Triumph Motorcycles

Copy of an email I have just been forced to write to Triumph:

Dear Sirs,

On the 8th July 2015 I purchased a Triumph Speedmaster from Bulldog Triumph in Winnersh, Berkshire.

Bike Registration Number: RK15 OHN VIN: SMTTJ9168RF*******

This bike was taken from Bulldog Triumph as a replacement for a Triumph Tiger which had a suspected ECU fault which had caused the engine to cut out and thrown me from the bike

The bike developed a catastrophic brake fault, resulting in total failure of the rear brake on 22th December 2015 after covering only 3,800 Miles.

Steve Outram at Bulldog Triumph told myself and my wife that the bike had been serviced and that although they didn't need it, the brake pads had been replaced as he wanted the bike to be as new. This was at 188 miles.

As a precaution in case the fault had occurred as a result of the work done by them, I had the bike trailered to Destination Triumph in Guilford. Before the bike was taken, the rear calliper was inspected and found to be seized.

Triumph have inspected the rear brake and refused to carry out the work under warranty. They claim that I must have been riding with my foot on the rear brake pedal all the time. I have pointed out to them that the rear brake pedal is set deliberately high so that this is not possible. In point of fact, it is impossible to activate the rear brake without making a concious effort to lift the foot onto the pedal. They have chosen to completely ignore this information and have not responded to it. I have also asked them to give information on what tests they have carried out on the calliper to prove it functions properly. Again they have not responded to this request for information.

The brakes were inspected on Saturday the 19th December my myself and the Berkshire Rep on the National Chopper Club who had the bike up on his lift. They were fine at that time and the bike only covered a further 75 miles before total failure.

When questioned by Triumph UK Steve Outram told them that he had no record of the brake pads having been changed. When my wife phoned him today and questioned him on this point, he said he could not recall saying they had been. I can only draw the conclusion that he has either lied to me or to Triumph UK.

Clearly, rear brake pads are expected to last between 6,000 and 10,000 miles. This would seem to be an indication of the poor quality of manufacture. This being the second triumph in row to have suffered a major fault, I am no longer willing to risk my life by riding it again.

I understand from both the Sale of Goods Act 1979 that it is my right to return the goods if not 'fit for purpose'. I further more understand from this act that good must last 'a reasonable amount of time'.
I also understand from the act, that where a hire purchase agreement has been entered into and a deposit (in the form of a motorcycle taken in part exchange) that both the finance company and vendor are equally liable.

I have requested a repair but this has been refused. Due to the obvious quality issues and total loss of confidence in their products, a replacement will not in this instance suffice. Although I have owned Triumphs for the last 10 years, this being my 4th I will never purchase one again.

I will therefore request that the finance agreement is cancelled forthwith and i am refunded the full retail value (not the trade in Value) of the motorcycle taken in part exchange. I understand that my trade in vehicle was insured in July by its new owner and I am sure Bulldog will be able to find out for how much he purchased it. This is my entitlement under law and is not subject to negotiation. I will expect to see a copy of all receipts pertaining to the sale of this vehicle to the private buyer.

I further understand that some shortfall in the value may be evident and assume that this will be covered by payments already made against this finance

The motorcycle remains at Destination Triumph Guilford from where it may be collected. I would ask that at your convenience, I be allowed to replace the £500 headlight currently fitted for the standard item I still have in my possession.

Thank You in anticipation of your your kind and prompt attention

Sincerely

Simon Moore