If you'd bought it, what would you do?

[JonM]

Last week I bought a 2013 Sherco ST300 from a dealer. 

It was over the phone and the bike was delivered on Friday. 

Yesterday I loaded up and went to my local trials centre, paid my fee... and it didn't go well. 

Initially the clutch dragged so much that putting it into gear caused an immediate stall, and after 10mins it stopped running- with all the signs of fuel starvation. 

Tank had fuel, no pipes/hoses obviously pinched. 

 

If I'd owned it for months or years I'd be cleaning out the carb, checking hoses for splits, changing the plug + doing whatever it took... But it was literally my first time on the bike. 

It could be clogged filter, kinked/crimped line, dirt in the carb, faulty pump, leak around the inlet manifold, crank seals etc etc... 

I've told the dealer I don't want it - it isn't rideable. Distance Selling law says I can refuse it within 14 days even if I'd just changed my mind, let alone not fit for purpose nor sold as described. 

 

I'm sure the dealer hasn't intentionally sold me a pup so I'm not angry with them (hence not naming them) but my view is that I shouldn't be stuck with this. 

What would you all do? 

[totty79]

Personally if the bike was otherwise as described I'd try to reach agreement with the dealer whereby I'd do basic troubleshooting with the option of repairs or return based on what was found. It's a hassle, but so is returning it and buying something else and that comes with no guarantee of a better outcome.

If the dealer wasn't supportive of this approach, I'd then go all out for returning it.

 

 

[gazzaecowarrior]

I've recently bought a bike 'blind' without seeing it. Never done it before but Welsh lockdown meant we couldn't leave Wales and bike was in Yorkshire. Thankfully it was perfect and as described but it did cross my mind what I would do if when delivered it was a dog of a bike. Descriptions of bikes are very subjective and what I interpret as clean and little used may be vastly different from the next person.

I think try and remedy it yourself. Maybe it's just a simple thing like the carb or blocked tank breather. If all the usual suspects fail to resolve the situation contact the dealer and ask for advice. He may be able to suggest something else to fix it or assist you in any parts needed. If this can be done at distance then even better as a courier to transport a bike back will be £100.

I hope you get it sorted and it's something simple.

 

 

[JonM]

I'm sure it's not a complete dog, but I'm concerned that it stopped running on Day 1...

And also conscious that if I fiddle with it the dealer might blame me as having a hand in it. 

Part of me feels I'm completely over reacting, but another part is well aware I've just handed over a month's salary for a bike which doesn't work... And unlike a fork seal or something where it's obvious what's wrong, this could be quite a few things... 

[stpauls]

You have a rear tanker, which has a small fuel pump, which is reliable.  You will most likely have a tiny split/hole in the long fuel hose which is about 500/600mm long and runs up under the rear mudguard, in a loop.  Use ATF fluid in your gearbox and it will cure any clutch drag.

 

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Edited May 4, 2021 by stpauls

[larry s. k.]

JonM , my brother has  similar model a 250 , he  cleaned carb quite a few times  starting problems ,constant , runs fine , and again starting issue , , now he think it’s in tank , it needs sealer , from sitting in winter with fuel in it  he’s not sure ,,, his clutch  is ok but cover rubs , think it’s just a used bike needs tlc  ,, call dealer ask them to fix it ,, , upon your stuck with it , ya  I understand 

[JonM]

1 hour ago, stpauls said:

You have a rear tanker, which has a small fuel pump, which is reliable.  You will most likely have a tiny split/hole in the long fuel hose which is about 500/600mm long and runs up under the rear mudguard, in a loop.  Use ATF fluid in your gearbox and it will cure any clutch drag.

 

.

 

Which hose is that? The long hose is the overfill hose from the pump to the tank isn't it? 

I wasn't expecting that one as its just the return. 

I thought culprits might be vaccum hose from inlet to pump, or kink/trap in the hoses from pump to carb. 

