Ninja Dash Cracked

TheJimmyEnglish · August 29th, 2011, 09:13 PM

So this happened about a month or 2 ago, but my dash has developed a heat crack in the dash due to this hot southern weather. I was pretty upset and still am as its spreading across my fuel gauge now and water just got in a little after a wash. I was going to just seal it with some clear adhesive glue.... But first I was wondering if this has happened to any of you and if it would be covered under the warranty? I'll get a picture of it tomorrow as it is dark out now

Highalltheway · August 29th, 2011, 09:15 PM

Is it in direct sunlight during the day ?

TheJimmyEnglish · August 29th, 2011, 09:18 PM

Nope almost always in shade. Happened during mid-day hot ride on the interstate.

Alex · August 29th, 2011, 09:20 PM

Do you have the stock windscreen or an aftermarket one?

TheJimmyEnglish · August 29th, 2011, 09:21 PM

Stock

00NissanNinja · August 29th, 2011, 09:21 PM

Interesting, Mine has sat in 90 degree weather in the sun a few times at work without problems. Warranty might cover it sounds like a defect in workmanship.

TheJimmyEnglish · August 29th, 2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Warranty might cover it sounds like a defect in workmanship.

I hope so cause it looks awful, and it's no longer water proof.

00NissanNinja · August 29th, 2011, 09:26 PM

I do remember talking to someone whose gauge lens were getting cloudy (didn't seem like condensation) and they got them replaced under warranty. Guess it depends on the people in the dealership as well.

Edit: are you still in warranty? Bike only comes with a 1 year warranty

Alex · August 29th, 2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJimmyEnglish

Stock

Cool. Sometimes aftermarket windscreens can cause surprising hot spots underneath and melt gauges, etc. But if it's happening when things are completely stock, that sure does sound like a defect. The bike may be out of warranty, but I still would share the info with a dealer you have had good luck with, and hope for the best.

Alex · August 29th, 2011, 09:31 PM

/thread moved to new-gen tech

alex.s · August 29th, 2011, 09:56 PM

step 1. shake fist at flaming ball in the sky

step 2. apply ducttape.

step 3. profit.

Kurgan · August 29th, 2011, 10:48 PM

I've had the same thing happen in the same place to 2 different '09 250R's, both with stock windscreens. On the second bike it happened within a month of getting the bike, I was pissed to say the least.

The crack starts just to the upper left of the fuel gauge on the black plastic, then slowly creeps it's way down into the clear gauge face the more I ride.

There's nothing that can be done about it once it's into the clear, because there's no glue out there that won't "craze" the clear plastic and cause it to become opaque white.

azimmer11 · August 30th, 2011, 04:56 AM

the opaque white usually just rubs off with paint thinner

TheJimmyEnglish · August 30th, 2011, 02:34 PM

So here is a picture of what I'm talking about.

TheJimmyEnglish · August 30th, 2011, 02:35 PM

I am still under warranty until April 2012

Alex · August 30th, 2011, 02:36 PM

I'd be pissed. That should definitely be covered under warranty.

setasai · August 30th, 2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I'd be pissed. That should definitely be covered under warranty.

+1 That kind of failure is for sure a warranty issue. I mean it's not even possible to "Just" damage that intentionally.

Kurgan · August 30th, 2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azimmer11

the opaque white usually just rubs off with paint thinner

Clear plastic "crazes" everyplace that the glue would touch it.

Build enough plastic models with model glue or superglue and you learn real quick that it's impossible to get rid of it. Even the thin water-like Testor's glue that flows into seams by itself wouldn't work because of what it would do to the clear plastic.

To me this is just one more reason to get the Koso RX-2 and a light smoke PUIG windshield painted Silver underneath.

Because if the stock gauges get replaced, it's just going to happen again, and again, and again until something gets changed.

Highalltheway · August 30th, 2011, 04:53 PM

Oh wow that's awful. I'll be keeping a close watch on mine.

TheJimmyEnglish · August 30th, 2011, 06:23 PM

I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow or Monday. I would like to get the Koso gauge but thats really more work than its worth cause I would not be doing the install.

bdavison · August 30th, 2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azimmer11

the opaque white usually just rubs off with paint thinner

No, it doesnt unfortunatly. Mine is crazed, and I've tried everything to get it off. It wont come off, mainly because its not something on the lens, its actually etched into the plastic.

Im wondering if that headlight restoration goop stuff would work.

00NissanNinja · August 30th, 2011, 06:45 PM

dude that looks like crap, definitely warranty issue.

Ricmon · August 31st, 2011, 01:55 AM

Here in Portugal most of the Kawa dealers gave us 5 years warranty...

