So...this is my kids first bike and it's an awesome little bike. He's not a small person (6'5" and 170lbs) and has been riding the hell out of it. Put on about 6K miles in the first couple of months. He rides fairly aggressively but does not beat on the bike (no wheelies or burnouts)...basically riding it like I would expect a sport bike to be ridden. I am an experienced rider and have ridden with him for about 2K miles and he has become a solid rider. Already been through the stock Rossi rear tire (using ALL of the tread!) and just replaced with a Battlax. Good times and a REALLY FUN bike but...
Here is the tally of mntc issues since new in late Aug:
1. Oil leak...rubber grommet for crank case vent was not fully inserted into casing from factory. FIXED (warranty)
2. Left side fairing developed crack at mounting hardware after 200 miles...FIXED (warranty)
3. Clutch went after 5K miles. I partially blame my kid for not realizing the adjustment was out a bit which allowed it to slip. When he told me something was up and readjustment was not successful-it was toasted...Replaced clutch ($700 total)
4. Today he called me broken down with an overheating issue...looks like head gasket. Bringing it back to dealer for more warranty work/replacement.
Not a good track record for a little over 3 months and 6K miles...the whole idea is to RIDE not WRENCH. I do much of my own work on my bikes and cars...I'm not impressed with reliabilty of this model.
He was all about getting a Yamaha R6 for his first bike...I said NO FREAKIN WAY is that a starter bike so we picked out the little RC 390 for him to learn on. After 6K miles I feel he is ready to move up.
Once the head gasket gets replaced it's going up for sale and we are moving on.
Here is the tally of mntc issues since new in late Aug:
1. Oil leak...rubber grommet for crank case vent was not fully inserted into casing from factory. FIXED (warranty)
2. Left side fairing developed crack at mounting hardware after 200 miles...FIXED (warranty)
3. Clutch went after 5K miles. I partially blame my kid for not realizing the adjustment was out a bit which allowed it to slip. When he told me something was up and readjustment was not successful-it was toasted...Replaced clutch ($700 total)
4. Today he called me broken down with an overheating issue...looks like head gasket. Bringing it back to dealer for more warranty work/replacement.
Not a good track record for a little over 3 months and 6K miles...the whole idea is to RIDE not WRENCH. I do much of my own work on my bikes and cars...I'm not impressed with reliabilty of this model.
He was all about getting a Yamaha R6 for his first bike...I said NO FREAKIN WAY is that a starter bike so we picked out the little RC 390 for him to learn on. After 6K miles I feel he is ready to move up.
Once the head gasket gets replaced it's going up for sale and we are moving on.