Bought motorcycle from dealer and have errors messages

fitz_the_viking

Hello.

I have bought a bike from a dealer long distance. when it arrived it starts and rides fine but has this "vbatt hi" flashing on the dash, this means its charging over 16v which is bad for a 12v system. Turns out this could be a fault with the charging system or an ecu fault. When i rang the bloke today he said they tested the charging system before it was sent and the figures were fine. Also after reading the manual, during the start up procedure all of the dash lights should come one for 2 seconds and then go out but the engine management light doesnt come on all the others do, so i dont know if this problem is being picked up by the bike. His advice was to ride it and if there are any problems then to ring him.

I am reluctant to ride it as i hate pushing broken motorcycles and i dont want to completely ruin the bike running it with errors.

The bike was £4990 apparently that makes a difference. The adverts first line was that it was in superb condition and will have a full service and check by a factory trained mechanic. Do i push for him to collect it and sort it or go for a refund. I believe i have a short amout of time after its delivered to rectify any issues. at the moment we are at 5 calendar days.

Many thanks.

forgotmyname

Take the bike back to him and get them to show you the figures when testing it.

Have they removed the engine management bulb?

Got a cheap test meter to check the voltage?

fitz_the_viking

Its a sealed unit and they look like LEDs under the lenses. The voltage at the battery side is 14.3v on my multimeter but the digital reading on the dash is HI or over 16v. When the ignition turned on the voltage on the dash is 14.3 when the engone has started it goes to 15.5 then a few seconds later it goes to hi. The multimeter readings are all below 14.5v what ever happenes.

Although there may not be a problem with the charging circuit there is a problem elsewhere. what i have read from the selling at a distance laws i could have a strong case for getting the dealer to refund / repair this. Is this correct?

rochja

Did the bike come with a warranty? Did you buy one? In either case you may be able to get it repaired under warranty nearer home by someone other than the seller

fitz_the_viking

It had a disclaimer at the bottom of the recipt saying there is no warranty but parts and labour may be covered at the discretion of the company.

I have had a google and this problem could be a simple loose lead or it could need a dash and ecu change at well over £2k. Not something i had envisaged on a bike i have had for 4 days and done 30 miles on.

Also trading law says that because he is a trader he is liable for repairs for an acceptable time. Any idea what this is?

agrinnall

fitz_the_viking wrote: »

Also trading law says that because he is a trader he is liable for repairs for an acceptable time. Any idea what this is?

Certainly not 4 days, so that's not an issue. What may be a problem for you is that it could be your responsibility to get it back to the dealer, and if there's a fault that might mean not riding it but getting it transported at your expense. I could be wrong about that, but if it's right then you may want to have a local dealer look at it first to see if the cost of repair is less than the cost of transport.

Stooby2

Try a search on "Sale of Goods Act" on this forum. There are dozens of threads from people who have bought cars, bikes etc and had problems later.

This is also a very good forum - http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/forum.php with useful form letters. I used one for a friend and it certainly made the dealer sit up and take notice.

fitz_the_viking

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Agrinnal. I dont mind getting the bike to the dealer but i dont want him to say its fine and sent it back and forth. Yes the actual figures are within tolerance but that bike thinks there is something wrong.

Thanks stooby2 will have a look through some. that legal site looks a good place to post too.

waitied all my life to own a ducati and its lasted 4 days

tykesi

An Italian bike with dodgy electrics??

Wonders will never cease!

fitz_the_viking

tykesi wrote: »

An Italian bike with dodgy electrics??

Wonders will never cease!

I knew i shouldnt have mentioned the make!!!!!!! Yes suprise suprise. There have been vast improvements since the 70 where they got the bad name but yes not as good as a japanese bike.

rochja

For what it is worth my solution would be to join Green Flag or similar and then ride the bike to the dealer to give him the opportunity to rectify things. Obviously I would be wanting to keep the bike if at all possible, but my reasoning goes: if it is a minor fault the bike will reach the dealer with rider on board. If it is more major then it will reach the dealer on a trailer where I can demand my money back. Anecdotally, I bought a Honda CG125 in South London when living in Nottinghamshire and never having ridden a motorbike. I had to collect it just as rush hour started. I have not been a fan of distance buying since.