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wmg1299 · 04-13-2008, 08:59 PM

Went riding today on paved roads at reasonable speeds when my fork assembly came apart on the right side. I got home without any real problems other than a lot of fluid loss. None of the components look damaged and I can't figure out why this happened with no warning. Anyone else ever have this problem who can elaborate on how bad the damage is?
The bike is an 07 that I bought in November with 5000 miles on it. I've put just under 3000 miles on it, and it's still under warranty. I welcome opinions on if this could not be predicted, if it's completely my fault, or if the dealer should've been able to prevent this with a full inspection prior to sale.

The_AirHawk · 04-13-2008, 09:32 PM

Assuming the threads aren't all buggered - just ensure the proper amount of oil is in it, then re-assemble the fork.

The fork-cap wasn't quite tight-enough, and the lower triple-clamp was also a bit loose. The up-down-up-down of the fork stanchions (and the natural motion of the right-handed-coil of the spring winding up and down) caused it to rotate and unscrew-itself.

Make certain the lower clamp isn't cracked (inspect BOTH SIDES!), or worn/warped, and torque it to spec.

Instead of that; I just noticed you said it's still under Warranty - take it to the Dealer and have THEM do all this. Be Nice - it's not really something they could have forseen, but it's something that should have been checked by the Service Department.

Likely, they'll fall all-over themselves to please you, especially when you mention words like "I could have been Injured or Killed had I not been paying-attention and riding within my limits"."Potential Lawsuit", blah-blah-blah, etc. and so-forth. (NICELY! remember) I'd also have them look-over the rest of the bike, with particular attention to the suspension and drivetrain and wheels/axles.

You might even be able to get a free Farkle or an Oil-Change out of it, if you're a smooth-talker.

DEFINITELY keep an eye on these afterward, and at the first sign of this happening again (which it probably won't) take it back and INSIST on a new lower triple-clamp.

seruzawa · 04-14-2008, 05:56 AM

And when you get the bike back take some time and go around and check for any other loose fasteners.

Could have been that enterprising soul changed the fluid or put in a new fork seal and didn't retorque the fork.

Hey. That rhymes!

bbtowns · 04-14-2008, 02:10 PM

What Airhawk said (and Seruzawa), though you definitely lost some fork oil. They ought to change the fork oil for you at the dealership, god knows what got in there while you were riding. I'd push for them to examine the damping/internals/valve (depening on the type of fork) too. Metal shavings could play hell with a well tuned fork cartridge.

Kenneth_Moore · 04-14-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmg1299

Went riding today on paved roads at reasonable speeds when my fork assembly came apart on the right side. I got home without any real problems other than a lot of fluid loss.

Drink plenty of Gatorade to recover those fluids and you'll be fine.

wmg1299 · 04-14-2008, 07:09 PM

I appreciate the sound advice and explanation. I've posted in several forums, and have gotten more replies about lawsuits or accusations that I did it myself than helpful tips.

sarnali2 · 04-15-2008, 06:47 AM

Well see, we're profesionals here, not like those other wanker sites.....you stick with us son, you'll go far....

pushrod · 04-15-2008, 02:37 PM

Is it now time to advise him to soak the entire bike in warm salt water for three days?

WMG, when you get the bike back together, mark both tubes with a Sharpie (or grease pencil) right where the split in the tree is. Just a little mark, so you can see if the tube is rotating.

I'm betting the tree clamp bolt was loose.

wmg1299 · 04-19-2008, 08:59 AM

Just spoke witht he service dept. Apparently, there were no pinch bolts on the bottom of either fork. The right side just worked itself free first. They were very apologetic and professional and are looking into how this could've gotten through the pre-sale inspection.

sarnali2 · 04-19-2008, 02:38 PM

well good deal then, it's always best to try to resolve the problem first in a reasonable manner before you go throwing rocks through the windows.....

04-13-2008, 09:32 PM	#2
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,891	Assuming the threads aren't all buggered - just ensure the proper amount of oil is in it, then re-assemble the fork. The fork-cap wasn't quite tight-enough, and the lower triple-clamp was also a bit loose. The up-down-up-down of the fork stanchions (and the natural motion of the right-handed-coil of the spring winding up and down) caused it to rotate and unscrew-itself. Make certain the lower clamp isn't cracked (inspect BOTH SIDES!), or worn/warped, and torque it to spec. Instead of that; I just noticed you said it's still under Warranty - take it to the Dealer and have THEM do all this. Be Nice - it's not really something they could have forseen, but it's something that should have been checked by the Service Department. Likely, they'll fall all-over themselves to please you, especially when you mention words like "I could have been Injured or Killed had I not been paying-attention and riding within my limits"."Potential Lawsuit", blah-blah-blah, etc. and so-forth. (NICELY! remember) I'd also have them look-over the rest of the bike, with particular attention to the suspension and drivetrain and wheels/axles. You might even be able to get a free Farkle or an Oil-Change out of it, if you're a smooth-talker. DEFINITELY keep an eye on these afterward, and at the first sign of this happening again (which it probably won't) take it back and INSIST on a new lower triple-clamp. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now... Last edited by The_AirHawk : 04-13-2008 at 09:35 PM.

04-14-2008, 05:56 AM	#3
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	Like AirHawk said. And when you get the bike back take some time and go around and check for any other loose fasteners. Could have been that enterprising soul changed the fluid or put in a new fork seal and didn't retorque the fork. Hey. That rhymes! __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

04-14-2008, 02:10 PM	#4
bbtowns Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 531	What Airhawk said (and Seruzawa), though you definitely lost some fork oil. They ought to change the fork oil for you at the dealership, god knows what got in there while you were riding. I'd push for them to examine the damping/internals/valve (depening on the type of fork) too. Metal shavings could play hell with a well tuned fork cartridge. __________________ What kind of man can abandon his family like that? Seriously, who is he, I'd like lessons.

04-15-2008, 06:47 AM	#7
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,132	Well see, we're profesionals here, not like those other wanker sites.....you stick with us son, you'll go far.... __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "All the BMW riders in the room, I want you to leave. Now. Out. "

04-15-2008, 02:37 PM	#8
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	Is it now time to advise him to soak the entire bike in warm salt water for three days? WMG, when you get the bike back together, mark both tubes with a Sharpie (or grease pencil) right where the split in the tree is. Just a little mark, so you can see if the tube is rotating. I'm betting the tree clamp bolt was loose. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

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04-14-2008, 07:09 PM	#6
wmg1299 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4	I appreciate the sound advice and explanation. I've posted in several forums, and have gotten more replies about lawsuits or accusations that I did it myself than helpful tips.

04-19-2008, 08:59 AM	#9
wmg1299 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4	Just spoke witht he service dept. Apparently, there were no pinch bolts on the bottom of either fork. The right side just worked itself free first. They were very apologetic and professional and are looking into how this could've gotten through the pre-sale inspection.

04-19-2008, 02:38 PM	#10
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,132	well good deal then, it's always best to try to resolve the problem first in a reasonable manner before you go throwing rocks through the windows..... __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "All the BMW riders in the room, I want you to leave. Now. Out. "