My R1 Thread :D

[SandycoreBiker]

@rossiter:Cant imagine the feeling you must be going thru'. But dude hang on!! I mean this is the darkest time you have seen with your bike..it cant get worse..things will only get better from here..

One good weekend ride after your bike is fixed and you will start loving her again..and one day when you will see another SBK rider zipping past you, you will definitely regret it.

I know another owner who sold his R1 due to some financial reasons but when finally he gave the key to the next owner he was literally in tears.

So hang on as everybody is advicing!!

[nitrosatya]

I have seen Italian exotics lying around for months on! All because of unavailability of parts. There was a Yamaha GT bike with hub centered steering lying around for brake work. And that bike belonged to a brake manufacturer!
The point is, there have been many more costly bikes in sorry state.
Don't worry your ONE will be back on road soon!

[Lost Soul]

Sad on Yamaha's part to loose one of their best customers. Sad on Yamaha's part to loose a probable customer for the 5th time yet again.

Maybe the Yamaha needs to be given shot of what Skoda is getting here!

yeah seen that thread on T-Bhp , amazing . Salute their Mods for it for it .

[outworldly maniac]

Sad on Yamaha's part to loose one of their best customers. Sad on Yamaha's part to loose a probable customer for the 5th time yet again.

Maybe the Yamaha needs to be given shot of what Skoda is getting here!

man unbelievable unity and efforts there man
t-bhp rocks definitely .......
its kinda seems so much effort that the moderator did to collect all the data and information from t-bhp and other sites as well
i think we should have a thread like this here for yamaha
and fearlessly point towards them
then they would realize that there are people who can challenge them

[gsferrari]

The issue with Yamaha is that it is primarily run by the same management that used to run Escorts. In other words...archaic, inefficient and steeped in babu-giri.

There is a HUGE gap between Dealers and Yamaha management. The vendor doesn't provide clear communication or commitments and they follow some pretty backward processes. Everything takes time...and verbal commitments can be trusted as much as we can trust Pakistan to do the right thing. I've spoken to a few dealers and their feedback is consistent.

Although the dealer is our liaison to the vendor, they have little ability to influence action...it really is a desperate state of affairs. It is not only the premium motorcycles that are susceptible to the fragility of the Yamaha system...even the R15 and FZ16 owners can face issues and long workshop stops.

That said - this isn't very different from other vendors either. Somehow, in India, Customer service is...frankly...HORRIFIC. The vendor has an attitude of superiority...like they are doing us a favor. When words fail the customer and the law has no "Lemon Law" clause - I, for one, will resort to violence to get my way. Sincere apologies to Gandhi but anyone taking me and my money for granted had better be armed to deal with what I have to dish out...

[Aparajith]

The issue with Yamaha is that it is primarily run by the same management that used to run Escorts. In other words...archaic, inefficient and steeped in babu-giri.

Now, this is news!

There is a HUGE gap between Dealers and Yamaha management. The vendor doesn't provide clear communication or commitments and they follow some pretty backward processes. Everything takes time...and verbal commitments can be trusted as much as we can trust Pakistan to do the right thing. I've spoken to a few dealers and their feedback is consistent.

Although the dealer is our liaison to the vendor, they have little ability to influence action...it really is a desperate state of affairs. It is not only the premium motorcycles that are susceptible to the fragility of the Yamaha system...even the R15 and FZ16 owners can face issues and long workshop stops.

Very true GS. I personally have been a victim of this. And almost all owners of R15/FZ are saying the same thing. With the volumes these guys are selling they better roll up their sleeves and get to the act fast or they better be prepared to face the brunt.

That said - this isn't very different from other vendors either. Somehow, in India, Customer service is...frankly...HORRIFIC. The vendor has an attitude of superiority...like they are doing us a favor. When words fail the customer and the law has no "Lemon Law" clause - I, for one, will resort to violence to get my way. Sincere apologies to Gandhi but anyone taking me and my money for granted had better be armed to deal with what I have to dish out...

Again, very true. Faced this situation with almost every car/bike manufacturer I dealt with till now. And yes, press or forums like these are the only source of help! Unless u get some help from top management the showroom guys cannot be screwed. And in situations where even the top management is of no help....

[niks_devil666]

And in situations where even the top management is of no help....

what if we contact the top management in japan , telling them the situation.

