June 8th, 2014, 07:07 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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So this is why they tell you to check your bike before riding
So I was outside my apartment yesterday, getting ready to go running, when I decided to give my bike a look over and I noticed this.
photo 2 (1) by ark2077, on Flickr I don't know much about bikes but that didn't seem right. Further looking showed this on other side. photo 1 (1) by ark2077, on Flickr So my rear tire axle bolt literally almost came out when I was riding. About 2 or 3 weeks ago I had a local dealership put on two new tires. I have to believe their mechanic just totally screwed up. This isn't normal. I texted subxero and he said they must have not torqued the bolt enough and they must have broken the pin that goes into the bolt as a backup. I had been hearing noises that worried me but they came from the front of the bike. Now I'm wondering if this bolt coming loose put stress on other parts of the bike. So i'll be headed to the dealership tomorrow to flip out. Has anyone has something like this happen to them? Guess I should be thankful I'm not in the hospital.
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June 8th, 2014, 07:11 AM | #2 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
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Yikes... It's always good to check your equipment; glad you caught it before it caught you!
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June 8th, 2014, 07:46 AM | #3 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
No really stress on other parts but a very dangerous condition indeed. Your chain could have jumped out and locked up your rear wheel when riding at high speed, leading to a very bad accident. You have a very good guardian angel !!! I am very glad that you caught that so opportunely.
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Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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June 8th, 2014, 08:54 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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I do! I was this close to not going running. If I hadn't been outside to do that I wouldn't have noticed it.
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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June 8th, 2014, 09:32 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: S
Location: CA/MA, usually
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2007 Ninja 650R, 2001 F650 Dakar Posts: A lot.
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Scary! I'm really glad you caught that. I'd be livid and having serious trust issues right about now if that were me.
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June 8th, 2014, 09:47 AM | #6 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: UK
Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Yamaha RS200 (classic) Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Also inadequately torqued it should be in the region of 80- 100ft lbs Unfortunately while the nut is a fairly stock item you seem to have lost the plate as well which will mean a delay waiting for the part. HOWEVER there is another possibility and that is that someone was trying to steal your nice new rear tire and got disturbed. Check around the area for the nut and plate |
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
June 8th, 2014, 09:56 AM | #7 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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Quote:
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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June 8th, 2014, 09:56 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
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+1 for checking out your bike before a ride. Don't forget tire pressure and fluid levels.
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June 8th, 2014, 10:39 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: UK
Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Yamaha RS200 (classic) Posts: A lot.
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Well that was when you found out but not necessarily the time and place it was done.
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June 8th, 2014, 10:44 AM | #10 |
antiant
Name: antiant
Location: Cali
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: A lot.
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TCLOCS. Always good to do, before riding. So easy to forget, especially when you're in a hurry too. Luckily, you caught it before it turned into something catastrophic.
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June 8th, 2014, 11:51 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: UK
Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Yamaha RS200 (classic) Posts: A lot.
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June 8th, 2014, 12:37 PM | #12 | |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
My car got stolen literally from directly in front of where you live.
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I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once. |
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June 8th, 2014, 12:46 PM | #13 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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Quote:
I think it's more likely the dealer messed up.
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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June 8th, 2014, 12:52 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Lee
Location: Monroe, LA
Join Date: Feb 2014 Motorcycle(s): Rebel 250s, Ninja 250s VN750s (currently nine total) Posts: 465
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Glad you found that before something catastrophic happened!
Get a service manual and some basic tools if you don't have them, and do as much maintenance/repair to your bike as you can. Motofool is right on about mechanics, especially dealership mechanics. They tend to hire folks right out of school with little experience, and expect them to make repairs as quickly as possible to maximize the dealership's profits. There are just too many stories such as yours to even consider having someone else work on my bike. If you do it, you'll know it was done right! |
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June 8th, 2014, 01:13 PM | #15 | |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '14
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Quote:
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I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once. |
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June 8th, 2014, 01:47 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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No wonder you didn't answer when I called!
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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June 8th, 2014, 01:51 PM | #17 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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Quote:
Anyone read either of these? The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance: Tips & Techniques to Keep Your Motorcycle in Top Condition Kawasaki Ninja 250R 1988-2012 (Clymer Manuals: Motorcycle Repair)
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
June 8th, 2014, 02:27 PM | #18 | |
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.
