Con Rod Surprise

[Zowghi]

Hi OcUK,

Now I’m no expert on the internals of motorcycle engines, but yesterday evening on my commute home, I was paid a surprise visit by what I think is/was my connecting rod. It appears to have wanted to pop through the engine casing to say hello!

NSFL Bike Gore:

Spoiler

I’m obviously gutted and sad to see my first big bike go, but what do I do now?

Has anyone had to deal with anything like this before, and what’s the best way to proceed? Get someone to strip it and take a look (I imagine the internal damage is huge)? Sell it as spares? Put a new engine in it?

I have no idea of the cost, effort, or reward of any of these options so your advice would be a big help right now.

Thanks OcUK

 

[Zowghi]

Thanks for your advice up to now, it’s actually made me feel a lot better (even knowing someone got a giggle out of it!)

It is my 2012 Kawasaki ER6f, and has done a little over 20,000 miles. It was registered in the first half of 2012 so it’s about 3.5 years old. I think it was a demo bike, and then belonged to the woman I bought it off. I’ve not yet been home to have a look through the paperwork, but there’s an outside chance it could have the extended warranty (If the dealer offered it when selling it as a demo, she bought it, and I just happen to have not noticed the paperwork in the folder…. But a man can hope!)

It had an oil & filter change less than 1,000 miles back and the level was in the centre of the window. While I’ve had it, it’s had a pretty easy life, I don’t let it rev (usually changing up at 6-7,000) as it spends its days going in and out of Central London.

When It gave way I was doing about 60 and it just lost power, some smoke as the oil hit the down pipes, but all rather undramatic I’m afraid.

Thanks for the link wazza, looking through the sold items; the average price seems to be between £650-850 which does seem quite reasonable. Then there’s labour and what it would be worth post-engine swap to consider.

A quick search seems to show that the engine numbers can be swapped on the V5C, but I don’t know how people would react to a swapped engine. Would it devalue the bike? Or be a nice little selling point that the engine has fewer miles on it?

I'll report back after looking through the paperwork tonight, I'll call some breakers and see if I can get in touch with Kawasaki. Thanks again!

 

[Zowghi]

Update

I've spoken to Kawasaki customer services, and they've confirmed that the bike is out of warranty. However they've said I should get a Kawasaki mechanic to take a look (at my expense) and if it's found to be caused by a manufacturing issue, they will "see how they can assist".

So this is kinda good news but it's not clear what they would do, they could sell me a new engine and knock £20 or they could fix it all free. The guy wouldn't comment on what they would do IF it was a manufacturing problem.

My 2nd concern is what decides if it's a manufacturing problem? I’m certain that it had the correct amount and right type of oil, but I don’t know what can cause this type of failure. What should I be asking the mechanic and how could I have caused the con rod to break?