[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by jkpz

I received a call today saying the next step they will take is to replace the section of the chassis that mounts the front fork assembly—and have ordered the parts. For context, this bike uses a diamond steel chassis, constructed from two parts. I don’t know if those parts are welded, bolted, or assembled some other way.

To me this sounds like they are still agreeing that there is an issue. Else they wouldn't go to the extent of ordering a section of the chassis. I think it would be best to ask them how they are put together.

Unfortunately, your bike has become their beta test program. They know there is an issue. They have yet to identify what fixes it.

They should have managed this situation better. You deserve an all new motorcycle. Not have they go through the experience of replacing part after part and making you check for the issue. On a brand new motorcycle. The lack of a lemon law is the main culprit. Both the manufacturer and the Dealer know there is not a whole lot you can do, other than wait it out.

Lets hope the new chassis section addresses the issue. At the end of the day, you can choose to accept this as a solution (Provided it resolves the issue) and move on, or, sell the bike at a later date. Its a tricky situation. Much like a few who experience the odd ball issue or manufacturing defect with their vehicle/car coming out defective from the factory. The issue is usually resolved under warranty, after extensive repairs. This is for products Made right in India. Not a case of having to import anything. You'd think replacement would be easier. Seldom happens.

[jkpz]

Originally Posted by dinesh_redhawk

I can feel your pain and i can totally relate to you. I too had faced similar problems with this bike from day 1 and after multiple rounds to ASC and their experiments and tests, i gave up. After 1 year of owning it, and going through the same bad experience, i finally sold it and purchased a new bike from kawasaki. Never again going to Honda.

Oh man this is so unfortunate, especially considering it is a Honda and most buyers pay top dollar to expect the bike to be reliable and assured of good quality. Looks like this is what I might have to do as well considering my experience with these folks till now.

Originally Posted by jlukose

Update from my end:

I replaced the front tyre with an apollo tramplr xr 100/90 as temporaray measure. Wobbles have disappeared! I plan to replace front + back once the trailhound is available.

Nice, glad that you were able to fix the issue and thanks for the update.
In my case I told them a million times to replace both tyres and test and till now they have only tried changing the rear tyres. I stopped asking them this after the 3rd time they returned the bike to me after repeatedly "aligning the forks".

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

To me this sounds like they are still agreeing that there is an issue. Else they wouldn't go to the extent of ordering a section of the chassis. I think it would be best to ask them how they are put together.

Unfortunately, your bike has become their beta test program. They know there is an issue. They have yet to identify what fixes it.

They should have managed this situation better. You deserve an all new motorcycle. Not have they go through the experience of replacing part after part and making you check for the issue. On a brand new motorcycle. The lack of a lemon law is the main culprit. Both the manufacturer and the Dealer know there is not a whole lot you can do, other than wait it out.

Lets hope the new chassis section addresses the issue. At the end of the day, you can choose to accept this as a solution (Provided it resolves the issue) and move on, or, sell the bike at a later date. Its a tricky situation. Much like a few who experience the odd ball issue or manufacturing defect with their vehicle/car coming out defective from the factory. The issue is usually resolved under warranty, after extensive repairs. This is for products Made right in India. Not a case of having to import anything. You'd think replacement would be easier. Seldom happens.

Yes the issue is still very existent and the video was taken by a mechanic there. The service center folks have never denied that (expect the few times when they tried to dismiss it as an inherent fault).

I asked them and they seem to suggest that the sub frame is bolted on and not welded, although they didn't seem very confident. Have asked again mentioning I require a clear reply. I have already asked for a replacement as I don't intend to wait any longer and also don't intend to get a bike with a locally repaired chassis in good conscience.

I am sure that they would just bolt it on (based on manufacturing regulations of course) and then give it to me after a short test drive. Even if it does solve the issue right now I have doubts that it would have only suppressed some underlying issue which might pop back up later in the future.

I don't have any guarantee or proof that this actually fixed the entire bike and it won't cause some other issue. Main reason being there is no way to know how the issue came up. Was it a drop during shipping or something else that can happen again.
If the issue was caused by me, then I am ready to take the risk mentioned above, as I would know how it happened and why and can address it properly. If it was worth it I would make sure that the chassis is fixed and tested properly from other mechanics. But in this case it is a brand new bike. It shouldn't need a chassis replacement on day one and I should be able to ride the bike in good conscience.