Kurgan · August 31st, 2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

No, it doesnt unfortunatly. Mine is crazed, and I've tried everything to get it off. It wont come off, mainly because its not something on the lens, its actually etched into the plastic.

Im wondering if that headlight restoration goop stuff would work.

Nope, that won't work because the crazing goes fairly deep into the plastic because the glue chemically melts the plastic together.

The only solution is to replace the clear plastic (if that's possible).

If it is possible to get the original clear lens out, replace it with some sort of outdoor Lexan or Plexiglass that won't discolor or crack.

bdavison · September 1st, 2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurgan

Nope, that won't work because the crazing goes fairly deep into the plastic because the glue chemically melts the plastic together.

The only solution is to replace the clear plastic (if that's possible).

If it is possible to get the original clear lens out, replace it with some sort of outdoor Lexan or Plexiglass that won't discolor or crack.

Yeah, I thought of that option too, but unfortunatly, they pretty much "plastic welded" the lenses into the frame. Ive yet to figure out a way to get them out without destroying the frame.

There is no doubt the dash on the ninja 250R has always been Kawasaki's poorest design element.

Has anyone figured out how much, and where to just get a replacement cover?

azimmer11 · September 1st, 2011, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurgan

Clear plastic "crazes" everyplace that the glue would touch it.

Build enough plastic models with model glue or superglue and you learn real quick that it's impossible to get rid of it. Even the thin water-like Testor's glue that flows into seams by itself wouldn't work because of what it would do to the clear plastic.

weird. ive built many models and done tons of work with superglue. i played warhammer for years. the white usually just rubbed right off for me...could be different for different types of super glue

Bueller999 · September 1st, 2011, 08:43 AM

I have the gauge cluster from an '08 I am selling for $120 shipped if interested.

Kurgan · September 1st, 2011, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

Yeah, I thought of that option too, but unfortunatly, they pretty much "plastic welded" the lenses into the frame. Ive yet to figure out a way to get them out without destroying the frame.

Dremel.

Grind it out.......VVVEEERRRYYY CAREFULLY

headshrink · September 3rd, 2011, 02:30 PM

Any updates?

TheJimmyEnglish · September 15th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Just now had a chance to talk to the dealer today over the phone and he said I would need to bring it by the shop for them to look at it and then send a picture of the problem to Kawasaki directly for them to decide if it will be a warranty issue. A.K.A. they gave me the dealer run around. If it isn't fixed under warranty I will be going to Kawi directly until it is fixed.

TheJimmyEnglish · September 15th, 2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bueller999

I have the gauge cluster from an '08 I am selling for $120 shipped if interested.

Thank but no thanks. If I have to buy a new gauge cluster I will be purchasing the Koso gauges.

headshrink · September 15th, 2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJimmyEnglish

Thank but no thanks. If I have to buy a new gauge cluster I will be purchasing the Koso gauges.

I wish my dash was cracked.

NikkitaNinja · September 16th, 2011, 02:25 PM

Koso gauges are nice

Cazper · September 16th, 2011, 04:01 PM

Alex, you crack me up... and I second the whole Koso gauge idea... That's what I want to do... but it's just so expensive that I can't do it anytime soon.

Good luck with the dealership and the warranty

TheJimmyEnglish · September 21st, 2011, 07:30 PM

I am definitely thinking of just getting the Koso instead of warranty replacement since it may just crack again and I will be keeping my Ninja for quite a while and would love an updated gauge. Anyone know of the best place to get one?

CZroe · October 8th, 2011, 10:09 PM

Considering that the plastic shroud and the clear lens are two different pieces, I suspect that someone hit your bike when you weren't looking or something. It's hard for a crack to spread from one to the other.

August 29th, 2011, 09:13 PM	#1
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	Ninja Dash Cracked So this happened about a month or 2 ago, but my dash has developed a heat crack in the dash due to this hot southern weather. I was pretty upset and still am as its spreading across my fuel gauge now and water just got in a little after a wash. I was going to just seal it with some clear adhesive glue.... But first I was wondering if this has happened to any of you and if it would be covered under the warranty? I'll get a picture of it tomorrow as it is dark out now __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

August 29th, 2011, 09:18 PM	#3
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	Nope almost always in shade. Happened during mid-day hot ride on the interstate. __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

August 29th, 2011, 09:20 PM	#4
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	Do you have the stock windscreen or an aftermarket one? __________________________________________________ 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)

August 29th, 2011, 09:21 PM	#5
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	Stock __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

August 29th, 2011, 09:21 PM	#6
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	Interesting, Mine has sat in 90 degree weather in the sun a few times at work without problems. Warranty might cover it sounds like a defect in workmanship. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

August 29th, 2011, 09:15 PM	#2
Highalltheway ninjette.org member Name: Omar Location: Dallas Texas Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ninja 250 special edition Posts: 54	Is it in direct sunlight during the day ?

