Leaking Biturbo shock

[mcguyver]

Anyone had any issues with the Bi turbo shock leaking on their v7 racer?

Just discovered one of mine has a slight weep. Just spoke to my local dealer and he says that as it is over 2 years old it is not covered by warranty regardless of the fact that it has only done 3800 klms. Seems a bit harsh to me. Intend to take it up with MG Australia but would like to gather any evidence of previous failure I can first.

Any info much appreciated.

[lucky phil]

Anyone had any issues with the Bi turbo shock leaking on their v7 racer?

Just discovered one of mine has a slight weep. Just spoke to my local dealer and he says that as it is over 2 years old it is not covered by warranty regardless of the fact that it has only done 3800 klms. Seems a bit harsh to me. Intend to take it up with MG Australia but would like to gather any evidence of previous failure I can first.

Any info much appreciated.

Contact consumer affairs or the equivalent in your state and lodge a complaint. Despite what Dealers and importers will tell you about warranty the overarching qualification is "fit for purpose". What would be a reasonable life expectancy for a shock absorber. I'm sure they would agree its a lot more than 2 years and 3800 klms.
Even if you don't win at least you cost them time ans money in dealing with the issue and often that's all that's needed to bring them to a reasonable outcome.
Ciao     

[jas67]

One of the Bitubos on my 2013 V7R was replaced under warranty at 4,000 miles.

[mcguyver]

Looks like a good excuse to put some decent shocks on the bike (instead of joining some litigation-happy consortium).

Who said anything about litigation?
I was jhust looking to see if anyone else had any issues.

My god there are some odd ones on this forum isn't there?

[265coupe]

Yeah McG.

I got what you were asking.

And I also got the initial response, availing yourself of your consumer rights is not litigation, at least not here in Oz. It might surprise the yanks but usually we're just after what we're entitled to.

For the benefit of those ignorant but interested, in Australia making a claim regarding your consumer rights (after a rejection by the 2nd party) is as simple as making an application to an independent Government agency for arbitration on your claim. Simple, fair and binding.

Sometimes this is required to make a business do the right thing. Because as we know the days of business being good, responsible corporate citizens has passed. Unfortunately.

[rbm]

I had one of my Bitubo shocks leak on my V7 at 2700 kms. It got rebuilt and has worked fine since.

[lucky phil]

First post after yours tells you to contact consumer affairs.  The beginning of the path. Either talk to the dealer or replace them.And some that can't follow a thread as well.

May I suggest you spend some quiet time in the room of mirrors.
Ciao

[mcguyver]

Thought I would give you update on this. The dealer has come back and said that John Sample group who are the Australian Moto Guzzi distributor have refused to warrant the shock, but will supply a replacement for $1000 (aud) about a $300 discount on RRP.

I intend to push this further directly with the importer, as  the dealer is just the middle man.

[lucky phil]

Thought I would give you update on this. The dealer has come back and said that John Sample group who are the Australian Moto Guzzi distributor have refused to warrant the shock, but will supply a replacement for $1000 (aud) about a $300 discount on RRP.

I intend to push this further directly with the importer, as I the dealer is just the middle man.

Yep, good for you, Nothing to loose. I've seen this preemptive response before, just keep pushing via your consumer rights organization.
Don't worry too much that the warranty manager wont get his award this year for the lowest claims in the Asia Pacific region, I'm sure he will survive.
Ciao

[265coupe]

Don't distributors get that a vehicle product will rise or fall in the marketplace on customer service and consequent word of mouth. It takes many successful sales to build goodwill and just a few bad experiences (ontold) to destroy it.

Whats a shock cost the 'John Sample Group'? $100? probably less.

Stories like these will determine whether I buy a product or not. A shock today, a diff tomorrow or all my cams and rockers later on. Sometimes it's not worth taking a risk on a distributors attitude to warranty.

For most people it's just not as easy as to say 'fcuk it, I'll just buy a set of Ohlins'

They wonder why new sales have slumped. When I buy second hand it's a punt but I know that.

Good luck with your struggle. Don't give up easily. That's what they want.

[mcguyver]

So I finally got a call back from the John Sample group. Nope no warranty.

He claims that the shock shaft probably has some stone damage in it. This despite him not having seen it. I assure him that there is no damage and the shock is actually leaking at the top where the remote reservoir attaches, so has nothing to do with stone damage

I ask if I can have that in writing and he goes to jelly and refuses. I ask for his bosses name and he refuses, but says he will get him to call me. I wont hold my breath.
I may not get a new shock out of them, But I will make sure I waste as much of their time as well. I will also send them a link to this thread.

They just don't get it. I am a new Guzzi Owner, with the potential to spend thousands over the next few months.

I have also sent an email to Bitubo and Italy but haven't heard anything back as yet back as yet.

Anyone know if the shocks are rebuildable?

[rbm]

Feel terrible for you.  Bad attitude on the rep's part.  Yes, these shocks are fully rebuildable.

[lucky phil]

So I finally got a call back from the John Sample group. Nope no warranty.

He claims that the shock shaft probably has some stone damage in it. This despite him not having seen it. I assure him that there is no damage and the shock is actually leaking at the top where the remote reservoir attaches, so has nothing to do with stone damage

I ask if I can have that in writing and he goes to jelly and refuses. I ask for his bosses name and he refuses, but says he will get him to call me. I wont hold my breath.
I may not get a new shock out of them, But I will make sure I waste as much of their time as well. I will also send them a link to this thread.

They just don't get it. I am a new Guzzi Owner, with the potential to spend thousands over the next few months.

I have also sent an email to Bitubo and Italy but haven't heard anything back as yet back as yet.

Anyone know if the shocks are rebuildable?

Forget Bitubo in Italy, if I know the Italians they wont care. A letter to Guzzi in Italy might be a better option but I wouldn't hold my breath.
They probably have their hands full at JSG right now with roller conversion warranty stuff and are over their warranty quota.
Believe me there is brownie points for the local distributor minimising warranty claims.
Oh I could tell you some insider distributor/importer Warranty stories from over the years.
Just keep pushing via the consumer rights bodies, and be patient.
Ciao