How do I handle this problem???
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
How do I handle this problem???
Need some advice and guidance.
I'll make a long story short...
While getting ready for Sturgis I found that my clutch was bone dry.
I had the dealership perform the 1000 mile service at around 1200 miles.
I found the dry clutch at around 4000 miles.
The bike does not leak (parked in garage on clean concrete), and a quart of oil doesn't just evaporate.
Therefore, I believe the tech forgot to fill.
How much damage has already been done?
How will this effect the warranty?
How should I approach the dealer/service manager?
What response should I expect from the dealer?
I've waited to post this/deal with the dealer until I was no longer pissed.
Don't want to rant or bitch...just looking for some good advice. TIA
I'll make a long story short...
While getting ready for Sturgis I found that my clutch was bone dry.
I had the dealership perform the 1000 mile service at around 1200 miles.
I found the dry clutch at around 4000 miles.
The bike does not leak (parked in garage on clean concrete), and a quart of oil doesn't just evaporate.
Therefore, I believe the tech forgot to fill.
How much damage has already been done?
How will this effect the warranty?
How should I approach the dealer/service manager?
What response should I expect from the dealer?
I've waited to post this/deal with the dealer until I was no longer pissed.
Don't want to rant or bitch...just looking for some good advice. TIA
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: How do I handle this problem???
Of course you should make the dealer aware of it, bring the bike back and have them inspect the clutch for excess wear and tear. They may not admit to forgetting to fill the primary before letting you out the door, but I've learned from others here and from personal experience, you're better off checking things yourself as soon as you can so they don't end up like your problem. Not that it's of any help in your situation, but call the dealer, explain what happened and give them the opportunity to make it right. Keep detailed track of who you speak to, when you spoke to them and the date and time of any conversation, just in case you need to go beyond the dealership later on.
If the dealer values your loyalty
as a customer, they'll at least check it for no charge and should fix it for free if they're up front about their mistake. If they find no damage, get it in writing just in case the clutch takes an early crap. It's also important to keep cool, no one likes being confronted by a loud, obnoxious customer demanding to have things done, polite at first is always a better approach.
Let us know how you make out.
D'
If the dealer values your loyalty
as a customer, they'll at least check it for no charge and should fix it for free if they're up front about their mistake. If they find no damage, get it in writing just in case the clutch takes an early crap. It's also important to keep cool, no one likes being confronted by a loud, obnoxious customer demanding to have things done, polite at first is always a better approach.Let us know how you make out.
D'
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 64
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From:
RE: How do I handle this problem???
ORIGINAL: venture33
How much damage has already been done?
How much damage has already been done?
Anyhow, I ended up replacing the chain and the shoe. The chain was wayyyyyy stretched and the shoe was little plastic bits in the bottom of the primary. The clutch, compensator and stator were probably worn more than they should have been, but I did not experience any issues with them.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA, Madison GA
RE: How do I handle this problem???
Your post here on the forum sounds calm enough, print it out and give it to the service manager.
I agree with TCBurke, your clutch pack isn't the only thing to be concerned about, the chain, tensioner and clutch packs, and maybe even the seal/seals in there should be checked out.
I agree with TCBurke, your clutch pack isn't the only thing to be concerned about, the chain, tensioner and clutch packs, and maybe even the seal/seals in there should be checked out.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From:
RE: How do I handle this problem???
I am really surprised that you did not have a major problem with the operation of the clutch. This is a wet clutch, its not designed to run without oil and will smoke, grab and act real nasty without oil. I suspect you have oil in the bottom of the primary but maybe the level is below the level of the inspection window and you can't see it.
You did say bone dry, I read you post, but did you remove the plug with a pan underneath to check for sure? If it is really bone dry and you rode that many miles I would suspect the clutch is warped from heat and worn badly. I would agree with the gentleman that talked about the chain and adjuster wear also.
I hope its just a very low oil level and not completely bone dry. It sucks that you have to check it by removing a cover and then you have to replace the gasket. Damn gaskets cost a bundle also.
Follow up with us about the dealer reaction and result.
You did say bone dry, I read you post, but did you remove the plug with a pan underneath to check for sure? If it is really bone dry and you rode that many miles I would suspect the clutch is warped from heat and worn badly. I would agree with the gentleman that talked about the chain and adjuster wear also.
I hope its just a very low oil level and not completely bone dry. It sucks that you have to check it by removing a cover and then you have to replace the gasket. Damn gaskets cost a bundle also.
Follow up with us about the dealer reaction and result.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: How do I handle this problem???
You can say what you want...bottom line is, what will the service mgr./writer say.
I think the issue will be the mileage.
I think the issue will be the mileage.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: How do I handle this problem???
Thanks all for your replies.
As for "bone dry"...it took a full quart. I didn't remove the drain plug. I was just topping off.
The clutch performed fine, and still does. No smoke, noise, grabbing, etc.
The dealer has been decent in the past, and I hope that continues.
I'll stop by and talk to them Monday (with a cool head).
I'll post back with results.
As for "bone dry"...it took a full quart. I didn't remove the drain plug. I was just topping off.
The clutch performed fine, and still does. No smoke, noise, grabbing, etc.
The dealer has been decent in the past, and I hope that continues.
I'll stop by and talk to them Monday (with a cool head).
I'll post back with results.
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