Please refer to the mails sent to Hero Motocorp by me since 2011. As of date, My Karizma ZMR (MH12 GD 4023) is still facing the same problems as mentioned below. There has been no real effort to solve these problems even though I have serviced my motorcycle regularly from Automark Motors. It appears that my email sent in 2013 was forwarded by Hero Motocorp to Automark Motors, Gultekdi, Pune to solve these problems as I had recieved a call from Mr. Ajay (customer relations head, Automark Motors, now retired), requesting me to discuss these issues with him. Subsequently in July 2013, my motorcycle was handed over to Mr. Ajay, Mr. Rajesh Pawale (technician) and Mr. Lahu (mechanic). Collectively, my motorcycle was in their workshop for a period of 2 months, during which many parts of my motorcycle were replaced. The amount spent by me during this period crossed approximately Rs 10,000 (kindly find copies of the same in your database). At the time, the engine was opened up, analyzed, and an incorrect explanation was given to me, saying that all engine problems were caused by using an incorrect grade of engine oil. I was using Shell advance 4T ultra 10W40 at the time, even though engine problems have plagued my motorcycle since purchase. Kindly go through this website which confirms that this engine oil is suitable for Karizma models

Thereafter, my motorcycle worked fine for a few months. Now the same problems which have appeared since 2010 have resurfaced. I have now given my motorcycle to an authorized Castrol Bike Point in Pune. In a span of just one day, they have reached the conclusion that the engine block, crankshaft, camshaft, rocker valves and a few more parts, all need replacement as they have been damaged. They also showed me exactly where the damage had been done to these parts and why they need replacement. As I write this email, my motorcycle is being worked upon. The total damage is estimated to cost me a minimum of Rs 25,000. This, apart from the Rs 10,000 that I have already spent in Automark Motors, which excludes leaves taken form the office and valuable time wasted on these problems. My questions to Hero Motocorp are: 1. Since Automark motors have been handling my motorcycle since purchase, why could they not find out in 3 years what Castrol Bike Point found out in one day? Automark Motors have also opened up the engine as Castrol Bike Point has. 2. Since these problems were not diagnosed in time by Automark Motors, who is responsible for the damage done to my motorcycle after having ridden it in the same damaged condition for 3 years? 3. After approximately Rs 10,000 were spent by me in July to August 2013, the exact same problems have resurfaced. Who is responsible for the money wasted? 4. Why should I not initiate legal proceedings against Hero Motocorp? I have serviced my motorcycle diligently at authorized Hero Honda/Motocorp service centres.

I have kept my motorcycle for months on end at your service centres without pressurizing for time or money. I done everything that Hero Honda/Motocorp has asked me to do. I have sent them emails since 2011. I have highlighted these issues since purchase in the both the workshops’ job cards. This should suffice to say that these problems were highlighted before the warranty expired. Time and again I have claimed that they have sold me a faulty motorcycle, since 2010. Kindly go through the mails below for proof. I am deeply disgusted and left harassed mentally and physically by the attitude of Hero Motocorp. Consumers need to come forward with their complaints and expose this post-purchase scam that Hero Motocrop has going on. Shashank Shirole (9822502440) ———- Forwarded message ———- From: Shashank Shirole Date: Tue, May 21, 2013 at 5:48 PM Subject: Fwd: Karizma ZMR problems To: pune@heromotocorp.com There has been no action taken on these issues till date. It has been more than one month since this mail was sent out. Awaiting your response. Shashank Shirole (+919822502440) ———- Forwarded message ———-

From: Rishad Date: Sat, Apr 20, 2013 at 7:06 PM Subject: Re: Karizma ZMR problems To: Shashank Shirole Cc: AAA Dear reader: we have forwarded your problems to Hero, and hope they revert to you with a quick solution to the problems. All the best. Rishad Cooper Twitter: @rishadcooper —– Original Message —– From: Shashank Shirole To: pune@heromotocorp.com Cc: rcooper@autocarindia.com ; aaa@autocarindia.com Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 7:50 PM Subject: Fwd: Karizma ZMR problems Hi, I have purchased my ZMR on 28/06/2010 from United Agency, Pune I have been facing the following problems since purchase: 1. Engine Knocking 2. Neutral gear finding problem 3. Excessive vibrations (more than other ZMRs with similar running) 4. Excessive knocking after engine heats up in a traffic jam (bike cannot be ridden above 40kph in this case) I had repeatedly pointed out these problems at every service interval, but they have been neglected by the service centre, Automark Motors, Paud road, Pune. I have been told by the service centre mechanics that these are inherent to the design, and that they can only be minimized and not eliminated. It is surprising that these problems are not associated with Hero Motocorp’s 150cc models. The mechanics who work there are in a hurry to get done with things, as they have a huge number of bikes coming in every day for service and other reasons. With that pressure in their mind, they are reluctant to take time and look into any persistent issue. Please Note: 1. I have let my bike be with the service centre for one whole week at times. 2. I have insisted that the mechanics test ride my bike for a few kilometers before delivering it to me. 3. I have never pressurized them to deliver my bike before time. 4. I have been using Shell Super Unleaded petrol for the past one year and Shell Synthetic oil, to eliminate knocking due to adulterated fuel. 5. This is the third time that I have highlighted these problems through your website. After the bike has been serviced, it runs without problems for a few days, after which the above said problems re-surface. I have had to re-visit the service centre on numerous intervals because of recurring problems, each time wasting my own time and money to travel to the service centre and to my office thereafter, by public transport. After having done with my scheduled six services, I have since then decided not to get my bike serviced at that service centre. I have serviced my bike at other authorized service centres (Castrol, Paud Road and Aher Auto, Hero Motocorp, Kasba Peth) highlighting the above issues, but they still persist in my bike. Each of them have given me the same answer. I have thus come to the conclusion that I have been sold a defective motorcycle. This has caused me mental agony and cost me my time and money for the past two and a half years, hence I request you to please replace my bike free of cost, as it is not possible for me to keep chasing these issues repeatedly. ———- Forwarded message ———- From: Rishad Date: Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 7:59 PM Subject: Re: Karizma ZMR problems To: shashankshirole@gmail.com Cc: AAA Welcome Shashank, Thank you for keeping us updated. Regards, Rishad —– Original Message —– From: To: “Rishad” Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2011 6:01 PM Subject: RE: Karizma ZMR problems Dear Rishad, I have taken delivery of my bike today, and all the problems seem to be sorted. I spoke to the manager and he said the bike was extensively tested ad ridden in order to make sure the problems were sorted out. I will observe the bike’s condition after a week and communicate the same to the workshop. As of now, the bike seems to be in good condition. Thanks a lot! Shashank Shirole -Sent from my Nokia-E72—–Original Message—–

