Fuck ass!!!

[Mikkel]

What a wonderful day...

Started out bad, then it got better and better and better and then SLAM it all turned to shit!

So as I wrote on here monday my bike had developed an issue with the camchain tensioner which needed to be sorted. I was struggling to find a mechanic who could fix the bike before christmas - but thought I got lucky yesterday.

Yesterday I trailered the bike in to Norjo's Motorcycles who had ordered all of the parts in for me, and was stoked to hear that they thought they'd be able to squeeze the job in this week. All good! And later the same day they said it should be done sometime tomorrow (as in today, thursday).

So today I called in and was told I could pick-up the bike mid-afternoon which was just excellent news to me. After a bit of a logistical nightmare (picking up the GF and heading across town in rush-hour traffic) I got out there. Paid the "measly" sum of $637.64 (labour 3 hours - $180 and parts $386.79 - which was a bit more than I had expected to be honest) for fixing the camchain tensioner, changing the camchain, the camchain guides and all that went with it. He had also checked the valve clearances which I hadn't asked for, but I guess is mandatory when you do the complete job...

So I get my gear on, fire the bike up and let it warm up nicely. It sounds sweet again, gone is that nasty rattly sound from before and I even enjoy being stuck in traffic on my way out to more quiet roads... So I went from Riccarton out through Halswell towards Halswell Quarry Park and onto Cashmere road. I started opening her up a bit more, still nice and easy and just cruising along enjoying the good weather and scenery.

Then all of the sudden the engine dies and starts making a very disturbing rattly sound much worse than anything I've ever heard from it before. I pull the clutch immediately and chucks her into neutral and just coasts to a stop on the roadside. Turn the ignition off and flag down a cyclist so I can borrow a cellphone to call my GF who had mine at that time...

Here, two and a half hours, a 1 km bike push, 45 min wait for towtruck and a tow home later, I'm a bit at a loss as to what happens now. I can't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure that they botched the job and the camchain skipped a tooth. As such I expect that the nasty sound I heard was the kissing of piston-and valveheads which obviously will not have done any favours for the engine.

It seems obvious that I'll be stranded for all of my christmas holidays and that I probably shouldn't count on my bike being back in working order until late January FFS!!!
I certainly hope that Norjo's motorcycles can be held responsible for what just happened. I've been very dilligent with my servicing and maintenance since I got the bike. And if it's a topend rebuild that is needed to set things right it's gonna be a lot of moolahs...

I'm so fucking gutted!!!

[Mom]

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

Sorry mate does not sound good at all :argh:

[99TLS]

thats not good to hear that after repairs, did you ring them up??

[Katman]

I would suggest you take it to another shop to determine what is wrong. That is the only way you can guarantee you get a (semi) unbiased diagnosis. Expect to pay for them for their time but it certainly sounds like you will have grounds to take issue with Norjo over it.

[Chickadee]

Bugger, hope they sort you out if they are to blame - and hope the bikes not in too bad shape from the incident. Not good at all.:weep:

[Mikkel]

Thanks guys, I'm all the way down in the basement and giving serious thoughts to having a few whiskeys or two...

Unfortunately they were closed by the time I got my cellphone - but I will talk to them tomorrow.

I fully expect them to sort the issue out with no further expenses to me if this is in anyway related to the camchain tensioner. And if there is no hassle I'll bear them no ill will.

Anyone can make a mistake and that goes for mechanics as well, as such I'm not pissed off with them. Just with the whole situation - was so looking forward to getting out and about over Christmas... :(

*shuffles off for a whiskey*

[Romeo]

Man, that SUCKS. What a kick in the balls!

[owner]

Fuck fucking it, rheem those fuckers with the biggest black mumba you can find, I do believe It was boxing day last year I was stranded in miranda 30km from home with a snapped cam chain 91 gsxr400, At least you noticed the rattle an did something about it. I feel your pain! at least its not your fault

[Usarka]

These guys should have insurance for this sort of thing. It sucks, and i feel your pain, but Dr Usarkas advice is to hope for the best, have the whiskey(s) and deal to it tomorrow.:doctor:

[Mikkel]

There goes the rest of that Glenlivet 18 year old... Was kinda saving it for a better occassion. I guess I'll fire up the amp and bleed my ears a bit - usually makes me feel better!

