Fooled in purchasing Wisper 905SE Sport old model

[vassilis]

Hi everybody,
I am a new member of the forum, although I have been reading it for many weeks while searching which e-bike would suit me best.

A Wisper dealer in the UK made me an offer to buy a 905 SE Sport (new and unused) at a discounted price (999 pounds plus 99 pounds shipping to Greece). Given the good critics here and the savings of around 400 pounds from the price the bike is originally being advertised, I ordered it.

I received it a couple of days ago, only to find out that it was the old model, meaning it does not have a Front connection box, Hi Lo switch, Conical guard and connector, Folding keys, Interchangeable battery, Cable management system in the frame and Riser handle bars.

The dealer couldn't but confirm this, stating that this was an expo bike and was purchased by him in February 2009, so this could not be a 2009 model as these arrived in the UK in April 2009.

I think you can understand my frustration about finding out that my newly purchased bike is not the latest (and improved model).

I am still considering my options here, especially since returning the bike would cost me an additional 100 pounds. I have also written to Wisper bikes about this, they did not seem to care too much though.

Douglas responded to me, only to say that he needs more details (?) and that if I fill in the warranty registration form online I will not have any problem with spare parts in the future. I responded by asking what more details he could possibly want to help me out; two days later he has not written back (although I reckon this to be a serious issue for Wisper's reputation) and found out today that the office is closed until January 4th.

That's it then. Was tricked by a dealer (he only offered to send me a LED front light along with the missing toolkit), no help whatsoever from the manufacturer (Wisper) and need to decide what to do.

Your help is therefore invaluable for me. Especially those of you owning the old model (like me). Do you consider the changes effected in the 2009 model critical so that it is best to return the bike back (under the Distance Selling Regulations) and get the latest one or not (in which case I should be happy for getting such a big discount)?

[Scatty]

Name & shame them then mybe theyll take action

[Alex728]

Wispers are indexed on the frame number, found on the front bit of the frame the fork goes into, this may be what Wisper are looking for to ascertain the age of the bike (and also confirm its a real Wisper and not a clone).

The issue here is whether this model was sold as a 2008 or 2009 model. If it was a 2008 model sold at a discount this should have been made clear by the dealer.

I have a 2009 model (one of the first going by the date on the tag) and I think the differences are

- front connection box (not on 2008 model)
- plastic chainguard
- Alex rims on the wheels
- no hub dynamo (although the 2009 manual refers to one)
- no green button as standard (you have to ask for them)

I think though that some later 2008 models may have have improved bits on them during the transition period, and the electrics are pretty much the same. There are a few people on here with '08 models.

To be fair Wisper are usually good at sorting out problems, although the extended absence over the holiday period does seem disappointing (especially as most e-bikers seem to cycle as regularly in winter as in Summer!)

[Straylight]

Curious, my '08 905se City has a FCB and came with a plastic chainguard,along with the hub dynamo. It was actualy bought in Feb '09 just before the model was updated. So maybe this bike is from early-mid '08, possibly earlier.

Vassilis, I'd furnish Wisper with all the infomation you have, particularly the frame and battery numbers, as they'll be able to tell you when it was made & more importantly how old the battery is (considering the replacement cost). This will give you more of a basis for your decision.

[Mussels]

I own the 08 model and have had a loan of an 09 bike so have experienced the differences. There's not much between them really.
The brakes were rubbish on the 08 model but Wisper will probably send you the correct bits FOC.
The connection box doesn't make much difference as you will almost never touch it, the exception to this will be replacing the brake leads.
The folding key is helpful, I have a low tech bent key instead.

Your problem is with the retailer so don't get upset with Wisper as they will usually try and help.
You didn't get much of a discount considering the price was £1200 originally.

[Alex728]

Originally Posted by Straylight

Curious, my '08 905se City has a FCB and came with a plastic chainguard,along with the hub dynamo. It was actualy bought in Feb '09 just before the model was updated. So maybe this bike is from early-mid '08, possibly earlier.

did you get a tag on yours? mine had one showing serial number and model as well as date of manufacture as well as both QC checks...

[Straylight]

No, no tag on mine, may be another change for the '09 model. Interesting that Mussels' key is non folding, as mine is - I probably got one of the last '08 spec bikes made, so they were probably phasing in the changes. I think it's a pity they dropped the dynamo, as it's a godsend - particularly when the batteries start to run out in my seccond front light, and it really doesn't create that much drag on the wheel.

[Wisper Bikes]

Hi Vassilis

Sorry to read about the problem.

" am still considering my options here, especially since returning the bike would cost me an additional 100 pounds. I have also written to Wisper bikes about this, they did not seem to care too much though.

Douglas responded to me, only to say that he needs more details (?) and that if I fill in the warranty registration form online I will not have any problem with spare parts in the future. I responded by asking what more details he could possibly want to help me out; two days later he has not written back (although I reckon this to be a serious issue for Wisper's reputation) and found out today that the office is closed until January 4th."

I think the details Douglas is asking for is whom you bought the bike from. I have not spoken to him about this as he is in New York at the moment, but I can understand that he may be a little perplexed as to why you seem to be so upset. Did the dealer sold the bike to you as an old model? Did he explain why he was giving such a huge discount? Even with an 2008 model £999.00 is a steal, you did very well. Douglas will have asked you to fill in the warrantee so we can ascertain whether or not the bike is a real Wisper and to find out the manufacture date. He has also explained that you have a full warrantee.

Is the bike playing up in any way or is the main problem that you have an older bike?

I can assure you we are very interested in any problem associated with a Wisper but on the face of it there does not seem to be a huge problem here.

I will be in my office until 24th December and back on the 27th, it is only the warehouse, service and sales office that are closed.

Best regards David

[Stumpi]

Looks to me like you have a great bike at a good price. OK its not the latest model but the differences seem to be quite small. Is it worth getting all worked up over life's too short IMO. Charge it up and get out there riding the thing and enjoying yourself

Stumpi

[Scatty]

Hope this will be sorted out. Sounds like a matter for the B.E.B.A.