Breakdown & AA....

[Rob]

Decided to stop at the chippy last night on my way home from work. When I came out I switched on the ignition, it light up as normal then everything went dark as I tried to start it. A quick check of the obvious told me that there was no way I could get it going so I called the AA.

They told me 80 minutes (This was 2245ish, not a busy time I would have thought!) so I was pleased when a local breakdown truck arrived about 40 minutes later. Surprised when it was a 7.5 ton low loader though!

Anyway, the guy got my bike onto the back and strapped it to the bulkhead. I was pretty dubious but he assured me he was a biker and used to work for Aprilia so I left him to it.

When I got home a quick check showed me the RH fairing was cracked and one of the rear seat cowl fixings was ripped right off where he had dragged the back of the bike around. OK I admit my bikes not in the best of condition as I use it through the winter now, but I've had it since new and his lack of care really annoyed me.

The damage was noted on the form he signs and he assures me his boss will phone tomorrow (he wanted to fix it himself with a bit of plastic glue!!) so we will see what happens, but I suppose it's hard to prove the damage wasn't already there. If I'm not happy I'll phone the AA complaints line and see how far that gets me.

The battery is dead, so will get a new one this weekend and hopefully that is all that's wrong. It is 6 years old so has done well really. Never changed the rectifier/regulator either so I'll need to check that once it's started.

Really pissed off with the AA though - been a member since 1990, but probably the 1st time I've used them in the last 10 years! Could be the year to change.....

[sirch345]

That's not the first time I've heard something like that happening. Stick to your guns and don't be fobbed off.
It sounds like the vehicle they supplied was not suitable for carrying a bike, either that or the guy didn't fasten it on properly, as not to cause any damage.

Good luck with it,

Chris.

PS. Have a look at the rectifier before fitting the new battery, if it's the original non finned type and has packed up, there will be most likely tell-tale signs 9melted or burn marks or both) on the face of it.

[Rob]

Thanks for the advice, will check the rectifier first.

Two more pieces of advice if you don't mind - David Silver spares lists a genuine Honda chain and sprocket set for £113.85 inc VAT which seems pretty good, or is it worth paying a little extra for an 'X' ring one? I'm still on the original after nearly 13,000 miles (Scottoiler fitted) and there's a bit of life in it yet.

Also, where's the cheapest place to get front discs? (Or a decent non-Honda replacement) I've seen some cheap chinese ones on eBay but think that will probably be a waste of money. MOT tester last year gave me an advisory on 'Inconsistent brake force' so I wan't to change them before the MOT this april (I'll probably put the old ones back after, get some more wear out of them, they feel fine to me!)

Lots of expense all at once at the moment, hopefully that will be it for another couple of years :-)

Thanks,

Rob.

[Wicky]

Ouch! I've been carted twice by recovery on the Storm (CCT implosion & puncture) both times no damage

You've got the post recovery inspection form, so you have that to back you up. Take some time /dated photos just in case ASAP. Did the straps go over/near the body work? Get an estimate from Dave Silvers for replacing the bunken bits.

Still easy to fix http://superhawkforum.com/forums/showth ... ABS+cement If you want to continue using the fairing get a fine drill bit and drill the ends of the cracks to stop them spreading.

Concur on checking/replacing RR along with battery as if you don't you'll likely fry the new battery.

I'd recommend splashing out on an X-Ring chain (two points of contact sealing grease in & crap out) Plus, look what happened to Challenger with O-Rings fitted! http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_abou ... chains.htm

Use this to find the Honda part no. you need:

http://fiche.ronayers.com/Index.cfm/Mod ... RONT_WHEEL

And copy 'n' paste the no to find the OE price:

http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/part ... rt-number/

For comparison M&P: EBC disk (each) = £99.49

wemoto.com disk (each) = £112.55 - £122.96!

[bikerpiker]

I bought my last chan n sprocket kit here...

http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/pr ... INA-CZ-Kit

X-ring £90 , and X-ring Gold for £95 ,seems quite good value

Not sure about the discs you mention from China ,whether its worth taking a chance on them,especially where brakes are concerned,..mind you,China produces a lot of decent stuff these days

[Stratman]

Have used RAC on several ocassions on both FireStorm (CCT & R/R) and TDM (shagged tyre) and I can't speak highly enough of them. I pay for the get you home etc service and it ain't cheap, but I've certainly had my money's worth over the years

[Rob]

It's taken a while, but after an independant inspection the AA today sent a letter saying they will agree to the repairs and will send a cheque when I send a receipt for parts. Looks like I'm out of pocket for nearly £600 until they pay up!

I'm just glad it was cosmetic damage and not anything that stopped me using my bike, the amount of time it's taken.

Still, all's well that ends well - and they get off fairly lightly as I will buy the parts and fit myself, so they have no labour costs.