Dealers that have repaired tickers?

[Joe Nardy]

I took my 'ticker' in last week to DGY in Downers Grove, Illinois for the TPS replacement and also told them to check out the engine noise. I didn't mention any knowledge of the ticking problem. The service manager told me he'd have a technician take a look at it and would call Yamaha to see if there was any knowledge of such an issue on the FJR.

I got a call back saying the TPS had been replaced but they hadn't done anything about the noise. The only suggestion was to have the 26,000 mile service done (even though the bike has under 18,000 miles on it) and see if that cured the problem. I was also told that they were unaware of any issue on FJRs. I was tempted to have them do the 26,000 maintenance and take it from there but I don't see why I should pay out for this. I'm going to ask what the next step is if they do the maintenance and it doesn't eliminate the noise just to see what the response will be.

But I then thought it might be nice to hand the service manager a list of dealers who have dealt with tickers so he can't deny the issue and maybe will even call a few to verify the problem. Plus, I think it will be easier for anyone else to have their problem resolved if they take it to a dealer that has already dealt with the problem.

Soooooo............. if anyone who has had a'ticker' repaired would please post as much info as possible (dealer name, address, phone number, service manager's name, etc.) about the dealer who repaired your bike I'll compile it all into a neat list and maintain it.

Thanks for your help,

Joe

 

[Toecutter]

Wilson's in Fresno, CA (service man. Dwayne) repaired mine at 18,000. First, Yamaha authorized them to do the clearance check, since it wasn't time yet (26,000). Then, when that didn't help, they got the OK to tear into the head and check valve guide clearance, which was excessive.

I would not pay for the clearance check, and find out who they spoke to up the ladder who denied the issue, if in fact they spoke to someone.

There is much info about the problem here for the searching. There's no great hurry, now that you've documented the noise with a service dept. Just make sure you get a record of it.

Check here under "Issues" for mucho reading material.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Joe,

I purchased my FJR from DGY back in '03. When I purchase the bike I also purchased a three year maintenance contract as I didn't know diddly about bike maintenance or feel comfortable with do-it-yerself maintenance.

I know specifically that the service writer Ed at DGY knows about the "ticker" issue as I have told him about it and sent him an email with the FJRForum thread that had a sound file of a bike with that noise. Tell him Mark from Wheaton sent it to him. Therefore, you should call back and speak with Ed. If you were talking to Ed - you should call him on the bulls**t. I actually live 2 blocks from Ed - in Wheaton - so he definitely knows me.

Also, did they "forget" to listen for the noise, or did they just claim that they didn't hear anything?

My bike was kind of making some noise around 8K(brought up by their mechanic- though I noticed it about 6K), but it didn't seem too bad at that point. I have 30K on the bike now - but the noise has not gotten any louder - and it is intermittent. Other FJR Owners have listened to it and said mine was not a ticker. People have said that if you have a ticker - you KNOW it - that it makes a definite racket. However, my thoughts have always been that maybe that is when the ticker is in the end stage so mine may be a ticker but just hasn't gotten to the end stage yet. Anyways, I have also read here on the forum that some bikes have had their timing chains replaced and that has quieted them down - so that may be the issue.

If I recall on the ticker threads, after excessive wear occurs, oil is seeping past and evidence of that is on the headers. Therefore, someone proposed pulling the headers and checking them for evidence of oil.

I am just giving this secondhand...You have probably checked the ticker threads...if not I would do that also.

 

[Joe Nardy]

Joe,I purchased my FJR from DGY back in '03. When I purchase the bike I also purchased a three year maintenance contract as I didn't know diddly about bike maintenance or feel comfortable with do-it-yerself maintenance.

I know specifically that the service writer Ed at DGY knows about the "ticker" issue as I have told him about it and sent him an email with the FJRForum thread that had a sound file of a bike with that noise. Tell him Mark from Wheaton sent it to him. Therefore, you should call back and speak with Ed. If you were talking to Ed - you should call him on the bulls**t. I actually live 2 blocks from Ed - in Wheaton - so he definitely knows me.

Also, did they "forget" to listen for the noise, or did they just claim that they didn't hear anything?

My bike was kind of making some noise around 8K(brought up by their mechanic- though I noticed it about 6K), but it didn't seem too bad at that point. I have 30K on the bike now - but the noise has not gotten any louder - and it is intermittent. Other FJR Owners have listened to it and said mine was not a ticker. People have said that if you have a ticker - you KNOW it - that it makes a definite racket. However, my thoughts have always been that maybe that is when the ticker is in the end stage so mine may be a ticker but just hasn't gotten to the end stage yet. Anyways, I have also read here on the forum that some bikes have had their timing chains replaced and that has quieted them down - so that may be the issue.

