Hello everyone.
I have a problem and I need some help.
I just put new tires on my bike, oversized, and the rear tire was ruined because it is rubbing the frame when I ride (not sitting still).
I got the Michelin Commander II 170/80B15 77H.
I matched it with the Cycle-istic Brake-stay rod to clear the tire. Everything fit fine, but after ONE ride up and down the canyons, my tire is ruined. (pictures coming)
I want to know if anyone else has had this problem? (It is possible this same shop installed my chain too short at 117 links, rather than 118, and that is why the oversized tire is too close to the swing arm.)
I spoke with Dobi at Cycle-istic, he uses the Metzler 880's, in the same size, but they may be slightly different in the total diameter than the Michelin's.
The shop that put these on for me is claiming no responsibility (Parts411 in Pomoma, CA), and refusing to replace the tire. So I need any info y'all have about this in your own experiences please.
Much thanks,
James
Hummm... I'd read your service document and see if there is a clause keeping them out of trouble, otherwise a call/letter from a lawyer might change their tune...
If no clause, then there is always small claims court...
Did you bring them the tire and chain, or did they supply them... This can make a difference.
I'd think they gave some responsibility in the matter..
Another option... IF you paid with a credit card (not debt), then contact your credit card and dispute the charge, the cardholder usually wins the dispute...
Quote from: Jmosmith on April 04, 2013, 07:48:17 PM
Hello everyone.
I have a problem and I need some help.
I just put new tires on my bike, oversized, and the rear tire was ruined because it is rubbing the frame when I ride (not sitting still).
I got the Michelin Commander II 170/80B15 77H.
I matched it with the Cycle-istic Brake-stay rod to clear the tire. Everything fit fine, but after ONE ride up and down the canyons, my tire is ruined. (pictures coming)
I want to know if anyone else has had this problem? (It is possible this same shop installed my chain too short at 117 links, rather than 118, and that is why the oversized tire is too close to the swing arm.)
I spoke with Dobi at Cycle-istic, he uses the Metzler 880's, in the same size, but they may be slightly different in the total diameter than the Michelin's.
The shop that put these on for me is claiming no responsibility (Parts411 in Pomoma, CA), and refusing to replace the tire. So I need any info y'all have about this in your own experiences please.
Much thanks,
James
Like Dobie I too use the Metzler ME880's, but I would doubt that the tolerances are so tight that a different manufacturer's version of a 180/70 would be drastically different. I'd be interested to see the damaged tires. Were you running with any extra weight in the back, like a passenger or auxiliary fuel tank? Do you know what your rear shock pre-load was set to (not that it would make a difference)?
Where is your chain wear indicator?
What was your air pressure I have had a front tire rub because it had to high air pressure.
It would have to be an awful big tire to rub anywhere on the swing arm. Clearance on either side shouldn't be a problem, nor the space between the tread and the front of the swing arm. Did you back off on the bolts that hold the fender on? They are the ones that hold the grab bars (chromed parts on either side of the fender). Was the tire damaged on the tread area, or on the sidewall?
Good luck on getting a FREE replacement.
Would have added pictures last night, but fell asleep. Sorry.
The chain is NEW, and the adjustment (wear indicator) is all the way forward, ALL the way. I watched him put the chain on. He didn't count the links, he just tightened it all the way up (the axle adjustment), and held the chain up to mark the excess, and then cut all that off,... wish to hell I'd kept it now!
The damage to the tire is in the middle, not the side walls.
I'd say there is about 3/16th of an inch clearance from the front of the tire, to the center-front/back of the swing arm. Any mechanic worth spit should have known that was not enough, if he had even bothered to check it!
...photos coming.
Took too many links out...
Yeah, if they took too many links out, then it's definitely their fault. Use some nail or shoe polish and start counting the links with your chain on the bike.
Sounds like the mechanic thought you would need to allow for the chain to stretch; but it is written (somewhere) that it is either 118 or 120 links required. I would definitely fight this one; mechanic did not know what he/she was doing! Improper install for sure.
Good luck.
just a side note...
I bought a chain once and took it to a mechanic to have installed..
I had verified the length it should be, and bought the proper chain...
It did not fit... Little did I know that the previous owner had put a 43 rear sprocket on the bike in place of the stock 40...
I stopped him right there and ordered a 40 sprocket and waited...
I did also buy a 15 front sprocket so I could SPORT up the Magna if I wanted.. I later bought a 17 to use on long trips..
people sometimes call me anal, other things I can't mention. the gist is: know what you are doing, know what you are talking about, and make damn sure you are right. after that, it's easy. I'm 60+ years old, and I can swear that experience does come with age. And be assertive; this usually let's the other person know that you KNOW. I went to buy some "mirror hangers" today, to mount a flat plate glass mirror against the wall. 4 people later and 15 minutes, I found it in the hardware section. Why can't they put the mirror hardware in the mirror section I asked? Well, I was told, they stock the shelves by manufactures. I said that's fine, but I'm not buying from the manufactures, but from them. I was told she was not the one that laid the store out. And that's just fine too! I can go somewhere else, and I will. Life is too short (and getting shorter for me!) to put up with ANY crap. And I'm not shy to tell them so.
