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Post by bluecob99 on Jul 28, 2014 11:42:07 GMT
Hi guys, as you've all been very helpful to me in the fact of helping me throughout my build and giving advice, I just wanted your input in my situation: Firstly have logged everything down and will release a blog on the internet once completed, but first must mention this is the RTR dealer in Perth, Australia and not UK. Julie from RTR has been brilliant and a main credit to the company  . After using the last of our mortgage money for the build of the Trike around $35,000 to date we were told by the dealer here in Perth it would have no problems flying through its test on completion, along with only needing a car licence, as I gather all around the world? Well after we paid he shortly pulled out of helping in anyway as part of the deal, being the engineer, never gave receipts, never returned calls, well that's just a couple of issues (wife in tears on occasions!) Anyway cut a long story short, after about a year of building, late nights, sourcing parts from UK etc etc as you all know, just about completed, unfortunately here, lights have to be mounted much further out than your Trikes but I guess that can be changed once supposedly passed? Not long ago found out can't have car tyre (won't work with bike tyre just slips, no traction, tried it) So bike tyre it is then (was told different on when handed money over.) Well very upset on that, unfortunately gets worse, was told may not even meet requirements in Australia recently, Shi-------- (he didn't tell me that?) Now to shoot down our dreams of the Trike and all that money saved from the UK, told yesterday I will need a motorbike licence to drive it, which takes over a year to get in Australia because it's a 1000cc. Don't know about you guys but I'm absolutely and utterly gutted, Trike sitting in garage just awaiting to order reverse motor and done. Well guys, what do you think? Would you be gutted, what would you do?? (Just mention this is not UK dealer) Regards Will.  |
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Post by paulh on Jul 28, 2014 16:45:44 GMT
Yep, gutted would be an understatement. I assume you will be going for the bike licence and keeping the tR1ke under wraps until you get it ?
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Post by bluecob99 on Jul 28, 2014 23:15:20 GMT
Hi Paul, Don't know quite what to do yet mate, its probably more than a year for a bike licence, I think the worst of it Paul is the lye's and neglect of the whole ordeal I guess, funny really I trusted him at first and being English as he is, you expect a bit more professionalism?
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Post by kiwicanfly on Jul 29, 2014 10:12:10 GMT
I am building a Rocket in NZ, the first thing I did was get approval on the build from the relevant authorities, a initial 'should be right' and then an official design approval after submitting as much information on parts and design specs as I could. Then I ordered and not before.
However this is of no use to you now.
First thing I would do is get the relevant regulations in writing if you have not already done so.
As for the dealer, I assume this is Southam Automotive? They are listed as being an RTR appointed official dealer therefore I would presume there is some responsibility from RTR.
I am aware how tough it is to get kit cars on the road in Australia, if you went through Southams surely they would have checked out the legality and requirements before selling you a kit?
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Post by roadtrackrace on Jul 29, 2014 11:18:45 GMT
Southam Automotive have given exemplary service as our distributor in Australia.
They have worked with us for over 3 years now and William's experience would appear to be unique.
The Australian regulations in respect of the tR1ke are vague and Terry Southam has not sold the product under false pretenses or lied to anyone. He is actually officially approved and recognized by the state of Western Australia in respect of approving kit cars for the road and was the official Westfield importer there for many years.
He has a great deal of experience in these matters and has successfully modified the Rocket and Sonic7 so that they are approved for road use in Australia. Bear in mind that the Ariel Atom is not approved for road use in any state in Australia.
He is a consummate professional in every respect and we have always had the greatest of pleasure in dealing with him.
I'm sorry that William's experience would appear to be negative, however, bear in mind that Terry is a fellow Brit living only a few miles from William in Perth, thus giving William good access to Southam Automotive and it's employees.
I must also state that one of the first questions we are normally asked in the UK by a customer prior to them purchasing a tR1ke is 'what kind of licence do I need to drive it?' If Southam have given given you the wrong information, I can guarantee that they have been misinformed by the relevant authorities.
RTR.
