You may recall that Yamaha refused to replace the clutch as 15,000 miles in two years was "excessive mileage". I wrote to them and received this response:-
"Thank you for your recent letter regarding your machine and we are sorry to hear of your disappointment with our decIsion concerning a claim received, in relation to the clutch.
Naturally, it is always disappointing to hear of a customer who has experienced a problem with their Yamaha product, especially in crrcumstances where they may be faced with necessary reparr costs.
As you may appreciate, it is difficult for us to assess or resolve any concerns a customer may have, without, having had sight of the machine in question and we are therefore necessarily reliant upon our dealer network to carry out an inspection, on our behalf,
We have in thiis instance, spoken with the inspecting deater, Tinkler's Motorcycles Ltd who has advised, that in their opinion while your TDM's clutch at the recorded mileage of 15,611 was worn, there are no signs to Indicate any manufacturing defect.
Additionally, we have also referred to our Technical Service Department on your behalf, who having checked their records, are unaware of any undue concerns with worn clutch plates on the TDM900 model, in general.
We would at this point also mention that a clutch, being a frictional component, has no definitive lifespan and its longevity will inevitably vary from one machine to another, dependant on general usage, rather than just mileage alone. In terms of any possible warrantable assistance in relation to a clutch repair therefore, we would advlse this to usually only be appficable to machines which are in the early stages of their life.
In view of the above, along with the fact that your TDM900 is approximately two years old, we regret that on this occasion our original decision must remain.
Whilst we appreciate that you may again be disappointed, we also hope that you may understand our position..
Yours sincerely,
YAMAHA MOTOR (UK) LTD
Don Manley
Customer Service Co-ordinator
Customer Service Department "
To which I have just replied:-
"Thank you for your letter dated 20th November in which you anticipated my disappointment.
Interestingly you point out the mileage of the machine, which, on an unlimited mileage warranty, I see as irrelevant, bearing in mind I am not claiming for normal wear and tear anyway.
Also, your 2 year warranty seems to expire in arbitrary stages as you point out that the machine is nearly two years old but you may have considered a replacement earlier on; I thought a warranty was a contractual matter and not one of goodwill?
Given the nature of this complaint and the fact that I am extremely busy, your letter has had the desired effect of putting me off and I canât be bothered to pursue any other course of action.
I also propose never to purchase a Yamaha machine again and will explain my reasons to as many fellow motorcyclists as I can."
Which is what I am doing right now!
"Thank you for your recent letter regarding your machine and we are sorry to hear of your disappointment with our decIsion concerning a claim received, in relation to the clutch.
Naturally, it is always disappointing to hear of a customer who has experienced a problem with their Yamaha product, especially in crrcumstances where they may be faced with necessary reparr costs.
As you may appreciate, it is difficult for us to assess or resolve any concerns a customer may have, without, having had sight of the machine in question and we are therefore necessarily reliant upon our dealer network to carry out an inspection, on our behalf,
We have in thiis instance, spoken with the inspecting deater, Tinkler's Motorcycles Ltd who has advised, that in their opinion while your TDM's clutch at the recorded mileage of 15,611 was worn, there are no signs to Indicate any manufacturing defect.
Additionally, we have also referred to our Technical Service Department on your behalf, who having checked their records, are unaware of any undue concerns with worn clutch plates on the TDM900 model, in general.
We would at this point also mention that a clutch, being a frictional component, has no definitive lifespan and its longevity will inevitably vary from one machine to another, dependant on general usage, rather than just mileage alone. In terms of any possible warrantable assistance in relation to a clutch repair therefore, we would advlse this to usually only be appficable to machines which are in the early stages of their life.
In view of the above, along with the fact that your TDM900 is approximately two years old, we regret that on this occasion our original decision must remain.
Whilst we appreciate that you may again be disappointed, we also hope that you may understand our position..
Yours sincerely,
YAMAHA MOTOR (UK) LTD
Don Manley
Customer Service Co-ordinator
Customer Service Department "
To which I have just replied:-
"Thank you for your letter dated 20th November in which you anticipated my disappointment.
Interestingly you point out the mileage of the machine, which, on an unlimited mileage warranty, I see as irrelevant, bearing in mind I am not claiming for normal wear and tear anyway.
Also, your 2 year warranty seems to expire in arbitrary stages as you point out that the machine is nearly two years old but you may have considered a replacement earlier on; I thought a warranty was a contractual matter and not one of goodwill?
Given the nature of this complaint and the fact that I am extremely busy, your letter has had the desired effect of putting me off and I canât be bothered to pursue any other course of action.
I also propose never to purchase a Yamaha machine again and will explain my reasons to as many fellow motorcyclists as I can."
Which is what I am doing right now!
Two bikes, still only four cylinders!