I think my next job will be to "survey" customer satisfaction, and for a large fee, report back to the company. If they resist I'll just post it on face book.
Like Janice Joplin said: That's it, that's all! Man she was good!
Quote from: magnagregcan on April 07, 2013, 04:09:48 PM
people sometimes call me anal, other things I can't mention. the gist is: know what you are doing, know what you are talking about, and make damn sure you are right. after that, it's easy. I'm 60+ years old, and I can swear that experience does come with age. And be assertive; this usually let's the other person know that you KNOW. I went to buy some "mirror hangers" today, to mount a flat plate glass mirror against the wall. 4 people later and 15 minutes, I found it in the hardware section. Why can't they put the mirror hardware in the mirror section I asked? Well, I was told, they stock the shelves by manufactures. I said that's fine, but I'm not buying from the manufactures, but from them. I was told she was not the one that laid the store out. And that's just fine too! I can go somewhere else, and I will. Life is too short (and getting shorter for me!) to put up with ANY crap. And I'm not shy to tell them so.
I think my next job will be to "survey" customer satisfaction, and for a large fee, report back to the company. If they resist I'll just post it on face book.
Like Janice Joplin said: That's it, that's all! Man she was good!
Yeah, I'm old and jaded too.
Just seems like customer service is out the window and you should consider shopping in someone's store a privilege.
Don't believe it? Go to Home Depot and try to get some help in the plumbing section.
One place I love. The Brookshires Grocery store in Midlothian, Texas. Management has the sackers take everyone's groceries out to the car and put them in. I always tip these young men and women even when they insist management says no. I tell them I know what they are getting paid per hour and screw management. They love that and then accept my gratuity. I can usually sneak in some soapbox seminar about how I respect them for working their asses off in a store while their other school friends are out wasting their time and Mom and Dad's hard earned money. Again, they laugh.
Most teens and young adults are not bad people, they just don't seem to have the mentors that they need in their lives. I hire them all the time when I am busy with projects and most can be molded into something with time and leadership. This just has to be reinforced all the time in their lives.
You can't get that from killing Zombies on line.
I apologize for not having pictures up yet, but I do have an update:
Took the bike to another shop, mechanic there had some extra bits of chain, matched mine, and lengthened it to pull the axle BACK, and stop the tire from rubbing.
So far, these are the results:
The chain had 114 links, not 118 (or 120), WAY to short (about 6 inches short).
The tire now has enough clearance to fit a finger between it and the frame, it felt great and rode fine.
The damage to the tire is "blistering", just from heat, and rubbing. We will keep an eye on it and see if it gets any worse or shows signs of separating from the core, but it may be okay.
So, the original shop (www.parts411.com) in Pomonoa, CA, put the chain on TOO short, and did NOT check the clearance on that tire before sending me out to potentially get killed on it!!!!... and have REFUSED to make good on the tire at all,... I have to inform them about the chain, and my intention to pursue legal recourse.
They called me to tell me they would order another stock tire for me (which I could pay for), and they would only charge me half price on the labor to instal it.... but refused to send that offer to me in writing when I asked for it.
...these guys have turned into real jerks!!! NOT ONCE has the shop owner called me about this problem, and the "manager" keeps saying, "I'm just the messenger,..." what a load of HOOEY!
In other news,... after fixing the bike first thing Saturday morning,... another biker ran me off the road up in the canyons on Sunday!!!... and didn't even stop. Guy behind me was also put down, and hurt badly. I landed in a pile of rocks, and I have a new oil leak as a result (crossing fingers for no damage to the engine case!), scratched pipes, bent left floor-board mounting (not bad), damaged headlight bucket and bezel,... DESTROYED my bikini-fairing (original Honda Fairing...) So the bike needs work once again. (ugh!)
more to come, thanks,
James
WOW! If you didn't have bad luck you'd have no luck at all! Sorry to hear about the spill but glad you weren't hurt.
Riding season will soon be upon us.
Quote from: magnagregcan on April 08, 2013, 02:40:41 PM
WOW! If you didn't have bad luck you'd have no luck at all! Sorry to hear about the spill but glad you weren't hurt.
Riding season will soon be upon us.
I concur, the best news is you are Okay and well to deal with the issues that await!!
On the other topic, I have heard the same when something does not go right with your dealer.
I am glad you are ok and I would say your luck is good two potential situations where much worse could have happened and you are alive and able to talk about it God is good and must have been watching over you. Surely everything will work out in your favor.
Thanks!... we'll see if the engine case is damaged,... fingers crossed!
I'll have to take that shop to court I'm sure!!!... (ugh!)
James