[breakaway]

Sell it and buy a gear driven honda

[owner]

Get the bank to buy you a run out special honda, thrash some war pigs BS if you got it

[jrandom]

There goes the rest of that Glenlivet 18 year old... Was kinda saving it for a better occassion.

Speyside malts are aiight, but it's hardly a waste.

If you were drinking Caol Ila, of course, I'd be mildly shocked.

;)

And rotten luck with the bike, too. I guess this is the kind of shit that one has put up with when the market forces one into riding a 20-year-old machine to get reasonable performance on a restricted licence.

:(

[Coyote]

A CBR250RR has cam gears...

Sorry to hear man. Luckily it was done by a shop which you should be able to get help from.

Looks like you'll need to get a ZXR400 engine...

[Hitcher]

Arse. You're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

[jtzzr]

Has the bike ever been thrashed?Unfortunately 250s seemed to get hammered , I hope it`s nothing serious.

[ital916]

Hey dude sorry about your bike that sucks major balls! Hope it isn't too bad. Yeah today seems like a bad biker day, my rear decided to bleed air, driving on a deflated tire ain't fun lol

[Babelfish]

Tough shit, grow some balls and do it yourself next time :crazy:

[Mikkel]

Sell it and buy a gear driven honda

Hmmm, yeah I have been thinking about that...


Speyside malts are aiight, but it's hardly a waste.

If you were drinking Caol Ila, of course, I'd be mildly shocked.

;)

And rotten luck with the bike, too. I guess this is the kind of shit that one has put up with when the market forces one into riding a 20-year-old machine to get reasonable performance on a restricted licence.

:(

Anything wrong with Caol Ila I don't know about? :confused:
I'm still on my learners btw - another 3 months to go for restricted.


A CBR250RR has cam gears...

Sorry to hear man. Luckily it was done by a shop which you should be able to get help from.

Looks like you'll need to get a ZXR400 engine...

I very much hope so!
No can do - still on learners...


Arse. You're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

I was thinking more like the Boondocks (the saints) - I always liked the bartender with tourrettes.


Has the bike ever been thrashed?Unfortunately 250s seemed to get hammered , I hope it`s nothing serious.

Of course it has been trashed - but they are built to be revved high. As long as you do the maintenance they should be good as gold.
The bike has got ~24,000 kms on the clock now and I've had it since 18,500. What happened is most likely that the camchain skipped a tooth because the mechanic botched the job... And it was to avoid exactly that event was that I sent it in for a fairly expensive repair job!


Hey dude sorry about your bike that sucks major balls! Hope it isn't too bad. Yeah today seems like a bad biker day, my rear decided to bleed air, driving on a deflated tire ain't fun lol

That sucks mate - you've had your run of mishaps I must say. Hope the bike was ok with riding on a flat tyre.


Tough shit, grow some balls and do it yourself next time :crazy:

I know my limits - there's no fucking way I'm going to work the internals of a performance engine... I've neither got the tools, facilities, knowledge nor experience to go there.

[boomer]

Apparently its a long way to Tipperary.


Gutted

[RC1]

that sux, hope they sort it for you :mad:

[Babelfish]

Apparently its a long way to Tipperary.

Gutted

But thats where the sweetest bitch I know is

[Coyote]

I very much hope so!
No can do - still on learners...

It'll still be rego'd as a 250...

[homer]

bummer m8
sorry havnt been in touch ,to much work

id be guessing but id say they didnt put a new tensioner in . i could be wrong but that what it sounds like to me

some places dont bother if it looks good
it a part you have to do every time with a chain

[The Lone Rider]

Dammit mik, should have just waited for Duane! Well you are lucky, how would you feel if you had to push MY bike home? I had to do that once when I first got it. Fuck that sucked - had to wait for it to quiet down and no cars on the road and PUSH!