If I recall on the ticker threads, after excessive wear occurs, oil is seeping past and evidence of that is on the headers. Therefore, someone proposed pulling the headers and checking them for evidence of oil.

I am just giving this secondhand...You have probably checked the ticker threads...if not I would do that also.

Mark,

Thanks for the info. Ed is the guy I've been dealing with at DGY. I am going to verify that they acknowledge the noise. Obviously this won't go anywhere if they claim they don't hear it.

Joe

 

[wheatonFJR]

Mark,
Thanks for the info. Ed is the guy I've been dealing with at DGY. I am going to verify that they acknowledge the noise. Obviously this won't go anywhere if they claim they don't hear it.

Joe

That is quite dissapointing to hear . Ed was a very pleasant guy to deal with. I didn't get a feeling of trust at DGY, but I felt that since I "knew" Ed that somehow I would be able to get the straight scoop.

I see he has gone to the dark side <_< ...

I guess this is a verification that DGY is not to be trusted and should be reported to the dealer review section :assassin: ...

 

[Joe Nardy]

Mark,

Thanks for the info. Ed is the guy I've been dealing with at DGY. I am going to verify that they acknowledge the noise. Obviously this won't go anywhere if they claim they don't hear it.

Joe

That is quite dissapointing to hear . Ed was a very pleasant guy to deal with. I didn't get a feeling of trust at DGY, but I felt that since I "knew" Ed that somehow I would be able to get the straight scoop.

I see he has gone to the dark side <_< ...

I guess this is a verification that DGY is not to be trusted and should be reported to the dealer review section :assassin: ...

Mark,

Ed seems like a decent guy and I'm going to be as nice as possible as long as he is willing to keep moving forward. Hopefully this will get resolved without it getting too ugly.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Ignacio]

You haven't mentioned whether you've personally distinguished the noise as a general tick noise or "the tick" that's characterized more as a metallic type of noise or steak knives on a metal table?

 

[wheatonFJR]

...SNIP...But I then thought it might be nice to hand the service manager a list of dealers who have dealt with tickers so he can't deny the issue and maybe will even call a few to verify the problem. Plus, I think it will be easier for anyone else to have their problem resolved if they take it to a dealer that has already dealt with the problem.
Soooooo............. if anyone who has had a'ticker' repaired would please post as much info as possible (dealer name, address, phone number, service manager's name, etc.) about the dealer who repaired your bike I'll compile it all into a neat list and maintain it.

Thanks for your help,

Joe

I forgot to mention Joe...compiling this list would be a GREAT service to the FJR community. Thanks for stepping forward and volunteering...

To those who have had the "ticker" repair...SEND your information to JOE!!!

This will help others of the community in need...

 

[Joe Nardy]

You haven't mentioned whether you've personally distinguished the noise as a general tick noise or "the tick" that's characterized more as a metallic type of noise or steak knives on a metal table?

I've listened to the sound bytes and I'm pretty sure it is "the tick". I spoke to the service manager again today. He acknowledged there is an abnormal sound so the first hurdle has been cleared. He still suggested doing the 26,000 mile service at my expense. I told him if they do the 26,000 service and it fixes the problem I'd be willing to pay for the service but if it didn't I shouldn't have to pay. I really don't agree with having to pay at all because if there is a valve clearance problem 8,000 miles before the first Yamaha recommended service something must be wrong. But I'm very doubtful it will fix the problem so I offered it up to show I'm willing to give a bit. He is going to call Yamaha on Monday and ask if there are any known issues. I'm curious to see what their response will be. Regardless, once he calls Yamaha there will be a service ticket opened so I'll have something to refer to if/when I have to call Yamaha.

I also went to another dealer today (Chicago Cycle) and asked a couple of their service techs if they have heard of the ticking issue and they also calimed to be unaware of any issue.

I'll keep you all posted about my progress. In the meantime, please send me the names of any dealers you know of that have repaired 'tickers'.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[drc32-0]

Joe,

I had my ticker repaired at Doug Kane's in Zanesville Ohio.Their number is 740 452-5438.Doug set it all up with one call to Yamaha-they are definitely aware of the problem!My FJR was out of warranty(30 months old,34000 miles),Yamaha fixed it with no questions asked.It sounds and rides great again.I have the work order,if you want a copy send me a pm and I'll send you a copy if you think it might help.Good luck.

