VFR 1200 DCT Catastrophic Engine Failure at 17000 miles.

Hi
If I do ever buy one of these 1200 Hondas along with it I'll get a Haynes manual and learn it inside out.
I already do many of the jobs I used to take my bike to the Shop for because of things like mirrors not done up tight, another time 6 nuts and bolts had been completely left out. !!
The plastics were being held on by the plastic tabs alone.

 

Yum Me likey Moto Bike too

 

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/promos/2016/june/bikes-for-sale-used-honda-vfr1200fs/

 

So without knowing the facts about what caused the failure and the very real chance the problem is the result of poor servicing you feel it's OK to lay blame at Honda and propagate the notion they are building a bad/dangerous product. Does that seem as fair as your exceptance of the results of a legal inquiry?

 

Honda did recall a small # of 2010 VFR1200's in the UK for engine failures/ seizure. So you can blame Honda for releasing a bad/ dangerous product. I think the question becomes did Honda identify all the potentially bad engines? If the OP's bike was part of the recall was it ever done?

There's not one company that makes something with wheels & an engine that gets everything right. NOT ONE. Every company that makes a bike, car, heavy equipment, etc has recalls or technical service bulletins for known problems.

 

Yes, Honda recalled motorcycles with problems. That's not related to the assumptions the OP is making.

 

Maybe I'm misunderstanding. How is it not related?

 

Because the cause of failure is not known .

 

I do know the facts. The failure had nothing to do with the service.

It has something to do with well documented weaknesses with 2010 engines.

Source of information is Honda dealership in Bury St Edmunds.


I make one point only. When I was on the motorway I could neither hear nor feel anything was wrong. Once I knew something was amiss I never went over 20mph and tried to limp the bike to a Honda specialist I know in Swaffham.

I never made it.... So I am accused of being an idiot who deserves all that's coming to him.

Fact is if the engine HAD blown on the motorway there could have been a serious accident and I had no warning lights or vibration when I was on the motorway....It was only when I slowed down that I could even notice there was a problem.

Then I recklessly rode for 5 miles at 20mph at huge risk to myself apparently.

How could I be so fucking stupid?

I deserve everything that's coming to me.

Mea Culpa.

P

 

I'm surprised at all the brow beating. Did I end up on VFRD somehow?? Maybe lost in the crap and I missed it, but what did you find out happened??

 

Yes, "it has something to do with the well documented weakness of the 2010 engines.". How much more specific do you want?

 

I will get a full diagnostic breakdown next week from Honda Chiswick.

Honda in Bury St Edmunds say there was a lot of swarf in the engine... and a crank rod had failed...which they found unusual.

Will post status updates as they come in from Honda Chiswick, Honda UK, Honda Japan... and, If necessary the MCIA arbitration service.

I really hope it doesn't come to arbitration.

I would just like my bike back on the road....I love the old girl and am very attached to her.

She's had a stroke, and I'm hoping it's not fatal.

P.

 

Sounds like its kinda related to OP's assumptions doesn't it.

 

Yes, "it has something to do with the well documented weakness of the 2010 engines.". How much more specific do you want?

Which I'm not familiar with as I ride an 800. Been on a Honda since about 1986, so when I saw his opening line it got my attention. Now I could go surf for the info, but usually someone will pop in and say the crank broke, it swallowed a valve, or whatever. Guess I am on VFRD afterall LMAO

 

Thanks, that's what I was asking.....

 

Your problem is that you are looking for facts. There are none, yet.

 

Busted con rod I assume you mean. Wonder if you spun a bearing. Diagnosis would have probably been easier if you had forgone those 5 miles and just called for a tow, ya know before the engine grenaded. :boink:

 

O for goodNess sake
Buy a RF 900r. !!!
Or a mighty 94/97 model 750 just carry a spare RR and all will be well.

 

Everyone has ridden a Bike when they really should have stopped
EVERYONE
It's called a mistake and EVERYONE makes them.
I think even I made one once.

 

Internet is full of advice from people AFTER the event