View Full Version : Rageing mad - Ken Roberts Motorcycles and Scottoiler
The Mass
22-08-05, 09:37 AM
HI All,
Firstly, I'd like to say this may be a long one, and I'm glad that the site is back up after the weekend, as I have been dying to get on for my rant! :x
So here goes....
A while back I took the bike back to Ken Roberts :toss: Motorcycles in Newport because the gear lever had fallen out of it's socket whilst tootling along the M4.
Also because the tank on the bike had a paint blemish, and I wanted it replacing under warranty.
The first issue of the gear lever, Mr Roberts:toss: had said was attributed to the "Blue Flame" exhaust I had fitted to the bike as non standard, and my warranty was now void. WTF! :?
Anyhow both problems resolved after a couple toys thrown out of Mr Roberts :toss: pram, as he didn't want to replace anything at all, and commented that he had "Bent over backwards with Suzuki to help me" :? (Do one, you tosser I thought).
Anyhow, I have recently found, by chance, that the rear snow shovel has cracked under the weight of the "Scottoiler" touring kit that Mr :toss: Roberts had fitted.
So, I spoke to scottoiler last week, and they supplied me with a list of bikes that the touring kit HCR unit is NOT to be fitted to, the SV650 2003 - onwards is one of them, and coincidently causes this problem.
So, I trondles off to Mr :toss: Roberts and explains that he supplied, fitted, and recommended the touring kit, and it has caused this problem.
:toss: Roberts looks at the bike (this is on Saturday morning) and looks at the exhaust, and said "I see you have had that fixed then"?? as that is what's caused this..
So both me and my mate are looking at him in astonishment, as I haev just produced the list from Scottoiler....
He then said" We'll if you want to ride around with the bike like that, then that's up to you"??? I'm like WTF!!! :?
But it clearly says on the list not to fit it to this bike...
Roberts:toss: said "I didn't know that"
I said" But are you going to fix it now, now that you know it's not supposed to be on there"?
Roberts:toss: "No!"
Me ...So how do I get this fixed then, considering you fittetd it, supplied it, recommended it...
Roberts:toss: "Dunno, it's nothing to do with me"..and proceeds to walk off..muttering something abotu contacting Suzuki...
So I shouted..."WTF has it got to do with Suzuki"???? you nob ed! :x
Any how, I have now maide an official complaint to Suzuki about Mr Roberts, adn the fact that he should have picked up the lose gear lever on it's first service, and the fact that he is insisting that my warranty is now void on the bike. Suzuki this morning, have contacted Roberts:toss:
I have also contacted Scottoiler :thumbsup: :notworthy:
this morning, they are going to take the matter up with Roberts:toss: and may even take him off their supplier list :thumbsup: RESULT!
and have also asked me to get a quote on fixing the problem, as they are willign to supply me with a loob tube to be fitted instead, and fix the snow shovel.
Scottoiler are fantastic!!! :notworthy:
I am going to write to MCN and Ride and tell them about how good Scottoiler are, proper customer care...
And also tell them about :toss: toss: :x Roberts!!!!
what a :toss: ER he is!
BTW: I am also interested in getting the numebr of people or a list of people's names, where the gear lever has fallen out on the K4,
I know Ceri was looking at it, but I am going to take this further, as I think it's more of a manufacturing problem, as the lever is totally diffrent opn the K4 to any other SV models.
So if you are willing to help me - please do.. and PM me if you have had this problem were the gear lever has come lose.
Cheers - Mass
northwind
22-08-05, 11:10 AM
Scottoiler are a great company to do business with... When I got the bike mine was missing some bits, and even though I told them I'd never bought anything of them, they sent me all the missing bits plus a manual and a small pot of blue oil for free... Top marks.
Your Ken Roberts sound a little like my Carrick motorcycles...
The Mass
22-08-05, 11:17 AM
HIiya Northy,
Yep - he's a true wolly!
My mate who was with me at the time, is usually a very very calm individual, and even he started to see red!
The man is just un-real! fancy admitting to something, and then saying you didn't know! :? :toss:
Yep they're deffo in a class of their own with yours as well
Mass
Nightmare Mass
But in my opinion anyone called Carrick is an ****! :wink: (This is intended for Carsick BTW)
Ceri JC
23-08-05, 09:33 AM
Anyhow, I have recently found, by chance, that the rear snow shovel has cracked under the weight of the "Scottoiler" touring kit that Mr :toss: Roberts had fitted.