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Post by edwinwl on Jul 29, 2014 11:27:33 GMT
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Post by roadtrackrace on Jul 29, 2014 12:07:18 GMT
This image clearly shows a road legal Trike in Australia with a car tyre fitted. www.tripodcars.com/graphics/trike_glasshouse_knob.jpgOne presumes therefore that the bike tyre/car tyre on the back wheel situation is only for the test itself and can be changed thereafter. The UK IVA/MSVA has to be treated in a similar way from time to time. Kind regards, Paul Holmes. |
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Post by bluecob99 on Jul 29, 2014 12:56:06 GMT
Thanks for your reply RTR. May I just say without being rude, you're not the one dealing with Terry as a customer, you are a dealer and sell products to Southam Automotive, he therefore purchases gear from you, so it's important for both of your interests. I have run my own business successfully for 25 years and my number one rule is giving your client trust in your services, respect and honesty. I imagine nearly all the helpful guys and women on this forum would say RTR in the UK are a pleasure to deal with and I agree. I have spoken to you Paul on various occasions on this matter and as you remember you had to bail him out of trouble for giving me the wrong engine and frame then demanding another $2000 on top. You kindly sorted it out and once again thank you, but that was just one instance. I have noticed a one-sided reply in favour of your dealer, (understandable) but what I would ask of you Paul and not meaning to be rude in anyway, is what would you do? How would you feel, in my situation after 2 years of saving and dreaming of a Trike build in the UK and obviously moving to Australia to find a dealer you thought you could trust! We asked all the questions prior to purchase but as we've found out slightly different!
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Post by bluecob99 on Jul 29, 2014 13:02:26 GMT
Interesting on the rear tyre Paul, Vehicle of Transport have written saying at no point shall a car tyre be put on a motorcycle rim, this is Perth so differs from other states in Australia.
Regards,
William,
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 23:22:54 GMT
thats utter bollox about the back wheel, as the Tripod trike is using a car tire, might be worth contacting Tripod, to find out how they are managing to get trikes legally on the road, in a country so out of date with cars, its like stepping back in time looking at TV programs  ? I would personally be very angry if the company who supplied me a TR1KE at the money you have paid, lied about the standards needed to complete it, and to get it on the road. Personally I did not get this from RTR, Thankfully everything went according to plan exactly how Paul Holmes said it would...... Hope you get it sorted.. If you pass the direct access in the UK for owning a big bike straight away, could you not use this licence over there? For instance, if I came to Australia I would expect to be able to hire a bike on my license, if so, might be worth coming back to the UK to pass your test..... |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 23:33:09 GMT
Interesting on the rear tyre Paul, Vehicle of Transport have written saying at no point shall a car tyre be put on a motorcycle rim, this is Perth so differs from other states in Australia. Regards, William, The solution, is to emigrate to the UK, where we can put the TR1KE on the road as it is,  I know this isn't the solution, I do hope you get it sorted, can the tr1ke not be tested where they do permit a car tire on a bike rim? |
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Post by bluecob99 on Aug 3, 2014 0:44:34 GMT
Thanks for your kind words Venom, Me and my wife have decided to do all the necessary work and visit the Vehicle of Transport in person, even trailer the Trike down to let them view it, no one else will sort this issue so as they say,(Want something done do it yourself:) Can I just mention again, We was told this was road legal before purchase and have this on email? other wise would I buy it? (think not) the rate were going I personally think we will be responsible for the first Trike on Perth roads!!Funny thing my wife has just mentioned is they have been building there Demo Trike for about a year now, still no sign of it! Nice idea on bringing it to UK then back again, trouble is Venom will cost massive dollars here.
Regards,
William
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. After using the last of our mortgage money for the build of the Trike around $35,000 to date we were told by the dealer here in Perth it would have no problems flying through its test on completion, along with only needing a car licence, as I gather all around the world? Well after we paid he shortly pulled out of helping in anyway as part of the deal, being the engineer, never gave receipts, never returned calls, well that's just a couple of issues (wife in tears on occasions!) Anyway cut a long story short, after about a year of building, late nights, sourcing parts from UK etc etc as you all know, just about completed, unfortunately here, lights have to be mounted much further out than your Trikes but I guess that can be changed once supposedly passed? Not long ago found out can't have car tyre (won't work with bike tyre just slips, no traction, tried it)
?