I do think the dealer is trying to help me, and if they had done something wrong at the oil change, wouldn't both rod bearings, and every other moving part, be damaged? The work they have done for me has been excellent in the past, never even a scratch. So, I agree with what you are saying Billy, in that I would be shooting myself in the foot to accuse them of any wrong doing. They have been working on my behalf so far. I owe them some more time to work it out.

It's weird that two months ago I had two working bikes, and now the garage is empty. The collision repair on the Sporty will take a couple of months. My leg is two weeks from fixed, according to the doctor yesterday, so I need a motorcycle by then. Maybe I need three...

 

If something where dropped into the intake it could be affecting only one cylinderby clogging things in the head of that one cylinder, just as if something were wrong with the oil filter they installed it could have let go and clogged an oil passage. Of course all of this is pure speculation on my part and I agree, you'd be wise to get a little more information before you outright accuse anyone of anything. That's the advantage I have---I'm 750-1000 miles away in front of a computer screen with less than all of the information. My indications were for you just to consider my comments as a possibility.

And even if this did happen it doesn't mean that it was on purpose or even that anyone knew it happened. Even the most skilled and cautious person can make a mistake.

It just seems odd to me that your bike had been fine for 5000 miles and then a problem occurs shortly after service.

 

Yep, I agree eazy. It is all still playing out, so will wait. And it did run perfectly before that service, so it is obvious something happened then to stop oil from getting to that rod bearing. Probably unknown to the mechanic. Who knows. Even after the damage the bike still pulled like it always did, just that noise. But it was getting worse, so I'm sure an end was in sight. I'll update when I find out what will happen next.

 

Hindsight being what it is....ya probably should of rode the bike 'til she died. Then, the problem would of been easier toidentify.

I'm looking at this from a little different angle which is...2 months is 2 freaking months!! I think this is simply unsatisfactory. If you only had one car and it was the same dealer/mechanical situation...wouldn't you be freaking out? I think so.

Have you called the MoCo in Milwaukee yet? Here's the customer service number: 414-343-4056. You need to get all windows open on this and hit it from all angles. 2 months is simply too long. 2 maybe 3weeks is more appropriate in my opinion.

Regarding the dealer being very cooperative...keep in mind...this is out of the dealer's hands so they tell you but, you still gotta pressure them to pressureHD.

I say put a lot more pressure on them. I certainly would have a long, longtime ago.

Keep us posted Ken.

BillyD

 

I have often thought since this whole ordeal began that maybe I should have let the V Rods engine die a natural death. I was a little afraid if it did melt down in motion it might lock up the rear tire, and since I was usually moving rather quickly on that bike...

So I wrote an e-mail to the general manager of my local dealership, who also manages two other dealerships in the area, and asked him if it would be helpful if I called the Company. I didn't want him to feel like I was going "over his head" since I hate to create a long term problem between us. And I think this guy should have a lot to say in the eventual solution. But I appreciate your advice Billy. I've been nice for long enough.

 

- hi.

- really sorry to hear about your bike(s).

- 2 months in the shop is way too long.

.

 

Well, thanks forthe moral support, but the factory will not provide a new engine. The dealer is ordering the parts for a rebuild. The mechanic working on the bike seems sound, so I guess I just have to have a little faith. For the record, the factory has decided that the cause of problem is an oil pump failure. Hmmm. From talking to the service manager just now I'm not sure that is what he believes. But whatever, it is what it is.

 

Ken,

I agree with the "hmmmm" on the oil pump. This takes me back to one of your posts where you ask, "if they had done something wrong at the oil change, wouldn't both rod bearings, and every other moving part, be damaged?". Point being, I think you would of had more obvious damage ifthe oil pump failed and of course I am talking complete failure vs. intermittent. However and like you state..."it is what it is". At least now you know their direction and "possibly" see a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep in mind to "work" them hard on the warranty on that rebuild and have them do a freedyno run after break-inso you know you are getting back the horsesyou bought.

Aside from the VROD, how are you feeling and how's the sporty coming along?

BillyD

 

07 DX

My engine was replaced @ 800 Miles.

It had a crack in the crank case, which caused it to seep oil.

No noise though

 

I'm about healed. The doctor said I could go back to most normal activities next week. The Sporty will take two months, mainly for the tank and front fender, which have to come painted from the factory. It's at a certified collision shop at Alamo HD in San Antonio. Seems like they know what they are doing. Still don't know why the insurance didn't call it totaled, but I think I will come out better with it fixed.

The dyno idea is a good one, and it lets them know I care about returning that engine to factory specs. I got to know the mechanic who is working on the bike at a fund raiser I was helping with several months ago, and he seems top notch. I still have hope anyway.