Advice needed- 12000kms out of a zx9r clutch.

[chrjonzx9r]

Well i got the phone call back from Kawasaki Parramatta about 10 minutes ago and kawasaki oz WONT cover the clutch because it is NEARLY out of warranty (4months left) and they consider that its not a manufacturers fault due to the clutch working for the first 10000kms. Therefore not covering the clutch.
Now im rather pissed at kwakka and feel rather like pulling my clutch out and throwing it through there window..... except that wouldnt do me much good besides having to pay for more than a clutch.

I was given the guy name at kwakka oz who said that they wont accept that its warranty. Should i take this further as from what the service manager said at the parramatta kwakka that he was not going to budge.

Man im sorry to say that i will probably never buy a kwakka again if its "normal" for a clutch to wear out in 12000kms. I would hate to see my piston rings that are used all the time.

[ttc]

take it further, be as loud and as vocal as you can possibly be.

Mention consumer affairs ...

[Steve_TLS]

I would have thought the clutch was a consumable item just like tyres. If it was a catastophic failure like the basket exploding or something, fair enough. But for plates that do normally wear out. They have no idea if you excessively ride it or not etc.

[matchan]

Hi Chris,

I guess a clutch is a consumable but 15000km is just too soon I believe.

I had a similar problem with brake disks on my aprilia, they warped after 10,000km so I put a warranty claim on them and it was rejected because they were considered consumable.

I rang the distributor in Sydney a couple of times but just got BS from them so wound up going to Dept of Fair Trading, who start a mediation process and if it cannot be resolved then it goes to the Consumer, Trader & Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT).

To cut a long story short, cost me $32 to lodge a complaint and they were forced to pay the full retail cost of the disks (around $1000), I was the second owner but it was still in warranty.

They did not even show up for the hearing, so I guess they were just trying it on to see how far I'd go, I'm sorry to hear that kawasaki use the same tactic.

I've just moved so my records are a bit of a mess, but PM me if you'd like me to dig out the details, or if you want to discuss the process.

Good Luck with it.

Matt

[greenmeanie]

It can't hurt giving it a try and go over the top of the service manager and try to contact kawasaki oz direct. The problem you face is they'll say it must be your riding style mate/too many clutch ups etc.

[chrjonzx9r]

Thanks guys. I have already been to Kawasaki Australia. All warranty claims have to be authorised by one guy. This is the guy that said no.
I agree that the clutch is a wear and tear item but not at 12000kms. If my bike had 40000kms then you would not be reading about this and would be reading " do you know a good supplier of clutches".
Yes they gave me the " it must be your riding habit". So i asked if it was a bad thing to be reserved on the throttle and ride with the head and not the wrist. He answered "Sometimes it pays just to give them heaps".

Anyway im writing a diplomatic letter to him to reconsider otherwise you will see me out the front of the dealer (on the footpath) with a sign saying that they dont hounour their warranty. All it would take is for me to turn 2 people away and that could be around $30000. PLus i would join every forum just to make a point of it.

[mike-s]

12,000km is nothing, ffs i haven't heard of car/bike clutches going in under 30,000km unless the owner flogged the bejesus out of them EVERYWHERE.

I would seriously recommend forgoing the idea of the placard & just going to DFT directly. He's being an arse & not budging. You have already have found someone else with the same problem as you which means there may well be an issue. If you've kept his details DFT might be interested to know too.

[chrjonzx9r]

Hi all,
Well just a quick update on the clutch problems.
Well took my baby to Broad Torque Kawasaki (narellan- Sydney) and straight away the manager said that "you should get more than 12000kms out of a clutch even if you abuse the clutch with major burnouts, wheelies and racing. He said at LEAST 25000kms and that is when racing, 90000 when riding reserved. He said they will pull the clutch out and sought this out with Kawasaki and get the bits in.
So i walked away feeling happier, well at least that i wasnt getting screwed over and they actually wanted my business.

[matchan]

Good to hear Chris, sounds like it will work out ok.

Matt

[chrjonzx9r]

im hoping so but i guess time will tell. If they fix it, then they will have my business in the future. And i will call up Wayne at parramatta Kwakka and tell them that i got a 2nd opinion and it was covered under warranty and that im taking my business elsewhere. They wont know if you dont tell them.

[MadKaw]

Good result Chris.

Definately ring Wayne too.

I'll be talking to him today as well..

[chrjonzx9r]

Yes is will surely ring wayne as they overcharged me on one of my invoices (double charge for oil) and will certainly share my experience with him. Im sure that he will be most apologetic but "once bitten, twice shy".
Even though i was charged another few hours labour on my 12000 service for them to inspect the clutch slippage problem. Im sure it would be a waste of time to reclaim this if the warranty is honoured.

[MickLC]

Great news Chris, I'm glad you finally found a shop that was willing to admit a clutch should last longer than 12,000kays.

[Damon Z1000]

Shall we start a new thread, problems with Parramatta Kawasaki??

[Phil]

Well took my baby to Broad Torque Kawasaki (narellan- Sydney) and straight away the manager said that "you should get more than 12000kms out of a clutch even if you abuse the clutch with major burnouts, wheelies and racing. He said at LEAST 25000kms and that is when racing, 90000 when riding reserved.

note to self.....must ride faster.......well i've got 90K+ on my original clutch.....