chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 03, 2009 05:07 PM
Catalyst Racing Composites nightmare
FYI
Anyone thinking about dealing with them might want to re-think theire decision based on my experience.
My bad experience started with purhasing the street front fairing for 00ZX12R. They advertise this uses the OEM headlight and in fact continue to depict this on their website. However it is cut out for only the 2 main lights; you must either hack out the fairing to accomodate the top light or hack up your OEM headlight to fit the incorrect fairing. Despite my feedback last year they have not changed the website photo etc.
Last xmas my wife purchased the first Prostreet bodywork kit (tank/seat/tailpiece) made for the ZX12R (yes I am spoiled). I was told by Bonnie that this fit my 00ZX12R. I fit the bodywork had it painted and put it back in the box awaiting completjon of my bike. My bike was finished in late July 09 (yet another series of nightmares) and at that time when the shop attempted to install the tank/seat hey found out the tank would not work since it had no return fitting whatsoever. I then checked the pump mountng plate on the Catalyst piece and found it was made only for a 02 and later (hence the lack of return fitting) style of pump base plate.
Following multiple emails with Catalyst, I was eventually told "return it (and in the process of paying shipping both ways, duty -I live in Canada, painting etc I estimate I would lose another $750 on top of the purchase price) or MAKE IT FIT." They have no intention of making the correct part.
Even after I explained the delay in 'learning they made the incorrect part' (hence not meeting their return policy) otherwise I would have sent it back immediately Catalyst has made no offer to
1. correct their mistake (not mine) and fabricate and send me the correct part (and by the way in doing so not sell someone else the incorrect part).
2 pay for any/all shipping costs incurred by me to receive the wrong part.
As of now I am stuck with 'making it fit' ie. incurring yet more/additional cost to fix someone's inept service. I certainly have no intention of losing more money with Catalyst by paying to ship this back..
This is the reason I got out of bikes 4 years ago. I should have learned my lesson having been screwed by many jerks over the years.
FYI
  
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KZScott
Needs a life
high on speed
Posts: 7235
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posted September 03, 2009 06:13 PM
I emailed them about it, they arent making one for the early bikes, I had been planning on getting one of the uppers in the future.... good to know it needs work to actually fit.....
this is what i was talking about the other night http://www.schnitzracingstore.com/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=4928981
____________
01 ZX-12R 8.84 @ 156.3 no bars, DOT tires. Pump Gas, NA.... turbo 8.47 @ 164.
00 ZX-12R 8.62 @ 165.2 no bars, slicks, Pump Gas, 55 shot.... turbo 8.32 @173
00 ZX-12R Fastest NA Kawasaki in the world 1: 222.046 1.5: 226.390 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R street turbo 1: 227.9 1.5: 234.1 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R LSR turbo 1: 263.1 1.5: 266.5 Loring AFB Worlds fastest ZX-12R
CMG Racing RCC Turbos
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chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 03, 2009 06:32 PM
Making it fit is not a simple task; it is at the machine shop now to see if I can fabricate an adapter plate to fit the pump mount plate.
I also spoke with Pingel today and will likely have to purchase this with an outlet also.
Thanks for the suggestion.
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 03, 2009 09:25 PM
 Edited By: NOX on 4 Sep 2009 05:46
Chavcat, why did you have it painted, if it did not fit? All parts I have even seen come from them have come with a warning, to fit before you paint it.........
But I see where you said you fit the bodywork....., did you not test the tank? I would have for sure stuck some fuel in there and made sure it did not leak, etc, before blowing money on custom paint, etc.
Look at the history of this company. I have not seen anyone complain about them. They offered to refund your money for the part, that is all they can do. Seems pretty good since you painted it anyway, and they would not be able to sell it ...............
Good Luck.
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 03, 2009 09:27 PM
Also, unless it is mandatory, why use the huge stock headlights on a race bike Scott,, very few classes make you have stock headlights........
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 03, 2009 09:47 PM
Are the pump plates the same as far as bolt pattern, size, etc? If so........, it should be a fairly simple fix as Scott said......
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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tcchin
Zone Head
Posts: 867
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posted September 03, 2009 10:48 PM
Why not get an '02+ fuel pump on Ebay, swap the electrical connector over from the '00 pump (omitting the fuel level sensor wires), take the regulator off the fuel rail and call it a day? That's got to be cheaper than $750 to ship everything back, and cheaper than having a machine shop fabricate an adapter plate.
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chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 04, 2009 03:58 AM
Heath
The issue with the lights is not if I need them rather Catalyst advertizes with photos their specific piece as per the OEM upper fairing. I nor anyone else should have to hack up a headlight to fit what is depicted as the same part. Furthermore despite my feeedback over 1 year ago the website continues to show this. (The site has been updated with othe products by the way).
Second the pump bolt pattern is the same however not the same overall size; ie.the NHL rink compared to the Olympic rink concept. Apples to oranges.
TIm - would you mind sending me more details of how to modify this to fit a 02 fump/fuel rail etc. Also can this be done with the motor in the chassis etc etc.
powerplant@sympatico.ca
Thanks
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 04, 2009 06:08 AM
Edited By: NOX on 4 Sep 2009 14:35
Good luck with it. Sounds like you may have a simple fix.
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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tcchin
Zone Head
Posts: 867
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posted September 04, 2009 07:40 AM
Sure - let me get settled into work here and I'll fire you off an email.
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KZScott
Needs a life
high on speed
Posts: 7235
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posted September 04, 2009 09:14 AM
you shouldnt have to "fix" anything thats new and is advertised to fit....