[Aparajith]

what if we contact the top management in japan , telling them the situation.

Niks, am not totally sure of what happened in Akhil's case(I think he did contact them), but check the SKODA story on T-bhp. Even the top management at Czech are not helping them!

To be frank, if the company is based out of India, the top management seem much better. Seen this in lot of cases from friends and have a few personal experiences to recount as well!

[niks_devil666]

^ its worth a shot I guess . Let me check with Akhil what all has he tried. I might have some id's he could use.

[Old Fox]

What saddens me the most is Akhil's decision to sell the One off as-is....I mean why should he suffer such a substantial loss from selling the bike in this condition when he is in no way responsible for getting the bike in that state.

As GS says, Yamaha management is archaic. Professionalism doesn't come from wearing neckties, speaking in English and twiddling special tools. We too had some similar experiences during the GIR. None of the issues that cropped up with the bikes were satisfactorily sorted out by the Yamaha people, despite efforts from ours and the dealer's end. It was ultimately up to us. Though we were fortunate in not having anything as serious as what has afflicted Akhil's bike.

The One is a great product, needing no more and no less of product backup as is necessary for any other bike. And that Yamaha India can get away with providing even less than the least puts the spotlight not only on the lax 'desi' attitude but also on toothless laws relating to consumer protection.

Give the buggers a run for their money Akhil. Lets get them out in the open and expect, nay demand explanation. It is probably not just Yamaha...a Fireblade owner is coreced into buying engine oil priced at almost Rs. 6000/- a lit or loose his warranty. These things will just go on. Lets make a beginning with something as genuine, substantial and unjustified as your case.

[Praful]

Give the buggers a run for their money Akhil. Lets get them out in the open and expect, nay demand explanation. It is probably not just Yamaha...a Fireblade owner is coreced into buying engine oil priced at almost Rs. 6000/- a lit or loose his warranty. These things will just go on. Lets make a beginning with something as genuine, substantial and unjustified as your case.

+1 I concur!

We should all take a stand about this.

[rossiter]

This is heartbreaking indeed Akhil! Sad to hear about your decision but i guess its for the best. Its been a waste of time and financial resources. I hope the bike gets fixed in due time but it has been a long and painful wait for you to get things moving.

I read through the posts on the r1-forum and some of the members had their bike fixed without any questions asked, seems like Yamaha is aware of this issue.

But here in India, yamaha has turned their back on its valued customers. I hope they learn a lesson in someway or the other soon!!!

Hello Meghan. Yes Yamaha in other countries have been swift and decisive with their actions towards this issue. I am only asking for the same treatment.

No!!!!!! Akhil I cant believe on your decision of selling the One and the most hurting part is definetly the Closure of this thread....all I can think about is the million times you would have thought before taking up this decision....
Well the bright side is that you can think of another SBK....take care man...

Thanks Ajay.

That is Sad indeed. It was not expected of Yamaha, instances like these are not going to help them, if they are seriously thinkng of launchin big bikes. it is very dissappointing the pain shows in your words rossitier, but i hope you get another one of those big machines very soon in near future

Thanks for your kind words man. I hope to get a big machine soon as well. Let's see.

The worst thing is that Yamaha is so drunk on the success of the R15 and FZ16 that they dont really care about these niche products.

@gs : They know that MT01 and R1 have done their job of resurrecting the brand again , why bother with one or two customers for these beasts!

I had given them this exact feedback in a customer meet held last year. I had told them that I am afraid that he CBU products being a sort of launchpad for the R15/FZ16. And my fears did come true.

Akhil, to be frank I expected this long back. There is a limit to how much a person can adjust or accept things. This is just a bit way over ur head!! Kinda shows the poor status of CBU imports. Sad to see one of the first CBU import customers doing this.

GS, Ur TZR and RDs shud give u much more trouble-free motoring, much much more thrill man!!! India may have matured as far as CBUs go, but the attitude of people still needs a LOT of improvement.

Hope Yam take this as a clue!

Thanks Apar. Yeah I'd rather get the TZR/RD and depend on my abilities, and the massive talent available within our so-called "unofficial" garages to keep the machines in tune.

@Akhil : have you tried to make an official complaint about this to the parent division in Japan , I have seen these mail/complaints do wonders some times . Maybe this needs to be brought to the notice of most top officials in India and abroad. I hope you have already done something on it or planning to do it soon.

