Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Just want to post a gripe, I find it makes me feel better.

Got a quote on a thermo switch from Victorian Motorcycle Wreckers for my ZX6RR 2003. Part was $25 plus $5 postage. I called them up and spoke with a bloke called Aaron (Keith did the original quote via email); I asked how much for express post, and he said $10; by way of confirming, I said that since it is only an additional $5 I may as well get express post.

The part arrived today via express post as promised, but they charged me $15 instead of $10 (as it is in a 500g express satchel the actual postage cost is just under $10).

I contatced Keith via email and he told me I had it wrong and if I didn't like it I could return the part (presumably at my expense). He was pretty blunt about it, I might even say the email came across as a bit rude.

Anyway, it was only $5 but it's left a bad taste in my mouth and I will buy elsewhere in future. Anyone purchasing from them, make sure you get everything quoted via email.

That's disappointing. I've got bits off him a couple of times and haven't had any bad experiences.

I have always found there customer service/manners via email a bit lacking

Not just via email, Keith is an arsehole, it's quite well known. The problem with Vic Bike wreckers is they're friggin massive and buy pretty much any wreck worth buying so you often have bugger all options BUT to deal with VBW.

I will buy from the UK sooner next time and wait for postage - they have a pretty good range of spares reasonably priced over there. Simply on principle I will avoid Vic Motorcycle Wreckers.

Shame to hear I've used them a few times and they've been really good about the sale...

I've bought from them a few times without problems. The only one that springs to mind is when I emailed a picture with the parts I wanted and they got one wrong. Much easier to explain it on the phone. Keith sent the right part free of charge in the end so it wasn't a big deal.
If I can wait for parts I'll get them overseas, but when I need something in a hurry the only real option is VMW and then the price is less important than time.

Only ever dealt with them over the phone.
Lucky for me, no dramas, right parts right price..

I went there to get a caliper for my race bike (99 cbr600). He came back with an older model 2 pot, where mine are 4 pots. I pointed out the obvious difference and he said, "this will stop u just fine".

After a few brief words he went back and got the right one, but that level of customer service & advice about such an important part will stop me going back

Yeah, he may be a bit blunt, but that twat at Bike Parts Sydney makes him look like a gentleman.

bike wreckers aren't in the game to win popularity contests ! Keith has his own unique way of dealing with punters - sometimes it gets received well, sometimes not. In this case - clearly not.

I have used VMW a stack of times, generally because they have stuff in stock and ship it quickly. But they also charge a bit more than a lot of smaller wreckers......its horses for courses with these guys - if you want it quickly, it will cost.

I will say that I will never deal with those asshats from SA - Show & Go. They wanted to charge me $25 postage for a plastic headlight bucket that weighed about 300g !!!! I took a busted one down to the local ozPOst and asked them to quote it for postage to SA. Total cost inc packaging - was $13.50 So I rang them up and told them to bash their $25 postage fee up their arse. *That* - was excessive postage !!