Used R1 with pre-purchase inspection that came clear actually has cracked forks

J

Jack the Smack

Well-known member
My friend purchased an '05 R1 used, but we requested the bike get a full inspection before we got it. The dealer that inspected it said that the bike was fine, except it was dropped at low speed. They inspected for any damage and the only damage they saw scrapes on the side.

However, today we noticed a crack on the fork. When we brought it to another dealership they said the forks had been over-tightened, causing them to break. This wasn't seen by the inspection by the dealership, nor informed to us by the original owner.

So my question is: is there any way to get compensation for this oversight?
 
planegray

planegray

Redwood Original
Staff member
Jack the Smack said:
My friend purchased an '05 R1 used, but we requested the bike get a full inspection before we got it. The dealer that inspected it said that the bike was fine, except it was dropped at low speed. They inspected for any damage and the only damage they saw scrapes on the side.

However, today we noticed a crack on the fork. When we brought it to another dealership they said the forks had been over-tightened, causing them to break. This wasn't seen by the inspection by the dealership, nor informed to us by the original owner.

So my question is: is there any way to get compensation for this oversight?
Click to expand...


Do you still have the paperwork from the "inspection " ? Does it state any guarantees ?


Have you tried contacting the seller, to see if they will assist in paying for the repairs ?



I'm generally of the " buyer beware, all sales final" school of thought though :dunno
 
Deucer

Deucer

Sweep the leg.
Did you pay for the pre-purchase inspection? Do you have your precept and a detailed description of the work?

Do you have anything, in writing, from the dealership stating that the bike is in good working order?

Do you have anything, in writing, from the dealership indicating that they warrant the bike for any period of time after the inspection they performed?

EDIT: Planegray beat me to it, but in general, remember that you are only owed what was promised to you and you can prove in writing.

On the other hand, I get stuff that isn't technically owed to me all the time by asking or negotiating. It may be that the seller or dealership don't owe you anything but they want to help you out.

So first, figure out if you are owed anything (pretty unlikely, but make sure). If you aren't, keep your expectations low and ask for some help.
 
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D

Darwin

Well-known member
You did due diligence and something got missed. Seller may or may not have been aware of the problem.

Only legal recourse would be if there was a warranty from the dealer who inspected it. Chances of that are approximately 0.000000000000000000000000000001%

You can go back to seller and inform them of the defect and ask if they will help. Be prepared to be laughed at long and hard. Who knows, you might get lucky. Sometimes there is someone who will feel sorry for you and try to help make good. But most will say sorry dude but its your problem now and leave it at that.

Caveat Emptor. You bought used. It carries its risks and unfortunately you got (lightly) burned this time. Its the risk you take to save some money buying used. Now if you had purchased this brand new and found the same problem, you'd be covered with a warranty and be able to get it repaired without any out of pocket expense.

Good luck.
 
russ69

russ69

Backside Slider
I've never seen a cracked fork tube. Is any oil leaking out? Perhaps just a surface imperfection?
 
KooLaid

KooLaid

Hippocritapotamus
over tightened axle clamp cracked? If so you might be able to get that lower fork leg axle clamp replaced
 
Lunch Box

Lunch Box

Useful idiot
What we don't know is how long your friend has had the bike, how he's been riding it, what fork maintenance he's done, or whether or not he has loaned it to you for some sweet late-night wheelie fun.
 
Hawaiirider

Hawaiirider

Well-known member
At the least, I'd take the bike to the service manager of the shop that did the inspection and show them what they missed.

" You guys might want to check fo this in the future, save some poor sap like me a bad surprise, or a worse one....(failure under operation)"

Doubtful that they will knock you over running for the parts department, and likely they will say "It was fine when it was here, you just have done that since then." - and there is no recourse - so I'd SUGGEST not going all bad-ass on them.
 
the grinch

the grinch

Well-known member
Wow, you're friend could have gotten killed because some guy fucked up.

I remember this one jerkoff that almost got someone killed because of their fuckup. That dude was a real heartless prick, and he should probably die in a fire. It would sure be ironic if that asshole came back on BARF trying to get anyone's sympathy or help when someone else fucks up and almost kills someone he knows.
 
J

Jack the Smack

Well-known member
He rode it less than 1000 miles, and he's only done dirtbiking so he's been more cautious with the sportbike. The forks were replaced today for $300. I guess he's SOL.
 
Hawaiirider

Hawaiirider

Well-known member
Compared to what COULD have happened, he got off easy.

I'd still rub the service manager's nose in it a little. Nothing to lose, and if the dealership is REALLY cool they'll offer him something to make him happy.

Or not.

(clarification: If the dealer says "Shit, we missed THAT ?" and offers yer bud anything of real value "Here is a certificate for a tire." then THEY ARE AWESOME and should be lauded as doing the right thing.

Sometimes stuff gets missed. I'd like to see pics of the damage.

Wonder if I'd have caught it.
 
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