Get a 2nd opinion on whats fucked on the bike, if its anything to do with the repairs from those first people then bust their nuts. Busts them, squeeze them. If you aint signed nothing saying repairs are done at your risk, then it's their job to do it properly and not having it fuck the rest of your bike! Even if you signed something there are laws that services are rendered within reasonable quality.

[Mikkel]

I'll talk to them tomorrow. If they aren't cooperative I'll tell them that they get to look the bike over.
If they find that their repairs didn't not in anyway have anything to do with what happened I'll hear what they have to say and if I smeel bogus I'll let them know I'll have it checked out at 1-3 other places and get their professional opinion. If they find that the incident of today can be in anyway connected with the camchain and camchain tensioner then they can expect a lawsuit.

But let's see, I'll expect them to be rather apolegetic and cooperative when I talk to them tomorrow. I have a feeling that they did all the work as they were supposed to but forgot one small but crucial detail - namely to engage the tensioner after having replaced the parts. But I won't check it until I've got them, the bike and a couple of witnesses in the same place.

[Mikkel]

Dammit mik, should have just waited for Duane! Well you are lucky, how would you feel if you had to push MY bike home? I had to do that once when I first got it. Fuck that sucked - had to wait for it to quiet down and no cars on the road and PUSH!

Get a 2nd opinion on whats fucked on the bike, if its anything to do with the repairs from those first people then bust their nuts. Busts them, squeeze them. If you aint signed nothing saying repairs are done at your risk, then it's their job to do it properly and not having it fuck the rest of your bike! Even if you signed something there are laws that services are rendered within reasonable quality.

Yeah, I can only imagine. I found the ZXR quite heavy to push up-hill just the little bit I had to. Fortunately our drive way slopes down so after we had gotten it off the towtruck I could enjoy a gravity propelled ride to the garage :)

[jrandom]

You think a ZXR250's a pain to push up a hill, you should try pushing a K1200RS sometime.

:sweatdrop

Oh, and I wasn't bagging Caol Ila. Quite the contrary, inasmuch as I would consider it a waste to down it simply for 'medicinal' purposes during times of trial...

[0arbreaka]

Hey mate that sucks big time, There is something called the consumer garuntees act, may i suggest you bring it up when your talking with the mechanic, As far as im aware the mechy will either have to repair the damage done or pay for another mechanic to repair it if it is found that it was his fault.

[Dave-]

CGA has a bit to say on this mike

http://gpacts.knowledge-basket.co.nz/gpacts/reprint/text/2004/an/001.html

there ya go goober, best of luck

I'll also flick ya bernie chamberlands number if you need it, he did the forensics on my rs250, top bloke.

[Drew]

I was thinking more like the Boondocks (the saints) - I always liked the bartender with tourrettes.

Bwahahahahahahaha, I remember that bit, funny as fuck when he takes clothes into the hospital and the nuns walk past. "Fuck! Sorry sister.....FUCKIN COONT!!! Sorry sister"

Gutting about the bike mate. Hope they can sort it for ya.

[Oakie]

I'll be interested to see how this one turns out.
Gordon at Norjo is a pretty decent guy. He kept doing the odd thing to my bike 'under warranty' about 6 months after the warranty ran out.

There is a possibility that it may be something unrelated that having your tensioner fixed has aggravated.

[Mikkel]

Yeah, they seemed reasonable when I just talked to them on the phone now.

Just gotta find a way to get the bike to the shop - still no living chance in hell for having the bike running before Christmas though.

[Mikkel]

I'll be interested to see how this one turns out.
Gordon at Norjo is a pretty decent guy. He kept doing the odd thing to my bike 'under warranty' about 6 months after the warranty ran out.

There is a possibility that it may be something unrelated that having your tensioner fixed has aggravated.

He certainly seems like a good bloke and I was extremely happy that he managed to squeeze it in before x-mas.

However, I do think he may have made a mistake and I even have an idea about what it might be. But it's something I can't check until I've got myself, a witness and the bike at the shop though.

[Oakie]

However, I do think he may have made a mistake and I even have an idea about what it might be. But it's something I can't check until I've got myself, a witness and the bike at the shop though.