From: Rishad Sent: 01/04/2011, 9:27 AM To: ajit dalvi Cc: shashankshirole@gmail.com Subject: Re: Karizma ZMR problems Dear Shashank, We have taken up your case with Hero Honda and hope they get back to you with a lasting solution. Do keep us updated with any further progress from hereon. Thank you, Rishad Cooper —– Original Message —– From: ajit dalvi To: Rishad Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:09 AM Subject: Fw: Karizma ZMR problems —– Original Message —– From: Shashank Shirole To: pune@herohonda.com Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 10:10 PM Subject: Fwd: Karizma ZMR problems Dear Sir/Madam, I had sent you a mail regarding the problems regarding my Hero Honda Karizma ZMR on the 27th of December 2010. Please find a copy of that mail in your database. As of now, my bike has done 5000kms and the problems which i had highlighted in my last email still persist. These are: 1. Extremely poor gearshift: The gearshift is extremely rough and clunky and it is not possible to find the neutral gear. 2. Jerky acceleration: The bike absolutely does not accelerate smoothly. It experiences sudden jerks while accelerating. I have addressed this issue in my first service. It has not yet been dealt with 3. Loud clattering noise: The engine makes an extremely loud clattering noise when I ride at constant speed. I have addressed this issue in all my 3 free services. It has not yet been dealt with. 4. Tappet clearances problem: There is a constant clicking noise from the engine. I had asked the mechanic, Mr. Shrikanth, at Automark Motors (find address below) to rectify this problem twice. Once my bike was in the workshop for 8 days due to this problem and it has recurred since then. 5. Grinding noise: There is a loud grinding noise from the engine when i let go of the accelerator a speed. I have addressed this issue in my third service. It has not yet been dealt with. 6. Vibrations: The bike feels smooth after it has been delivered out of the workshop, but it begins to make clattering noisees and the vibrations increase considerably after 4-5 days. 7. Heating problem: The bike heats up more than it should. I am aware of the ZMR’s heating problem, but my bike heats up exceptionally. 8. Acceleration: The acceleration is lesser than what it should be. The bike feels like it is lagging behind the accelerator. 9. Knocking Problem: The bike has now started to knock at lower rpms. I have addressed this issue in my second service. It has recurred. Apart from regular services, I have given my bike to the ‘Automark’ service centre in Pune (02032535346) for unresolved problems ten times now. All these problems crop up again within two days of delivery. I have spoken to the marketing manager of United Agency (Mr Kulkarni), the supervisor of the service centre (Mrs. Bhambere) and 4 mechanics about these problems, but they still remain. Apart from this, I had to get the rear mag wheel replaced as its paint was peeling off and as of now, the paint on the oil cooler has also peeled off. I have been ridiculed by my friends and family for purchasing a faulty bike such as this. I have experienced a lot of mental agony in trying to face the apathy displayed by the showroom. I have spent a lot of time and money from my busy schedule than I should, for the maintenance of my bike, and I demand that the bike be replaced as soon as possible as it is beyond the company trained mechanics to repair the bike at this point. I would like to say i am deeply unsatisfied over the performance of my bike and I am appalled at the inferior product quality that Hero Honda provides for its flagship bike. Also the way the people in the showroom (United Agency) and service centre (Automark Motors) have harassed me and handled my issues is purely disgusting. The mechanics work in a haphazard manner and are far from sincere. All this has gotten rid of the feel-good feeling I was expecting from owning a brand new white ZMR. I have spoken to the top concerned authorities and don’t know whom i should approach further. Here are the details: United Agency: 02025454150 speak to the Manager, Mr. kulkarni. Automark (service centre): 02032535346 speak to the supervisor Mrs. Bhambere and Mechanic, Mr. Shrikanth. Engine number: MC38EBAGC01128 Frame number: MBLMC38ECAGC01255 A copy of this email will be sent to BSMotoring, Autocar, team-BHP and other reviewing websites in order to highlight these problems especially with the World Cup going on and Hero Honda marketing the ZMR aggresively. Kindly look into the matter and get this issue resolved as soon as possible. Spending Rs one lakh on a bike is no joke and people like me have invested our hard earned money in a new and unknown product, so I think I should deserve better treatement than this. I hope a person like you who knows the value of hard earned money will appreciate this fact and do the needful. Thank you. Shashank Shirole (+919822502440)

Regards
shashankshirole@gmail.com