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June 8th, 2014, 02:28 PM | #19 |
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.
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I own the Clymer manual but it's not exactly "reading material."
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June 8th, 2014, 03:05 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Lee
Location: Monroe, LA
Join Date: Feb 2014 Motorcycle(s): Rebel 250s, Ninja 250s VN750s (currently nine total) Posts: 465
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I like to compare a good service manual to a cookbook. It gives the reader step-by-step instructions on what to do, and includes pictures. If you are a mechanical noob, the folks here can help you if you have questions, or if you have a friend with mechanical abilities, they should be able to assist. Just get one specific to your model Ninja. It will usually pay for itself with your first maintenance or repair job.
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2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
June 8th, 2014, 03:07 PM | #21 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Kawasaki also recommends installing the axle in reverse. https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...92&postcount=4 Makes me wonder now if there is a real purpose for this other than ease of installation. Maybe torque from the chain can force or twist the axle out. |
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June 8th, 2014, 04:27 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Genesis
Location: Paradise Valley Village, AZ
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): SC28 Fireblade Posts: 463
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That was close, good thing you caught it in time.
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June 8th, 2014, 04:46 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: UK
Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Yamaha RS200 (classic) Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
They are stone reliable used properly. Of course if you keep bending and rebending an old one it will fatigue but what kind of idiot does that for a 10cent pin? Personally I would prefer Split pins to R clips http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums...r-clevis-pins/ Last futzed with by Ninjinsky; June 8th, 2014 at 05:53 PM. |
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June 8th, 2014, 05:49 PM | #24 | ||
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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A dealer's mechanic would never install that axle backwards Quote:
There are specifics for your bike, like torque values, specific parts, clearances, etc. that you can only find in the Kawasaki 250 repair manual and in this and other websites. There is a series of service works that you can do periodically with basic tools. It may be intimidating at first, but all doable with some practice and guidance. To check the torque of all nuts and bolts is one of those, because vibration tends to loosen some with time. You can find cheap but acceptable basic tools in Harbor Freight or Sears or Home Depot or Lowe's. A torque wrench is important to have, so the proper torque is applied. The threads of bolts and nuts stay tighten because the torque induces such a friction force between the threads that makes any back rotation impossible. In your case the missing cotter pin is more like a secondary safety device. A rear axle that is properly torqued down never backs up on its own. As others have mentioned, your mechanic forgot the cotter pin, the proper direction of installation of the axle and the proper torque: an inexperienced young mechanic probably. Let them know what happened; if they are responsible people and learn from this, the life of a less lucky rider could be saved.
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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June 8th, 2014, 05:59 PM | #25 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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Quote:
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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June 8th, 2014, 06:39 PM | #26 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
June 9th, 2014, 05:18 AM | #27 |
Old and slow
Name: Lohman
Location: Aiken, S.C.
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki TL1000R, Honda CBR600F3, Ninja 250 Posts: 889
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the nut should be castellated and just to make it look more race, I replace the cotter pin with one of these. last forever and I can get a handful of them from Farm & Fleet for about 5 bux.. I have them in a drawer and just give them to people who come by if they are working on their bike. That cotter pin can get work hardened, fall out and the nut can back off.
this "love you long time sailor" |
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June 9th, 2014, 05:42 AM | #28 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
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Quote:
just recently I forgot to fully torque bolts holding on the brake calipers on my car, and lost one of the bolts when it backed out, resulting in quite a dangerous situation. everyone makes mistakes occasionally. I've been doing my own car/motorcycle maintenance, including major engine work, for 13 years now, and forgot such a simple task, almost resulting in major failure. It's expected that "professional mechanics" don't make mistakes, but again... it happens. I think the frequency of a "professional mechanic" making major mistakes is far less often than shade-tree mechanics making mistakes, but you hear about it more often because it's significantly more unacceptable. |
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June 9th, 2014, 06:35 AM | #29 | |||
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.
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Exactly, but the suspicion is that the dealer tech may be just that kind of idiot. |
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June 13th, 2014, 04:07 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
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To close the loop on this one the dealership did the right thing and fixed everything. The rear bolt needed a new nut and bracket for the swingarm. They put new ones on. There is a cotter pin now. They also said something went wrong with the chain tensioner, so I assume it was replaced. I'll know by the sound of the bike when I fire it up tomorrow.
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"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
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