Rattle in engine - valves maybe?

[atadaskew]

Dude. You channeling Raj?

How dare you Sir!

Of course I am teasing here.
Posted on: December 16, 2011, 11:40:31 AM

LOL, this is the first time I have ever heard that a Ducati or any kind of Italian machinery is reliable forget more reliable! They are good at styling lets rest the case at that. It is not surprising that Ducati is known as the "Harley of Sportbikes!"

Funny you mention Harleys.  Both my Ducati St4s and Harley Dyna have been more reliable than any other bike I've owned, except for a Honda Valkyrie.
That thing really was solid.  

Anyway, I'm glad the shop is on top of this issue, and it obviously is a one-off.  These things happen.

[ceilingcat]

Happy new year everyone.

So to update this issue.

Kawasaki USA via the dealership requested that I do a 1 for 1 swap of my 2009 for a 2012.  They stated the issue with the engine was not something they had seen and wanted to have the entire motorcycle for analysis of their production process and to figure out if it was a design issue.  Kawasaki USA stated I would not incur any costs for tax/tag/title and my extended warranty would be transferred over to the new bike.   Furthermore they stated it would be cost effective for a swap as the motorcycle showed no signs of abuse. For customer satisfaction and brand loyalty Kawasaki USA stated it would be beneficial to both them and myself to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction as possible.  Additionally they stated the first two services would be free of charge - break in and w/e the next one is.

So I have a 2012 C14 now.  I did ask if I could have a pearl white color option - they said that color was not currently in the US market.  The dealership transferred my added bits and pieces to the new bike and true to their word, I didn't have to pay anything - I just showed up, signed some papers, answered a really long question form (was like 90 questions of various types concerning use, maintenence, riding habits, where in the rpm range I normally rode the bike etc), got on the new bike and rode home.  I was not expecting Kawasaki to do this.  I think they went beyond what they needed to do and I am very happy with their service and response.

[CrazyRider]

WOW, I haven't seen a better customer care experience in the motorcycle world. You must be stoked!!!

[ceilingcat]

WOW, I haven't seen a better customer care experience in the motorcycle world. You must be stoked!!!

I have no complaints.  I think they had grounds for requesting the bike - but they didn't have to.  As I am an engineer myself I can understand their desire to get hold of the bike and look at it closely.  I did see the engine taken apart on the shop bench.  It was pretty much shot.  There was about a cup of debris in the oil pan - metal shavings, plastics and other stuff.  The path the cam chain follows was heavily scored.  The cam chain itself was torn up.  I am very suprised the engine did not seize up.

I did ask to take pictures, the shop said no.  As soon as Kawasaki USA and KHI got involved the ability to take pictures was off the table.  I did not press the point.

[ANZAC]

Now that's excellent customer service - way to go Kawasaki  

[camaroz1985]

That is great service.  Glad to hear you got it all taken care of.

So you couldn't get the white (which is a shame because I think it looks great), what color did you get?

[ceilingcat]

That is great service.  Glad to hear you got it all taken care of.

So you couldn't get the white (which is a shame because I think it looks great), what color did you get?

It's exactly the same bike - black ABS model with the only exception being the differences between the 2009 and 2012 - traction control, heated grips.

[atadaskew]

Outstanding customer service.

[Motornoggin]

Glad to know Kawi took care of you like that! Good news!

[Justin]

Very cool, I like happy endings   - Now, go out and break in the new one like you stole it!