I am going to do that next. Any help you can provide (refer your PM), will be much appreciated. Thanks Nikhil.

Im all depressed even though its rossiter's (Not my big-bore-sports-motorcycle ) 'phwoar' who's gonna be parting company. Kinda feel attached to Mr. Rossiter's One as i was graciously allowed by the aforementioned to witness the first service.
He's also been kind enough to actually entertain any and all R1-related doubts i had (sometimes post midnight) and patiently answer em

@rossiter: Hope whatever it is you've planned as your next step, post-phwoar lives upto your expectations and more. I know that you deserve better considering the (I wouldn't be wrong in saying that nice would be an understatement here) person and rider that you are

@gs: From a kodo to a Pajero !
No faith in Honda/Zuki either saar?

Cheers !

Thanks Sundar. Likewise man, It has been a pleasure

Hey Akhil- Catching up here after a long break and shocked to see nothing much has happened on the repair front for you. After putting down 12 laks for a bike and then having to put up with this is really sad & frustrating. I have not seen it in person, but from your posts from day one I know how passionate you are about this bike.

I think you must approach the consumer court and get something out of Yamaha. Besides, a case in the consumer court will definitely bring negative publicity for Yamaha so they dont play around with customers.

hey akhil, i just went through the whole thread. it is such a terrible situation that u are left standing in. If this is the way a customer who spends 10lakhs plus on a motor cycle is treated, then u surely have the rights to sue yamaha. i advice you to file a case at the consumer court, and take the help of media to showcase the kind of service that YAMAHA offers. i know its a big process (read head ache) once u file a case n all, but for all the trauma and money spent, u can expect some justice man.

after all, buying a superbike for the pleasure of biking and ending up having extreme mental agony should never be on the cards.

Hi Haroon and Badri, yes many people have been encouraging me to go the legal way, and I have been seeking legal advice right through the whole episode, once I felt things are going too far. But I always thought I could get people to help and sort out things. Anyway the legal route/ media is the next step I suppose.

Akhil bro, Do read between the lines on my opinion here...

Accept this as a net-friend's advice & Don't get carried away by emotions. You have to accept the reality and understand that you won't get good price for your bike in this condition.
I doubt if anyone will pay even Rs. 5 Lcs. for the bike in its current condition. Even if they do, you deserve more than that!

You are such an enthusiast, and you loved your "One" so much (I've been following this thread).
You deserve a better price and you should wait until Yamaha completes their process, even if it take 1-2 more months. Have patience..

Please wait until bike is running, "monitor" its performance & then decide. At that time, your decision will be more rational than today.

I hope you take my message, in practical sense. Best of Luck & God Bless You.



Right, try approaching news channels & Auto Shows.. and Media Approaching is a much better way than dragging to Court. (I'm saying this with my experience with NOKIA)

Samarth, I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by your post. Your post makes complete sense and I agree with what you are saying. But my intention to sell it off is also more to do with practicality than emotions. I'd rather cut my losses (read: EMIs, insurance, warranty) that I am spending every day that the bike is off the road, and recover whatever I can, than depend on the way things have been going so far. Thank you for your post man, I really appreciate it.

akhil.. Its too bad ...the way yamaha is acting up... Hope you get back your bike soon.

@Rossiter.... After our short discussion yesterday, I think the path you have chosen is correct.... Let it go...

That kills my (distant) dream of buying any other Yamaha product unless they shape up thier act....

The R15 will stay around for a while, but thats the last coming from the Yamaha stables...

So, sorry to hear this. We all were so associated with this bike. Shame on Yamaha.

And I thght, only Kinetic has (had ??) crap service !!
But I'd still say hang on with her, she is ur baby !!

Yamaha has indeed touched hearts,in a very bad way i guess :O.

I can feel the frustration.It's also really surprising to note that they weren't even giving a damn about a prospective MT customer :O.Getting too cocky or what ?

Thanks guys. What more can I say about this? The facts, and situation is laid out for all to see over the last 15(?) pages.

Sad on Yamaha's part to loose one of their best customers. Sad on Yamaha's part to loose a probable customer for the 5th time yet again.

Maybe the Yamaha needs to be given shot of what Skoda is getting here!

