[greenoval]

Just when I thought that my 'born-again biker' dream was nearing fruition, Kawasaki Thane dealership decide to throw a spanner in the works. After being initially promised the deivery of Ninja 300 around Diwali, the dealership this week notified me that they have cancelled my booking and will be refunding the initial booking amount.

The reason? I had the audacity to write to Kawasaki India about the atrocious amounts that the dealership was charging under the garb of RTO charges. I had expected the company officials to get in touch with me to understand the issue.

On the contrary, all I receive is a WhatsApp message from the dealer informing me that since I am not in agreement with the terms, booking is cancelled. They don't even want to discuss or pacify the customer! The attitude is we are doing you a favour, take it or leave it!

[Sheel]

Why don't you guys collectively tweet/Facebook post it to IKM? Where does the management stay at, if it is in your city, a visit might be helpful.

[AtheK]

Originally Posted by greenoval

Just when I thought that my 'born-again biker' dream was nearing fruition, Kawasaki Thane dealership decide to throw a spanner in the works. After being initially promised the deivery of Ninja 300 around Diwali, the dealership this week notified me that they have cancelled my booking and will be refunding the initial booking amount.

The reason? I had the audacity to write to Kawasaki India about the atrocious amounts that the dealership was charging under the garb of RTO charges. I had expected the company officials to get in touch with me to understand the issue.

On the contrary, all I receive is a WhatsApp message from the dealer informing me that since I am not in agreement with the terms, booking is cancelled. They don't even want to discuss or pacify the customer! The attitude is we are doing you a favour, take it or leave it!

wow, what kind of attitude is this, downright pathetic. This is nothing but mafia raj, just because customer wants something done right, they decide to snub the customer. I am sure it won't just be thane, but they probably have a whatsapp group or something, and all indian dealers will know of this snub.

Very disappointing indeed, i really suggest you pick a R3 or some another bike but not a kawasaki now. I myself was interested in picking a ninja 650, but seeing this, i would take my business elsewhere.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by greenoval

They don't even want to discuss or pacify the customer! The attitude is we are doing you a favour, take it or leave it!

This deserves to be a seperate thread in itself - such dealers need to be taught manners. Bringing this to the attention of moderators and requesting them to give it the visibility it deserves.

As seen in another thread on BMW Motorrad, all premium two wheeler dealers are indulging in this practise one way or the other. But that doesn't justify anything.

[quickfox11]

Originally Posted by greenoval

On the contrary, all I receive is a WhatsApp message from the dealer informing me that since I am not in agreement with the terms, booking is cancelled.

Damn!! Thats outright atrocious! Looks like this practice was not unearthed earlier hence they are comfortable right now to snub a few customers. Only till it blows up in their faces.
Also, please make sure you pass on this feedback as well to India Kawasaki, this time adding a few more officials if possible. Just in case..

Originally Posted by AtheK

Very disappointing indeed, i really suggest you pick a R3 or some another bike but not a kawasaki now.

Something noteworthy from Yamaha. The Yamaha R3 ABS owners were invited for a feedback session today. It piqued my interest so I tagged along a friend. Was pleasantly surprised the way they took feedback in detail, heard the problems/suggestions (about dealerships), did free check-up of the machine and even escalated an issue which was neglected during the service! They promised a call back and free replacement of the neglected part if it satisfies the owner. Oh, and not to forget, goodies!

In today's world where bad news moves faster than petrol prices, I wonder where is this Kawasaki's arrogance gonna take them.

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

This deserves to be a seperate thread in itself - such dealers need to be taught manners. Bringing this to the attention of moderators and requesting them to give it the visibility it deserves.

Sounds about right! Moreover, can we get the existing owners pull out their receipts to see how much extra they paid trusting the dealerships? Cases like charging incorrect percentage of registration tax and other charges needs to be questioned. Going by the trend, the amount would be much larger on bigger bikes!

[Gannu_1]

Originally Posted by greenoval

On the contrary, all I receive is a WhatsApp message from the dealer informing me that since I am not in agreement with the terms, booking is cancelled.