Keep trying-when I told the dealer that sold me the bike that I had a problem he said,"You've been reading to much on the internet."Guess where I'll buy my next bike?

 

[Joe Nardy]

Joe,I had my ticker repaired at Doug Kane's in Zanesville Ohio.Their number is 740 452-5438.Doug set it all up with one call to Yamaha-they are definitely aware of the problem!My FJR was out of warranty(30 months old,34000 miles),Yamaha fixed it with no questions asked.It sounds and rides great again.I have the work order,if you want a copy send me a pm and I'll send you a copy if you think it might help.Good luck.

Keep trying-when I told the dealer that sold me the bike that I had a problem he said,"You've been reading to much on the internet."Guess where I'll buy my next bike?

Thanks for the info. I've added Doug Kane Motorsports to the list I'm compiling. I just don't understand why all dealers don't take care of their customers like Doug Kane.......................perhaps I'll be buying my next bike from him too.

Thanks again,

Joe

 

[FJRMGM]

Tejas Motorsports in Highlands TX, 281-843-8591 fixed my '05 ticker at 18k miles.

Talk to David - service mgr. Just saw him at the motorcycle show in Houston this weekend and he told me they are going to look at a suspected ticker from Lousiana.

They did good work with absolutely no hassle on mine. They did have to do a valve clearance check first per Yamaha - just to make sure.

Please to report mine is still running strong at 37.8k miles.

 

[Rockbyter]

I know it's not in your neck of the woods but....

White Brothers

201-209 Northgate

Darlington

Co. Durham

England

DL1 1UE

+44 (0)1325 466422

Did mine just last month, Yamaha supplied the parts and as far as I know they paid for the labour also. Bike is 2004 with 23,000 miles on it. They also did the TPS last Friday.

Jerry

 

[Joe Nardy]

Tejas Motorsports in Highlands TX, 281-843-8591 fixed my '05 ticker at 18k miles.
Talk to David - service mgr. Just saw him at the motorcycle show in Houston this weekend and he told me they are going to look at a suspected ticker from Lousiana.

They did good work with absolutely no hassle on mine. They did have to do a valve clearance check first per Yamaha - just to make sure.

Please to report mine is still running strong at 37.8k miles.

I know it's not in your neck of the woods but....
White Brothers

201-209 Northgate

Darlington

Co. Durham

England

DL1 1UE

+44 (0)1325 466422

Did mine just last month, Yamaha supplied the parts and as far as I know they paid for the labour also. Bike is 2004 with 23,000 miles on it. They also did the TPS last Friday.

Jerry

Thanks, Guys. I'll add them to the list..........

Joe

 

[FJRay]

Skagit Power Sports NW Wash. 360-757-7999

 

[Joe Nardy]

Okay guys, here's what I have so far:

Yamaha Dealers That Have Repaired Ticking FJRs

Wilson’s Motorcycles

443 Broadway

Fresno, CA 93721

559-237-0215

Service Technician: Dwayne

Doug Kane Motorsports

303 W Monroe St

Zanesville, OH 43701

740-452-5438

Tejas Motorsports

737 S. Main St.

Highlands, TX 77562

281-843-8591

Service Manager: David

Skagit Powersports

1645 Walton Dr.

Burlington, WA 98233

360-757-7999

White Brothers

201-209 Northgate

Darlington

Co. Durham

England

DL1 1UE

+44 (0)1325 466422

Please keep them coming. The more references we have the easier it will be for members to get their tickers repaired!

Thanks,

Joe

 

[nick]

Hi Guys,

I am about to get my first FJR and have been lurking for about a year - I was under the impression (from my liited reading) that the ticker problem was confined to model years up to 2003 - perhaps incorrectly.

As I am about to view my first potential purchase, (a 2005 model) can anyone confirm whether this is still possibly a ticker, or the above is the case ? The bike has only done 9000 miles so maybe hasn't developed it yet ?

Any other points to ask, or look for, specifically ?

Thanks,

Nick

 

[vtcornercarver]

Skagit Power Sports NW Wash. 360-757-7999

Ray's Yamaha

Greenfield, Ma

Tim is the head wrench man

 

[Remmos]

Montgomery (Alabama) Honda Yamaha repaired my ticker. Steven Masters was my contact in service dept.

Jeff