Can I preface this by saying this is only the second Honda I've ever owned and I'm sure this situation is unusual.
From the top.
Goldwing - What a bike. Really didn't think it would be 'me' but once I got my head around the fact they aren't fast, uncomfortable or an adventure bike, I really liked it. But...
I've used the word 'but' before and on this occasion it seems warranted.
I took delivery from WHEELS HONDA on the 19th November. They have been great, so far, but I'm definitely watching this space.
From minute 1 the bike was excessively noisy when accelerating reasonably and at 70mph cruise.
Day 1 discussions about 'it won't be the bike but probably your ears' have taken place. This was going to get looked at by Wheels at first service. I also noticed an exhaust trim isn't sitting correctly and the fuel lever access door fit is not as quite £30k bike.
However, the bit I've kept quiet about is the paint on the right cylinder head. See pic. 1st pic is after first wash - the bike wasn't particularly dirty. Proper job 'suds' and water and a microfiber mit. A chunk of paint came off. I wasn't happy about it as you can imagine - day 3 and paint is coming off. Probably unusual, but it's happening.
I mentioned to Wheels and the first comment was a 'smart repair'. This was rejected for very obvious reasons. Days passed and Honda as I understand things said they would front for a new cylinder head. This is where things have fallen from the wagon.
I just got to thinking, new right cylinder head, when will the left one fail? Then it got worse with wash 2, see pic. I thought long and hard about it, but I just can't get my head around a brand new £30k bike needing major engine work. I can't. Bad enough on a £3k Grom but not a £30k Goldwing. That repair would sit with the bike until I sold it, at which point it would no doubt be a reason either to de-value it or just not buy it. Would you buy this one if you had a choice of bikes? I asked the Wheels manager yesterday if he would be pleased to spend £30k of his own money on a new bike that then immediately needed major work - needless to say he didn't respond. I'm not prepared to spend the ownership period of the bike crossing my fingers and hoping for the best for the rest of the paintwork or fit and finish of the bike.
So it's going back as a rejected bike. I've got a good policy on my house insurance with serious legal cover and after speaking with them yesterday (and two other companies) it's clear that a full refund is in order. For 30 days after purchase, if the bike is defective you can return it - see pic 3.
My hope is that Wheels Motorcycles take it on the chin, but 'wheel' see. After all, it's a Honda issue really and not created by Wheels Motos. That said, in law, your contract is with the dealer and not the manufacturer, so I'm hoping to report that Wheels treat me well as they have done thus far.
As I say, watch this space.
From the top.
Goldwing - What a bike. Really didn't think it would be 'me' but once I got my head around the fact they aren't fast, uncomfortable or an adventure bike, I really liked it. But...
I've used the word 'but' before and on this occasion it seems warranted.
I took delivery from WHEELS HONDA on the 19th November. They have been great, so far, but I'm definitely watching this space.
From minute 1 the bike was excessively noisy when accelerating reasonably and at 70mph cruise.
Day 1 discussions about 'it won't be the bike but probably your ears' have taken place. This was going to get looked at by Wheels at first service. I also noticed an exhaust trim isn't sitting correctly and the fuel lever access door fit is not as quite £30k bike.
However, the bit I've kept quiet about is the paint on the right cylinder head. See pic. 1st pic is after first wash - the bike wasn't particularly dirty. Proper job 'suds' and water and a microfiber mit. A chunk of paint came off. I wasn't happy about it as you can imagine - day 3 and paint is coming off. Probably unusual, but it's happening.
I mentioned to Wheels and the first comment was a 'smart repair'. This was rejected for very obvious reasons. Days passed and Honda as I understand things said they would front for a new cylinder head. This is where things have fallen from the wagon.
I just got to thinking, new right cylinder head, when will the left one fail? Then it got worse with wash 2, see pic. I thought long and hard about it, but I just can't get my head around a brand new £30k bike needing major engine work. I can't. Bad enough on a £3k Grom but not a £30k Goldwing. That repair would sit with the bike until I sold it, at which point it would no doubt be a reason either to de-value it or just not buy it. Would you buy this one if you had a choice of bikes? I asked the Wheels manager yesterday if he would be pleased to spend £30k of his own money on a new bike that then immediately needed major work - needless to say he didn't respond. I'm not prepared to spend the ownership period of the bike crossing my fingers and hoping for the best for the rest of the paintwork or fit and finish of the bike.
So it's going back as a rejected bike. I've got a good policy on my house insurance with serious legal cover and after speaking with them yesterday (and two other companies) it's clear that a full refund is in order. For 30 days after purchase, if the bike is defective you can return it - see pic 3.
My hope is that Wheels Motorcycles take it on the chin, but 'wheel' see. After all, it's a Honda issue really and not created by Wheels Motos. That said, in law, your contract is with the dealer and not the manufacturer, so I'm hoping to report that Wheels treat me well as they have done thus far.
As I say, watch this space.