Fork Bolts ... shocking ! ...

[Horst]

It was a nice enough day for a ride on the BC coast today, but as my bike is hybernating I had to make do with a bit of polishing and fine-tuning the handlebars. While I had the plastic covers off, just for fun I checked the top fork bolts ... LOOSE ! ... both of them !

Now what goofy shop would let a bike roll out their door that way ? ... this bike had less than 20K miles on and was a one-dealer bike. This would also explain the 'knock' I heard a couple of times going over big bumps.

So now they are tight, bars a bit lower and back ... can't wait to test out my latest fix ! ... :confused: .... :mad: ... :) ... 8)

HorST,
ST11A

[Mellow]

Yeow!.. .Glad you caught that in time.. It could have gotten ugly...

[crazykz]

Glad you caught it before it became serious. I struggle with finding a dealer who actually does service correctly. I just had a warranty fix and come to find out they torqued a bolt tight enough that I had to cut it and drill it. Plus they didn't bother to fill the coolant tank all the way.

Well I'm sure there is great service out there and hopefully you'll find it. If it's just one oversight maybe it's just that so you just have to check a little better when you get the bike back from the shop.

Curt

[distypuke]

My '04 ST had 150 miles (two days after delivery) on it when I began to hear a squeeking sound from the front end. Thinking it was a brake pad getting settled, I began playing with the front brake to see if I could confirm. The squeek continued so I called the dealer. He said it was brakes or possibly the rubber brake line rubbing and to bring in the bike. After inspection, it was a front axel bearing seal that had gotten pinched during assembly. The seal was shot, the bearing was showing wear and the axel had been grooved (in only 200 miles). An endo at freeway speeds would have made my day. Fortunately it was caught and repaired. I am very wary of any new noises and check things before each ride.

[Horst]

.... I'm sure this was an oversight, as I have looked the bike over fairly good since I bought it. But as you say, no dealer is perfect. Ride long and hard !