Van Helsing got my monster

[Joebay]

I dropped my monster off for some elective surgery which was supposed to take a little over a day.  I get a call from the dealer stating that one of the parts for the pipe kit was defective.   It seems that a new part will have to be shipped from Italy.  The problem being the factory closes for the month of August.  So the new plan is restore the exhaust system and I can have my bike back the end of that day or the next morning.  Later that day I get a call from the dealer stating that they found what was causing my stalling problem. 

The bike didn't have a stalling problem.  I was informed that a VIN range of the L-twin engined bikes (MFGd during the winter months) were known to have problems with the cylinder guides being out of true (set at incorrect angles?).  The solution?  Rebuild the engine.  The upside is this defect is covered by the warranty.  The downside: Im without my bike for probably two weeks.

What  I would like to know  is if this problem is as widespread as it seems to be (motard/monster/multi)  why isn't there a recall.  Further, how long has DNA been aware of this issue?

Has anyone heard anything about this alleged defect?

[TCK!]

This is the first I've heard of this? What model bike do you have?

[Joebay]

Its an '07 695.

[TCK!]

My guess it's a cost versus reward just like in the movie "Fight Club"

I guess they hope enough people either don't have a problem or just don't deal with it

[duckwrench13]

Sounds like the "flaked rocker syndrome" of the 916 family of motors. It never posed a safety issue, so it was only addressed if it was found during service. Again, cost vs. reward.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Better to be w/o the bike for a short while, and have the problems corrected, than to be w/o for an extended term...and lots of $$$$... because something let go and tore it all to hell.

It's on the big D's dime, so let 'em fix it.

[maltese]

so, how can you find out what vin range has the issue.  I have an 07 695 and would like to know if I may be at risk.

[duckwrench13]

so, how can you find out what vin range has the issue.  I have an 07 695 and would like to know if I may be at risk.

Call DNA, and speak with Mike Norman. He's the Technical Customer Service Rep. He's a good guy, and won't b.s. you. He may not have the VIN info right there in front of him, so he may need to call you back, or e-mail you the information.

Keep in mind, there are only 3 tech reps at DNA. Heck, there's only ever 20 or so people in the entire office at any given time. They do everything they can to help folks out, but it can be a tad crazy in there. Just be patient with them.