Thanks for sharing greenoval. Moving your post to a dedicated thread. Thanks for the heads-up CD!

This is an extremely callous attitude by the dealership. I can't understand how the dealership cancelled your booking when you wrote to the manufacturer directly.

[arunphilip]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

all premium two wheeler dealers are indulging in this practise one way or the other

It's plain misplaced arrogance. A halo brand/product, limited dealers means exclusivity, and this goes to the dealers' heads.

I don't think the parent companies will condone such behaviour, they know (or must be reminded) that their success in the marketplace depends heavily on the word of mouth and goodwill of enthusiasts willing to put down enough money to buy a car on a two-wheeler.

[swiftnfurious]

Off-topic:

Originally Posted by quickfox11

...Something noteworthy from Yamaha. The Yamaha R3 ABS owners were invited for a feedback session today. It piqued my interest so I tagged along a friend. Was pleasantly surprised the way they took feedback in detail, heard the problems/suggestions (about dealerships), did free check-up of the machine and even escalated an issue which was neglected during the service! They promised a call back and free replacement of the neglected part if it satisfies the owner. Oh, and not to forget, goodies!..!

Could you share the details of this in a relevant thread? Would love to hear your experience.

[greenoval]

The ad-hoc registration charges mentioned in the cost sheet was roughly Rs. 56875. When asked for clarification, initially the sales personnel refused. However, on persisting, finally came up with the following cost breakup over the phone -
Tax - Rs. 35073
Safety tax - around 2%
Inspection charges - Rs. 1100 (by RTO guy)
Agent charges - Rs. 10000
Depot charges - roughly Rs. 5300
Loading/Unloading charges -roughly Rs. 4000

The mail I wrote to Kawasaki mentioned all these phony cost heads as well as the fact that I am ready to pay the inflated insurance amount but not these which are illegal as per the recent court ruling. What baffles me is the complete lack of response from Kawasaki India. The instant cancellation of booking by the dealer clearly indicates that Kawasaki India has no say in these matters.

[ACM]

Sad to hear this about Kawasaki Thane. Was contemplating a Vulcan S visited them less then a week back. They were trying to convince my indecisive mind by offering accessories.
Of course like the thread starter I too would not have accepted any handling charges or RTO charges beyond the official tax receipt value.

This racket must be stopped.

Would request all Versys, vulcan, Ninja etc whatsapp group members who are TBHP team members to forward the link to this thread on their respective groups.

Word of mouth and existing owner feedback should be a first step.

Will request the thread starter to share the rejection screenshot from WhatsApp on this thread.

[deepfreak15]

This clearly shows how the dealership makes money (bogus charges). I'm pretty sure the same trend would follow during after sales service too.

[dextor]

Some questions linger my mind -
Just wondering why is media so silent on this issue. This would be known to every one.
Also in such cases of cancellation how tough is it to take such dealers to consumer court?
Adding to it, even if someone purchases the vehicle by paying these additional charges, can dealer still be taken to court for these malpractices?

[ashwinprakas]

Disgraceful to say the least, I can understand how showrooms can be but for Kawasaki to sweep things under the rug, takes irresponsibility to a whole another level.

No wonder seasoned riders are still sticking to indigenous brands, better to be treated fair than to have an extra cylinder I guess.

[shifu]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Why don't you guys collectively tweet/Facebook post it to IKM? Where does the management stay at, if it is in your city, a visit might be helpful.

I did tweet. Details here - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...ml#post4471662 (A Close Look: The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS)

But no response. I emailed them as well. Got a standard response back.

Doesn’t look like IKM is really bothered. There are people who are ready to pay Rs 17-20k extra without thinking.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Leaving a related link to a similar experience with BMW Motorrad -

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...otorcycle.html (The Bavaria Motors BMW Experience - Rs 15000 ransom to sell a motorcycle)

Also requesting anyone who has visited such dealerships recently to post their price qoutes - so we can see how each player hides their handling charges.