tojoh
29th July 2003, 05:29 AM
The following is a response from Aussie Ventura ditributors, when I asked why I could not buy just a rack on it's own for my SV. I will email Ventura a link to this thread after it has settled down as a kind of petition against there position, perhaps they could pass it on to their insurer.
"If you already have a Ventura bag you dont have to buy a bag with the luggage system.This is not "a crock of shit" please read below so you have a greater understanding why.
Your information is partially correct (as you will see below if you already own a Ventura bag there is no issue). The Ventura system is now sold as a Kit, there are effectively 5 touring kits and 1 sports kit.
This is the same way it is sold in most countries now.
The reason Ventura have changed our method of selling is because of liability issues which have been coming more and more to the fore over recent times.
The Ventura Bike-Pack System is designed and engineered as a complete unit. Ventura carry out extensive engineering calculations and testing to ensure the quality of the products. Where we have "pirate" parts being fitted to the racks we have absolutely no control as to their usage. If there is a failure it is Ventura that gets the bad name and can end up having to defend ourselves against litigious consumers when in fact the problems are caused by others.
This is an intolerable situation for us & Ventura to be in.
Additionally, both Kenma and Ventura were faced with an unrealistic increase in product liability insurance due to the fact that we did not previously sell as a "kit" and therefore did not have control over the complete products usage. Even though our insurers accepted our good record and our product information disclaimers that would effectively put the liability back on the sellers (if not sold as a kit), it still got down to an acceptable cost of insurance if sold as a kit or large increases if sold as in the past.
The good news is that once you own a Ventura bag which retail for a little as $96.00 (RRP incl GST) Part #9735, it can see you through 3 bike changes. If you own a Ventura pack (bag) you can take it into your local dealer who can cut out half the manufacturers label and ultimately send it back to their distributor. This will allow them/you to purchase L-Brackets and Pack-Rack without having to purchase a new pack each time and still keeps the insurance company happy. The second half of the label can be used for the same purpose at a later date. So, including the initial purchase, one pack will see you through 3 bike changes.
All dealers should be aware of this. If your dealer has any difficulty they could contact Kenma.
The decision to make changes has not been made lightly and is not by choice. We have monitored the situation for 2 1/2 years, however, we have been put into a situation where we have no alternative."
"If you already have a Ventura bag you dont have to buy a bag with the luggage system.This is not "a crock of shit" please read below so you have a greater understanding why.
Your information is partially correct (as you will see below if you already own a Ventura bag there is no issue). The Ventura system is now sold as a Kit, there are effectively 5 touring kits and 1 sports kit.
This is the same way it is sold in most countries now.
The reason Ventura have changed our method of selling is because of liability issues which have been coming more and more to the fore over recent times.
The Ventura Bike-Pack System is designed and engineered as a complete unit. Ventura carry out extensive engineering calculations and testing to ensure the quality of the products. Where we have "pirate" parts being fitted to the racks we have absolutely no control as to their usage. If there is a failure it is Ventura that gets the bad name and can end up having to defend ourselves against litigious consumers when in fact the problems are caused by others.
This is an intolerable situation for us & Ventura to be in.
Additionally, both Kenma and Ventura were faced with an unrealistic increase in product liability insurance due to the fact that we did not previously sell as a "kit" and therefore did not have control over the complete products usage. Even though our insurers accepted our good record and our product information disclaimers that would effectively put the liability back on the sellers (if not sold as a kit), it still got down to an acceptable cost of insurance if sold as a kit or large increases if sold as in the past.
The good news is that once you own a Ventura bag which retail for a little as $96.00 (RRP incl GST) Part #9735, it can see you through 3 bike changes. If you own a Ventura pack (bag) you can take it into your local dealer who can cut out half the manufacturers label and ultimately send it back to their distributor. This will allow them/you to purchase L-Brackets and Pack-Rack without having to purchase a new pack each time and still keeps the insurance company happy. The second half of the label can be used for the same purpose at a later date. So, including the initial purchase, one pack will see you through 3 bike changes.
All dealers should be aware of this. If your dealer has any difficulty they could contact Kenma.
The decision to make changes has not been made lightly and is not by choice. We have monitored the situation for 2 1/2 years, however, we have been put into a situation where we have no alternative."