I purchased a new 2022 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport from a dealer about 4 hours away from where I live. A friend went with me to pick it up with his trailer. He was in a hurry, and we arrived home a few minutes before a thunderstorm, so I didn't ride it until 3 days later. I quickly noticed that when the bike was traveling straight down the road, the handle bars were turned approximately 5 degrees to the right... Enough that my left arm was fully extended, and my right arm was bent. Of course, when I straightened the handle bars, the bike counter-steered to the right. Looking down through the fairing, I could see a lack of symmetry between the right and left side of the forks, wheel, etc.
I took the bike to a local dealer and they were at a loss as to what the problem was or how to fix it. I took it back to the dealer I bought it from. They took turns riding and agreed there was definitely a problem. They measured from the end of each handlebar to a central spot on the frame/rear and said there was a 1/2 inch difference. They also noticed that the front brake discs were not the same distance from the wheel. So far, they've made some adjustments and ordered a new front tire. Last week, they said the alignment looks better, but is not completely corrected, and that the bike is still "pulling" (their words). They asked me to be patient so they could work with Triumph on a step-by-step process to diagnose the problem. They've had it for three weeks, and I'll be calling them on Tuesday to get a report.
I expressed my belief that the problem had to have occurred during manufacturing, shipping, or assembly. I feel the most likely scenario is shipping damage, and they said they've seen that occur. I told them I didn't want to endlessly tinker on a brand new bike that was fundamentally flawed regardless of how minor. They said if it was a rebuild or a frame problem, I would get a new bike. Even if they "adjust" the bike to an improved state, I don't have confidence that there won't be more issues down the road with tires, bearings, brakes, etc.
I paid cash for the bike. Before I call them again, I wanted to get some feedback based on your experiences. Am I entitled to a different/new bike? Thanks for your opinions.
I took the bike to a local dealer and they were at a loss as to what the problem was or how to fix it. I took it back to the dealer I bought it from. They took turns riding and agreed there was definitely a problem. They measured from the end of each handlebar to a central spot on the frame/rear and said there was a 1/2 inch difference. They also noticed that the front brake discs were not the same distance from the wheel. So far, they've made some adjustments and ordered a new front tire. Last week, they said the alignment looks better, but is not completely corrected, and that the bike is still "pulling" (their words). They asked me to be patient so they could work with Triumph on a step-by-step process to diagnose the problem. They've had it for three weeks, and I'll be calling them on Tuesday to get a report.
I expressed my belief that the problem had to have occurred during manufacturing, shipping, or assembly. I feel the most likely scenario is shipping damage, and they said they've seen that occur. I told them I didn't want to endlessly tinker on a brand new bike that was fundamentally flawed regardless of how minor. They said if it was a rebuild or a frame problem, I would get a new bike. Even if they "adjust" the bike to an improved state, I don't have confidence that there won't be more issues down the road with tires, bearings, brakes, etc.
I paid cash for the bike. Before I call them again, I wanted to get some feedback based on your experiences. Am I entitled to a different/new bike? Thanks for your opinions.
