Deleted account 211025001
Registered user
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2005
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 10
Cracked Crank !
- Thread starter WindyChuffer
- Start date
WindyChuffer
Registered user
See circled area of the pic.
Would you really want one of these if this is the front ?
Would you really want one of these if this is the front ?
WindyChuffer
Registered user
That Cannondale looks awesome. I guess must be getting on for ~10 years ago they tried that bike out, and still looks ultra modern and sic today.
Why did they fail? Crap marketing? Reliability? Shite?
Edit:
Just found the answer on Wikipedia: "In the late 1990s Cannondale attempted to move into the motorsports business, producing a line of off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. According to an interview with Cannondale Communications Director, Tom Armstrong, the company was unable to drive down the cost of their motor vehicles fast enough. Sales took off when the company was still losing money on each motorbike they shipped. This gap drove the company to seek bankruptcy protection in 2003, and to sell off the motorsport division. Cannondale's bicycle division was purchased in 2003 by Pegasus Capital Advisors, which supported the company's renewed focus on bicycle production.[2] In February 2008, Cannondale was purchased from Pegasus Capital Advisors by Dorel Industries. In April 2009 it was announced that all production would be tansferred to Taiwan [3]"
Shame.
WindyChuffer
Registered user
I guess the Husa is the one reviewed in TBM this month. Sure sounds and looks good. Apart from the top end buzz thats lacking.
Shame they haven't gone the whole hog and got the output shaft inline with the swing arm as on the BMW.
At a guess this engine is not on the KTMs yet as its going to be tested and proven on the Husabergs for 2010, without risking the larger KTM brand. If proven and reliable guess it'll make it the 2011 KTMs. Well thats my theory.
Whilst I love the concept, I'm not going to be an unpaid tester again.
Shame they haven't gone the whole hog and got the output shaft inline with the swing arm as on the BMW.
At a guess this engine is not on the KTMs yet as its going to be tested and proven on the Husabergs for 2010, without risking the larger KTM brand. If proven and reliable guess it'll make it the 2011 KTMs. Well thats my theory.
Whilst I love the concept, I'm not going to be an unpaid tester again.
Husaberg introduced the engine concept into production about a year ago. All the 2009 bikes (FE450s and FE570s) have it. I think that they have done their beta testing.
Greg
WindyChuffer
Registered user
Beta testing done. Check. Guess they are now into the longer term proving phase now. Good to see KTM taking it slowly.
WindyChuffer
Registered user
Pix of cracked crank...
Bahnstormer have been fantastic in their exploratory and diagnostic work, have been incredibly persistent have taken lots of bits off. Seems like they like a challenge - my kind of workshop.
I'm led to believe (if I have interpreted what they said correctly) that they have found a faulty starter motor clutch, and bits and bobs that were binding preventing the battery from turning the engine over.
But in doing the exploratory work, they had to take the alternator off, which means dropping the oil and reveals the left hand end of the crankshaft.
The alternator end of the crankshaft is cracked - as per pic below. Download the pic of the cracked crank open it and zoom in on the main crack and note it has developed into a V shaped crack. For context a couple of pics of the alternator + case and also the crankshaft end with magnetic wheel are shown.
My g/f is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and here's what she had to say about the cracked crank:
"- The majority of the crack is straight and uniform, and appears to develop into a V shaped crack.
- The majority of the crack has propagated quickly through the barrel of the crankshaft and does not suggest fatigue, which is the normal failure mode for crankshafts.
- With rotation of the crankshaft, the straight crack has developed into two slow forming cracks (V shaped) and these appear to be spreading.
- These will spread further ultimately causing a catastrophic failure of the crankshaft.
- Consequential damage as a result of crankshaft failure is also likely e.g. alternator failure, catastrophic oil loss leading to engine failure."
Basically, a timebomb waiting to go off, and likely caused my a manufacturing defect.
Clearly the bike can't be used until the crankshaft is replaced, which is a major job and akin to an engine rebuild.