So, I spoke to scottoiler last week, and they supplied me with a list of bikes that the touring kit HCR unit is NOT to be fitted to, the SV650 2003 - onwards is one of them, and coincidently causes this problem.
So, I trondles off to Mr :toss: Roberts and explains that he supplied, fitted, and recommended the touring kit, and it has caused this problem.
Feck! I've got a touring scottoiler on my K4. I was lead to believe that you should only mount it on the snow plow and not more flimsy aftermarket hangers like the hamicad fender eliminator/undertrays with integrated plate hangers. Bit of a different case re: the dealer though as I specifically asked for the touring scottoiler, rather than the normal one.
If I could do it again, I'd of only gone for the standard one anyway (it needs filling so infrequently, that it's not a problem for me). I can't really be bothered to remove the snow plow at the moment and mine seems to be fine. I reckon if it cracks I'll fit a tail tidy of some sort, stow the basic scottoiler resevoir somewhere else and get rid of the HCR. I'm reluctant to lose my underseat storage though- my chain and sidestand puck fit nicely under there. I'll probably put it in the space between the tail fairing and subframe.
Carsick
23-08-05, 09:41 AM
and have also asked me to get a quote on fixing the problem, as they are willign to supply me with a loob tube to be fitted instead, and fix the snow shovel.
Nice one for Scottoiler, they're definitely a company that alot of others should take lessons in customer service from. As for fixing the snow shovel, there are a great many spare ones available on the forum; I believe Mr Toad offered you one.
Mass
Sorry to hear about your troubles. However, Mr Roberts is right with regards to warranty. If you change your bike mechanicaly to the spec that it leaves the factory in, then it is up to the dealer and ultimatly Suzuki to honour warranty claims. If you had brought the bike new, then you should have picked up the paint blemish on your tank at the PDI, then it would have been replaced no worries. However, this still does not excuse hes attitude, and im sure that he could have delt with it in a different manor. As for the scotoiler. I still cant undertand why on earth anyone wants a HCR kit on thier SV at all!! I get over a thousand miles out of my std uni kit. Again, that dont excue his atitude and unhelpfulness.
Scotoiler are a top company to deal with.
If Mr Roberts genuinly didnt know that the HCR shouldnt be fitted to the K4> then, he didnt know simple!
His attitude does stink though
Hope you get it all sorted
Carsick
23-08-05, 09:51 AM
If Mr Roberts genuinly didnt know that the HCR shouldnt be fitted to the K4> then, he didnt know simple!
Not knowing is one thing, but then not taking responsibility for it when it's shown that he should have known is another.
Like you said, his attitude is the main barrier.
The Mass
23-08-05, 10:25 AM
Update:
Cheers all for your comments, and I have been assured by Suzuki that my warranty is NOT void, as the exhaust has been fitted scurely.
I have made an official complaint to Suzuki about Mr Roberts, with the main point being the threat from him that my warranty is void.
Scottoiler will be sending me a lube tube kit F.O.C
And I have just picked up a Hamica tail tidy, as I don't see the point in replacing the snow plough, even though Scottoiler are willing to replace that also.
I must say that Scottoiler are a great company, I spoke to the Financial director who sorted this out for me, and it looks as though they will definately be taking the matter up with Roberts himself. As he admitted to both my friend and I that he had been fitting the touring kit to SV's.
And I advised Scottoiler that if this was his attitude towards me, then what's stopping him from doing it again to the other bikes he's fitted it to.
As for Ceri, Ceri mate, please check under the pillion seat, you can hardly notice it's cracked, but the snow plough will be bobbing around like billyo when you're scooting around.
it cracks just under where the fuse box is down both sides, and you will also notice a light dusting of your grey paint on the snow plough under the brake light.
That's when you'll knwo it's on its way out. I know it'll be grey cos that's your bike colour :wink: where as mine was blue.
I only really noticed it, when I went to refill the HCR, and then took the pillion seat up to find the cracks.
As for Mr Roberts, I think he'll regret selling the bike to me, as it's not just this Scottoiler problem, I've had several run ins with this bloke.
As for the original tank issue, I did mention it to him when I first looked at the bike, and both Nagai and I noticed it, and he still didn't do anything, and that was even before I passed my test to ride the bloody thing.
The man is just a nob - he really is!
The other instance when the gear change decided to leave the bike along the M4 - he blamed on the exhaust ??
And then suzuki gave him the ok and supplied him with a brand new one, he managed to just fit the old one and stick some threadlock in there.
