I was crossing a 4 line RR crossing today. There was a huge chuckhole next to one of the rails. Bumpy as hell and no way to avoid it. I unweighted the bike as much as I could but that's all there was time for. I wasn't going very fast but I knew it was bent as soon as I hit it. It was an impact. This is the result.
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m302/rdmonster/Picture045.jpg)
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m302/rdmonster/Picture044.jpg)
What's my next step here. Can this be fixed? I figured I'd take it to the dealership. If it's a total loss I'm unsure what to do. It was delivered with a scratch on the back rim. The shop manager said he could paint it (and did a great job) but not get a new one as there aren't any gold ones available.?.?.
I know this is an expensive rim and if it's totaled I'm filing a claim on my insurance. I had it up to about 90 a few times on the way home and didn't feel anything unusual. I can't stand the thought of fifling a claim though.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Ths is an 08 S4RS that has 1800 miles on it. It's 2 months old.
I used to work in a garage and would see car rims like that all the time. Would just lay it on the ground with the tire off the rim, and bang it back into place with a hammer. Those were steel rims though, looks like you've got magnesium?
If its not leaking can you live with it?
There forged aluminum not magnesium. I'll have to get the dealers impression of the safety. I'm not sure if I can live with it either way. I'm really hoping they have a place to send it that can straighten it. I'm going to be looking around for that service for sure.
Yeah most cities will have at least a rim straightening shop or two. Yellow Pages my friend... it doesn't look beyond repair to me.
Try these guys. They do great work. [thumbsup]
www.framestraightsystem.com
if it's not folded or cracked it can be saved.
Google and thte yellow pages are about to become your close friends
If it does not leak, I'd live with it.
I know it could be repaired by heating the metal up & knocking but I just could not trust those shops that do the repair job to a motorcycle rim. I just love my life. ;)
Still gotta bring a Tear to the Eye to see though, It still amazes me how I have not damaged a rim up here in Northern Australia, Our roads are Goat tracks [bang]
I would want a new rim but, as a tech, if it's not leaking you can have it rebalanced to even out any variation caused by the bend. This can be temporary until you get the goods [thumbsup]
Quote from: blue tiger on June 12, 2008, 07:35:47 PM
There forged aluminum not magnesium. I'll have to get the dealers impression of the safety. I'm not sure if I can live with it either way. I'm really hoping they have a place to send it that can straighten it. I'm going to be looking around for that service for sure.
They are cast aluminum and bending it back may weaken it or even crack it. I would leave it alone unless it bothers you to look at it. If you can't get more gold ones from the dealer then just get a black one and get it powder coated.
These folks are real good. Reasonable price, quick turn around. They do not paint though, and there is a good possibility paint will be disturbed. They use slow pressure and some heat to prevent work hardening, and if there is a safety risk they won't do it.
http://www.mcwheel.com/
Quote from: silentbob on June 13, 2008, 12:07:17 AM
They are cast aluminum and bending it back may weaken it or even crack it. I would leave it alone unless it bothers you to look at it. If you can't get more gold ones from the dealer then just get a black one and get it powder coated.
I thought they were forged not cast. It doesn't matter becuase one from the dealer would be very expensive. Some of these links look pretty good and I might give them a call after going to the dealership. I could just let it go provided it's safe but danm, it's a brand new tricolore that has less than 2000 miles on it. It (was) is totally cherry and that bent rim will piss me off every time I look at it. Thanks for alll the help !! I'll continue to update this thread when I find out more.
Crap. Not a good start on a new bike. :P
Hope you're enjoying the bike otherwise [thumbsup]
I had a rim straightened by a place near Denver. They did a great job! I'll see if I can find them.
I used Woody's. Tighter tolerances than others, & much cheaper than buying a new rim [thumbsup]
http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/moto_wheels.shtml
Thank's for all the links. I wont make it to the dealership until Monday. I guess I'll start the process of getting the wheel off and shipping it someplace. I figured they might know of someplace local. The yellow pages and google aren't helping much here around Indianapolis. This is a real bummer because this is an awesome motorcycle otherwise.
Quote from: Duc L'Smart on June 13, 2008, 06:09:19 AM
I used Woody's. Tighter tolerances than others, & much cheaper than buying a new rim [thumbsup]
http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/moto_wheels.shtml
+1, I didn't know anyone outside Colorado knew about them. They do wonders on any type of wheel, car or bike.
I am sorry to hear/see what happened to the wheel. But I totally understand that you want it fixed, a lot of people are saying if it's okay then let it be. But obviously this is an issue based on looks, not just on performance. IMHO if you can afford to get a new one, I'd check with Ducati dealers outside your area and have it shipped. That little bend will drive you freaking crazy if you don't fix it. I know if that was my rim, I'd want a new one. If you can't afford to get it now, I'd ride it aslong as it is safe and then save up and get the new rim. Filing that insurance claim might be a great idea. Hope all goes well.
cg
Just called the dealership. They said they use a place and unless it's really severe they can repair it like new. They said no problem just bring it in. I've had great service at this shop and trust them to do the right thing. I hope it's not down for to long.
I wish more people would fill out the part of their profile that shows where they live ???
In the PNW these guys have a stellar reputation http://thewheelmaster.com
If you decide to replace it, I am certain the proper wheel can be obtained.
I did the same thing to the front wheel on my 907... on the way home from the dealership after I bought it! Rode it that way for a while, then sent it to a wheel shop to be fixed. I had them send it straight to a buddy of mine to be repainted after the repair. When it arrived at his shop, he called and said I was nuts, no way it needed to be repainted.
17 years later I'd be hard pressed to find where it was bent and I've had zero problems with it. I'm sure yours can be fixed.
Quote from: blue tiger on June 13, 2008, 02:29:28 PM
I hope it's not down for to long.
Dude, can you say "loaner"? ;D
I thought you could. ;)
The "loaner" will be my 2001 RoadKing it's just not near as fun as the Duke and I havt to do a little neglected PM on it. I've also called the mayor's office and sent an e-mail detailing the pothole and my desire to speak with someone over my compensation.