuilt incorrectly. Since I know positively that other motorcycles have left this shop with insufficient oil after so- called "servicing", I was fairly certain that lack of oil was the most likely cause of failure.

> > The dealer adamantly refused any responsibility, either for a bad

rebuild, or for incompetent servicing. I then called Kawasaki Canada who said they would check into this. Kawasaki Canada's customer service representative then called me back to tell me that there would be no warranty because " the KLR owner's manual clearly states that the rider should check the oil before every ride " something which I admitted I had not done.

> > BUT, why should I be held totally responsible for checking the oil

consumption or oil level after the bike was just rebuilt and serviced by a Kawasaki authorised dealer? Realistically, have you checked your oil level in the last 900 miles? Do you consider this a valid reason to refuse a warranty? Do you consider 1500 miles after a rebuild a legitimate life span? Or 2 litres of oil in 900 miles as legitimate oil consumption? When I took my 2000 KLR to Baja, riding HARD in the hot HOT weather, it used about 1/2 liter in 3,000 miles. Why shouldn't I expect my 2004 to do the same?

> > In researching this incident for further legal action, I went to

several other motorcycle shops, and showed the service managers/technicians the damaged piston and the dry exhaust system. Every shop I visited denied the possibility of "oil burning" being the cause of the seizure. The most experienced Kawasaki trained technicians pointed out the piston showed distinctive signs of "four corner seizure", which is most commonly found with a piston that is too tight in the bore. I have several signed statements from these shops to support these facts.

> > > While visiting these other shops, I was also told some incredible

stories of dishonest and incompetent behaviour on the part of this particular Kawasaki dealer. It seems this dealer has a well known local reputation for refusing valid warranty claims, billing the customer, then double billing the manufacturer as well. This, and other dishonest and incompetent practices, has previously lost them two other motorcycle lines.

> > So, why does Kawasaki Canada allow this dealer to still represent

their product?? Should we conclude that Kawasaki Canada is not interested in protecting Kawasaki customers from dishonest and incompetent dealers?

> > Why don't you contact Kawasaki Canada and ask them about this

yourself?

> > If you want to comment, feel free to contact me @ > > SGShaftedme@y... > >

[Conall]

Kawasaki will also argue that if the KLR left the service facility with no oil, it would have siezed up a lot sooner than 900 miles after the last oil change. They will argue that you bike was consuming oil and that the oil was not checked . Could it be possible that the rework was bad, yes it's possible but by your own admission you never checked the oil. At the service facilities I have worked at we make a note of the oil level, whether there are any leaks prior to service and report it to the customer and have them sign off on it. You could argue thst during your last service that they never advised you that the bike was down on oil when it was brought in, if it does go to court, then it puts the burden on them to prove that it went out with the right amount of oil. Then you get Elden to be an expert witness to prove that it is easy to put in insufficient oil cause of the discrepency with the oil sight glass and actual capacity. Conall --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Larry Zakreski wrote:

> > I've owned three KLR 650s, a 2000, a 2002, and a 2004, and have

about 15,000 miles on them, including one memorable eight week trip to the tip of Baja. Until recently, the Kawasaki KLR 650 was absolutely, positively, undeniably my favourite Dual Sport motorcycle. And I told everyone who would listen that this was so. In great detail.

> > However, after my most recent experience with Kawasaki Canada and

with a dishonest and incompetent local Kawasaki authorised dealer, I will soon be switching brands. I will never again buy any Kawasaki motorcycle, no matter how good it is. Because, no matter how great your motorcycle might be, without competent and honest local dealers to support you, you are shafted. And in my experience, Kawasaki Canada allows dishonest and incompetent dealers to exist and to continue existing.

> > This is my story there is more too it, but here are the basics.

You decide if riding a Kawasaki is worth the hassle. I've decides to do what many other local Kawasaki riders have already done - switch brands, and go to some other dealership, where "servicing" means something other than what the prize bull does to the unsuspecting cows.

> > At 4000 miles the engine in my 2004 Kawasaki KLR 650 dropped a

valve, and was almost completely rebuilt by the local Kawasaki dealer under original manufacturer's warranty. 600 miles later, after breaking it in as carefully as I could, I brought the KLR in for servicing and inspection. This servicing supposedly included an oil and filter change. 900 miles after this servicing, with three months still left on the original one year warranty, the piston seized. On checking the oil level, it was found that the engine was completely out of oil with no leaks and no blue smoke.

>

[Blake Sobiloff]

On Jul 8, 2005, at 7:50 PM, Larry Zakreski wrote:

> However, after my most recent experience with Kawasaki Canada and > with a dishonest and incompetent local Kawasaki authorised dealer, I > will soon be switching brands.