And on the way out of the shop, he wanted to sell me the new Suzuki oversuit??? the man has no morals at all...just money money money...
I said that to him when we last spoke.. the fact that he was all nice as pie when I was lashing out the cash...but now I've taken the bike to be serviced else where, because you're attitude stinks..then...
Nob -ed...only word for him...and I hope he goes out of business, the ******!
Rant over..
But I can't praise enough the lads at George White's in Slough:thumbsup:
And Scottoiler who are just awesome!
I have written to MCN to praise both :thumbsup:
Mass
WelshWop
23-08-05, 11:18 AM
Ill pass on your experiance of Ken Roberts to all the bikers i know. That'll be about 20 less possible customers for him.
The guy is just rude, with no morals what so ever.
tomjones2
23-08-05, 03:53 PM
i cant speak highly enough of scottoiler there customer service is second to none, i needed a part to go on holiday and they managed to in one day
When I hit some roadworks late at night, an unsigned step in the road, the force was enough to crack the reservoir against the swingarm. I mentioned it at the Scottoiler stand at the bike show and they told me to write off to the company with the broken reservoir (which had been unsuccessfully bodged many times) and they would send me a replacement under warranty. 6 days later and there it was. :thumbsup:
Ceri JC
23-08-05, 04:44 PM
As for Ceri, Ceri mate, please check under the pillion seat, you can hardly notice it's cracked, but the snow plough will be bobbing around like billyo when you're scooting around.
it cracks just under where the fuse box is down both sides, and you will also notice a light dusting of your grey paint on the snow plough under the brake light.
Cheers mate, I'll have a gander at that. Thanks for the heads up.
omg what a nob*nd that Mr Roberts is take it you will not be going back there again lol
I also had the touring kit recommended and fitted to my k5 by my dealer - as soon as I get a copy of the exclusion list from scottoiler I'm off to see them, I will let you know how well Marriotts in Birkenhead treat me with this one.
i sympathise with you man i really do, i had a mate go to a shabby dealer once and his bike got all messed up. all you can do is just not go back there and warn people about him, which you've done. good on ya mate
TRICK
The Mass
25-08-05, 01:26 PM
I also had the touring kit recommended and fitted to my k5 by my dealer - as soon as I get a copy of the exclusion list from scottoiler I'm off to see them, I will let you know how well Marriotts in Birkenhead treat me with this one.
Hutchy,
If you want a copy of the list, let me know.
Other than that, get it replaced, it shouldn't be on there. There argument will be that fact that it doesn't say NOT to fit it to the SV on the box, or the fact that there is no "said list" supplied in the box when they fitted it.
The matter of fact remains, as I have been informed by Scottoiler themselves. The supplier or fitter if in doubt should contact Scottoiler for confirmation before fitting the kit, and I think it says that on the box somewhere??
Let us know how you get on, and please check under the pillion seat for small cracks, and check under your rear brake light for a dusting of paint.
Cheers - Mass
Thanks Mass - I got the list off Scottoilers site - it recommends the lube tube option, I had to go to the dentist today, didn't fancy an argument with one side of my mouth numb.
Will post when I've been to dealer.
I must say it wasn't easy to find on the site, but here it is:
ATTENTION: HCR Touring Kit is unsuitable for Aprilia Capo Nords and Futuras, Ducati ST4S,Honda VFR800 VTEC (2002) onwards, Suzuki SV650 & SV1000 (2003 onwards), Triumph Tigers and Triumph Sprint models.
I assume it's ok to fit to pre 03 models then, what's the reason it's unsuitable for the pointies?
The Mass
26-08-05, 09:10 AM
I must say it wasn't easy to find on the site, but here it is:
ATTENTION: HCR Touring Kit is unsuitable for Aprilia Capo Nords and Futuras, Ducati ST4S,Honda VFR800 VTEC (2002) onwards, Suzuki SV650 & SV1000 (2003 onwards), Triumph Tigers and Triumph Sprint models.
I assume it's ok to fit to pre 03 models then, what's the reason it's unsuitable for the pointies?
Hiya Fuzz,
Worth checking with Scottoiler if you have one fitted to a pre 03 model (curvy) The reason they give is "Rear Subframe lugs not suitable for wheight of HCR".
Which is true as it cracks/splits the plastic snow shovel just under the pillion seat, in fact I've recently been told by a mechanic at South Wales superbikes that he knows of a a few SV's where it has snapped off completely whislt the rider has been on the bike :shock:
Wonderful!
