Sweet little starter adv bike for someone

[Waihou Thumper]

No I'm just going putting 2 and 2 together. I was reading on another thread (advrider I think) about another XR with a similar issue and realising that they don't have a cush hub so it makes sense that the countershaft spline and gearbox would take a lot of wear

So....You bought one and rode it for a few thousand Kms.....realised it wasn't for you and then the 'skilled mechanics' did some work and it was all tickity boo...
BUT, in reality the bike and the shaft was poked....(what sort of skills does the mechanic have...Huh?)...Just enquiring...

[CRM]

So....You bought one and rode it for a few thousand Kms.....realised it wasn't for you and then the 'skilled mechanics' did some work and it was all tickity boo...

Yep - Whangarei Yamaha
BUT, in reality the bike and the shaft was poked....(what sort of skills does the mechanic have...Huh?)...Just enquiring...

Other work they had done for me was great and the mechanic used to race XR600's - I can't blame them for the spline - that was just wear and tear - but if I had still had the bike and realised that there was a problem with the rebore (which I had no idea about) of course I would have taken it back to them and expected it to be put right (I'm assuming Dino's mechanic is correct and not just blame-shifting). If it really was that bad workmanship I would recommend the mechanic or Dino contact Whangarei Yamaha themselves and they may get some recourse. I think they would like to preserve their good reputation. I seem to remember sending a copy of the invoice to Dino.

[johannvr]

Sorry guys - was just kinda inbetween stuff that I saw the posts and replied - since then been trying to figure out how to upload pics ... seem to be getting close to getting it into me thick skull

Yes, 1994 model & I will have to just sit back & think about $ for a bit, but it'd be reasonable. I bought it July 2008 from the first owner & have hardly done 3000 kms since then - not looking to make a killing out of selling, but rather just to get out of the monthly payment to keep the better half quiet. It's also got a Scottoiler fitted, which I forgot to mention earlier

Lemme think about it a bit - will get back to you

I have NO idea where & why I got on to the 1994 bit - twice ... I think I may have had a very dumb day yesterday. Yep - 2004 model, NOT 1994 ...

[junkmanjoe]

. I think I may have had a very dumb day yesterday..

dont worry mate,,we all have them now and again...

JMJ

[tri boy]

(I'm assuming Dino's mechanic is correct and not just blame-shifting).

I don't "blame shift"!
Neither does the engine machinist/business owner at Waikato Engine Rebuilders.
We both have been round long enough to read engine internals without using emotive swings.
Tolerances, wear indicators and metal fatique does not require such "skills". they are not in my skill set when assessing engine damage. Some might use words more "skillfully" than me though. I just tell it as I see it.
The spline wear may or may not have been seen by pevious mechanics.
But I sure have hell noticed it very quickly.
Most issues related to countershaft spline wear is poor maintenance regarding the sproket retainer, or cheap sprokets that advertise "long life".
These sprockets are very hard on splines, and are a false economy.
Moral of story. Check components regularly, and don't be fooled by snake oil advertising. MHO

[warewolf]

Most issues related to countershaft spline wear is poor maintenance regarding the sproket retainer, or cheap sprokets that advertise "long life".
These sprockets are very hard on splines, and are a false economy.

What's the story there? Not that I buy cheap stuff since as you say it is usually false economy. Just curious as to why.

[CRM]

I don't "blame shift"!
Neither does the engine machinist/business owner at Waikato Engine Rebuilders.
We both have been round long enough to read engine internals without using emotive swings.
Tolerances, wear indicators and metal fatique does not require such "skills". they are not in my skill set when assessing engine damage. Some might use words more "skillfully" than me though. I just tell it as I see it.
The spline wear may or may not have been seen by pevious mechanics.
But I sure have hell noticed it very quickly.
Most issues related to countershaft spline wear is poor maintenance regarding the sproket retainer, or cheap sprokets that advertise "long life".
These sprockets are very hard on splines, and are a false economy.
Moral of story. Check components regularly, and don't be fooled by snake oil advertising. MHO

So maybe it's worth yourself or Dino making a call to Jamie (the manager) at Whangarei Yamaha - I think they sent it out to get rebored, not sure where - but if their work was inferior I'm sure they should know and if it was outwork they need to know that. I'm happy to email you a copy of the invoice if that would help, and maybe I could go in and have a talk to them too but probably best coming first-hand from another mechanic.