[feetupsbetter]

I remember you did question why sherco’s were cheaper ! 
Seriously though, I’d be mighty hacked off in your situation although as you say I doubt whether you’ve knowingly been sold a pup. Most dealers seem to be pretty decent, it’s a small community this trials scene so they’d soon get a bad name ( assuming they’re a known trials specialist dealer). I think I’d speak to them and ask for assistance to sort it, in terms of advice and maybe some low cost parts if required, but then follow that up in writing stating that you’re not happy and will be returning it if their suggestions don’t result in a quick resolution. I don’t know much about those rear tank shercos, apart from a few moans unfortunately about fuelling, ( it was a bit radical like the ossa of that time ), but I hope you get sorted quickly so you can become a happy trialler.

Don’t be too down hearted, it’s only maybe  a week or two till you can get out properly & reliably.

Good luck!

[turbofurball]

I'd talk with the dealer, see if something can be sorted out.

Having said that, I have bought two bikes blind - one from a private seller (turned out to be a complete basket case, had things like a cracked rear brake disk), one from a dealer (turned out to have an issue that only showed when the bike was being ridden).

I would never buy a bike without having seen it now, lol

[ChrisCH]

As you say the distance selling allows you to return the item if you want.  The question therefore is really whether you like the bike enough to mess about getting it fixed or fixing it yourself (with or without help from the dealer).  The alternative is send it back and lose the shipping costs but get your cash back and look for something else.

Only you know how much you like the bike.

[JonM]

Thanks for the opinions and support, guys. 

Yep, I did ask why Sherco were cheaper- now I know! 

What makes it hard is that I don't like the bike- it literally didn't run long enough. As an exercise in getting to know the bike I did a few repeats of a small bank climb, tight turn, back down the other side... But with clutch drag it was far more hurried and stressful than it should've been, and by the time I'd ridden over a few small logs (probs 14") the bike was hunting... And in a few more mins it wouldn't idle. 

 

Based on my experience Monday i have no love for it. 

This is only the 3rd trials bike I've ridden after a '71 Bultaco Sherpa T and a 01 Gasgas 250 TXT, and this Sherco wasn't even close. 

[johnnyboxer]

1 hour ago, JonM said:

Thanks for the opinions and support, guys. 

Yep, I did ask why Sherco were cheaper- now I know! 

What makes it hard is that I don't like the bike- it literally didn't run long enough. As an exercise in getting to know the bike I did a few repeats of a small bank climb, tight turn, back down the other side... But with clutch drag it was far more hurried and stressful than it should've been, and by the time I'd ridden over a few small logs (probs 14") the bike was hunting... And in a few more mins it wouldn't idle. 

 

Based on my experience Monday i have no love for it. 

This is only the 3rd trials bike I've ridden after a '71 Bultaco Sherpa T and a 01 Gasgas 250 TXT, and this Sherco wasn't even close. 

Send it back

[feetupsbetter]

I guess you have to suck up the return costs in that case. How far away was the dealer ? Could you take it yourself & incorporate viewing some other bikes at the same dealer or elsewhere en route? Otherwise it’s £100 / £150 I imagine to chalk down to experience.

I just hope it hasn’t put you off the sport !

[JonM]

26 minutes ago, feetupsbetter said:

I guess you have to suck up the return costs in that case. How far away was the dealer ? Could you take it yourself & incorporate viewing some other bikes at the same dealer or elsewhere en route? Otherwise it’s £100 / £150 I imagine to chalk down to experience.

I just hope it hasn’t put you off the sport !

It's certainly not put me off. 

I'm 38yrs old and only tried the Bultaco last year in October (it was my Dad's lockdown project). I really enjoyed it but couldn't get used to a left foot brake, so bought the Gasgas just to accompany him. 

A few rides on that and whilst I'm still an absolute novice (cowardly one, too) I decided I wanted to try entering a trial... And decided to upgrade. 

The dealer is approx 2hrs/100 miles away and I'd take it back, suffering the loss of time + money. 

[ChrisCH]

Stick with the gasgas.  Wait until all the nonsense dies down and bike prices hopefully will get back to where they should be.  If you want to upgrade look at a newer bike rather than a bigger one.