I think he's the sort of guy who if he does make a mistake would front up and take responsibility then bend over backwards to make it right.

[Mikkel]

I think he's the sort of guy who if he does make a mistake would front up and take responsibility then bend over backwards to make it right.

Yeah, I would certainly hope so. And I expect as much until anything else has been proven to be the case.

Took the bike in to the shop today and they said they'd open her up and look at it tomorrow (saturday).

[Deviant Esq]

...still no living chance in hell for having the bike running before Christmas though.
If you're in need you can borrow my steed (hey, rhymed... :pinch:). I'll be attending quite a few family get togethers over the Christmas days and most likely won't get a chance to ride. Might need it to get to work on the Monday (24th), Thursday and Friday (27th, 28th), but other than that I don't anticipate riding it very much.

It's no ZXR250, but it goes well enough and hasn't let me down. Wee bit of a hole in the exhaust at the moment so it pops and farts occasionally, but other than that it's fine... and registered and warranted.

:)

[Mikkel]

If you're in need you can borrow my steed (hey, rhymed... :pinch:). I'll be attending quite a few family get togethers over the Christmas days and most likely won't get a chance to ride. Might need it to get to work on the Monday (24th), Thursday and Friday (27th, 28th), but other than that I don't anticipate riding it very much.

It's no ZXR250, but it goes well enough and hasn't let me down. Wee bit of a hole in the exhaust at the moment so it pops and farts occasionally, but other than that it's fine... and registered and warranted.

:)

Thanks for the offer mate. I appreciate it. There is a slippery slope though regarding insurance and other riders. Your insurance isn't likely to cover me - so as tempting as it is... ;)

I'm currently waiting to here the sentencing of the ZXR... That should be interesting!

[paturoa]

If they do take responsibility then hit them up for a loaner.

[Mikkel]

Just went out there and had a chat to Gordon. I don't think they'll try and dodge it if it turns out to be their fault...

He had taken the clutch cover off and the camchain was broken - two places :eek: - and had fucked one of the camchain guides up in the process. He said that the breaks were not in the place where he had joined the chain... so I'm guessing that the part must have been faulty.

Anyway, he said he'd go into the workshop and pop the top off and sort out what parts are needed during his holiday so that very nice of him! :niceone:

Just gutted that a top-end rebuild might be in the cards... She was running so beautifully before and there's no guarantee at all that she'll ever run as well again :(

[Katman]

He had taken the clutch cover off and the camchain was broken - two places :eek: - and had fucked one of the camchain guides up in the process. He said that the breaks were not in the place where he had joined the chain... so I'm guessing that the part must have been faulty.




Faulty cam chain? My arse.

[xwhatsit]

Hell I wouldn't be gutted. If it does need a full top-end rebuild (valves smacked the pistons), then she'll run even better :D I know it didn't have that much mileage on it, but if the pistons need replacing (valves smacked into the top) then that means (at the least) a honed bore, new pistons, new rings, new valves (which will have to be lapped in). The thing will bloody fly :D

I wish I got a top-end rebuild for free!

I know it's not very convenient, and it's gutting to see your bike beaten around like that (my bike same story -- except I was the numbnuts who had done the spannering), but there are some positives to it.

[Mikkel]

I hear what you're saying... But I am just not entirely sure that it's a given that an engine will run top-spec after a top-end rebuild. And my bike was running extremely well, except from the camchain...

I can only hope that she'll run as well after the rebuild. The mechanic even said that after they had done the camchain job she was the quietest running ZXR-250 he had ever heard... and everyone else who's done work on it has been impressed with both the tune and general condition of the bike.

[Deviant Esq]

Your insurance isn't likely to cover me - so as tempting as it is... ;)
Could always cover for that eventuality - my insurance company tends to look after me well, so if you were interested in borrowing it, I'm sure something could be sorted out. I test rode my first 'big bike' today, so it sure was interesting getting back on the NZ250 afterwards!

