June 27 2001

It has been over a month since the last entry to the site. During this time I have been using the ZRX quite a lot, in fact it now has 2,400 mls on the clock. I decided to change the oil at this mileage as I don't like the idea of leaving oil for 4,000 mls. The reason for this is, I was on a message board for Kawasaki bikes and the question was asked :-

"How come the ZRX1200S recommended oil change is 4,000mls when last years model (the 1100) was 3,000km?"

This got me thinking that as it is the same filter oil etc. and the engine is bigger then how come last year 3,000km was recommended and this year suddenly 4,000mls is OK. In order to stop myself pondering this I thought it was easier just to change the oil. After all it takes only minutes. I did not change the filter as it is not a simple canister type but an internal element and getting it out past the exhaust with the bike only on paddock stands looked awkward. Well actually getting the old one out probably would not be too bad but I thought I may have trouble getting the new one in and oil tight just by "feel". The filter will be changed at 4,000 by the dealer.

In order to offer more wind protection to Gwyn I have bought a flip-up tinted screen for the GPZ. I ordered it from M&P on Monday 25th. I was assured they had one in stock so I paid extra for next day delivery. I asked the sales rep "Does it come with trim or do you need to order this extra?" He said it came with trim so no problem. A parcel duly arrived Tuesday 26th but it was a standard screen not a flip-up. I rang M&P and told them, they said they would pick up the screen and when it arrived back with them they would dispatch the correct one.

I said this was not good enough as I had paid extra to have the thing the next day and that they should send the correct one out that day. They would not do this on the premise that if they did I would have 2 screens and only have paid for one. They did say they would send the correct one if I paid for it and they would refund the wrong one when it arrived with them. I pointed out that in that case I would have paid for 2 screens and had NONE until the new one arrived. THEY DID NOT SEE MY POINT. However I allowed them to take the payment and the correct screen arrived the next day and guess what  - - - Yes, you've got it NO TRIM!!

I rang customer services and complained and the trim is being sent free of charge to arrive tomorrow.

What really annoys me is that throughout all of this not once has anyone from M&P apologised for the mistake. I am becoming increasingly fed up of the level of service we in the UK are offered. The farce with the ART can for the Fazer, The bracket not being drilled on the Powerbronze hugger for the Fazer and now this!

I intend to write a strong letter to M&P and see what if anything happens. I will post the results here.

Once I have fitted the screen to the GPZ I will put up thoughts and pics etc on the GPZ pages.

The screen arrived yesterday on unpacking the screen is substantially larger than the standard one. There were a few small scratches on the screen which did not impress me but could probably be polished out.

To fit the screen the rubber mounted nuts must be removed from the old screen and inserted into the new one. There are 6 of these. There are also 2 solid bodied small plastic fasteners that fit into the bottom 2 holes that hold the black plastic mask in place that stops you seeing the back of the instruments etc.

On closer inspection the holes in the screen were not drilled but formed during the manufacturing process and were not round but unevenly shaped.

This does not matter for the rubber mounted nuts as they are quite pliable and only the rubber body goes through the screen. However, the plastic fasteners are solid and no way would they fit into these deformed holes.

At this point I appeared to have 2 alternatives. Send it back and start the painful process with M&P again or attempt to make the holes round. I decided to try to drill the holes out so that the fittings would  --- well --- fit!

The first hole was a success and the fitting went in no problem but on the second one DISASTER struck. The Drill caught and smashed the screen!!!

This has been a sorry episode that I would sooner forget. This screen was manufactured by NUVO I would not recommend anyone buying this make. There has obviously been no research into whether this product works! These holes HAVE to be perfectly round or the fittings won't fit.

I have today ordered a screen from Powerbronze. It will take about 2 weeks to arrive, I will put up pics etc. when it arrives and hopefully it will be better!

29 June 2001

I had a phone call from someone at M&P today asking if the screen had arrived. I assume this was in response to my letter. I said it had and the trim had arrived too. I also mentioned the problem with the holes on the screen and what had happened. He said he will send a returns note and if I return the screen he will order a replacement. I said I did not want a replacement as it would more than likely be the same as the fault is in manufacture rather than a fault on that particular one. He then said if I return it he will refund the full cost plus the carriage I've paid to date.

If this happens it will have restored my faith in M&P I will let you know.

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