tyre installed backwards and no replacements, options?

[zenon]

In May I replaced both tyres on my 2007 650 at one of the London Suzuki garages. No problems until August when I noticed the front tyre was showing some odd lumps on it. I noticed then that the arrow was pointing the wrong direction and the tyre was indeed on backwards which was causing the irregular wearing. By this point I had put about 3000 miles on it since it was replaced.

The garage aknowledged the mistake but does not have the tyre in stock (Michelin) to make the replacement and claims they can't get one because its on backorder, even know after two months. They seem sympathetic but I really do not get the impression they are doing all they can to find a tyre. For example, I suggested calling around other garages to see if they could find one but htey refused.
I have been riding it around the city a bit since but don't want to use it to heavily with the tyre in the shape its in.

What are my options here? Is it reasonable to simply ask for a refund and go somewhere else? Any way to take it up with the manufacturer, Michelin?

I'm new to the UK so not sure what level service to expect. Appreciate any advice.

Zen

[Fatbelly]

What they have done is dangerous and they should fix it immediately. Contact your local trading standards officer and tell them about it, they will help you. You can find them by calling your local council or through this website:

http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/consumer-advice.cfm

[2112]

Sound advice  

[Treadtrader]

It's no fault of Michelins, I think they would be reluctant to get involved.
The tyre was incorrectly fitted by the dealer. My advice would be to source a new tyre of the correct type and tell them to pay for it. Plenty of internet dealers or ads in MCN.

[Sven]

What they have done is dangerous and they should fix it immediately. Contact your local trading standards officer and tell them about it, they will help you. You can find them by calling your local council or through this website:

http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/consumer-advice.cfm

+1. Fully agree.

[zenon]

Thanks for the advice. Will let everyone know how it turns out.


Zen

[Juvecu]

If they are part of a franchise/chain you could always try to contact the head office directly.

[firestrom]

Dangerous enough to have covered three thousand miles before noticing it? A bit of an over reaction in my opinion. I agree they should replace it and quickly, which michelin is it? Ring round a few tyre places to see if they have one in stock? They could be just saying that to fob you off. I would insist they replace BOTH tyres if they can't find a front or you'll be seeking advice from trading standards.

[Fatbelly]

Michelin would say dangerous - that's what matters.

[Gassoon]

Zenon - at least you have now noticed the issue, and a bloody serious one it sounds, what with the waythe  tyre's developing...takea few photos and tell the people who fitted it you hold them responsible for any insurance implications...

[zenon]

Finally got it replaced yesterday. I have made a complaint to Suzuki and will follow up with trading standards.
The garage was Chelsea Scooters on Wandsworth road. Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend them.

Zenon