K11 Owners Group

omarsbuddy

For reference, here's the link to the unit on which I made an offer, which the seller accepted:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360402255584?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Notice, the seller says the unit came off a 1999 R1100RT.

The unit I received is not the one pictured. Although the part number stamped on the unit is the correct one, the date stamped on the unit is 21.04.00, and instead of the letters FAG on the brain box cover, the one I received reads FTE.

Here's a copy of the email I sent to the seller, after having received the unit:

Hi, Ted:

I received the ABS unit today. Although it's the correct part number, and I have little doubt it will function properly, it is most certainly not the one that was pictured in your ad.

Honestly, Ted, I'm not real sure exactly how I feel about that right at the moment.

Regards,

Scot McCray
Here's the reply I got:

Scot,

First, as I stated previously, if you are not satisfied with a part, it is fully guaranteed. I can send out a return label and you can send it back at any time for a full refund. With that said, I am not sure what difference it makes if the picture varies as long as the part is correct for the bike, the same year and model as listed with the same or less mileage and the physical condition is the same or better. All of which are true is true in this case. If the part functions as it should and it solves your problem, why would the picture be an issue?

To be able to offer you a $3,000 part for less than $500, some auctions and pictures are reused to represent the items where the cosmetic condition is not important to the value of the part. The same is true across the entire retail world. You don't think the picture of the Big Mac is the actually one you are ordering across the counter, right?

I am not trying to be argumentative with you, but I don't think the picture is an issue in this case. The part works, it is guaranteed and it will solve your problem. If it needs to be returned, let me know and I will send you a label.

Ted

So, am I stupid for expecting to receive the part on which I made an offer? Does it make a difference? will the unit work?

This company really pressures its customers to leave a "5 star" feedback rating, and given the circumstances of this transaction, I'm not sure I can do that with a clear conscience. I thought the Big Mac comment was rather condescending, and to be quite honest, I was alittle insulted. I felt it was the classic "apples to oranges" comparison.

What do you think?
_________________
Scot
'95 K1100LT

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:33 am Post subject: Thoiughts on Ebay

It is my understanding that if the picture differs from the actual part or MAY differ, then the seller needed to disclose that or mention the possibility that may be the case. I did not see mention of any of that in the small type.
Since you are in this far, may as well install it and see what you got.
I would not leave feed back until you know it works as it should.
I have seen that sellar and searched elsewhere for a part when needed. They are usually a bit high on price using an inflated stock part price for comparison. Sorry, easy to judge after the fact I know.

Having said that. I bought a new handle par pad for my K1100 as I wanted that little ring that fits around the ignition cylinder. I bought it from Beemer Boneyard. I was shocked to find the entire pad for what BMW wanted for just that little ring of plastic. Which no one dealer had in stock or could find anyway. The part arrived and it was not even close to the photo posted on the site for the part. I expressed my displeasure and they gave me half my $ back! I now check there first if I need a used part, but I ask a lot more questions now from ANY sellar on e-bay remembering this issue happening to me.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:34 am Post subject: Thoughts on Ebay

It is my understanding that if the picture differs from the actual part or MAY differ, then the seller needed to disclose that or mention the possibility that may be the case. I did not see mention of any of that in the small type.
Since you are in this far, may as well install it and see what you got.
I would not leave feedback until you know it works as it should.
I have seen that seller and searched elsewhere for a part when needed. They are usually a bit high on price using an inflated stock part price for comparison. Sorry, easy to judge after the fact I know.

Having said that. I bought a new handle par pad for my K1100 as I wanted that little ring that fits around the ignition cylinder. I bought it from Beemer Boneyard. I was shocked to find the entire pad for what BMW wanted for just that little ring of plastic. Which no one dealer had in stock or could find anyway. The part arrived and it was not even close to the photo posted on the site for the part. I expressed my displeasure and they gave me half my $ back! I now check there first if I need a used part, but I ask a lot more questions now from ANY sellar on e-bay remembering this issue happening to me.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

Inge K. · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:02 am Post subject:

Did read somewhere.... years back....from a certain date FTE was only supplier of ABS systems to BMW,
think it was around the time K1200 was introduced, but not quite shure of this.

FYI. My bike is euipped with a FTE unit, K1100LTSE (12/93).

Inge K.

omarsbuddy · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:13 am Post subject:

Inge K. · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:37 am Post subject:

....up to a certain date BMW using both suppliers...

But from the K1200 only using FTE...

On this model also integral ABS was introduced..........so then it`s only affect newer models.....not oldies like ours.

Inge K.

omarsbuddy · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:28 am Post subject:

So, taking into consideration the (presumed) manufacture date stamped on my replacement unit, (21.04.00) I could either have one of the latest units manufactured for the ABSII system, or one of the earliest units manufactured for the integrated ABS system.

BUT!

That also doesn't compute, because the part number stamped on my replacement unit is the correct # for the '94 - '97(I hope I got the model years right) ABSII system.

I guess where that leaves me is to just install the darn thing and see what happens.
_________________
Scot
'95 K1100LT

Inge K. · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:02 am Post subject:

omarsbuddy · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:32 am Post subject:

dave n · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 1:46 pm Post subject: ABS Follys

I would send it back.

If you are not sure about it being the right part now - wait till you spend 8+ hours installing it and bleeding system - and it still doesn't work.

It's a crap shoot anyhow with used brake components. You have no way of knowing how long unit was open to the elements/stored outside etc.

Ever notice that corrosion inside your old master cylinders/brake calipers - wouldn't take much corrosion to FUBAR ABS unit.

On my previous two "K" bikes - once I started having issues with ABS (that a new battery didn't help) I removed system; added new S/S lines and never looked back.
_________________
Dave Norris KOG 248
1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon
1993 K1100LT w/Hannigan sidecar
2008 Suzuki DR650

drikko · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:13 pm Post subject:

Maybe the ABS brain had been replaced already by a PO for the earlier FAG one?
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K1100RS '97
Laverda RGS 1000 '84
Jim Young Trailer Sailer 5.7M WB

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