On our last day in Phnom Penh we decided to head to the Piaggio dealer for some sparts and an oil change before heading back home with Srey-Yuu's moto.
🤦♂️ Everything Always Out Of Stock 🤷♀️
Ever since we purchased our tuk-tuk a few years ago we noticed that the dealership was very supportive during the sales process, but after we bought the tuk-tuk we quickly learned they basically don't stock anything for the diesel model we purchased. I don't think they want to officially say it, but I feel the diesel models aren't selling, and this has caused them to well NOS (new old stock) like the model we purchased. Once they liquidate the collection I think they'll no longer support these models in any way. Every time I've ever ordered parts by phone from them they've always sent incorrect items with me covering the shipping costs and them refusing returns.
On this trip I brought along all the incorrect spare parts they've sent me the last year or so, everything from too-short cables to incorrect gaskets. It's been over two years and they still claim to have no stock, but the mechanics told us they do two big orders per year. We asked why they won't let us pre-order a speedo cable, windshield wiper blade, and other basic parts, and they basically refused to answer in the nicest way possible.
🕵️♀️ Cool New Models 🛺
I mentioned how important being able to see in a rainstorm while driving is to my family and I, but the parts desk staff just stayed silent. I mentioned that they could take all the parts off a tuk-tuk they haven't sold yet and replace the parts on the new model when they arrive, but they didn't like this idea. It's clear they're not supporting my model of tuk-tuk anymore. So at the moment I have no speedo cable, no wiper blade for the rain, and many other bolts, gaskets, and little bits have broken and are missing. I guess I need to consider selling it before it becomes unrepairable, such a shame. At least we were able to get an oil change and look at some new models before leaving.
The small and mid-size models now offer stereo systems for 2024, so it's clear they've shifted attention to the smaller series, Bajaj now offers a diesel tuk-tuk here in Cambodia, and recently I heard that Piaggio is owned by a foreigner while the Cambodia Bajaj importer is owned by a friend of the former Prime Minister. This makes me think that Piaggio will always struggle to get a significant market share here, and with unprofessional staff and unqualified mechanics, that will not help the cause much either.
👨✈️ On The Road Again 🛣️
Well, at least we were able to force the dealer into admitting they have no sparts for us and will never order any. If it were my own country I would've raged a little bit, but here in Cambodia I have few rights, and legally I'm no more than a random stranger traveling with these three Cambodian ladies. I just bit my tongue and reminded myself that I don't live in Cambodia for the customer service or professionalism in the workplace, but I live here to escape a life of 60-hour work weeks and poverty in the USA.
After having the tuk-tuk not worked on, we headed back to the guesthouse with our box of useless spare parts and loaded our luggage and Srey-Yuu's SuperCub in the back, making sure to tie it down very good for the several hundred kilometer road trip back home to the Cardamom Mountains. I did some research online and found that a guy in the UK was able to average 130 km/l (300 mpg) while traveling 35 km/h on a SuperCub 50 FI like the one we purchased for Srey-Yuu.
🥨 One Last Stop 🛑
On the way out of town we stopped at a shopping mall because I forgot to buy something in town and noticed there was a store in a mall nearby that had it. Whatever the item was, I guess we didn't buy it because only walked with some sorbet and pretzels. I did notice a driver's license branch in the mall though, and I've heard from friends that these kiosks are way more professional and speedy than the official government offices. The main thing in these places is to pretend you belong there and can afford things within, and to not pretend to be shocked at the price for a scoop of sorbet so the kid can enjoy herself.
If we all get to go to the USA we'll be unable to afford a car, and therefore will have to travel via 2 or 3 motorbikes. In the USA you have to pass a written and physical car driving test before having a chance to pass another written and physical motorcycle test, so it's unlikely my wife will ever be able to get a license in the USA. She can however get a Cambodian motorycle license in three weeks and get an international driving permit to pair it with. According to the state of Indiana where we aim to reside, a foreign resident can use a foreign license with an international driving permit.
Soon I think we'll aim to have Pov learn how to pass the moto test in Siem Reap, and perhaps she'll stay there at her niece's house until she gets the international driving permit. Life in the USA will be about 400% busier and harder, so it will be impossible for us to survive with only me as the driver. Besides, we can't put three or four people on one bike and think American police will pretend not to notice.
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