Still, good luck either way. Let me know if you're in need and I'm sure some arrangement can be made. :niceone:

[Mikkel]

Could always cover for that eventuality - my insurance company tends to look after me well, so if you were interested in borrowing it, I'm sure something could be sorted out. I test rode my first 'big bike' today, so it sure was interesting getting back on the NZ250 afterwards!

Still, good luck either way. Let me know if you're in need and I'm sure some arrangement can be made. :niceone:

Thanks a lot mate. I'll be in touch if (when) the need for 2 wheeled driving becomes unbearable :)

Hope you had fun on the big bike! :D :niceone: One of my mates has a SV1000S and he's been very happy with it. Sporty, but still comfortable for touring.

[quickbuck]

I hear what you're saying... But I am just not entirely sure that it's a given that an engine will run top-spec after a top-end rebuild. And my bike was running extremely well, except from the camchain...


I don't understand why not.

Shame about the "repair" though. Something had to of caused the chain to fail... and if it was broken in two places I doubt that it was a couple of faulty links that did it.

[skidMark]

if you need a head and piston and barrels etc you could buy bits off my one if you want i did in the crank shaft....

top end is fine though....

let me know if you want it....

[tri boy]

Hold on a second. First you say to the shop, "fix my cam chain tensioner, and cam chain. Next you mention your not too happy about them doing the valve clearances. And now you moaning about a mechanical failure.:yawn:
Did you first take it to them, and let them diagnose the full fault?
Did you tell them that "in YOUR opinion the problem was the tensioner and chain"?
So they did what YOU asked them to do, and now you want instant compensation?
I would of told you f**k off, and sort the fault out yourself.:shit:
Let the mechanic's be mechanic's and diagnose the fault themselves.
If they have failed in their repair, then you have a case to argue, but I'm not totally convinced the total problem is their skills.
Would you tell an accountant, or surgeon how to do their job?
Good luck getting it sorted by new year. (it sounds more serious than a chain and tensioner).

[tri boy]

Faulty cam chain? My arse.

If you knew as much as you go on about, then you would know these things do happen. There are at least 4 different grades on chain available in NZ, and if it was a cheaper quality, then there is every chance of a link failure.
I have seen brand new Turbo's/Pistons, and even helical cut gears fail from brand new.:no:

[Katman]

If you knew as much as you go on about, then you would know these things do happen. There are at least 4 different grades on chain available in NZ, and if it was a cheaper quality, then there is every chance of a link failure.
I have seen brand new Turbo's/Pistons, and even helical cut gears fail from brand new.:no:

I'm perfectly aware that there is a wholesaler operating in NZ selling cheap Chinese final drive chains. Their selling point to me was "you can get this chain for $14 wholesale". I wouldn't touch the crap with a barge pole. And any shop who would use a low quality chain when replacing a camchain deserves all they get.

[Mikkel]

Hold on a second. First you say to the shop, "fix my cam chain tensioner, and cam chain. Next you mention your not too happy about them doing the valve clearances. And now you moaning about a mechanical failure.:yawn:
Did you first take it to them, and let them diagnose the full fault?
Did you tell them that "in YOUR opinion the problem was the tensioner and chain"?
So they did what YOU asked them to do, and now you want instant compensation?
I would of told you f**k off, and sort the fault out yourself.:shit:
Let the mechanic's be mechanic's and diagnose the fault themselves.
If they have failed in their repair, then you have a case to argue, but I'm not totally convinced the total problem is their skills.
Would you tell an accountant, or surgeon how to do their job?
Good luck getting it sorted by new year. (it sounds more serious than a chain and tensioner).

No no, I had the problem diagnosed as being a camchain tensioner issue by someone who's held in very very high regard by all who've had him do work on their bikes. Unfortunately he was too busy to look at it until late january.
I then went to the Kawasaki dealership in Chch and had a chat to them about the issue and got them to order the genuine parts in. They said they would try and squeeze the job in before Christmas but couldn't guarantee it.
They went on to change each and every part of the camchain and tensioner assembly and I picked the bike up thursday.
Inside of driving 20 kms after picking the bike up from the workshop following this job it broke down.
I took the bike back to the workshop and the mechanic opened up the clutch cover and found that the camchain had broken two places and that damage had been caused to other parts of the camchain and tensioner system.
We have not yet opened the top-end and inspected the damage there - but from the nasty rattle of death I heard as my engine broke down I expect it to be substantial.

