Kawasaki 1400 GTR

1400 GTR - All Models => 1400GTR Discussion => Topic started by: 2kwacks on July 17, 2012, 02:12:25 PM

Title: mudgaurd update!
Post by: 2kwacks on July 17, 2012, 02:12:25 PM
As you know I recently found a 2 inch split in the front mudgaurd, it was straight up the middle and started from the very tip. the split was hardly noticable and only came to light when I polished the mudgaurd and the polish residue got in the split! anyway, off to the dealers and pointed out there was no damaged to mudguard so suggested it was a weak point in the plastic that as developed into a split overtime and will be claiming on the warranty as a defect from new, bit of a long shot I know, due to the bike being 19 months old now...! "doesn't time fly" received a mail from kawasaki saying they did not except this as a warranty claim :sad: which prompted me to give them a call, they said they have had no reports of mudgaurds spliting and suggested it had some kind of "down force" to split the gaurd. I pointed out, the front tyre is the original and wheel as not been removed, there is also no damaged or stone chips to the gaurd, so can you shed some light on how this split as occurred because it's got me baffled. they said they don't know, but taking into consideration the low mileage and the fact I,ve also just bought a new zx6r :smiley: they will discount with me for a replacement at £70.00 new they are £147.58 plus v.a.t, which to be honest I thought they would be more than that due to them being colour coded. not the result I wanted, but I,m sure under the circumstances that my bike being nearly 2 years now that it was a fair and decent offer by Mr kawasaki.
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: Kwikasfuki on July 17, 2012, 02:27:41 PM
I checked mine and that too has a split, just as you described

However, my bike has 50k on it and I just don't give a  :censored:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: 2kwacks on July 17, 2012, 02:34:36 PM
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on July 17, 2012, 02:27:41 PM
I checked mine and that too has a split, just as you described

However, my bike has 50k on it and I just don't give a  :censored:
well phone Mr kawasaki and speak to matt.. he may reconsider and give it to me for free :smiley:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: Lonewolf on July 17, 2012, 03:18:17 PM
Dave, just cause they have no previous record of front mudguards splitting doesn't mean that they should just dismiss your claim.
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: 2kwacks on July 17, 2012, 03:38:30 PM
Quote from: Lonewolf on July 17, 2012, 03:18:17 PM
Dave, just cause they have no previous record of front mudguards splitting doesn't mean that they should just dismiss your claim.
understand that steve :yes: but I did have a good go at them, they were not budging on this. their point was.. it would or should have shown up before 19 months and 4,000 miles. I can't prove it was a defect from new, but on the same token they can't prove it wasn't. under theses circumstances I think it was fair enough decision to supply a replacement at half cost. not the result I hope for but nevertheless, one that I can live with :smiley:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: viper on July 17, 2012, 04:13:37 PM
carbon fibre ones on ebay for 100 beer tokens
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: 2kwacks on July 17, 2012, 04:26:30 PM
Quote from: viper on July 17, 2012, 04:13:37 PM
carbon fibre ones on ebay for 100 beer tokens
yep seen them.. but prefer the standard mudguard, if kawasaki would not have offerd the half price genuine mudguard, just would have removed the gaurd and strengthened it from underneath with some strong gaffer tape which I'm sure would have prevented it from spliting worse. but thought.. I might as well take advantage of getting the genuine article half price :smiley:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: BigAlan on July 17, 2012, 04:55:26 PM
On a previous bike (sprint st) I split a fairing, I took it off, V'd out the back and fibreglassed it, then ground a V in the split and using fine filler I pit this is and rubbed it all down flat, taking my time, then painted it.

Sorted.

Alan
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: 100milesaway on July 17, 2012, 05:03:10 PM
Dave, I think under the circumstances that is a fair result. :yes:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: O.C. on July 17, 2012, 05:39:16 PM
Quote from: 100milesaway on July 17, 2012, 05:03:10 PM
Dave, I think under the circumstances that is a fair result. :yes:

:agree:  a good way of repairing plastics damage is to make a small "V" on the reverse as Big Alan suggested and then the plastic can be welded using a soldering iron and a cable tie..it works ..trust me  :yes:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: 2kwacks on July 17, 2012, 05:45:05 PM
Quote from: 100milesaway on July 17, 2012, 05:03:10 PM
Dave, I think under the circumstances that is a fair result. :yes:
I think kawasaki played a blinder here! the last thing they want to do is loose my future custom and give them bad press.. they can't be 100% sure it was not damaged in the grate from new or a defect when made. they only have my word that it was not damaged by other means. so taking into consideration the bike is nearly 2 years old with 4,000 miles on the clock together with the fact I'm only just bringing it to their attention now, seems a fair offer on their part.  so :yes: I concur... it's a fair offer and a clever decision from Mr kawasaki :smiley:
Title: Re: mudgaurd update!
Post by: viper on July 17, 2012, 06:04:00 PM
we all know you are an honest guy , but plenty of people do try it on and get damaged items replaced under warranty, so mr K does have to be very careful, so the outcome was a fair one ! IMO .  That comment about Debs fraudulently trying to get a new tank is a classic example.