We observed that you recently submitted a negative review regarding our family business. We extend our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you encountered. As you might recall, we convened a comprehensive meeting with all participants the day following the tour in Chiang Mai, during which we meticulously addressed each concern you raised.
It is perplexing to see this review after our exhaustive discussion. While we respect your perspective and value your feedback, it is worth noting that your demeanor and frequent complaints about minor issues created a challenging atmosphere for both our staff and other guests. Despite our divergent views on the experiences, we remain committed to enhancing our services and ensuring exemplary experiences for our patrons. Your comments are instrumental in that pursuit.
First, we're pleased to know that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery in Tibet, the amazing people of Laos, and the professionalism and attentiveness of Big Bike Tours, especially your tour guide and co-owner Chao. We're also glad that the accommodation and food met your expectations.
We deeply regret the mechanical issues you experienced with the bikes. Safety and reliability are paramount to us.
However, the situation you described in your review was not as dramatic as it sounded. While I don't want to question anyone's account, it doesn't fully align with the reality. There were no brake failures on any motorcycles during the tour. Fact! Your motorbike had an ABS light that intermittently turned on and off, which the mechanic determined was due to a traction control sensor issue and a burning clutch, though the cause of the burning clutch remains unknown. Additionally, there was a gear problem on your friend's Kawasaki Versys on the first day of the tour.
Nevertheless, we promptly replaced your motorcycle on the first day and efficiently handled all the necessary paperwork for border crossings and customs registrations, including all permits for Laos, China, and Tibet. It was agreed that you would drive the service truck in Laos for 80 kilometers from the Thailand border at Chiang Khong to the hotel in Luang Namtha for the first night, allowing the mechanic to ride your replacement bike to the hotel later this evening.
Despite our efforts to swiftly and professionally address the situation, it seems that you remained dissatisfied with the replacement motorcycle. It's possible that this dissatisfaction stemmed from a combination of factors, including perhaps a negative outlook, and, potentially, nightly drinking habits. It seems that no motorcycle in the world would satisfy you. We reiterate that there were no issues with Kay’s private motorcycle. Not a single problem!
After your tour concluded, we changed the tires and oil on this motorcycle. Seven days later, it was back on the road for a 30-day Indochina Tour, ridden by the president of a German BMW motorcycle club. Unsurprisingly, there were no issues with this bike. You can follow this tour and see your former motorcycle in action on our Facebook and Instagram channels.
Anyhow, we are currently reviewing our bike maintenance protocols to ensure that all vehicles are thoroughly inspected and serviced before any tour. Your feedback has highlighted areas that need improvement, and we are committed to addressing these issues promptly. This includes ensuring that spare parts and adequate tools are always available and that all bikes are in top condition before they leave our garage.
Regarding the lack of insurance information and the upgrade charges, we understand your frustration and are revising our communication to make sure all important details are clear and transparent before the booking is finalized.
I understand the importance of maintaining a positive image for our business, especially given the impact of online reviews. Up until now, we have been fortunate to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nearly 500 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Your review is the first of its kind, and I am eager to rectify any shortcomings you experienced to ensure our continued success.
We are grateful that you still found aspects of the trip enjoyable. I encourage you to consider booking with another motorcycle tour company in the future, especially our new Philippines Tour, which you were interested in, as they may offer experiences that better suit your preferences while ensuring everyone's enjoyment. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to continuously enhancing our offerings to provide exceptional experiences for all our travelers. Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts.