Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: rush2112 on December 15, 2012, 12:31:24 PM
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Took her in today because recently upon start-up it's been burning something off the headers if it sat for a couple days. Smelled somewhat like antifreeze but slightly different. No real change in fluid levels though. Finally saw a couple drops of antifreeze under it the other day.
Didn't see any sign of moisture/cloudiness in the oil. Dealer took the plastics off and found that it was leaking both antifreeze and oil onto the headers (hence the strange smell, oil and antifreeze). They've put in for the warranty work but can't get to it until after the first of the year. :( Said they would need to take down the entire top-end to determine why it's happening.
Only has 7400 miles. Searched the site for similar problems and strangely, the two that I found similar to my problem were both 2009's. Issue here????
Figures, I'm off until the 8th, East Texas temps in the 70's, and no bike to ride! :banghead:
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I don't know about the oil leak, but my 09 had a problem with the radiator hose leaking, needed to replace some clamps and it was ok. I believe others had the same problem.
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I was talking to the mechanic at our local dealership. He rides an 09 . He has the same problem.
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It is probably NOT the head gasket leaking, more likely the valve cover gasket.
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It is probably NOT the head gasket leaking, more likely the valve cover gasket.
Ill put money on it too, Ive done several zx14/conny motors all had valve cover issues.
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Ill put money on it too, Ive done several zx14/conny motors all had valve cover issues.
How much?? I will cover that bet.
It most likely is the head gasket.
You cannot leak coolant from a leaky valve cover gasket and he said coolant is leaking as well as oil.
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If its a blown head gasket its the 1st I've read about here and I've been since 2007. Lots of head gasket leaks posted.
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It is probably NOT the head gasket leaking, more likely the valve cover gasket.
It may not be that either but the O ring on the exh cam sensor - drips right onto the cross pipe between cyls 2 & 3.. It's a whole lot easier to get to as a start.
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If its a blown head gasket its the 1st I've read about here and I've been since 2007. Lots of head gasket leaks posted.
You mean valve cover leaks?
I thought so. ;)
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How much?? I will cover that bet.
It most likely is the head gasket.
You cannot leak coolant from a leaky valve cover gasket and he said coolant is leaking as well as oil.
:thumbs:
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How much?? I will cover that bet.
It most likely is the head gasket.
You cannot leak coolant from a leaky valve cover gasket and he said coolant is leaking as well as oil.
If you will look at the original post, you will see that it is leaking antifreeze "onto the headers," that is most likely caused by a leaky hose and not a head gasket. Mine did that when I got it too. I sincerely doubt the head gasket is leaking. The oil leak is most likely the valve cover gasket which has also been fairly common. Anything is possible, but there are things that are more likely.
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You mean valve cover leaks?
I thought so. ;)
I'm a dumbass sometimes! :-[ Lot's of Valve cover leaks!
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2 things going on IMHO, both should be easy fixes.
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It may not be that either but the O ring on the exh cam sensor - drips right onto the cross pipe between cyls 2 & 3.. It's a whole lot easier to get to as a start.
Usual lost its oil from the sensor, but still insignificant and this happens more than 3 anni.Il my C14 MY 2007.
MGvalerio 8)
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I sure hope the dealer does not tear down the top end for a leaky coolant hose and an oil leak from a cam sensor seal, but then again they maybe looking for a little bail out money from mama Kaw.
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.................... Said they would need to take down the entire top-end to determine why it's happening.
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A number us on the forum have had similar issues. Its probably the valve cover gasket. What happens is a small amount of oil will leak onto the header when the bike is parked. When the bike is started smoke can be seen and smelled as the bike warms. After it burns off you don't see anymore until you park it for a couple of days. It could be the sensor seal.
The best time to have this issue corrected is when the valves are adjusted.
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Fear I may have a similar issue on my almost year old 2012. Had the fairing off for a new exhaust install and was greeted by this (lower fairing, left hand side).
Will be talking to the shop once Christmas break is over.
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Read today in the latest Motorcyclist magazine, that Fred Harmon (technical editor of the Concours Owners Group) refers to this being one of the red flags when buying a used Connie:
"...some are prone to oil leaks from the valve cover gasket on the left front side...take special note with used C14's that might have oil dripping onto the exhaust system".
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A leaking valve cover gasket wouldn't scare me off. Just replace it and enjoy the savings after pointing it out to the seller.
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Have an '11 with 10,000 miles on it, just had my head gasket fail. Covered by warranty, I had them adjust the valves while they were in there for $250. Tech said that the gasket was faulty from the factory, "had a crease in it." Go Irish!
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Have an '11 with 10,000 miles on it, just had my head gasket fail. Covered by warranty, I had them adjust the valves while they were in there for $250. Tech said that the gasket was faulty from the factory, "had a crease in it." Go Irish!
Are you sure it wasnt a 'valve cover gasket' issue and not a head gasket. A bad head gasket means they tear down the top end and you most certainly would never pay for a valve adjustment since that would have to be part of the tear down to fix a 'head gasket'. I dont think you could ever get a wrinkle in a head gasket. Valve cover gasket , yes.
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Thats why I sold my ZX14.... went in for warranty many times. On a few occasions, they even tried extremes such as perma sealer and shaving the head and other things. Couldn't stop the leak. They could stop it for a few thousand miles, but it would always reappear. What a pile of shyte for a bike, even Hardly-Ableson fixed their leaks.
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A leaking valve cover gasket wouldn't scare me off. Just replace it and enjoy the savings after pointing it out to the seller.
Yeah, hoping it's just this, and that my antifreeze leak is just from a bad hose clamp or something.
Have an '11 with 10,000 miles on it, just had my head gasket fail. Covered by warranty, I had them adjust the valves while they were in there for $250. Tech said that the gasket was faulty from the factory, "had a crease in it." Go Irish!
ROLL TIDE!!!!!
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Thats why I sold my ZX14.... went in for warranty many times. On a few occasions, they even tried extremes such as perma sealer and shaving the head and other things. Couldn't stop the leak. They could stop it for a few thousand miles, but it would always reappear. What a pile of shyte for a bike, even Hardly-Ableson fixed their leaks.
Whoa say it ain't so, is the Kawasaki lead cheerleader calling his ZX a bad word? I have heard nothing but good about ZX14's. After three tries the dealer should have replaced the head. And then the whole engine.
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I'm really questioning this dealership now... :banghead:
Dropped the bike off yesterday for the work described in the OP. Got a message from them this morning, that I didn't leave them a key to get into the side bags or seat to take them off. They sounded perturbed about it too!
I understand that this dealership focuses on watercraft and ATV's, but they sell bikes too!!!!!!! :o
This isn't even the closest dealer to me. It's about 30 miles away. I actually have a dealer within 5 miles of me, but even though they sell bikes too, they don't have as they say a "street bike certified mechanic" on staff to work on them!!!!! :banghead:
Rant done...
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So these people not only have no knowedge of the Concours 14, they are also not smart enough to check to shop manual, given that they even have one. Be afraid...be very afraid.
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Be afraid. Another dealer at work. :popcorn:
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Whoa say it ain't so, is the Kawasaki lead cheerleader calling his ZX a bad word? I have heard nothing but good about ZX14's. After three tries the dealer should have replaced the head. And then the whole engine.
I'm a KiPass cheerleader. I have NEVER EVER been a Kawasaki cheerleader. My Zx14 was junk. it was thwe first run, 2006, but it was junk. Poor fit finish, junk plastics, leaked like a hardly-ableson, etc. And mine wasn't the only one heh =)
Of course since my Connie (KiPass equipped) has been rock solid and problem free >66,000 miles I haven't bashed Kawi in a while, but perhaps think a bit or visit old posts of mine before calling me a Kai fan-boy.
Mark at Kawasaki USA customer care - his job performance is how I feel about the whole company ::)
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Quick update. Really scared now!
Dealer has had it for 2 weeks now. Said today that it was on the rack but waiting for parts. :popcorn:
Couldn't tell me what the issue was at the time. :banghead:
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Got the bike back today. The head cover gasket needed replacing. Also had the front TPS replaced. Total bill came to $1001. Thank goodness for the warranty! That's making me really think hard about getting the extended warranty now!!!!
Head gasket parts/labor was $579. That seems crazy to me for just replacing the gasket! :o
TPS parts/labor was $336. That too seems outrageous to me!!!! :yikes:
Question to y'all. Do they normally remove the gas tank to do any work to the head? I had close to a full tank of gas when I dropped it off. It was practically on empty when I drove off. Stopped to fill it up, opened the cap and it smelled like turpentine! I'm wondering it they drained it then put what gas they had around back in it. Not happy about that!!!
Got to find another dealer! Sure seems like it shouldn't be that hard in a city like Houston!!!!!! :banghead:
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Question to y'all. Do they normally remove the gas tank to do any work to the head? I had close to a full tank of gas when I dropped it off. It was practically on empty when I drove off. Stopped to fill it up, opened the cap and it smelled like turpentine! I'm wondering it they drained it then put what gas they had around back in it. Not happy about that!!!................ :banghead:
The quick answer is yes. Normally most people run the tank down close to empty before they leave a bike for servicing. The bike is covered with plastic, all of it has to come off, plus a rat's nest of hoses and wires have to be disconnected and/or moved out of the way. Check the forum older post ( what's left of them ) and you might see some photos of what the bike looks without all the dressing.
Glad it came out okay.
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UPDATE AND RANT!
Well, it's back to the dealer today! Since getting the bike back from the head gasket replacement, It's been burning off oil at every start-up. Haven't ridden much this past week because of weather, but cranked it up this morning and it's billowing oil smoke from the headers! Gave it some time thinking it might have been just burning off residual oil from them working on it. Not a chance...
Since this current dealer is the one that worked on it originally I feel compelled to take it back to them. But they obviously are an incompetent (based on this and other things that have occurred) service department. Wondering if I should find yet another dealer instead.
I'm worried that since I'm weeks away from my warranty ending, that this might be an on-going issue with this bike! I will be demanding some type of guarantee that this issue will be resolved even if the warranty ends, or even demand that they extend the warranty free of charge.
Any opinions from the experts here?
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Buy the extended warranty. Are we talking head gasket or valve cover gasket leaking?
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Buy the extended warranty. Are we talking head gasket or valve cover gasket leaking?
Ditto. Sounds like a valve cover gasket. Huge difference.
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My brand new 2008 ZX14 had mismachined cases at the left rear head area from the factory, which caused an antifreeze leak. Kaw replaced both cases, and completely rebuilt the motor with a couple hundred miles on it. It never had another problem afterward. The Kaw dealer had never rebuilt one before, but the mechanic built race engines & luckily did good work. Sucks though.
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My brand new 2008 ZX14 had mismachined cases at the left rear head area from the factory, which caused an antifreeze leak. Kaw replaced both cases, and completely rebuilt the motor with a couple hundred miles on it. It never had another problem afterward. The Kaw dealer had never rebuilt one before, but the mechanic built race engines & luckily did good work. Sucks though.
How long did it take to get your ride back?
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Buy the extended warranty. Are we talking head gasket or valve cover gasket leaking?
Head gasket.
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Dropped bike off. Service guy wasn't pleased it was back in. He said that Kawasaki didn't pay for the labor on the last head gasket warranty job. Can't understand why they wouldn't.
Told them I wasn't pleased that the first gasket didn't solve the problem, and that I no longer had confidence in this issue being fixed. You replace a faulty gasket, how hard is that? I have the feeling it's something bigger. Told them of the warranty running out but they said that since it's documented that it would be fixed if problems continued. I'll be picking up the extended warranty anyway. Didn't think I'd have to deal with these kind of things with my first non-American bike... >:(
Also brought up the issue of them leaving me with just enough gas to not trigger the low-fuel warning, and that this gas smelled like turpentine. They claimed that they never had to drain the tank. Well it was full when it went in! :banghead:
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Actually, replacing a head gasket on an inline 4 is a pretty big pain in the ass. I have done two (on autos) both failed. Turned out the heads were warped.
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This is the exact same head cover gasket crap over and over that compelled me to dump my ZX14
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This is the exact same head cover gasket crap over and over that compelled me to dump my ZX14
Was your head warped?
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Was your head warped?
We've always known that about Steve... ;D
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Sounding like a possible known issue! If anyone else here has had the similar problem or know/heard of this issue elsewhere please let me know. I'd like to have examples/numbers/solutions that I can take in when talking with Kawasaki.
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Man this bites! How many miles on the bike before it started showing symptoms? Sure looks like a manufacturing defect. Kawi ought to do the right thing and replace the engine or the entire bike.
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How long did it take to get your ride back?
IIRC, it was over a month, probably closer to two before it was done. Never had a problem with it afterward. At the time, I remember others having similar problems.
Russell420
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....snipped...and you might see some photos of what the bike looks without all the dressing.
Glad it came out okay.
For reference, here's what comes off to do a valve inspection. The tank would probably come off for head work:
(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/moto/i-Lxth8j6/0/L/IMG_0003-L.jpg)
(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/moto/i-gqhQP65/0/L/IMG_0008-L.jpg)
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I remember the old C10's had problems with cam pitting. Some riders ignored it and rode on for many miles, while some complained and had it fixed and others sold their bikes. Of course it was not something that was as visible as a leak. It was a known issue. Mine had pitted cams.
The ZZR 1200 had the same problems with cam pitting. And some owners had an issue with porous heads. Mine had pitted cams and one of my valve cover sparkplug hole gaskets was misaligned from the factory which resulted in a lot of oil leaking into the air box.
My C14 developed a leaky valve cover gasket at around 11k. I am keeping my fingers crossed on that issue.
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$548 to replace a head gasket? That seems awful low for the amount of labor involved in pulling the head.
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I remember the old C10's had problems with cam pitting. Some riders ignored it and rode on for many miles, while some complained and had it fixed and others sold their bikes. Of course it was not something that was as visible as a leak. It was a known issue. Mine had pitted cams.
So did mine. It didn't affect it that I could tell. It was just disappointing to look at every 6k miles... :-[
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$548 to replace a head gasket? That seems awful low for the amount of labor involved in pulling the head.
Slumming? ;) Glad to see you back!
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Slumming? ;) Glad to see you back!
Been busy looking for a job. I am officially unemployed at midnight tonight after 13 years in the Army.
I have several strong possibilities but nothing definite yet.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. ;)
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Thanks for the update! Nothing but the best in your job searching and to your service! :thumbs: And stop by a bit more, we miss you.
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Thanks for the update! Nothing but the best in your job searching and to your service! :thumbs: And stop by a bit more, we miss you.
+1
I too miss seeing ya around lately JM! :chugbeer:
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Inspected by low oil leak from the head gasket or rocker, or bulb, do not presume any excessive loss from these departments, although after 4/5 days of downtime motion to turn it on I smell of burnt oil
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2q8pjr7.jpg)
You are the most beautiful in the "WORLD" other than dried figs!
(http://i50.tinypic.com/mkwz6r.jpg)
MGvalerio. 8)
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I smell 'burnt' leaves at times but not enough to be concerned about it. I'm assuming that smell might be a trace of oil hitting something hot. It doesn't happen all the time, though. And the oil level doesn't change.
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dried figs ?
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dried figs ?
wondering the same thing
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DRIED FIGS RULE!!!! 8)
:o :o :o
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:o
Hmmmm.... Well I did a search for "good fig pics" and came up empty, but I did come across this bacon pic? :-\ :feedback:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/bacon-bikini_zps53b8fa45.jpg)
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"I am officially unemployed at midnight tonight after 13 years in the Army."
Another Jack Reacher in the making...
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:o
Hmmmm.... Well I did a search for "good fig pics" and came up empty, but I did come across this bacon pic? :-\ :feedback:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/bacon-bikini_zps53b8fa45.jpg)
:offtopic:
DO THE WEDDING WITH DRIED FIGS
So they say in reference to those who make ridiculous wanting to create something with excessive economy, or without having the necessary means. Dried figs are, in our country, poor food and very common, especially at Christmas, so they are not enough to celebrate a holiday as important as the wedding.
MGvalerio. 8)
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Great, now all I can think about is bacon! :D
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:o
Hmmmm.... Well I did a search for "good fig pics" and came up empty, but I did come across this bacon pic? :-\ :feedback:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/bacon-bikini_zps53b8fa45.jpg)
Mmmmm, edible clothing and I know what's for dessert. :P
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These girls have Lady GaGa beat every which way- that's what I call a meat dress!
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:o
Hmmmm.... Well I did a search for "good fig pics" and came up empty, but I did come across this bacon pic? :-\ :feedback:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/bacon-bikini_zps53b8fa45.jpg)
Ok this thread just got more interesting 8)
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Ok this thread just got more interesting 8)
Yep, I'm really sorry to the OP, but I too love bacon. :P
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Great, now all I can think about is bacon! :D
Wait... you saw that and thought of bacon? :nuts: :battle:
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Yep, I'm really sorry to the OP, but I too love bacon. :P
Hard to compete with bacon!...
;D
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:o
Hmmmm.... Well I did a search for "good fig pics" and came up empty, but I did come across this bacon pic? :-\ :feedback:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/bacon-bikini_zps53b8fa45.jpg)
You can't beat that meat. ;D
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Got the bike back again Saturday from the latest gasket. No burning smell when cranking it up at the dealer. It's sat since Saturday evening, so I'll check it tonight for leakage.
Decided to go ahead with the extended warranty. This dealer now tells me that if this issue still continues after the warranty ends, they won't take care of it. This is different from what he said the first time!
Sent Pete the email with all the info for the GTPP yesterday. Haven't heard from him yet. I'll let y'all know when I do and tell you the current price for it.
