Buying the parallel import?

[Guest adair69]

Hi All

 

I'd just like to share my thoughts on something I really don't understand.

 

Looking for a new bike I was searching all the options and was interested in both the new honda 400's cb400f and also the ninja 400.

 

I knew that both of these were parallel imports and knew that there was a risk in buying them outside of the main importer.... However what I came across really stumped me.

 

The ninja (unfair to mention the shop) was around 20k with the current high COE and to me that's an awful lot of money for a bike. The part that surprised me however was not the price, I was expecting that, it was that there was no warranty other than a token 3 months.

This means that either people here don't care if there is a sudden problem with the bike which will cost XXX Mucho money! Or don't care. I was told they had sold a number of the units already, but seriously I get 12 months warranty on a radio costing 100 bucks, why would I part with serious cash on something which potentially could cost me 000's in repairs.

I just don't get it.

 

This was further bought home to me when I went to another shop and looked at the cb400f, now again this is the cheapest version of the cb across the range. So why would it cost 18k with COE. The X or the R should be this price. The only redeeming part here is this shop offered a 12 month warranty of their own just on the engine.

 

It's not really a rant, so not looking to get flamed or shot, it's more about being amazed that people will spend good hard own cash and run such a huge risk.

[eesymerej]

Well... Not surprising. You also get bike buyers who are willing to pay up to 70% more for a bike from interest payments, admin fees and penalties. What possesses them? I have no idea too.

 

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[Guest adair69]

I know. Go figure, who wants to lose so much!

 

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[superspeed123]

Even you buy from local agent , the warranty for japanese bikes is like 6k km or 1year whichever come first. The rest is on your own .

[Andr3w]

Even you buy from local agent , the warranty for japanese bikes is like 6k km or 1year whichever come first. The rest is on your own .

 

 

 

 

to me personally, it doesnt matter if from agent or not.those who did purchase from agent have their own grumbles as well.some times it is really down to your luck.I have to agree with superspeed123.

[kinwei]

It a risk many will takes in order to secure a cheaper price. If you were to buy from Agent, you will have to go back to Agent for servicing to maintain the warranty coverage and they usually charge premium compared to outside workshop. So all in all, the saving maybe substantial to cover any repair out of your own pocket.

 

Some also felt the agent warranty is pretty useless as well. We all have heard how easy it is to void the warranty even by installing a simple accessories. Some offer 1 year warranty but with limited mileage which you can clock easily within a few months. But I do noted there are some agent with rather good warranty coverage as well.

 

Plus the chances of you getting a lemon bike from a reputable manufacturer is rather rare. So it is pretty much safe but of course I agree the one getting the lemon will be cursing and swearing.

 

And the bikes you mentioned are currently only PI, so there is not much choice for those having CL2A only. By the way with the current lemon law, the actual minimal warranty the shop have to provide is 6 months.

[Jehuty]

Hi All

 

I'd just like to share my thoughts on something I really don't understand.

 

Looking for a new bike I was searching all the options and was interested in both the new honda 400's cb400f and also the ninja 400.

 

I knew that both of these were parallel imports and knew that there was a risk in buying them outside of the main importer.... However what I came across really stumped me.

 

The ninja (unfair to mention the shop) was around 20k with the current high COE and to me that's an awful lot of money for a bike. The part that surprised me however was not the price, I was expecting that, it was that there was no warranty other than a token 3 months.

This means that either people here don't care if there is a sudden problem with the bike which will cost XXX Mucho money! Or don't care. I was told they had sold a number of the units already, but seriously I get 12 months warranty on a radio costing 100 bucks, why would I part with serious cash on something which potentially could cost me 000's in repairs.

I just don't get it.

 

This was further bought home to me when I went to another shop and looked at the cb400f, now again this is the cheapest version of the cb across the range. So why would it cost 18k with COE. The X or the R should be this price. The only redeeming part here is this shop offered a 12 month warranty of their own just on the engine.

 

It's not really a rant, so not looking to get flamed or shot, it's more about being amazed that people will spend good hard own cash and run such a huge risk.

 

Huge risk? Usually brand new bikes don't have issues, especially if you bought those that are in its 2nd or 3rd year, its all your luck, likewise with you ending on the tarmac. Lots of people buy 2nd hand bikes with no warranty, any repairs also they absorb. What difference is it from buying a brand new bike then putting in high mileage then passing on to the next guy at a discounted price, the next guy gonna absorb any wear and tear.

 

What's the point of me getting a PI bike if an agent bike costs the same?

 

If you bought a PI bike with no warranty at a huge discount, if nothing big happens, you just saved yourself a alot of money, if something does, well the difference makes up for it. Either way it makes no difference, just a matter of luck.

Edited April 25, 2014 by Jehuty

[Limiter]

great info!