Help: Bike shop keep red (master) key

[sofifaz]

I bought a bike under instalement abt 2 years ago. Yesterday, the engine failed to ignite. So I towed it to my preferred bike shop and was told that the CGI needs to be reset. Problem is, they need the red (master) key which is being kept and held by the bike shop. I called up the Hong Leong Svc Ctr (authorised distributor) and was advised the same thing. I suspect the bike shop is using the key as a collateral. Isn't the log card sufficient? I felt this is not right. When I bought my car under hire purchase, why didn't the bank hold my masterkey?

So I called the shop to withdraw or loan the red key and was told that they need to seek permission from the "Finance" dept of their own company (strange indeed) as I want to repair it as the authorised svc ctr. However, they said they cannot and suggested that I send it to their workshop and they will get the bike rectified. So my bike is still in their workshop...hopefully I dont get slaughtered by them.

More importantly, I see this practise as being an unethical and unfair business practise. I wish to report this matter to a relevant authority. Question is, which agency or ministry is the relevant authority? Appreciate if someone who have shared a similar experience can share or shed more light. Thanks and warm regards.

[aRcHeR]

usually they can 'release' the key if you need to t-loan for repair/duplication purposes.

 

but then again, each bike shop have their unique set of laws..

[kinwei]

Technically the bike is not 100% yours as long it is under hire purchase. In this case, the bike shop need to safeguard themselves as well. They might think you might do something which may caused the other original key they're holding, useless. So in order to play safe, they will want your bike to be done at their workshop.

[sofifaz]

Technically the bike is not 100% yours as long it is under hire purchase. In this case, the bike shop need to safeguard themselves as well. They might think you might do something which may caused the other original key they're holding, useless. So in order to play safe, they will want your bike to be done at their workshop.

Thanks for the response Kinwei. My two cents worth....Dont you think it is unfair business practise? As a consumer, I am deprived of the rights to choose who and where to repair my bike. As the rider of a bike "owned" by the finance company, why would I want to do anything to the make the bike or key useless? Even I intend to do so, I can still do so many things without the key. Bottomline, there is simply no business risk since the HP agreement has shifted the burden of finance to the owner and not on the bikeshop.

[MrHui]

I feel for you bro but that is their way of making money! To tie you and slowly eat you up...

[ooitn]

Mr. Sufifaz....just turn the case around...you go buy a bike form Japan or Eu..you must fully paid before they ship to you..then you sell to somebody only place 10-20% deposit, promised to refund all by certain years of installment...what would you do?

The shop are taking more risk..such as what you had already mention you can do many thing without the key....so who is more vulnarable?

I just comment on the policies, common practises..not on any individual or shops...

[kinwei]

Thanks for the response Kinwei. My two cents worth....Dont you think it is unfair business practise? As a consumer, I am deprived of the rights to choose who and where to repair my bike. As the rider of a bike "owned" by the finance company, why would I want to do anything to the make the bike or key useless? Even I intend to do so, I can still do so many things without the key. Bottomline, there is simply no business risk since the HP agreement has shifted the burden of finance to the owner and not on the bikeshop.

 

I do understand your point of view and I believe bike shop in general do not restrict where you service or repair your bike. However this is one of the few exceptional case where they have to safe guard themselves. Otherwise in case of any money dispute, they will have less trouble to repossess your vehicle.

 

I suggest you get the total repair cost first before proceeding. However if you really want to complain, you might want to go to CASE. Hope it helps.

[sofifaz]

I do understand your point of view and I believe bike shop in general do not restrict where you service or repair your bike. However this is one of the few exceptional case where they have to safe guard themselves. Otherwise in case of any money dispute, they will have less trouble to repossess your vehicle.

 

I suggest you get the total repair cost first before proceeding. However if you really want to complain, you might want to go to CASE. Hope it helps.

Tks bro. I have dropped CASE an email to see if they can help. Will share outcome for benefit of other fellow bikers.