The sprocket was with the bike as a spare when I bought it but another one was on it so really don't know what the quality was. I changed it back just after I got it to gear it down a bit and didn't see any noticeable wear at that stage (but I'm not a mechanic - maybe someone with more experience would have spotted it then - dunno). That was about 10 months before I sold it to Mark/Dino.

[tri boy]

What's the story there? Not that I buy cheap stuff since as you say it is usually false economy. Just curious as to why.

Like most things, not all after market sprockets are equal.
Some use very hard material that dominates the wearing procedure. (wears the spline due mismatched metal grades, also the tolerances between the shaft and sprocket spline can be excessive).
Even rubber seals can easily wear grooves into shaft surfaces on all sorts of machinery. Thats why Speedy Sleeves were invented. Mismatching components is a common cause of wear and failure across the mechanical world.

With regards to outwork and any assistance from either the borer, or the m/cycle shop, I would be willing to send an email to either for their opinion on the situation. (especially the backyard repair done to the cam chain tensioner. ie: stick weld the broken bit, and the use of non shouldered cam sprocket retainer bolts of a much lower grade), but alas, I have dealt with this type of issue before, and unless they get the oppotunity to strip n inspect themselves, you get no where. I am willing to send pics to them of the tensioner and bolts in an email, but (and I am taking libities here with Dino), doubt that he would want me to pack the sorry mess up and send it to them , so they can patch it up again.
I do not want this to turn into a shit fight with previous owners or bike shops, but consider this CRM, you paid good money for professional repairs and less than 5000km down the track, the engine is in a sorry way. If anyone should be annoyed, it's you. Your reputation as the previous owner has been tarnished.

[CRM]

Just relisted the XL250 - here

On an auction this time hoping to get some more action.

[dino3310]

Well, where do i start, where to i start. Well heres the deal from where im standing, i bought/swapped for a bike that had unforseen at the time a worn counter shaft, 400 odd klms and we discovered engine problems, stripped motor and found alot of engine damage, lucky the tell tale signs where picked up before she blew.
A. the bike was second hand with no guaranties, i made the decision to get it no one else, i got over my missfortune and coughed up for parts and bike will be up and running soon, at the end of the day i just wanna ride asap. My problem.

B. Has been 5000klm since rebuild so im not chasing an imaginary warrenty, never mind the time f@cking around getting the bike up there to get assessed etc.
im not going to comment in a public forum on any shop or mechanic in Question, And if your(crm) are worried about preserving their good reputation, stop naming them .

C. No doubt mark is pi#@ed of cause he sold a mate a peice of and hes not happy about it, thats why hes asking questions,
ive asked my questions and received the info i needed.
no matter what i thought about the hole debarkle im OVER IT i just wanna ride.
The counter shaft thing makes ground for a good thread so am gonna start one.
i believe the thread was "Sweet little starter adv bike for someone" before it was hijacked.
you to fellas can carry on if ya like but stop the naming.

[CRM]

Yeah good points Dino - I guess I was just getting a little defensive as I felt I was being accused of passing on a bike that I knew was defective which I certainly didn't. As I said I've had a good relationship with the guys at the shop and probably shouldn't have mentioned their names in a public forum. I'm sure you'll get a million dollars of fun out of the bike once its sorted. Nuff said by me.

Now someone buy my bikes please...

[junkmanjoe]

too late now the whole world can read it..............put it all behind ya, and get out and ride....

dino mate, your steed be going before easter weekend...as im coming your way mate...

JMJ

[warewolf]

Some use very hard material that dominates the wearing procedure. (wears the spline due mismatched metal grades, also the tolerances between the shaft and sprocket spline can be excessive).
Even rubber seals can easily wear grooves into shaft surfaces on all sorts of machinery.

Ta, that's kinda what I suspected.

Most axle spacers are horribly grooved by the seals. The KTM aficionados suggest replacing the spacers at every bearing/seal change, 'cos they're only a few bucks (alloy). Some even keener people sell stainless spacers (or stainless sleeved alloy) as a more durable part.