I wasn't complaining about them checking the valve clearances - I just asked if it was indeed necessary. I had them checked less than a month ago when I had a major service done.

As I said above - the bike was running beautifully before the repair, except from the camchain tensioner issue. I have a hard time seeing how the repair job would not be at least part of the cause of the failure...

But no, I wouldn't presume to tell a trained professional how to do his job. On the other hand - I doubt I would ever end up on a surgeons table without seeing a doctor and complaining about a health issue.
And if the surgeon in question made a mistake/malpractice I'd expect to be reimbursed in full... if not I'd most likely take the case to court.
Just like I wouldn't just accept getting done for taxfraud if I had hired a professional accountant to do my books (and hadn't told him to be creative).
And it's usually a bad practice to tell your customers to "fuck off" in any circumstance....


If you knew as much as you go on about, then you would know these things do happen. There are at least 4 different grades on chain available in NZ, and if it was a cheaper quality, then there is every chance of a link failure.
I have seen brand new Turbo's/Pistons, and even helical cut gears fail from brand new.:no:

This should be a brand new genuine Kawasaki part - but I doubt that would be a guarantee against failure.


if you need a head and piston and barrels etc you could buy bits off my one if you want i did in the crank shaft....

top end is fine though....

let me know if you want it....

Thanks mate, I'll let you know if... I do expect the parts that have gone tits up to be replaced with brand new genuine parts though.

[skidMark]

Thanks mate, I'll let you know if... I do expect the parts that have gone tits up to be replaced with brand new genuine parts though.


Good luck with that LOL

my mate works for kawaskai nz...

even they cannot get pistons anymore.

you = screwed.

offers there still....

if ya feeling rich u can have my whole bike for 1k...will throw in both fucked engines.

one has fucked big end....one has fucked top end.

[Katman]

If you knew as much as you go on about, then you would know these things do happen. There are at least 4 different grades on chain available in NZ, and if it was a cheaper quality, then there is every chance of a link failure.
I have seen brand new Turbo's/Pistons, and even helical cut gears fail from brand new.:no:

And I may be mistaken here but, isn't the camchain on the outside of the motor on a ZXR as opposed to between cylinders 2 and 3? If so, who in their right mind would split a brand new camchain when it is so easily accessible to fit as an endless chain?

[Mikkel]

And I may be mistaken here but, isn't the camchain on the outside of the motor on a ZXR as opposed to between cylinders 2 and 3? If so, who in their right mind would split a brand new camchain when it is so easily accessible to fit as an endless chain?

I've got a feeling that you might have to take the camshafts out (at the very least open the top-end) to get an endless chain in.

But yes, the camchain runs on the starboard side of the engine and most of the chain and tensioer assembly is accessible from inside the clutch cover.

It doesn't seem like you can open the bit between the top-end and the clutch cover to have easier access to the camchain...

[Mikkel]

I've come to realise that for some people the thread topic might hold promises that have not been fulfilled as of yet...

But if it's anal sex you're after I'm sure something as harmless and readily accessible as www.google.com will sort you out. Alternatively, you could try www.freeones.com seeing as they usually provide good quality without too much fuzz.

Sorry for being such a deceptive bastard... :D

[FilthyLuka]

even they cannot get pistons anymore.

you = screwed.

good for kawasaki

Talk to mr. Wiseco, them fools make pistons for EVERYTHING

[Mikkel]

good for kawasaki

Talk to mr. Wiseco, them fools make pistons for EVERYTHING

Yeah, I guess you should always be able to get new quality piston any size, it's just a matter of price... ;)


I just had a chat to my uncle on the phone and he said that if they didn't change the camchain gears when they changed the camchain and if the gears were worn, that could have snapped the camchain... They didn't change the camchain gears that's for sure.

