Hi all, thank you for your replies and suggestions.
Updates on the repair:
I got the bike repaired and serviced last weekend. The job was done by 999 bike service, Ayyappa Society. It was referred by someone and most importantly it was near my room. The problem was to ride the bike to the garage with bent rim and hence flat front tyre. So, it was very difficult to go to other FNGs. Arranging pickup would have added to the expenses. Also I visited Pearl Yamaha service center for inquiry and immediately decided not to take the bike there. They quoted 350rs just to change air filter (filter price not included), seriously?? 900 to replace cone set, And, 700rs for the service which was clearly far from what stated in the Yamaha's 'Labor charges' chart -
Labour Charges (Got this pic at Ashoka Motors)
Maintenance Schedule for all Yamahas (For your reference)-
Plan was to repair the bike and get the regular service done. Last service was done in July-23, with 5200kms on ODO. The bike had done around 3000kms since. I thought to get it serviced a little early. Next service will be around 12200kms.
Saturday, 2nd march:
I went to Ashoka Motors, Mettuguda (Yamaha showroom and service center) by metro to collect parts-
- Front Cast Wheel (ABS)- 5450rs (I think price is fair for the bike)
- Brake lever- 232rs
- Air Filter- 251rs (recommended at every 17000kms, but still decided to change)
Total- 5928rs
Box of the Wheel-
New Brake Lever-
Air Filter-
Got the rim changed at a nearby tyre shop and went to 999 bike.
Damaged Wheel (Notice Red stripes around the rim making it look beautiful)
New wheel waiting to be installed (No red stripes- look plain and boring)
The mechanic took a test ride. Right fork was bent, right side handlebar (Clip-on) was bent, also he suggested to change the cone-set while at it and to clear further doubts. Again I went to Ashoka Motors to bring parts- this time on the bike. It was very good to be back on the saddle after 3 months, but the bike was pulling towards left and as handlebar was bent, it was not comfortable to hold. did around 40kms that day and told mechanic to carry the repair next day.
- Cone Set (Bearing set)- 1027rs (felt too expensive)
- Handlebar- 595rs (Again, relatively expensive as in last month, my cousin changed full handlebar for his Hornet 160 at 400rs only)
Total- 1622.
Cone Set-
New Handelbar-
Sunday, 3rd March-
As decided, I took all parts and my bike to the garage before 10am. They started working at around 12am. Removed fork assembly, the T-plate. Fork was clearly bent and left side the stopper on the T-plate was damaged- due to which steering was rotating until the end hit the tank. Both were sent for repairs. Cone set was changed. Oil change, air filter replacement and other normal servicing was done. Handlebar was changed.
Out with the old, in with the new-
Bend in the fork is clearly visible-
Bent Handlebar-
Bent Brake lever-
I had already ordered a bottle of Motul 7100 10W40 3 months back (before the crash) which replaced Yamalube from the previous service. Apart from regular service, I also asked him to sort out some minor rattles and loose bolts which he did. The front number plate was fitted with screws by previous owner (Can be seen in above pic), which resulted multiple scratches to my hand every time I was trying to wipe the front panel. I wanted to remove the saree guard as it is useless in both ways- Its very tiny and who is sitting on a R15 with Saree? it is deadweight bike have to carry everywhere.
But I found out it was welded to the tyre hugger. I don't like bike without the tyre hugger so kept it as it is.
Saree guard is a deadweight-
Got the bike at around 7pm. Went for a test ride and came back satisfied by the job. The bike felt very good. The 7100 did its magic and the legendary 155cc felt even smoother. Gear shifts also improved. then the bike had a well deserved wash after 3 months of break. Paid the mechanic the labour charges and left.
Total hole to pocket-
- Spares and consumables- 7550rs (excluding price of the 7100)
- Wheel change- 600rs (Including 100 for the nozzle)
- Service and repairs- 1900 + tea to all mechanics (Includes charges to geting the fork straightened and welding to the T-Plate)
Total~ 10,900
As I don't have any commute, the bike is always parked in basement of the PG for the weekdays. Except on Thursday, I took her out and roam around the area at night for some time.
Saturday, 9 March-
Today, I did another 40kms. The bike felt very smooth to ride, VVA still fills fantastic. Suspension is still hard as it was
.
The bike leans easily, though I was the limiting factor- still I haven't gathered full confidence as before. Previously there were vibrations at speed of 68-72 kmph which are reduced. Now bike feels smooth till 100-105. (Didn't try to go higher speeds)
Only concern was, I observed very light pull to left experienced only after taking both hands off the handlebar. Though, I could adjusted it by little weight transfer to right to keep it going straight. My conclusion is the wheel is still not centered fully. It is still slightly bent toward right resulting the bike leaning to left. Again, it is very minute and it wont be felt unless you take both hands off the handlebar for more than 2-3 seconds. For first 2 seconds bike goes straight.
I visited the mechanic after returning and explained the problem. First he was telling it is only in my mind but after a test ride he agreed. He asked me to ride some days and it'll get centered (I doubt it!). If not, he promised me to look into it.
Little about the rider -
I think I need to get over my fear. From childhood I was never of fearful type. I've always done things before thinking of consequences, sometimes just for the adrenaline. Even at time of the crash, I was alone in unknown countryside and still managed to keep my cool even facing with language barrier (I don't know Telugu, and people there don't know Hindi/English) . Got the first aid myself, and arranged pickup to drop my bike at the room with help of some very good local people. Also, travelled by state transport bus for 3 hrs to get back. All with a broken bone. There was never a moment of doubt or weakness. Heck even today, I played cricket and still I'm not afraid of damaging my already broken shoulder.
But while riding today, I felt I'm going to crash or slide couple of times. Fear was always there in back of my mind. Maybe it will go after some time. But I don't like the feeling of doing what I love but being accompanied by fear. Interestingly, I didn't feel the same when last time I drove the car. It was in January, so what happened now? and why only while riding?
Now my plan is to take every chance to hit the road (or traffic in Hitech City). Do couple of really long rides but with a group this time. But the problem is, in my friend circle here, no one is interested so I have to find a group. Maybe it will help me to rebuild my confidence.
Thank you for reading.
Parting with a pic of The Beauty (Isn't she one of the most beautiful bike in India)-