____________
01 ZX-12R 8.84 @ 156.3 no bars, DOT tires. Pump Gas, NA.... turbo 8.47 @ 164.
00 ZX-12R 8.62 @ 165.2 no bars, slicks, Pump Gas, 55 shot.... turbo 8.32 @173
00 ZX-12R Fastest NA Kawasaki in the world 1: 222.046 1.5: 226.390 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R street turbo 1: 227.9 1.5: 234.1 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R LSR turbo 1: 263.1 1.5: 266.5 Loring AFB Worlds fastest ZX-12R
CMG Racing RCC Turbos
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chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 04, 2009 01:45 PM
Yes this is true. Another example of shitty customer service. When in doubt blame the customer.
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 04, 2009 02:41 PM
Yes, but, they found that there was a mistake, and offered to refund the money. I do not see what the problem is.
Tim Hays could not make the part we wanted, and refunded everyone's money.
Ask them to pay the shipping, and refund your money.
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 04, 2009 02:56 PM
The problem is quite simple: I the customer is out a minimum of $400 (excluding the paint) to ship this back
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted September 05, 2009 05:04 AM
Actually from reading this it is NOT that the Headlight does not fit it is the Little Running Light on top he is referring to BECAUSE they show this in the Picture!
Second, they stopped making the Front for the 00 & 01 until I sent them a new 02 Fairing for them to check the measurements and resumed making the 00 & 01 and my thinking is the Original they show a Picture of HAD the Running light.
The The change in Fuel Pumps is well known to anyone that works on these bikes. Also from reading what is written, it looks like you do not do Any mechanical work of any kind and have to depend on "Others" and what they can or CANNOT do! Drilling a hole and mounting the return fitting IS something any real mechanic can do.
I have bought a lot of parts from them for myself and for Bear Racing in South Africa and Neither of us has had a problem WE could not fix. I know I am being Harsh but my strongest Suggestion is find someone that CAN do the work and enjoy your ride. They are a Husband and Wife team not a Large Manufacturing Company, If not for them a lot of us could not afford to race or have what we have.
____________
Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 05, 2009 05:30 AM
Hi Vincent - to the contrary I do do basic bike work however I expect to get what I pay for. eg. time I bought a fridge I didn't have to drill the frame for the hinges etc. etc. Remember your well documented narative with Frank? Sounds like the same issue once again. I guess I am lucky the Bear stacks I bought actually fit the ZX12 not a ZX11 or again I would have to 'fix' these also.
As far as a small company point, this simply highlights the basic attitude in busines today. Make something right or wrong and make the buyer fix it as you take no responsibility for this. Big company or small. Not suprising that manufacturing is in the state it is.
Bottom line is I and some other people still expect to not have to fix brand new items.
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted September 05, 2009 06:46 AM
Edited By: Shane661 on 5 Sep 2009 16:34
In general, just as a precautionary warning to those who purchase race/aftermarket bodywork:
It does not usually fit as good as oem. Often you will have to make small (or not so small) modifications to get it to work in your application. The finish may leave something to be desired. Always test fit the bodywork, check for leaks, etc, before painting.
This is not really directed to you, Chavcat. But I wouldn't want anyone to get the impression that if they buy another brand of race panels, all would be perfect.
Shane
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tcchin
Zone Head
Posts: 867
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posted September 05, 2009 08:28 AM
Anyone remember Airtech Grayline? I spent two days trying to make that stuff fit an F3 back in the day. Polyester resin shrinks in very unpredictable ways when it's mixed hot, so not only did I have to cut and grind areas, I also had to graft on a bunch of material to make pieces fit together. Nearly every lower fairing made for the '03 GSX-R1000 is too long and has to be cut and rebuilt to clear the rear tire. Then there was the time I tried to fit a Hotbodies set onto a CBR600RR...after I'd sent it out for paint. It would have been a lot easier to send that stuff back and get something that fit better, but I'd already invested money and nine months worth of waiting into the paint that I wasn't willing to just write off. That whole thing was very strange, because all of the GSX-R body sets I'd bought from them had always fit very well. So yeah, I feel your pain, Mike - you are definitely not alone in your frustration with aftermarket bodywork.
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chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 05, 2009 08:51 AM
Shane - I am aware 'fit' is often an issue however when the actual pump plate is wrong and an actual component (pickup) missing that is unacceptable.
Thanks Tim
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 07, 2009 10:38 AM
400 to ship a tank, are you freakin serious? Really? That seems far fetched.......
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
|
chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 07, 2009 01:35 PM
Heath - I am serious. Shipping x 2 ways, duty/sales taxes and difference in the dollar exchanges 2X.
It quickly adds up when we purchase items in the US.
This is why I am ticked.
If you did not have Catalyst as a sponsor you might be less biased.
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 07, 2009 09:06 PM
I have had to pay 50 bucks shipping for some stuff, so I guess I could see that, but, I thought you meant 400 one way........
All my stuff has always fit great from them, as well as everyone else I know that runs thier stuff........
Sponsored by them or not......,
Why else would half the bikes out there be running their stuff........
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
|
chavcat
Zone Head
Posts: 524
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posted September 08, 2009 02:42 PM
I like their products however they must fit as described!
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted September 08, 2009 03:04 PM
So what is your status on it?
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
|
brickman
Expert Class
Posts: 294
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posted September 08, 2009 03:11 PM
i don't understand why they make a seat pan for a 04 05 zx10 and 08 09 but not the 06 07. i had to order the 04 05 one for my 07 and its got a god awful gap at the back. i am thinking about running a 04 +6 tail on my 07 and then the race seat pan should work...i hope...lol
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