Warranty Claims.

[rob13]

Right, I made a claim to my local dealer at the end of Jan regarding paint flaking on the engine cover of my Versys.
Where the engine casting joins, the paint is starting to peel, and I've already lost a couple of flakes.

The bike is 2 years old at the start of April hence the outstanding manufacturers warranty. The bikes done 10k in that time and is generally ok everywhere else. Its serviced accordingly to keep the warranty

The local dealer said it could take a number of weeks to get an answer from Kawasaki UK but still havent heard anything. I think I'll try and contact them tomorrow to get an answer whether they've sorted it or not, however when I took it in, they said not to expect too much and that because of its age and mileage it was unlikely that Kawasaki would foot the bill for a repaint.

Now does that sound like a lazy dealer (not fighting the customers corner before the claims even been made) or is it likely that Kawasaki will back heel it? If there was ever a paint issue on a 2 year old car I'm sure any dealer would be quick to fix, rather than let it rumble on?

[punyXpress]

Just be glad it wasn't a SUZUKI dealer!

[G]

I would say that's general wear and tear to be honest.

Having been under A few 2 year old cars you would be suprised what wear you find that's not covered under warranty, even on ones that have covered bugger all mileage.

Should have bought a Honda :p

[carternd]

Ar ee be startin' to look loike a proper boike lad! Jest need to drop 'im now...
Good luck on your claim, but I fear you may not meet with success.

[petevtwin650]

If there was ever a paint issue on a 2 year old car I'm sure any dealer would be quick to fix, rather than let it rumble on?

I think most new cars come with a rust and paint warranty these days.

Paintwork is relatively cheap and easy to fix, if it's the engine casings on your bike then I suppose it would be new crankcases, at an enormous cost. That's if you could prove it was a manufacturing defect and not wear and tear.

Wish you all the best with this Rob, but I'm not holding my breath. Sad to say :cool:

[rob13]

Its not the cases though, its the cheaper black paint which covers the front of the engine. I think the dealer said it was something like £90 to get it painted but I didnt want to fork out for it considering its still under warranty.

I'd say that it was pretty poor form that paintwork should start to flake off after just 2 years. Its soured my experience with Kawasaki as the Suzuki never showed anything like this kind of problem in the 5 years I owned it.

[G]

It's only takes the smallest of chip for the penetration/corrotion to start :( it may just be easier to get some smooth black hammerite and cover the areas yourself.

Good luck though, I feel it may be a right fight and more hassle than it's worth and it will only end up stressing you out and ruining your experience.

[carternd]

The only reason the SV doesn't have this problem is that the rad and oil-cooler are in the way. +1 to G, engine paint, a bit of wet and dry, and live with the fact your bike is now worn in. The black paint is mainly cosmetic, it helps radiate heat away from engine, but the paint flaking a bit won't harm your bike in any meaningful way.

I do see where you're coming from - watching your once-new bike becoming pre-loved in front of your eyes. Can't be nice.

[AndyBrad]

The only reason the SV doesn't have this problem is that the rad and oil-cooler are in the way. .

ahhhh HAHAHAHAHA :)