My bike review published by an online Biking mag!

Hey!

Now this is exciting.

I have been following BikeAdvice.in for quite a while now as my source about the latest and hottest in biking world. They had started Bike Review Contests few months ago.

This time around, I also decided to participate in the contest. So took some photos with my cellphone camera and sat down on a journey through time to see what I went through with this bike right from purchase decision till date. I was barely able to make my submission on the last day of closing the submissions for contest.

Today, it was a surprise to find my submission published online, about 10 days after the submission was made. Also glad to find so many readers relate to the review and provide positive feedback as well.

Here is link to the publication on BikeAdvice.in:

"Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler Review by Akashdeep"

If you happen to go through it, which I would insist you do, please do not forget to leave a comment and provide feedback!

So? I will call it more than a day!

Take care and good night

Know your consumer rights

Although I am enjoying a very good relationship with my bike, but a little glitch in the pass-switch has been bothering me since last few months. Actually since second month of my purchase in June last year. Problem was that once pressed, the switch won't retract to its original 'off' state which is a bit inconvenient during night driving.

So what? I bought a product and it should work as designed. Since the thing is in its warranty period, I notified service guys not once but on each time I was at the service center but to no avail. The typical Indian "Chalta Hai" (Let-it-be) attitude is so prevalent that it has rubbed off even on one of the best in the world - Honda.

To my luck, some guys came from the Honda HQ-Gurgaon and I was invited for an inspection, probably because mine was one of the first bikes in the batch and they were up to some field reviews. I informed them this issue and they assured that switch is faulty and shall be replaced during my next service visit. Issued a job card and provided me with the Job card number to quote in future.

Leave alone the next service, the problem was still there after a few reminders, two services and almost an year into purchase! Each time they gave me an Component-is-on-order excuse. I was furious more because of repeated failure of the dealership to comply and less because of the minor inconvenience caused because of the fault.

I felt that it was very legitimate to escalate the issue to Honda HQ. So here is something I wrote to them (abridged for brevity):

Hi,

I purchased a CB Honda Unicorn Dazzler from on .

During the first service I notified the following faults in the vehicle:

1. Pass switch not retracting when pressed
2. Rust build up in the tank shroud fastening screws
3. Rust build up in muffler guard (Black)

These three defects were acknowledged and I was assured of a solution. None was provided. I repeated my complaints in subsequent visits but to no avail.

My vehicle was also inspected by the special staff from Gurgaon who visited the Dealership during Sept 2010. They also recognized the complaints and provided directions to replace all the faulty parts via Job Card Number 21297 Dated 23/09/2010 and assured that the faulty parts will be replaced during my subsequent visit for service.

In my next visit for service on 13/10/2010, I was told that the above components are on order and will be available soon. I am hearing this excuse till date and no parts are still available.

.
.
.

Due to prolonged unavailability of components, false commitments, and procedures causing risk of injury on part of service department, I feel cheated and deceived by the dealership by promising excellent service during sales process but delivering none of what promised.

I wish that Honda takes corrective action to resolve my issues at the soonest and makes sure the dealership treats my vehicle as per promises and recommendations.

Thanks.

PS:Copy retained for personal record

And it worked magically. Within two days I had a call from the dealership and they seemed to know my issue and my problem like the back of their hands! An appointment was scheduled and the day I went there I was greeted by head of service department got VIP treatment. No queues,  No paperwork. They managed everything.

At the scheduled time of pick-up, I was told that the switch assembly containing the Pass-Switch was shipped exclusively for my complaint and that they had instructions to reply as soon as the problem was solved. The new switch works perfectly and I am glad it was fixed.

Happy Mid New Year

Heya!

Well it occurred to me that a few months ago we all were celebrating a new year and we all had announced our resolutions for the year. What were your goals? Read a book each month? Learn a new cuisine? Diet? Be regular to Gym? Read professional stuff? Do some social work? or Join a recreational club?

And pretty much like every year, the resolutions disappeared into thin year even before the moon had completed its first revolution around the planet for the year. Pretty unfortunate that this vicious circle repeats itself as consistently as the years tick by!

Now, half year into the year, I have this guy poking me from inside that I am the same person I started the year with. Telling me that you failed to stick to those basic rules yet again. And he never spares an opportunity for that sarcasm. I hope someone else also relates to this?

Well there are a few months more and I think it is still fair to retrospect and reinforce the same commitments we made to ourselves during the dawn of this year. Why only now, six months into the year and why not sooner? Talking of sooner, why not everyday?

Like our closet, bookshelves and habits, thoughts also seem to drive themselves into a more random and disordered state if left unattended. What we should do is keep on reviewing our self ordained goals and missions so that we stay on the same track. More frequently, the better. We need to keep adding fuel to the enthusiasm and zest with which we make promises to ourselves and keep that fire burning all the time.

For now, I think it is the time to pull the socks up and press the reset button on our older self and start anew, we still have enough time to pick up on the lost goals and also make a point to paste that list in our heads-up display so that we do not waver from our little self-made promises.

Join me and lets celebrate the rest of the year. All the best and Happy Mid New Year! :-)

-Take care