Warped Rotor - Should I be Upset?

[mtneer53]

OK. I posted this thread a while back: Scraping sound

And then this one: Disappointing Ride

The problem with the tire rubbing the fender ended up being a swingarm bearing and/or bolt, which they have replaced.

The scraping sound was the front brake pad completely worn down and upon further inspection found that the rotor was warped pretty bad.

I bought this bike (2007 Sportster 1200C w/ 4,700 miles) in July from the local Harley Dealership. It was a rental that they gave me a great deal on. I did not purchase the extra warranty they tried to sell me, mainly because I thought since it was their bike and their rental, it would have been maintained fairly well.

I have had the bike now for 3 months and ridden it less than 1,000 miles. Is this stuff something the dealership should have picked up on before selling me the bike? Is it something that could have all happened during the time I have owned it? Should I expect them to cover the costs (about $450 to repair everything)?

Basically, is it justified for me to throw a fit over this stuff???

Anybody's input is very much appreciated.

[RubberDown]

Did it have any warranty coverage?.......

[mtneer53]

Originally Posted by RubberDown

Did it have any warranty coverage?.......

No factory warranty and I did not purchase the additional warranty at the time of purchase.

[RubberDown]

Of course brake pads aren't usually covered in a warranty because they are a "wear part" So even if you had an extended warranty, I doubt it would have covered them, and I would think a person would hear metal to metal grinding of their brake.


Did it not stop right when you bought it..?

[gruss]

well, it would stand to reason that a rental may have been "worked" a little more than a pre-owned bike, and the swingarm bearing should not have failed at 4700 miles...but the brake pads are cheap at best when new....rotor overheat due to poor pad material....
they are gonna argue the brakes to death, but the swingarm bearing is a little tougher to argue......

i would try to strike a deal on the bearing, and buy the brakes...sounds like an equitable solution.....g

[mtneer53]

Originally Posted by RubberDown

Of course brake pads aren't usually covered in a warranty because they are a "wear part" So even if you had an extended warranty, I doubt it would have covered them, and I would think a person would hear metal to metal grinding of their brake.


Did it not stop right when you bought it..?

Yeah, I know the brake pads wouldn't be covered under warranty, I'll be happy to pay for those.

The bike has always stopped great for me, I never had to pull the brake lever extra hard, it always stopped on a dime. I did notice a grinding sound when backing it out of the garage some, but it didn't get too bad until just recently, which is when I think the brake pad wore down completely. I mentioned it to the service guy when they got it for the swingarm fix and he said some grinding sound is normal!?!

Should the warped rotor be something they saw and should have replaced before selling me the bike or is it something that can happen in 3 months and under 1,000 miles?

[RubberDown]

I just re read your original two posts and I agree with Gruss.... ... Did I say that???...

Ok the brakes after two months, you really can't argue those, because a person could ride the brakes and wear out the pads and rotor. But the rear bearing, I would argue that one. If you want them to fix it, I'd offer up the brake repair and argue the heck out of the bearing repair.....

[Ohutchins]

i agree with gruss. definatly push for them to at least cover some of the swing arm bearing. But the brakes... dont think you would get anywhere with that even if you had purchased the extended warranty.


I dont know if i would ever purchase a rental bike, just becuase i know if i rented one i sure as heck wouldnt treat it like i treat mine...

[mtneer53]

Originally Posted by gruss

well, it would stand to reason that a rental may have been "worked" a little more than a pre-owned bike, and the swingarm bearing should not have failed at 4700 miles...but the brake pads are cheap at best when new....rotor overheat due to poor pad material....
they are gonna argue the brakes to death, but the swingarm bearing is a little tougher to argue......

i would try to strike a deal on the bearing, and buy the brakes...sounds like an equitable solution.....g

So they should have noticed the swingarm bearing going bad? What about the rotors warping? Is that something that could have happened after I bought it?

[mtneer53]

Originally Posted by RubberDown

I just re read your original two posts and I agree with Gruss.... ... Did I say that???...

Ok the brakes after two months, you really can't argue those, because a person could ride the brakes and wear out the pads and rotor. But the rear bearing, I would argue that one. If you want them to fix it, I'd offer up the brake repair and argue the heck out of the bearing repair.....

yeah, I have no problem paying for brake pads, I just wanted to see about the rotor and if it is 'normal' for them to warp in the time I have had the bike. If they shouldn't warp that bad in the limited time I have had it, I would argue that they should have seen the warped rotor and repaired it before selling it to me.

I didn't know about the bearing, but if that's something they should have definitely picked up on, I will try to cut a deal with them.