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.........................Decided to go ahead with the extended warranty. This dealer now tells me that if this issue still continues after the warranty ends, they won't take care of it. This is different from what he said the first time!
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Another reason to record everything!
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Got the bike back again Saturday from the latest gasket. No burning smell when cranking it up at the dealer. It's sat since Saturday evening, so I'll check it tonight for leakage.
Decided to go ahead with the extended warranty. This dealer now tells me that if this issue still continues after the warranty ends, they won't take care of it. This is different from what he said the first time!
Sent Pete the email with all the info for the GTPP yesterday. Haven't heard from him yet. I'll let y'all know when I do and tell you the current price for it.
I just re-extended my warranty from Ultimate Cycle ( Pete), cost was $339 for an additional 3 years. Total warranty from 2008-2017 was $ 678.00 ( purchased extended warranty twice), which included manufacturer's warranty for the first 3 years. Good luck!
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I just re-extended my warranty from Ultimate Cycle ( Pete), cost was $339 for an additional 3 years. Total warranty from 2008-2017 was $ 678.00 ( purchased extended warranty twice), which included manufacturer's warranty for the first 3 years. Good luck!
tjpgi, did you just email Pete when contacting him about extending the warranty? I emailed him Monday (I know, moto shops closed on Mondays) but haven't heard anything back from him yet. Did you call him first? Worried that my gmail address might have gone into their spam folder.
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tjpgi, did you just email Pete when contacting him about extending the warranty? I emailed him Monday (I know, moto shops closed on Mondays) but haven't heard anything back from him yet. Did you call him first? Worried that my gmail address might have gone into their spam folder.
Rush
I emailed Pete and here is his response and phone number. He called me and we completed the sale after I had sent him my information about my C14, VIN number etc. Warranty card arrived in a week or two. Give him a call, he is quite helpful.
"Yes, we can do another 3yr extension for $339.00. Just send me all required info , name , address, contact phone for me to call you, vin# and mileage of bike and we will get it done for you. Its also transferable to other owners for free!
Pete
804.330.4800 ext 110
ultimateCycle"
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Rush
I emailed Pete and here is his response and phone number. He called me and we completed the sale after I had sent him my information about my C14, VIN number etc. Warranty card arrived in a week or two. Give him a call, he is quite helpful.
"Yes, we can do another 3yr extension for $339.00. Just send me all required info , name , address, contact phone for me to call you, vin# and mileage of bike and we will get it done for you. Its also transferable to other owners for free!
Pete
804.330.4800 ext 110
ultimateCycle"
Thanks tjpgi!!!!
Just got off the phone with Pete. He had been out of the office and not checked emails yet. He got me hooked up for the $339 price! Great guy to deal with!
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Thanks tjpgi!!!!
Just got off the phone with Pete. He had been out of the office and not checked emails yet. He got me hooked up for the $339 price! Great guy to deal with!
Nice!
Now back to the bacon. :P
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Nice!
Now back to the bacon. :P
You know bacon can cause heart attacks by resulting in hardening of the...oh never mind bon appetit! ;D
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You know bacon can cause heart attacks by resulting in hardening of the...oh never mind bon appetit! ;D
I never thought of bacon that way until this thread :P
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Don't forget the ham!!!!!
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w160/zpsk1/epic-wtf-fail-bacon_zpsaa9c4fda.jpg)
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:yikes: :doublepuke:
I will NEVER be able to eat ham again... :'(
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Once again... MY EYES!!!! Just when I was seeing bacon in a whole new light... :doublepuke: :doublepuke: :doublepuke: :doublepuke: :cannon:
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Wonder where the bone went???? :o :o
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This thread just took a serious nose dive!
Now, how can we fix it?
(http://cagejunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/belinda1-450x300.jpg)
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I know that it isn't necessary to state the obvious but this is a C14 thread in a C14 board so let's take all the breakfast items to the Open board, please.
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I know that it isn't necessary to state the obvious but this is a C14 thread in a C14 board so let's take all the breakfast items to the Open board, please.
Breakfast items?? Where are they??? :feedback:
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Just bumping this back up, since I'm curious as to the resolution of this issue. Did the second gasket sort the leak?
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Yep, I'm really sorry to the OP, but I too love bacon. :P
Barf!
This thread needs some serious pruning.
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Just bumping this back up, since I'm curious as to the resolution of this issue. Did the second gasket sort the leak?
Second gasket seemed to do the trick, I hope!
Haven't ridden in a couple weeks because of the heat here in Houston. Guess I'll really know when cranking it up after sitting for this period of time.