Worth checking anyway mate, with Scottoiler :wink:
Mass
Baldyman
26-08-05, 06:07 PM
Had to throw in my tuppence worth as I have recently fitted a Scotoiler (thanks to Cloggsy for the fitment photos :thumbsup: )
Scotoiler state quite plainly on the box, to contact them BEFORE fitment as they do not put all the possible combinations of fitment accessories in the box and will supply the necessary fitments FOC.
I had a run in with Ken Roberts years ago. My first venture on two wheels was a Vespa :oops: which KR used to be a dealer of.
I bought the bike mail order for several hundred pounds cheaper than KR could supply it, but he then basically refused to service it! Even though I was willing to pay he full cost of the first service.
After he realised I was happy to pay for the service he said he wouldn't be able to fit it in for "months". I lost my cool on the phone and told him to stick his service where the sun don't shine.
Vespa UK were very helpful and apologetic of his behaviour.
Needless to say when Looking to buy my SV his dealership didn't even enter my mind.
the Roberts bloke is beyond belief! the more I hear about him, the harder it is to believe that he actually manages to keep a "business" going.
Does he not like taking money from people? Who in their right mind would refuse to service a bike? And as Roberts should now realise, Mass is doing mega mileage on his SV, and getting good customer service from another dealer. Think of all the £££'s he has missed out on. Now where is Mass going to buy his next bike from? Mmmm, tough one! lol
I wonder if Roberts has much repeat business from customers?
It feels like ages ago but with the bank holiday weekend and shift work I have only just got to my dealer.
Explained the situation - and showed them the printout from scottoiler, they showed suprise over HCR not being suitable and didn't even know what a lube tube was!
But they were suitably sympathetic, without question they booked my SV in for next tuesday to remove the HCR, and after much 'carry on' style mirth when they saw the lube tube on the internet (looks a bit phallic) they put an order in for some (I think I did them a favour as they got a bit excited about it fitting VFRs)
So for now thumbs up to Mariotts, Birkenhead. I will post next week and let you know how they get on with the swap.
I used Marriotts when I had my SV, and always had excellent service from them. Until Colin left there, I couldn't fault the place, but it seemed to fall apart immediately after he left. Whether they got it back together afterwards, I don't know, but 10/10 for customer service!
I can close my part in this thread - I took my SV in to Marriotts today and an hour and a half later (they let me go out and play on a new bandit 650 S while I waited) I had an SV with lube tube fitted.
10/10 for Marriotts motorcycles, Birkenhead
:thumbsup: :drink: :thumbsup:
there you go Mass, come home to get your bike serviced! lol
Sid Squid
06-09-05, 09:21 PM
as the lever is totally different on the K4 to any other SV models.
No it isn't.
The lever mounting point is diffrent from the K4 bikes onwards.
The lever and peg are mounted with diffrent bolts unlike before (pre K4) which one bolt went from behind the frame mount and held the peg and lever on at the same time.
Diagram from K3 SV650.
http://70.85.253.252/spst/2003%20SV650,S/30.gif
Diagram from K4 SV650.
http://70.85.253.252/spst/2004%20SV650,S/29.gif
The lever mounting point is diffrent from the K4 bikes onwards.
The lever and peg are mounted with diffrent bolts unlike before (pre K4) which one bolt went from behind the frame mount and held the peg and lever on at the same time.
Yup... I think it can be said that K4 bikes and later are total compromises on not only looks, but also build quality. The K3 8) is what it's supposed to be, but too many panzies complained at not being able to get their leg over, and the agressive riding position. Well they shoulda bought a f'ing Bandit then! :twisted: :lol:
No it isn't.
I think Almighty Emperor Squid's comment is in fact correct... the levers are the same... the pedals however, are not. :lol:
Grrrr, he always seems to pick thoes errors up....
Baldyman
08-09-05, 06:33 AM
="BillyC
Yup... I think it can be said that K4 bikes and later are total compromises on not only looks, but also build quality. The K3 8) is what it's supposed to be, but too many panzies complained at not being able to get their leg over, and the agressive riding position. Well they shoulda bought a f'ing Bandit then! :twisted: :lol:
Now, now Billy, no in fighting within the pointy ranks [-X
But now I know you have to be taller and harder to ride a K3, I'm a little in awe of you :wink:
But now I know you have to be taller and harder to ride a K3, I'm a little in awe of you :wink:
I like to think I do well ;)
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