Stuffed New Bridgestone

[fireyrob]

Went with the crew up for the Putty run today and at halfway saw this cut in the tyre. Goes all the way down to the inner lining... Dealer says its a long shot for Kawa to replace the tyre. Didnt hit anything that I know of other than crossing a few bridges and railway lines along the run.

Bike is less than a month old (Ninja 250) and just clicked over 1650 kays

Just wanted to ask everyone. I know Hoffy's response is that i should approach Bridgestone Aus... Its a new tyre for the new bike so Bridgestone probs havent seen one yet!

What do you all reckon?

[Billz]

I've heard of a few Bridgestones losing big chunks out of the tread recently - delaminating up to a third of the tyre in some cases, apparently. Haven't seen one, but the rumour alone was enough to put me off buying another 014, even allowing for the usual 80% bullshit factor.

Anyway, this might be something similar. If it's a 'known' issue, Bridgestone might be open to replacing it, but I wouldn't count on it. To do that, they have to first admit there's a problem.

[ZXRobyn]

Why not approach them? You've got nothing to lose. . . . . . worse case scenario, they say no.
I would certainly give it a go anyway.

[hoffy]

Mate contact Bridgestone (Eurotread), details on bridgestone website, send them an email....they have to replace it. Either that or never buy another Bridgestone...try the dunlop Arowmax..

I dont trust bridgestone anyways, always run Michelins

[fireyrob]

Emailed the above pic off to Eurotred. Cause the tyre is new and fitted at the factory its over their head as it didnt come through them importing it here... But they are having a look at the photo and giving me their opinion anyway! Cant hurt...

Kwaka may still come through for me? Ill find out next week!

Thanx for the link Hoffy...

[mick_dundee]

Kwaka may still come through for me? Ill find out next week!

Thanx for the link Hoffy...

based on other ppl here's experiences with Kwaka Aus don't hold your breath, but it certainly should be replaced if not by Bridgey then Kwaka.

[Smitty]

Went with the crew up for the Putty run today and at halfway saw this cut in the tyre. Goes all the way down to the inner lining
... Dealer says its a long shot for Kawa to replace the tyre.

that is NOT a cut..thats a tyre block splitting and de-laminating off the tyre cord
simply... a new tyre is rooted
and in proof ...why is there NO cut either side of the tread groove??

If it was a cut from glass or whatever...why didn't it cut the tyre past the tread groove?

imo...that is a manufacturing fault by Bridgestone ( and I say that having worked for Dunlop)
and as its fitted to a brand new bike..Kawasaki have to get involved , at least initially
even if they then pass it off to Bridgestone

go the dealer first and if he tries the handball...tell him you are off to Consumer Affairs
and the ACCC...Product Safety Policy Section of the ACCC handles consumer complaints
about unsafe products.....and that tyre is about unsafe as you can get!


hth

Smitty

[fireyrob]

Yeah thanx for that advice Smitty... Im waiting to hear what Eurotred have to say then Im back to the dealer tomoz and they have the bike for a whole week while Im away! Fingers crossed I dont have a bill at the end of the week!!!

[fireyrob]

ok Eurotread's response via Telephone...

"Because we didnt supply the tyre we can't comment". Then a rant about HTFU and buy a new tyre. Too much litigation these days blah blah blah... Then all about in his day when he fell over on a footpath he got up and kept walking and everyone today wants to blame and sue! For F's sake its a brand new bloody tyre!!!

Im on a WARPATH!!! Just emailed Kawasaki Oz and will see the reply I get next week when Flywheels have the bike...

Will keep you all posted

[Glen]

ok Eurotread's response via Telephone...

"Because we didnt supply the tyre we can't comment". Then a rant about HTFU and buy a new tyre. Too much litigation these days blah blah blah... Then all about in his day when he fell over on a footpath he got up and kept walking and everyone today wants to blame and sue! For F's sake its a brand new bloody tyre!!!

Im on a WARPATH!!! Just emailed Kawasaki Oz and will see the reply I get next week when Flywheels have the bike...

Will keep you all posted

Give their technical services bloke a ring at Rydalmere. If you make enough noise i'm sure they'll do something

[Nelso]

This is a fault in the production of the tyre, not damage from debris, so in my eyes they have a responsibility to fix the problem. I'm a bit paranoid now about the new BT015 I've just bought, as recent reports and this response have not inspired any confidence in their product or attitude. If this is the way Bridgestone treat customers it might be time to start buying other brand tyres. Does anyone know what other brand front tyre will match my BT015 on the rear?

[fireyrob]

I spoke to the manager at Wetherill Park. Mark I think his name was... To be fair the tyre isnt through Eurotread at Wetherill Park as they are fitted new in the factory. So the tyre apparently may be a slightly different spec to what is imported. Hence they didnt supply the tyre so they dont want anything to do with it! He really didnt want to make any comment other to say its Kawasaki's issue and to go through those channels. AND they wont have any replacements in the country for a while as their sold out!

However my personal opinion is that its their product brand name. Id be peeved if I was them and had a customer in my situ... If its not replaced under warranty Ill also recommend no-one buys any bridgestone product full stop! Thats with a fleet of 10 Holdens in the family that come new on bridgestones!

Will leave it to flywheels to get a replacement. Probs will have to pay for another brand and go ACCC with the complaint???

[matchan]

Will leave it to flywheels to get a replacement. Probs will have to pay for another brand and go ACCC with the complaint???

I'm sure Flywheels will do their best to look after you but incase kawasaki decide to be difficult you may have to go through Dept. Fair Trading, up to you if you buy a new tyre first as you can claim the cost or the item when you lodge your case, but do speak to Craig or Ron first and then if necessary Kawasaki.

I had to do the same thing with an Aprilia with warped disks, many here know the story so I won't bore them with it again. PM me if you want the process and I will dig out the paperwork over the weekend.

Cheers
Matt

[Slow and wobbly]

It's a genuine Kawasaki part. Unless they have a legitimate explanations to why it has happened - or a get out of jail free clause - they should replace it.

[Smitty]

It's a genuine Kawasaki part. .

sorry S&W
actually its not...........

the fine print (remember i worked for Holden...and Dunlop) is that the vehicle (read car or bike) maker
warrants THEIR parts ..as required under various sections of the Trade Practices Act and various bits
of Fair Trading and Consumer legisaltion in place in each of the states....
and
where other makers parts are fitted (this applies especially to tyres and batteries and glass) and a
fault occurs in these parts in line with all the bits of legislation ..the vehicle maker (or its representatives
..read licenced dealers) warrants to act on the purchaser's behalf to have these faulty parts replaced.
so
ALWAYS sweet talk the dealer as they have to go and act for you ..in dealing with HO (which is Kawasaki Oz)
If the dealer can't be bothered..thats when you start talking Fair Trading stuff and Trade Practices legal stuff
to the bloke WHO OWNS the dealership. Forget about monstering the bloke in the service dept..he only works
for the dealership owner (..or dealer principal as he is known in the car trade) talk to the BOSS

hth

cheers
Smitty