[Katman]

Yeah, I guess you should always be able to get new quality piston any size, it's just a matter of price... ;)


I just had a chat to my uncle on the phone and he said that if they didn't change the camchain gears when they changed the camchain and if the gears were worn, that could have snapped the camchain... They didn't change the camchain gears that's for sure.

It would be highly unlikely that the cam gears are worn. It just doesn't happen. I still say there was no reason to split the chain to fit it. Pulling the camshafts out to fit the endless chain is a far safer option (and really doesn't add that much time to the job).

[Bren_chch]

Where is ur bike now?

[laRIKin]

It would be highly unlikely that the cam gears are worn. It just doesn't happen. I still say there was no reason to split the chain to fit it. Pulling the camshafts out to fit the endless chain is a far safer option (and really doesn't add that much time to the job).

I agree with the cam gears being OK.

But on some bikes you have to break the chain to get it to fit.
Unless you want to pull the whole motor apart.
Not sure about it on this bike.
Just so some people do not get the wrong idea that never have to break the chain.

And the bottom sprocket can be part of the crank and to change it, that would be a total motor dismantle and a new crank.
If it can be replaced it is still could be a total motor pull apart and maybe have to split the crank shaft as well, if the sprocket is in the middle of the crank shaft.

What I can not under stand is the chain breaking in TWO places.
Once it has broken once the load is off the chain so should not break in a second place.

[Mikkel]

Where is ur bike now?

At Norjo's on the "operation table"...


I agree with the cam gears being OK.

But on some bikes you have to break the chain to get it to fit.
Unless you want to pull the whole motor apart.
Not sure about it on this bike.
Just so some people do not get the wrong idea that never have to break the chain.

And the bottom sprocket can be part of the crank and to change it, that would be a total motor dismantle and a new crank.
If it can be replaced it is still could be a total motor pull apart and maybe have to split the crank shaft as well, if the sprocket is in the middle of the crank shaft.

What I can not under stand is the chain breaking in TWO places.
Once it has broken once the load is off the chain so should not break in a second place.

The sprocket is at the righthand end of the crankshaft - I am uncertain about whether it is a replacable part though. As for the sprockets on the camshaft, these are part of the camshafts and changing them would mean new camshafts...

I am sure it is possible to install the camchain as an endless chain - but it would be a much larger job. However, the chain apparently didn't break at the spot where it was broken and reassembled.

As for the chain breaking two places - it is not unlikely that the chain had a primary failure and when it subsequently was thrown around inside the clutch cover it could have had a secondary failure. It certainly caused a bit of mayhem in there...

Anyway, I've attached some parts of the workshop service manual for the ZXR250. I've tried to illustrate how the crankcase kinda covers parts of the camchain and how that can complicate things when trying to insert an endless chain.

[Max Preload]

If you aint signed nothing saying repairs are done at your risk, then it's their job to do it properly and not having it fuck the rest of your bike! Even if you signed something there are laws that services are rendered within reasonable quality.

Indeed - they can't contract out of the provisions of the CGA, not that they'd neccessarily try.

They're human and make mistakes. Given the added pressure of the looming holiday and a desire to see the customer right beforehand they may have overlooked something (damned if I can think what though). However, a camchain snapping in 2 places, neither of them the joining link I find far fetched.

[awayatc]

However, a camchain snapping in 2 places, neither of them the joining link I find far fetched.

Cam chain snaps, camshaft stays where is with valves, piston hit valves, crankshaft still turns, but camshaft can't follow anymore so second break / same chain occurs....
Big question is : what caused first snap?.....
Maybe chain was to lose (tensioner faulty or lose?) and got either caught up, or whiplashed ( shockloading) full throttle onto a to slack chain..?.....either way, it is not the bike owners fault.
But not much is not possible in mechanical breakdowns.....(new "forensic" sort of T.V program...?;))
Good luck, and please let us know the final verdict and outcome..

[Mikkel]

Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen - but more so to have my bike back in working order!

Haven't heard anything so far - but they should open the shop on monday so I guess then something might start to happen.

[kneescraper]

Sorry to hear about your bike.

I look forward to hearing what the cause of the break was, I hope the shop isnt going to try to pull the wool over your eyes. Must suck not having a bike to ride over the hot christmas period.

