Exhaust valves on backorder

[Toecutter]

Well, yesterday I was told that the exhaust valves are on backorder. Seems the factory may have underestimated the amount needed to make all the necessary repairs. I don't imagine they keep a ton of extra motor parts around for five year-old bikes. Gonna be interesting to find out when my local service dept. will finally get some in.

If you're in the unfortunate position of having a ticker repaired, please post here your experience with parts (in particular, exhaust valve) procurement. I'm wondering if this is a temporary supply shortage or a bigger problem, like having to wait for the '06's to all be built before some more spare parts become available. In the meantime, I'll be trying to get more info to share.

 

[radman]

They were short of headgaskets when they did WC's-going on 2 years ago. They are always short of something. However, there are different types of shortages (ie backorders), it's important to note the distinctions. There is a local back order-meaning the first line of supply is out, it would then write to the next level, and so on. I don't know Yamis distribution hierarchy, but most motor manufactureres will have it thusly-store, then local wharehouse feeding a group of stores like perhaps a 5 state area, then a parts plant feeding the local wharehouses, then maybe 2 national main plants, then home base (Nippon). A back order can consist of a failure anywhere along the chain to provide needed components-but it doesn't necessarily mean a major wait. Most parts orders write to the closest 1st wh, then if 0'd starts writing up the chain. Only the dreaded FACTORY BACK ORDER need be really feared, this means someone has to make some, which can take ages, especially if a re-design is afoot.

rad, Parts God Extraordinaire

Edit-you can help the process by finding out what they are short of, and locating the parts yourself. Some distribution chains will do this, using a vip code, but not all. I recall when WC put out the call for a headgasket, several popped up from people willing to call locally, and his came from Canada IIRC.

 

[exskibum]

Bob -- it seems pretty clear to me that you need more bikes.

I have two in various stages of deconstruction in the garage and am just about to hop on the third (the '03 XX) to go for a pre-storm ride. Gonna start putting the '97 XX back together in the next few days (still waiting for those GB Carrozzeria wheels for the '03 to do a tire swap) before putting it up for sale. It'd make an awfully nice black star fighter alternative to that Cerrulean battle cruiser that is still in the hospital. :aaevil:

Really sorry to hear about the ticking and backorder problem. Thank God it's not mid summer for a replay of Skyway's bikeless ordeal.

 

[Toecutter]

Bob -- it seems pretty clear to me that you need more bikes. 

True story. Well, maybe not need so much as should have.

I have two in various stages of deconstruction in the garage and am just about to hop on the third (the '03 XX) to go for a pre-storm ride.  Gonna start putting the '97 XX back together in the next few days (still waiting for those GB Carrozzeria wheels for the '03 to do a tire swap) before putting it up for sale.  It'd make an awfully nice black star fighter alternative to that Cerrulean battle cruiser that is still in the hospital.  :aaevil:  

Only problem is that it's a Honda. Not running the brand down, just allergic to the Honda dealer local to me. If my bike quit running (fat chance) in their parking lot, I'd tow it the 10 miles needed to get to the other (non Honda-stocking) local dealership for service. So, my second bike choices are sadly limited by geography. Besides, I can barely afford to adorn one bike with the accessories it deserves. It's not like I'm a lawyer or something. With public service comes some sacrifice (lower budget) and some benefits (more leisure time).

Really sorry to hear about the ticking and backorder problem.  Thank God it's not mid summer for a replay of Skyway's bikeless ordeal.

Not to mention the great fortune of a local dealer that has prior (and favorable) ticker repair history. I would have hated to have to wait until 26,000 miles came along (probably early summer), then have to take it 200+ miles out of town for service. As it is now, I will have another 26,000 before having to pay for outside labor. Gotta keep looking for those silver linings!

Edit-you can help the process by finding out what they are short of, and locating the parts yourself.  Some distribution chains will do this, using a vip code, but not all. 

Edit- Thanks for the tip. I'll give that a try as well.

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

Sh%t. Mine has been torn down for about two weeks. They said this week they were waiting for the head to be returned. I din't ask about the parts. Guess I will on Monday.

 

[twowheelnut]

Bob -- it seems pretty clear to me that you need more bikes. 

Oh, c'mon! That's too easy!

Edit: PM Brundog... His bike needs some mileage! :haha:

 

[Toecutter]

Update- Called Gary Mc Coy this morning. He said the valves are on backorder nationwide and wouldn't be available until 3/10.

A call to the service facility brought no info, as Cindy is off today and nobody else knows what she does.

So I called customer service, explained the problem, also asked about a loaner. :dribble:

They told me the valves are on a priority basis, so they MAY be in a couple of days before the 10th. And

on the loaner issue. I could probably press the issue with the dealer, IF I had bought the bike from them. One of the downsides of buying used.

So, it's beginning to look alot more like no bike for at least most of March.

Still, no reason to be pissed (mad-wise) but this kinda blows. There should be a better supply of ticker repair parts available, but since it's not officially an issue I guess there is no parts shortage either. The lady at Cypress sounded like it was the first time she's heard of "excessive exhaust valve guide wear".

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

Called my dealer and his order didn't show a backorder for the parts to fix my ticker. Their order went in a few weeks ago. Maybe I beat the b/o. But then again maybe not. We shall see.

 

[Toecutter]

Called my dealer and his order didn't show a backorder for the parts to fix my ticker. Their order went in a few weeks ago. Maybe I beat the b/o. But then again maybe not. We shall see.

You lucky SOB. You got the last remaining valves in the US.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Toecutter, you need a backup ride!

here's one

Ready for another one!

Who cares if it tics for $695

Low mileage but no good for up...not sure kevlar is needed

No reason to miss our 3/18 ride!

 

[fretbender]

Toecutter wrote:

Well, yesterday I was told that the exhaust valves are on backorder.

That pretty much sucks that you're without your ride for 3 weeks, but I do want to say thanks for the heads up. I had my bike scheduled to go in for the repair on 3/4. When I saw your post I thought it might be a good idea to check on the status of the back-order before I drive 200 miles to the dealer for repairs. They checked on it and said estimated availability from the factory is 3/15. They're gonna call me and reschedule when the parts are on hand. Thanks for taking that bullet for me Toecutter. :clap: Aside from that, I hope everything else goes well for you on this deal.

 

[slapnpop]

Toecutter, you need a backup ride!
here's one

Ready for another one!

Who cares if it tics for $695

I've got a radian, sans carbs, in the garage!

It's the pillion's bike. It's a zippy little ride, but it feels like a toy to me after riding the FJR.

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

I would get it in so they have it torn apart and the head reconditioned. If they send it out which they probably will it takes up to two weeks. By then the parts will be here and then they can whip it right out. I am still waiting. Mines has been in since 2/3/06 and still no parts or head. Ordered parts around 2/8. Dealer said no B/O but still no parts.

 

[Toecutter]

I would get it in so they have it torn apart and the head reconditioned. If they send it out which they probably will it takes up to two weeks. By then the parts will be here and then they can whip it right out.

But doesn't the machine shop need the valves to seat them properly? That's what I was lead to believe by what the dealer said.

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

I thought my dealer said they did that in house after the head came back but then I really didn't ask the whoe procedure. I will find out more tomorrow.