Failed leak down test

[wogalucci]

Hey guys, the R1 has been running like a bag of poo for the last couple of weeks, finally took it to 5 star Yamaha to get it checked out and got the bad news this afternoon that it failed a leak down test with an estimated repair bill of half the bikes value!!!

To say I was devastated was an understatement, this is a bike that gets ridden everyday, washed and polished every fortnight and rarely seen the last 3/4 of the taco at all. Km have just hit 17,500 (08 model)

So first of all I'm seeking information of reputable places to speak to or take it to for a second opinion and secondly WTF surely these things should be lasting longer.

Anyway any information is appreciated!

[J.J]

K-Tec seem to have a very good reputation on PSB.

[BlackFZR]

Take it to a specialist....

Chain Reaction Motorcycles or K-tech are a good start.

Did they confirm it was the valves or the piston rings causing the loss of compression? Did they check the valve clearances?

I'd say they've just priced up a cost to replace everything, without actually doing any true analysis.

Speak to the two shops mentioned above, it shouldn't cost anywhere near 6K to fix it.

[wogalucci]

Thanks J.J & BlackFZR really appreciate it.

[GIXXEN]

You would get a low Kay motor from the states for less then 2k if it all goes tits anyway

[Joe Shabadoo]

learn from it.. the engine needs a teardown anyhow so you not gonna fuck it
remove/tear down.. free. find a manual on net, get lots of plastic bags and mark every part. a video camera also helps
if its rings... $100??
pistons shagged, you can get a piston kit ex US for about 500 i think..
cylinder walls fucked? go see harris engines in os. park for a bore/hone.. should be <500. if its fucked beyond their abilities, then its time for a new engine

when you put it all back together, replace the head gasket.. possible with a thinner one for a few more ponies... couple hundred?
while you at it, another couple hundred for all bottom end bearings and you've got a brand new motor (ex head)...

worst case.. 1500?

dealer is trying to fuck you without buying you a drink first

[Desmo]

Did they do the valve clearances at the last service?
When is a major due on one of these?

[Mr_Mike]

first thing i'd be doing is getting a second opinion and like already mentioned get the valve clearances checked. While not always the case some dealer mechs cars as well are not that skilled when it comes to internal engine work, as they spend most of their time doing the basic service anything outside that quickly gets put in the to hard basket.
Its also the fact that major engine work takes time, so why have a tech spend 1-2 weeks on one engine at $5000 when they can instead have them do 15-20 $500-1500 jobs. Easier just to try price the major work high enough to scare of customers

[thro]

should have bought a honda. 80,000+ km, valves still in spec

still runs properly too, gets no love, 15,000 rpm in first many times on the way to work.




but yeah, second the notion for a new motor from the states, and strip the old one and rebuild it as a side project as time permits with angry parts.

[jjgres]

Was it leaking out the intake/ exhaust ports or the crankcase?

[Arwon]

so whats half price? if its 4k i'll buy it for the other 4k.

Depending on colour of course

[98kellrs]

Yep get a second opinion from a specialist, I hate stealerships for the exact reason that they never investigate thoroughly enough and just throw massive quotes at you in the hope you'll be gullible enough to pay it. At the end of the day they are there to sell bikes, not fix them.

Worst case like someone else said, get a new motor from the states. I got an immaculate one for my CBR600RR for $1600, and less than $500 saw it installed and running again by a decent workshop. Failing that if you're mechanically minded pull the engine and investigate the issue for yourself.

[frenchie]

K-Tec would be where I'd go for the second opinion, he did a full rebuild of my 250 engine from the ground up for a little over a grand, running beaut ever since (just had another minor service too)

At the very least mate he is a great mechanic and I truely get that vibe from him that he's honest and not out to rip anyone off in the slightest, he'll respect your opinion, insight and knowledge and do right by you.

Ever told a mechanic what you've already done to try rememdy a problem and they get in a huff about "oh no you shouldnt do that, leave it to the professionals blah blah blah".... not Kamahl.

[robbo85]

Failed leak down test

Hey guys, the R1 has been running like a bag of poo for the last couple of weeks, finally took it to 5 star Yamaha to get it checked out and got the bad news this afternoon that it failed a leak down test with an estimated repair bill of half the bikes value!!!

I'm not overly excited about 5 star... Bought my xt there 5 months back - had a service receipt with it including brake pads and tyres done before they put it to the used bikes...
Rode it for a week - oil all over the engine and radiator, took it back and turns out they splashed a lot of oil on the radiator when doing the oil change, which started dripping out once hot.
2 weeks ago I noticed cracking on the sidewalls of my rear tyre (put on by them 6 months ago - and I check the pressure once a week) - their statement to the cracks: this is perfectly normal and 99% save - I wouldn't worry about it. But if it was the front tyre for sure we would change it under warranty, as it's not safe. They won't see me again!

--- Edit ---

Just saw the comment with the rehone - cost me 100 bucks at Harris for my single cyl 250. The guys there are very helpful, honest in their opinion of what needs doing and knowledgable + don't try to screw you over.

[Mr_Mike]

should have bought a honda. 80,000+ km, valves still in spec

still runs properly too, gets no love, 15,000 rpm in first many times on the way to work.


.

shame the same cant b said about honda dirt bikes