Hi Praful, thanks for the post man. Yes, like I said above, I'm trying to reach out to the media and other forums, so that more people know about it.

@rossiter:Cant imagine the feeling you must be going thru'. But dude hang on!! I mean this is the darkest time you have seen with your bike..it cant get worse..things will only get better from here..

One good weekend ride after your bike is fixed and you will start loving her again..and one day when you will see another SBK rider zipping past you, you will definitely regret it.

I know another owner who sold his R1 due to some financial reasons but when finally he gave the key to the next owner he was literally in tears.

So hang on as everybody is advicing!!

Yes, once I thumb the starter, everything will disappear, but that's not everything, and that's not how it should be. Of course it was hard to come to this decision, but my peace of mind is more important. Right now, I feel entangled in a mess, and I have to get out at some point. It has become more of a liability than something that is productive and enjoyable.

I have seen Italian exotics lying around for months on! All because of unavailability of parts. There was a Yamaha GT bike with hub centered steering lying around for brake work. And that bike belonged to a brake manufacturer!
The point is, there have been many more costly bikes in sorry state.
Don't worry your ONE will be back on road soon!

Thanks man.

What saddens me the most is Akhil's decision to sell the One off as-is....I mean why should he suffer such a substantial loss from selling the bike in this condition when he is in no way responsible for getting the bike in that state.

As GS says, Yamaha management is archaic. Professionalism doesn't come from wearing neckties, speaking in English and twiddling special tools. We too had some similar experiences during the GIR. None of the issues that cropped up with the bikes were satisfactorily sorted out by the Yamaha people, despite efforts from ours and the dealer's end. It was ultimately up to us. Though we were fortunate in not having anything as serious as what has afflicted Akhil's bike.

The One is a great product, needing no more and no less of product backup as is necessary for any other bike. And that Yamaha India can get away with providing even less than the least puts the spotlight not only on the lax 'desi' attitude but also on toothless laws relating to consumer protection.

Give the buggers a run for their money Akhil. Lets get them out in the open and expect, nay demand explanation. It is probably not just Yamaha...a Fireblade owner is coreced into buying engine oil priced at almost Rs. 6000/- a lit or loose his warranty. These things will just go on. Lets make a beginning with something as genuine, substantial and unjustified as your case.

Yes I did come to know of your troubles later on. It's just disappointing!

Coming to Honda, people were praising them that they flew 2 engineers to Fireblah's place to fix the complaint. But has it been fixed? Fireblah is still reporting the same issue, the last time I checked his thread. And the oil fiasco is just disgusting. It's outright robbery if you ask me. This is why I have just lost faith in the ability of the Indian autos to provide peace of mind to the customer once he/she buys their product. The only company I have seen achieving remarkable level of customer satisfaction, and being proactive about the customer's needs, is Maruti. Nobody else.

Anyway, in conclusion, I want to say that I am touched by everyone's response to this issue. I have shared my experiences right from Day one in this thread, and I have enjoyed doing so as well, for better or for worse. Thank you for all that and more.

[abhishek.murdeshwar]

Anyway, in conclusion, I want to say that I am touched by everyone's response to this issue. I have shared my experiences right from Day one in this thread, and I have enjoyed doing so as well, for better or for worse. Thank you for all that and more.

This is very heartbreaking for all the XBHP members and persons who know you...!! I feel so sad looking at the state of Indian consumers..!!

[dual disc 200]

Anyway, in conclusion, I want to say that I am touched by everyone's response to this issue. I have shared my experiences right from Day one in this thread, and I have enjoyed doing so as well, for better or for worse. Thank you for all that and more.

Feeling really sad to hear that man!!! And i know how painful is to see her like that!! Think its all for good, maybe god has better plans for u!! Hope u get hold of a better one soon!!!

[fireblah]

Its so sad, even my faith in these companies is shaken.... Being in Kolkata, the ultimate answer i get from Honda is " we can do proper diagnostics only at Delhi", so cant run a full test here.
But I still have some faith left in them...
I liked yamaha, and we are planning to get a 'one' but all this is discouraging. And in Kokata, the general attitude of people towards everything is slow... wonder what'll happen !
btw, the oil issue was solved after speaking to senior honda people. They agreed that we can put any other oil as long as it matches the grade recommended. Thats fair enough ...