Pothole

checho323 · December 25th, 2010, 02:35 PM

Hi Guys,

The other day as I was riding home from work I hit a pothole and it damage both of the rims. Can I continue to ride like this or should I get them fixed or replace?

Alex · December 25th, 2010, 02:43 PM

You need to get them both checked out. In some cases the rims can be straightened on their own, in other cases they need to be replaced. Our tires (like most modern tires) do not have tubes, and are kept inflated by a good seal from the rim to the tire. When they look like that, it doesn't take much for them to have a problem.

Depending on where the pothole was, you may be able to pursue the town, the county, or CalTrans for reimbursement.

checho323 · December 25th, 2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

You need to get them both checked out. In some cases the rims can be straightened on their own, in other cases they need to be replaced. Our tires (like most modern tires) do not have tubes, and are kept inflated by a good seal from the rim to the tire. When they look like that, it doesn't take much for them to have a problem.

Depending on where the pothole was, you may be able to pursue the town, the county, or CalTrans for reimbursement.

Well it was on L.A. city streets. I was thinking about that.

Thanks Alex.

CC Cowboy · December 25th, 2010, 04:43 PM

Just a suggestion, next time ride around pot holes. It looks like it must have been huge.

GeneJunkie · December 25th, 2010, 11:02 PM

All the Southern Cali roads are torn up from all the rain we had... and go figure it's raining again. One of the roads by my apartment is closed because half of the road washed away. I also have 4 new potholes to dodge in my 2 mile trip to work.

Good luck getting the rim situation sorted out.

gfloyd2002 · December 26th, 2010, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

You need to get them both checked out. In some cases the rims can be straightened on their own, in other cases they need to be replaced. Our tires (like most modern tires) do not have tubes, and are kept inflated by a good seal from the rim to the tire. When they look like that, it doesn't take much for them to have a problem.

Depending on where the pothole was, you may be able to pursue the town, the county, or CalTrans for reimbursement.

If you lose seal from the rim, you may have a sudden air pressure loss and could lose control.

Nemesis · December 26th, 2010, 07:43 AM

Dang...that sucks man. Yeah, either try to get them fixed (though damage looks pretty bad) or buy some used rims.

Ever since this rain has hit Socal it's created more pothole than I have ever seen before. Just the other day I drove down to L.A. and ran over some two to three foot potholes. Had I driven my Civic I would have had a flat tire for sure. Luckily I was driving my truck.

highpsiguy · December 26th, 2010, 08:11 AM

Thats insane! I have never seen that on a bike before. How you managed to stay on bike or not ruin fork seals etc etc....wow

I would find some used rims. No way would I ride on that.

slolane · December 26th, 2010, 01:16 PM

Wow, they are bad. I would not ride until repaired or replaced. Glad your ok and didn't go down.

headshrink · December 26th, 2010, 04:41 PM

I'm not an expert, but I would say replace it.

I can't recall who it was, but a regular on this forum DID get his city to replace his rim after a similar incident. I'm no expert, but if the pothole is due to the current storm system, they may not be as responsible, but if it is due to a general lack of maintainance, you would have a stronger case IMO. You COULD use insurance, but there is always a cost associated with that. Your best option might be looking for a used rim in good condition, and see if the city will pay for it. Of course if you find out the city will pay for it before it is fixed, I would go for a new rim.

CZroe · December 26th, 2010, 09:24 PM

Wow. That one is a lot more severe than the one I had to take care of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

You need to get them both checked out. In some cases the rims can be straightened on their own, in other cases they need to be replaced. Our tires (like most modern tires) do not have tubes, and are kept inflated by a good seal from the rim to the tire. When they look like that, it doesn't take much for them to have a problem.

Depending on where the pothole was, you may be able to pursue the town, the county, or CalTrans for reimbursement.

Well, Alex, rims aren't light and I've had trouble finding a local place to do it. Even when I google for San Diego rim repair with "motorcycles" in the search query, I get places that say that they don't do motorcycles.

Funny... motorcycling is so huge in SD and yet I can't seem to find a local rim repair place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by headshrink

I'm not an expert, but I would say replace it.

