Close one...now what
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
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Close one...now what
Looking for advice. Bought a frame and built a Bobber last winter. About a month ago the rear oil tank mount weld broke. It was a poor(manufacturer) weld, no penetration. I contacted the shop I purchased the frame and many other parts from to see if the frame manufacturer would get behind their product. No luck, no response. I had to rent a tig welder again and figured I would re-powdercoat the frame next winter. That's problem #1.
Last weekend I'm going down I394 in Minneapolis about 60 MPH and the back of my bike shoots into the air about a foot, maybe foot and a half. Bike goes into a wobble but I get it settled down and get to the side of the Interstate. When I look my bike over I find the rear fender gone. The lower weld(manufacturers) for the rear fender broke and it fell in front of my rear tire. It sucked under the rear tire, bracket and all, until the upper fender brace hit the frame and broke. It sent the fender out behind me like a bullet over the top of two cars and was spinning like a top 40 to 50 feet in the air(eye witness)! Needless to say the fender, bracket, tire, brace and powderoat are messed up. I went back to the shop I bought the frame and parts from and asked again if the manufacturer will stand behind their product. Problem is, he seems to be more concerned about keeping a good relationship with the manufacturer than standing behind me, the custumer. That's problem #2.
The bike has about 450 miles on it. The components used(frame, fender, brace) all came from the manufacturer and were meant to be used together. The welds were poor, there is no question about that. I've had welders look at them. It seems clear my guy at the shop is not in my corner, and would like me to go away.
Does anyone have any advice? Should I make an insurance claim?
Last weekend I'm going down I394 in Minneapolis about 60 MPH and the back of my bike shoots into the air about a foot, maybe foot and a half. Bike goes into a wobble but I get it settled down and get to the side of the Interstate. When I look my bike over I find the rear fender gone. The lower weld(manufacturers) for the rear fender broke and it fell in front of my rear tire. It sucked under the rear tire, bracket and all, until the upper fender brace hit the frame and broke. It sent the fender out behind me like a bullet over the top of two cars and was spinning like a top 40 to 50 feet in the air(eye witness)! Needless to say the fender, bracket, tire, brace and powderoat are messed up. I went back to the shop I bought the frame and parts from and asked again if the manufacturer will stand behind their product. Problem is, he seems to be more concerned about keeping a good relationship with the manufacturer than standing behind me, the custumer. That's problem #2.
The bike has about 450 miles on it. The components used(frame, fender, brace) all came from the manufacturer and were meant to be used together. The welds were poor, there is no question about that. I've had welders look at them. It seems clear my guy at the shop is not in my corner, and would like me to go away.
Does anyone have any advice? Should I make an insurance claim?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Close one...now what
Have you tried contacting the manfuacturer yourself? I'd document the heck out of it. Did you buy the stuff on a credit card? Alot of cards come with extended warranties on products purchased.
If not, document all your attempts to contact, who you talked to, when, messages left, etc... Take lots of pictures and file a claim in small claims court.
If not, document all your attempts to contact, who you talked to, when, messages left, etc... Take lots of pictures and file a claim in small claims court.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 2
From: SouthEast Michigan
RE: Close one...now what
That's outrageous! I can't believe the guy isn't standing behind the stuff he sold you. Making things right is on him because he's the seller. Have you asked him why he isn't doing the right thing? What is his excuse for not standing behind the product he sells? Do some more talking first and be civil, then demand that he do the right thing and threaten him with legal action if he doesn't. Take legal action if you have to. Too bad he's the type that once he has your money, he doesn't care about you. Good luck, dude, I hope it works out for you.
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Joined: May 2006
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RE: Close one...now what
Listen I'll take any advice. I wish I didn't have to deal with this at all. Guess I'll just count my blessings it wasn't worse. I've been documenting everything and just tried to contact the manufacturer. We'll see what happens next. Thanks again.
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