TVS Apache/Apache RTR 180 — Issues with my bike.

Address:

Satara, Maharashtra

Dear TVS,

I have purchased TVS APACHE RTR 180(MD634KE68C2D26241/OE6DC2152800) from HEM TVS, Satara on 25th May, 2012. I went to many other company showrooms and then decided on purchasing TVS APACHE RTR 180 based on the presales service I got at the showroom. This is because I did not see the same service from other motor company showrooms. Specially Mr. Mhaske at the showroom gave me all the details about the bike and even offered me a test ride without even I requesting one, which made the difference and affected my purchase decision.

I was a happy owner of APACHE RTR 180 for last one month, but seems like my honeymoon with my bike was only for one month. It changed into a Nighmare when I went to get the first free service today morning. I was there at the right time that is 15 Min before 9:30 as they don't take the bike for servicing after 11:00 A.M and on Sundays. What I found out that there was no one at the service reception counter for almost half an hour. After half an hour some one came to the reception and starting filling out the Job Cards and taking notes of the issue faced by various customers including myself. When my turn came, I told him that this is my first service and I am facing the below mentioned issues and everything else is fine,

1.) The kick start lever was very hard to use rendering it useless.
2.) The left side Mirror was not remaining in it`s place and use to rotate for no reason.
3.) When we start the bike in first gear the clutch was to released completely so that it engages.
4.) Also suffered few fake neutrals between 4-5 gear.
5.) I also requested to adjust the handle bar so that it is some what towards the rider if possible
6.) I also requested for the rear Mudguard fender which I thought was an optional accessory, but it seems to be otherwise.

I was told to come at 1:30 P.M for getting the delivery of the bike. I cam at around 2:00 P.M and requested for the delivery of the bike as well as asked the guy there about the rear fender the nice guy at the service station told me that I should have received one at the time of delivery, which I didn't. The guy then arranged for the fender and gave it to me. I then requested him is it possible to attach the fender, this was when the nightmare started. He replied very rudely that he will not do it as there are other bikes to be services. I said ok i no problem, I will try to do it myself or bring it tomorrow or during the next service and get it attached.

This done I then requested for delivery of the bike and paid the Rs. 375 /- bill(oil+oil filter) and took the delivery challan. I then went to the security to get my keys. He gave me some keys which I instantly recognized as not being mine. I told him the same, but i got the response that as the key has got some token number 36 attached it is my key. I then very politely told the security guy that this is not my key and it seems to be misplaced and let me check. I went through the box and found out the correct key.

I thought it is fine and this may happen some times so not a very big issue. I then went to my bike and tried to start the bike, I tried both the starters (Kick as well as self start) but it didn't start. I then told this to the nearby mechanic and told him to look at it. That guy then starting fiddling with the bike pulling the choke and trying to start the bike. He then very harshly pulled the spark plug and blowed some air by his mouth into it. I was shocked to find out that there seemed to some water on the spark plug which is not expected. He then put the spark plug into it`s place and tried to start the bike once again. The bike was starting and stopping for which he then pulled the throttle at the extremity, which I don't suppose is right for a new bike.

The bike then somehow started. Seeing all this ill treatment to the bike I just wanted to leave the service center, which I did as soon as possible. Just to check if everything is fine I then rode my bike for a while and it seem to be fine. I came home and thought that may god help me and the bike is fine.

In the evening I once again took the bike for a ride and what i came to know is that there is some kirr. kirr sound from the rear part of my bike. Now I don't know what to do as the bike was almost fine till the first service. I am very afraid to go back to the service center and increase the ordeals I am already facing.

The after sales service of HEM TVS is very disappointing. Additionally now by bikes`s front is wobbling like hell at the speed range of 50-70 KM/s. Now I fell like robbed and dont know what to do next.