I can't recall who it was, but a regular on this forum DID get his city to replace his rim after a similar incident. I'm no expert, but if the pothole is due to the current storm system, they may not be as responsible, but if it is due to a general lack of maintainance, you would have a stronger case IMO. You COULD use insurance, but there is always a cost associated with that. Your best option might be looking for a used rim in good condition, and see if the city will pay for it. Of course if you find out the city will pay for it before it is fixed, I would go for a new rim.

Actually, the city turned me down and I have to appeal it. From what I can tell, ever success story was after appeal, so it seems to be SOP. In fact, their rejection didn't even make sense. It basically said that they are not liable BECAUSE they are rejecting my claim, which makes no sense.

I had my front rim slashed and my rear dented again in a different incident:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58728
(links to two other incidents inside thread).

headshrink · December 26th, 2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

Actually, the city turned me down and I have to appeal it. From what I can tell, ever success story was after appeal, so it seems to be SOP. In fact, their rejection didn't even make sense. It basically said that they are not liable BECAUSE they are rejecting my claim, which makes no sense.

Well then, we shouldn't be paying our taxes, because they don't know how to spend it.... that is thinking they will undestand.

FrugalNinja250 · December 27th, 2010, 07:46 AM

On the rims, they're cast aluminum and cast usually won't bend back into place without cracking. The reason repair places won't fix it is because of just that. The liability cost to them if, or more likely when, the rim failed at the repair and sent you tumbling across rush hour traffic would be very, very expensive.

As to the claim, you may end up taking the city to small claims court. It's likely that just being served with a notice to appear in small claims court will produce a check, because the cost of assigning a lawyer to the case will be more expensive to them than just paying the claim. If you go that route don't forget to add the costs of the process to the claim amount.

EddieNewYork · December 27th, 2010, 08:41 AM

Daum, I didn't know that could happen to us! I thought that only happens to low profile tires on cars, lol. Sorry for the wheels man. I would not ride that like that.

DaBlue1 · December 27th, 2010, 10:49 AM

WOW!
Looks like you hit that pothole pretty hard and fast to flex the tire and get that kind of rim damage. What was the pressure like on your tires?

rockNroll · December 27th, 2010, 04:19 PM

eegad man! go around them suckers for now on

wild-bill · December 27th, 2010, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

What was the pressure like on your tires?

That's what I'm wondering. Wouldn't try to straighten those and use them anymore-maybe find some used rims.

DaBlue1 · December 28th, 2010, 02:57 PM

Contact these guys and see if it is possible to get your rims straight.

http://www.thewheelwarehouse.com/mot...eelrepair.html

http://www.motorcyclewheelrepair.com/

checho323 · December 29th, 2010, 09:46 AM

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know where a I can find use rims? I tried looking online but couldn't find anything.

I guess my only option is going to the dealer....

checho323 · January 4th, 2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Contact these guys and see if it is possible to get your rims straight.

http://www.thewheelwarehouse.com/mot...eelrepair.html

http://www.motorcyclewheelrepair.com/

Thank You for the info......

adamjenkum · January 11th, 2011, 09:29 AM

try ebay, so many people lay down 250s and they write the bike off for insurance then the bike goes to a dismantler and gets sold on ebay, I paid less than 50 dollars for a rear rim for my pregen that had low miles a perfect rotor and a like new tire and perfect cush. the sprocket was still good too.

The bike salvage places rarely sell a bike complete they just part them out its the fastest way to make profit, and ebay just makes their job easyer.

you will probably spend roughly 100 dollars a rim/wheel for the newer 250 than the pregen.

December 25th, 2010, 02:43 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	You need to get them both checked out. In some cases the rims can be straightened on their own, in other cases they need to be replaced. Our tires (like most modern tires) do not have tubes, and are kept inflated by a good seal from the rim to the tire. When they look like that, it doesn't take much for them to have a problem. Depending on where the pothole was, you may be able to pursue the town, the county, or CalTrans for reimbursement. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

December 25th, 2010, 04:43 PM	#4
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Just a suggestion, next time ride around pot holes. It looks like it must have been huge. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

December 26th, 2010, 08:11 AM	#8
highpsiguy ninjette.org guru Name: Kevin Location: Athens Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1981 Honda Cx500 Custom, 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 289 Blog Entries: 1	Thats insane! I have never seen that on a bike before. How you managed to stay on bike or not ruin fork seals etc etc....wow I would find some used rims. No way would I ride on that. __________________________________________________ "Rudeness is a weak persons attempt at strength."