Larry, I feel for ya'. It sounds like you got worked over by an incompetent dealer, and that's the pits. However, and this is a big caveat, you are equally at fault. What were you thinking when you decided not to check the oil level in your bike?! Especially on a newly rebuilt engine, you should have been checking the oil level regularly to determine how much (if any) it now used. You failed to take proper care of your vehicle and now you want Kawi Canada to fix your mistake. When they wouldn't, you slag off on them in an open letter. I hope it made you feel good, because if that letter ever gets around to Kawi you'll certainly never see a penny from them. As another poster suggested, if you're really nice and you politely present the evidence you've amassed, Kawi might--might--be willing to cover parts out of good will. If they do, count your lucky stars, work with a different dealer to get the work done, and check your freakin' oil every gas stop! -- Blake Sobiloff San Jose, CA (USA)

[Randy Shultz]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Larry Zakreski wrote:

> > ... and go to some other dealership, where "servicing" means

something other than what the prize bull does to the unsuspecting cows. --- Actually, the cows know exactly what's coming. You should too. For that reason, many of our bikes have probably never seen the inside of a dealer service bay. When I have to take mine in, in order to get warranty work done for instance, I go over the bike with a fine-toothed comb looking for dealer mistakes. Last time I found a binding throttle cable so severe that it worked like an unexpected throttle lock. That's not what I wanted on a ZZR1200. Have you seen some of the kids that do service work at your typical motorcycle shop? I have, and I won't trust my wallet, let alone my safety, to a dealership service department. With an engine rebuild, you can't reasonably check everything the dealer did. But you gotta check the oil level. Once you admitted that you failed to do that, I think you were sunk. I personally don't do any engine, carb or exhaust mods during a warranty period either. Especially when the net gains are so miniscule on something like a KLR. You can change brands if you want, but you're going to run the same risks with any other brand. It's the individual dealer, not the manufacturer, in my experience. In fact, given your situation, be grateful you owned a KLR: less costly to buy, less costly to repair, huge market if you want to part it out. Just my opinion.

[Chris]

I bought my KLR because after reading this list for several years before I got around to it, there was hardly a nut or bolt that wasn't explained. The intent was to do my own service work. I already knew that for the most part motorcycle dealer service in general sucks. If you do enough reading about other marques you will find similar stories about ALL of them and many times in reference to $13k+ bikes. At least yours was $5k. I'm not trying to invalidate your experience but just keep in mind that this seems to be the norm for vehicle service in general now. You wouldn't want me to get going on my Dodge Ram automatic transmission experiences heh. My own .02 about the local Kawasaki dealer. I brought a tire in for a tube change since I don't have anywhere comfortable to work and was being lazy. I'd handed them the wheel but with nuts and spacers still on it. They handed it back with nothing on it....I caught that and they gave me the parts. On the way out, I had them look up the cotter pin for the axle for me...almost 20mins later they finally produce one...for $5, and it was the wrong one when I got home. Would I trust that dealer to do any more work on my bike...no way! I'm on my own. Best of luck getting your situation fixed, but just be glad it isn't a KTM950 or a BMW GS, it would mean you are out a whole lot more money.

[Rick McCauley]

Blake, you are so right. When dealing with customer service, be kind, patient, and respectful. A customer service representative is more likely to help you. I work in customer service for the largest door closer manufacturer in the U.S., and I will bend over backwards for somebody that comes to me for help. As for a person that starts making demands and threatens to buy another brand, I am only going to do what I have, according to the rules of the Company. I have broken those rules many times, in the customers favor, but it sure wasn't for somebody acting like a jerk. Remember, the customer service rep didn't break your product (bike) but will gladly help you if they can. And if your nice enough, they may even go above and beyond the rules. Rick A17 Blake Sobiloff wrote: As another poster suggested, if you're really nice and you politely present the evidence you've amassed, Kawi might--might--be willing to cover parts out of good will. If they do, count your lucky stars, work with a different dealer to get the work done, and check your freakin' oil every gas stop! -- Blake Sobiloff San Jose, CA (USA) Archive Quicksearch at: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Yahoo! Groups Links --------------------------------- Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Rick McCauley]

Yes sir it is. Rick A17 klrbud57 wrote: I work in customer service for the largest door closer manufacturer in the U.S that be LCN ?

> > > Archive Quicksearch at:

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> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Sell on Yahoo! Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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[matteeanne@yahoo.com]

I know someone who does service, is reliable, and costs a lot, but backs up all his work. He is not at a dealer. Post a few questions in your area on craigslist.org Find people in your area that know someone who is reliable. I cant even change a tire myself, there I said it, not proud of it, but it's true. I am a hell of an artist, but thing mechanical elude me, laugh all you want, but it's simply a right brain function, and I have no right brain. It ain't the bike, and is not really the dealer, it is the individual who did the work, and the dipstick behind the counter. Sean A-18 15k, and thumping aling sweetly... Full'o'oil, uses none. Stock exaust (sp) --- Chris wrote:

> I bought my KLR because after reading this list for > several years > before I got around to it, there was hardly a nut or > bolt that wasn't > explained. The intent was to do my own service > work. > > I already knew that for the most part motorcycle > dealer service in > general sucks. > > If you do enough reading about other marques you > will find similar > stories about ALL of them and many times in > reference to $13k+ bikes. > At least yours was $5k. > > I'm not trying to invalidate your experience but > just keep in mind > that this seems to be the norm for vehicle service > in general now. > You wouldn't want me to get going on my Dodge Ram > automatic > transmission experiences heh. > > My own .02 about the local Kawasaki dealer. I > brought a tire in for a > tube change since I don't have anywhere comfortable > to work and was > being lazy. I'd handed them the wheel but with nuts > and spacers still > on it. They handed it back with nothing on it....I > caught that and > they gave me the parts. On the way out, I had them > look up the cotter > pin for the axle for me...almost 20mins later they > finally produce > one...for $5, and it was the wrong one when I got > home. > > Would I trust that dealer to do any more work on my > bike...no way! > I'm on my own. > > Best of luck getting your situation fixed, but just > be glad it isn't a > KTM950 or a BMW GS, it would mean you are out a > whole lot more money. > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >

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