Best of luck!

[Mikkel]

I had a chat to Gordon on the phone yesterday. Two valves have been bent, he couldn't find what had caused the failure and he reckoned that the bike could be back on the road by friday.

Guess I'll pop out and have a chat with him tomorrow sometime.

Damn I hope it'll be running as it was before!!!

[James Deuce]

That IS good news.

I have appendages crossed.

[Mikkel]

That IS good news.

I have appendages crossed.

Well, too good to be true it turns out...

Seems Kawasaki Japan haven't got too many genuine valves for '89 ZXR-250s lying around these days. So they've put the detectives on the case and are trying to track down a suitable pair for me.

So now I can only lean back and wait to see what happens. With appendages crossed every which way!

But I think the chance of me getting my bike back for the weekend is pretty damn slim :(

Why does the weather have to be so fucking beautiful as well - I can't even go for a run seeing as I twisted my ankle running in Able Tasman 3 days ago. FFS!

[skidMark]

Well, too good to be true it turns out...

Seems Kawasaki Japan haven't got too many genuine valves for '89 ZXR-250s lying around these days. So they've put the detectives on the case and are trying to track down a suitable pair for me.

So now I can only lean back and wait to see what happens. With appendages crossed every which way!

But I think the chance of me getting my bike back for the weekend is pretty damn slim :(

Why does the weather have to be so fucking beautiful as well - I can't even go for a run seeing as I twisted my ankle running in Able Tasman 3 days ago. FFS!


ring this fella

keith.... 021 160 7327 hes vfrona on trademe

he will have some second hand ones.

i have an old head....but well if my zxr ever needs valves...thats why ive kept it.

[Max Preload]

I presume they've done more than just remove the head to check for bent valves... a piston could have been cracked, a rod bent and with all the cam chain likely gathering at the bottom the crank sprocket would be damaged...

[Mikkel]

Cheers Mark. But I think I'll just let them handle all the work... It's annoying enough not to have my bike, but having to spend my time sorting it out as well, no way.


I presume they've done more than just remove the head to check for bent valves... a piston could have been cracked, a rod bent and with all the cam chain likely gathering at the bottom the crank sprocket would be damaged...

Well, I had a chat to him about it and he was of the opion that both the piston and the crank sprocket were ok. I told him right there that I hoped he was right and if anything else related to this job would arise down the road that I would be coming back... But I get a feeling he's quite keen to make sure it runs as well as it did before the camchain snapped. And, well, he should be!

The carbon deposits on the piston that kissed the valves have been scraped off - but nothing else to see.
The inside of camchain compartment has gotten some scrapes and two of the teeth on the crankshaft sproket has gotten a slight scrape as well.
Two of the valves are clearly stuffed, the rest of them seems to be sitting nice and tight where they are supposed to be.

[kneescraper]

This is good news isnt it.

2 valves, thats bugger all damage. I was expecting to be reading "2 of my pistons are damaged, my valves are bent and my internal casing is scratched up.

I hope the bike is still what it was before the cam chain snap...some times just knowing that there has been a major problem with the bike in the past can play on your mind.

Best of luck mate, cant wait to hear more about how its going.

[Mikkel]

How much time is gonna pass before I get my bike back I don't know... However, I am personally getting to the point where I put on my helmet in spite just because it's been too long. And no, they haven't got a loaner I can get my mitts on at the moment...

I miss riding quite a bit... :(

[Dave-]

heh, i could imagine you in your kit just sitting there...

you should chuck your kit on, go to the pub in the cage and have a beer, pretending and telling everyone about your bike and how you just got back from an epic ride...that'll make you feel better.

[Mikkel]

heh, i could imagine you in your kit just sitting there...

you should chuck your kit on, go to the pub in the cage and have a beer, pretending and telling everyone about your bike and how you just got back from an epic ride...that'll make you feel better.

I have thought about that...

But I have tried playing the role of the pretender before and it doesn't suit me. Still if the cage is available come wednesday I might just show up and join the fun nonetheless. Beats wearing your helmet to bed I guess...