December 26th, 2010, 04:41 PM	#10
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	I'm not an expert, but I would say replace it. I can't recall who it was, but a regular on this forum DID get his city to replace his rim after a similar incident. I'm no expert, but if the pothole is due to the current storm system, they may not be as responsible, but if it is due to a general lack of maintainance, you would have a stronger case IMO. You COULD use insurance, but there is always a cost associated with that. Your best option might be looking for a used rim in good condition, and see if the city will pay for it. Of course if you find out the city will pay for it before it is fixed, I would go for a new rim. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

December 27th, 2010, 04:19 PM	#16
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	eegad man! go around them suckers for now on __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

December 25th, 2010, 11:02 PM	#5
GeneJunkie ninjette.org sage Name: Cindy Location: Wethersfield, CT Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 691	All the Southern Cali roads are torn up from all the rain we had... and go figure it's raining again. One of the roads by my apartment is closed because half of the road washed away. I also have 4 new potholes to dodge in my 2 mile trip to work. Good luck getting the rim situation sorted out.

December 26th, 2010, 07:43 AM	#7
Nemesis CVMA #74 WSMC #750 Name: Nemesis Location: On the track Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.	Dang...that sucks man. Yeah, either try to get them fixed (though damage looks pretty bad) or buy some used rims. Ever since this rain has hit Socal it's created more pothole than I have ever seen before. Just the other day I drove down to L.A. and ran over some two to three foot potholes. Had I driven my Civic I would have had a flat tire for sure. Luckily I was driving my truck.

December 26th, 2010, 01:16 PM	#9
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	Wow, they are bad. I would not ride until repaired or replaced. Glad your ok and didn't go down.

December 27th, 2010, 07:46 AM	#13
FrugalNinja250 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Frugal Location: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Several Posts: A lot.	On the rims, they're cast aluminum and cast usually won't bend back into place without cracking. The reason repair places won't fix it is because of just that. The liability cost to them if, or more likely when, the rim failed at the repair and sent you tumbling across rush hour traffic would be very, very expensive. As to the claim, you may end up taking the city to small claims court. It's likely that just being served with a notice to appear in small claims court will produce a check, because the cost of assigning a lawyer to the case will be more expensive to them than just paying the claim. If you go that route don't forget to add the costs of the process to the claim amount.

December 27th, 2010, 08:41 AM	#14
EddieNewYork "Hey, That's My Bike" Name: Eddie Location: Pasadena, CA Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 88 Honda ZB50, 01 Honda Monkey, 07 CRF50, Honda CBR 600RR Phoenix Edition Posts: 188	Daum, I didn't know that could happen to us! I thought that only happens to low profile tires on cars, lol. Sorry for the wheels man. I would not ride that like that.

December 27th, 2010, 10:49 AM	#15
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	WOW! Looks like you hit that pothole pretty hard and fast to flex the tire and get that kind of rim damage. What was the pressure like on your tires?

December 28th, 2010, 02:57 PM	#18
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Contact these guys and see if it is possible to get your rims straight. http://www.thewheelwarehouse.com/mot...eelrepair.html http://www.motorcyclewheelrepair.com/

December 29th, 2010, 09:46 AM	#19
checho323 ninjette.org guru Name: Checho Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Harley Street 750 Posts: 284	Hi Guys, Does anyone know where a I can find use rims? I tried looking online but couldn't find anything. I guess my only option is going to the dealer....

January 11th, 2011, 09:29 AM	#21
adamjenkum ninjette.org member Name: dweezel Location: south carolina Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): ninja250 68 triumphtiger Posts: 36	rims try ebay, so many people lay down 250s and they write the bike off for insurance then the bike goes to a dismantler and gets sold on ebay, I paid less than 50 dollars for a rear rim for my pregen that had low miles a perfect rotor and a like new tire and perfect cush. the sprocket was still good too. The bike salvage places rarely sell a bike complete they just part them out its the fastest way to make profit, and ebay just makes their job easyer. you will probably spend roughly 100 dollars a rim/wheel for the newer 250 than the pregen.

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