August 29th, 2011, 09:26 PM	#8
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	I do remember talking to someone whose gauge lens were getting cloudy (didn't seem like condensation) and they got them replaced under warranty. Guess it depends on the people in the dealership as well. Edit: are you still in warranty? Bike only comes with a 1 year warranty __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

August 29th, 2011, 09:31 PM	#10
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	/thread moved to new-gen tech __________________________________________________ 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)

August 29th, 2011, 09:56 PM	#11
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	step 1. shake fist at flaming ball in the sky step 2. apply ducttape. step 3. profit. __________________________________________________

August 29th, 2011, 10:48 PM	#12
Kurgan ninjette.org guru Name: Kurgan Location: Texas Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 260	I've had the same thing happen in the same place to 2 different '09 250R's, both with stock windscreens. On the second bike it happened within a month of getting the bike, I was pissed to say the least. The crack starts just to the upper left of the fuel gauge on the black plastic, then slowly creeps it's way down into the clear gauge face the more I ride. There's nothing that can be done about it once it's into the clear, because there's no glue out there that won't "craze" the clear plastic and cause it to become opaque white.

August 30th, 2011, 04:56 AM	#13
azimmer11 ninjette.org sage Name: Alex Location: michigan Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 784	the opaque white usually just rubs off with paint thinner

August 30th, 2011, 02:34 PM	#14
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	So here is a picture of what I'm talking about. __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

August 30th, 2011, 02:35 PM	#15
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	I am still under warranty until April 2012 __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

August 30th, 2011, 02:36 PM	#16
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	I'd be pissed. That should definitely be covered under warranty. __________________________________________________ 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)

August 30th, 2011, 04:53 PM	#19
Highalltheway ninjette.org member Name: Omar Location: Dallas Texas Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ninja 250 special edition Posts: 54	Oh wow that's awful. I'll be keeping a close watch on mine.

August 30th, 2011, 06:23 PM	#20
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow or Monday. I would like to get the Koso gauge but thats really more work than its worth cause I would not be doing the install. __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

August 30th, 2011, 06:45 PM	#22
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	dude that looks like crap, definitely warranty issue. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

August 31st, 2011, 01:55 AM	#23
Ricmon ninjette.org member Name: Ricardo Location: Portugal Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250r FI Posts: 31	Here in Portugal most of the Kawa dealers gave us 5 years warranty...

September 1st, 2011, 08:43 AM	#27
Bueller999 Oldie but a goodie Name: David Location: Aurora, CO Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 650r, 06 SV 650 race, 08 250r race, 03 Buell XB9s, 01 KTM 300 EXC Posts: 131	I have the gauge cluster from an '08 I am selling for $120 shipped if interested. __________________________________________________ ABRacing

September 3rd, 2011, 02:30 PM	#29
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Any updates? __________________________________________________ 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

September 15th, 2011, 09:06 PM	#30
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	Just now had a chance to talk to the dealer today over the phone and he said I would need to bring it by the shop for them to look at it and then send a picture of the problem to Kawasaki directly for them to decide if it will be a warranty issue. A.K.A. they gave me the dealer run around. If it isn't fixed under warranty I will be going to Kawi directly until it is fixed. __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

September 16th, 2011, 02:25 PM	#33
NikkitaNinja ninjette.org guru Name: Tyler Location: Milwaukee, WI Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Nikkita - 2003 Buell XB9R Posts: 274	Koso gauges are nice

September 16th, 2011, 04:01 PM	#34
Cazper ninjaholic Name: Dustin Location: Oceanside, CA Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' SE 250R (sold), 03' ZX-6R, 99' XL1200C SP Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	Alex, you crack me up... and I second the whole Koso gauge idea... That's what I want to do... but it's just so expensive that I can't do it anytime soon. Good luck with the dealership and the warranty __________________________________________________ 09' SE Ninja 250R $2,547.83 worth of mods installed... come on Unregistered, you know you want to know what? Check my Blog "Modification List"

September 21st, 2011, 07:30 PM	#35
TheJimmyEnglish ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland TN Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Red Posts: 316	I am definitely thinking of just getting the Koso instead of warranty replacement since it may just crack again and I will be keeping my Ninja for quite a while and would love an updated gauge. Anyone know of the best place to get one? __________________________________________________ My YouTube Channel

October 8th, 2011, 10:09 PM	#36
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Considering that the plastic shroud and the clear lens are two different pieces, I suspect that someone hit your bike when you weren't looking or something. It's hard for a crack to spread from one to the other.

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