Kawasaki dealer wound up, superbike customers in limbo
Following our report on Aug 12, the SNK Palm Beach Kawasaki dealer has officially been closed, leaving a dozen owners in the lurch
In a drama that’s been brewing for a couple of months, the SNK Palm Beach Kawasaki dealership has been revoked, according to a public notice dated Sep 1 issued by India Kawasaki Motors.
“It has come to our knowledge that SNK Palm Beach has grossly failed to serve its customers, and has also failed to deliver to the customers the Kawasaki motorcycles booked by them. Further, SNK Palm Beach has committed material breaches of the terms and conditions of the dealership,” states the notice.
TGS previously reported that the SNK Palm Beach Kawasaki dealer in Navi Mumbai was not delivering motorcycles to customers who had booked them, sometimes months in advance. We spoke to several potential Kawasaki customers — some of whom were already on their third loan EMIs — and they had the same tale to tell: repeated promises of delivery or refund. Some customers received their refund cheques, only to have them bounce. India Kawasaki Motors, in response to the growing backlash, issued a press release on Aug 10 indicating that SNK remained their dealer and that they were reaching out to customers to resolve their issues. In the period between the first complaints and TGS’ previous report, the dealership continued accepting bookings.
Satyen Karandikar, the proprietor of SNK Palm Beach assured customers of a resolution either by delivery of the vehicle or a full refund, by the end of August. IKM appears to have decided on decisive action by closing the dealership. The notice warns parties that SNK no longer represents India Kawasaki Motors and to deal with them at their own risk. The company states in the notice that they are in process of appointing a new dealer, and that they remain committed to customers. While light on specifics, a ray of hope remains for aggrieved customers, though they are not specifically mentioned.
TGS tried reaching out to an IKM spokesperson, but received no response. At the time of going to press, the notice is also available on the IKM website.
Originally published at thegoldensparrow.com.