[Rennjit]

Originally Posted by ambarkhan

Chassis replacement is not a rocket science, ....

Allen key with an extension pipe isn't a torque wrench either. (looking at you Enfield! Honda service won't be much different, sadly)
It all is upto personnel preferences. Many may be okay with a workshop manhandled new bike, while some may like factory intactness as long as one can hold on to. I had to let go a 411 in very similar scenario, and buy another. Took a financial hit for peace of mind. Apologies if I'm not adding much here, but can totally understand the pain OP is facing. Accepting the repairs is the only way now but be okay with having to let it go, if it doesn't come out as expected.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by jkpz

Hsection of the chassis that mounts the front fork assembly.

I read your post later after watching the video, and was going to say that the handle bar and fork do not look at a right angle. Or maybe it's just the way video is shot.

I am rusty, but this comes to my mind. Can you use a plumb bob to see if your forks are straight or at an angle?

What they must have ordered is the Head Tube assembly, most likely.

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by jkpz

And now, things have taken an even more serious turn. I received a call today saying the next step they will take is to replace the section of the chassis that mounts the front fork assembly—and have ordered the parts. For context, this bike uses a diamond steel chassis, constructed from two parts. I don’t know if those parts are welded, bolted, or assembled some other way.

This could be just the upper and lower triple clamps. If that's the case, you should wait for them to replace it. I think it was lost in translation between you and the Service center people. There is nothing on a modern frame that is replaceable without destroying it.

[jkpz]

Originally Posted by b16h22

This could be just the upper and lower triple clamps. If that's the case, you should wait for them to replace it. I think it was lost in translation between you and the Service center people. There is nothing on a modern frame that is replaceable without destroying it.

They have already tried replacing the triple clamp and top plates. They specifically said "chassis subframe where the front part is attached".

[jkpz]

Originally Posted by Rennjit

Allen key with an extension pipe isn't a torque wrench either. (looking at you Enfield! Honda service won't be much different, sadly)
It all is upto personnel preferences. Many may be okay with a workshop manhandled new bike, while some may like factory intactness as long as one can hold on to. I had to let go a 411 in very similar scenario, and buy another. Took a financial hit for peace of mind. Apologies if I'm not adding much here, but can totally understand the pain OP is facing. Accepting the repairs is the only way now but be okay with having to let it go, if it doesn't come out as expected.

This is exactly what I am trying to say. Factory intact-ness really sums it up. They are basically re-assembling the bike in their workshop. Neither do I want to nor should any customer of a brand new bike be subjected to this kind of repair jobs caused entirely by the brand. Furthermore on of the previous test ride, the bike had very high handlebar vibrations, even though it was done by the dedicated team for NX500. It was fixed later but I am not sure if its more or the same than when I got the bike brand new. In my eyes, they have sold me a bike with a core defect, rather than fixing it in a hurried way, I should be entitled for a replacement or a refund.

I would accept the repair if it was caused by me but not for a new bike. Currently waiting for their reply to take next steps. I totally don't mind going legally as I have already spent 2 months behind this and they are asking me to wait for another month.

Thinking back, I had the F450GS in my mind but didn't buy it because of its late release date. Might as well buy it when it gets released as I don't think this issue will still be resolved then lol, till then I have my current bike so all is good.

[PreludeSH]

Originally Posted by jkpz

This is exactly what I am trying to say. Factory intact-ness really sums it up. They are basically re-assembling the bike in their workshop. Neither do I want to nor should any customer of a brand new bike be subjected to this kind of repair jobs caused entirely by the brand. Furthermore on of the previous test ride, the bike had very high handlebar vibrations, even though it was done by the dedicated team for NX500. It was fixed later but I am not sure if its more or the same than when I got the bike brand new. In my eyes, they have sold me a bike with a core defect, rather than fixing it in a hurried way, I should be entitled for a replacement or a refund.

I would accept the repair if it was caused by me but not for a new bike. Currently waiting for their reply to take next steps. I totally don't mind going legally as I have already spent 2 months behind this and they are asking me to wait for another month.

Thinking back, I had the F450GS in my mind but didn't buy it because of its late release date. Might as well buy it when it gets released as I don't think this issue will still be resolved then lol, till then I have my current bike so all is good.

I think you should consult a lawyer and start legal proceedings. You cannot be without your bike for 3 months after paying for it. That too for no fault of yours.

Its not like a part has gone bad. They are doing some major rebuild of a new bike.