At 500 miles and 20 hours. FFS.
So the electrical problem diagnosis and rectification work can't be thoroughly tested through normal use until the engine is rebuilt.
Now I have witnessed and heard of other G450X bikes with similar starting problems as mine - likely with similar binding problems. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not the only one with a cracked crank, which I am sure has stemmed from a manufacturing defect, and am sure this will develop into a recall.
So check your crankshafts everybody ! (Alternator end).
As for me - I've decided not to have the bike back have requested a full refund from BMW Finance...
...shame as a cracking bike otherwise but I've had it with being an unpaid Beta tester.
Bahnstormer have been fantastic in their exploratory and diagnostic work, have been incredibly persistent have taken lots of bits off. Seems like they like a challenge - my kind of workshop.
I'm led to believe (if I have interpreted what they said correctly) that they have found a faulty starter motor clutch, and bits and bobs that were binding preventing the battery from turning the engine over.
But in doing the exploratory work, they had to take the alternator off, which means dropping the oil and reveals the left hand end of the crankshaft.
The alternator end of the crankshaft is cracked - as per pic below. Download the pic of the cracked crank open it and zoom in on the main crack and note it has developed into a V shaped crack. For context a couple of pics of the alternator + case and also the crankshaft end with magnetic wheel are shown.
My g/f is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and here's what she had to say about the cracked crank:
"- The majority of the crack is straight and uniform, and appears to develop into a V shaped crack.
- The majority of the crack has propagated quickly through the barrel of the crankshaft and does not suggest fatigue, which is the normal failure mode for crankshafts.
- With rotation of the crankshaft, the straight crack has developed into two slow forming cracks (V shaped) and these appear to be spreading.
- These will spread further ultimately causing a catastrophic failure of the crankshaft.
- Consequential damage as a result of crankshaft failure is also likely e.g. alternator failure, catastrophic oil loss leading to engine failure."
Basically, a timebomb waiting to go off, and likely caused my a manufacturing defect.
Clearly the bike can't be used until the crankshaft is replaced, which is a major job and akin to an engine rebuild.
At 500 miles and 20 hours. FFS.
So the electrical problem diagnosis and rectification work can't be thoroughly tested through normal use until the engine is rebuilt.
Now I have witnessed and heard of other G450X bikes with similar starting problems as mine - likely with similar binding problems. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not the only one with a cracked crank, which I am sure has stemmed from a manufacturing defect, and am sure this will develop into a recall.
So check your crankshafts everybody ! (Alternator end).
As for me - I've decided not to have the bike back have requested a full refund from BMW Finance...
...shame as a cracking bike otherwise but I've had it with being an unpaid Beta tester.
Your GF forgot to mention that the likely cause of the crack in the crank is due to the manufacturing process. I would imagine that this is a cast part that is subsequently machined. So if there is a defect in the casting you will get this V shaped crack.
The chaps at Bahnstormer were always very helpful and went out of there way to go the extra mile but..in thend I got fed up with the service costs on the G450x and the overall harshness of the bike.I have now swapped to the Huskey te450 and have to say its superb a much more relaxed ride,the bike feels more agile and plush.I was also swayed by the two year warranty just in case anything goes wrong.Add in sensible service intervals and I would recomend you give it a test ride.Mike at Husky sport was a real gent and did a cracking deal.
Enjoy the hunting - I was offerd a mega deal on the 570 Husaberg from Gear4 I think the 570 is proving a little difficult to shift.
Jay B
Enjoy the hunting - I was offerd a mega deal on the 570 Husaberg from Gear4 I think the 570 is proving a little difficult to shift.
Jay B
Brommer
Registered user
a te450 needs the same service interval as any other enduro bike.(if you let yore service be done at any other dealer and ask for the same service checks as the bmw manual ask.. it will cost you also very much money.....for instance clutch lever play, chain tensio etc... do you really need a dealer to perform that???, these thing you ceck youre self before every ride...
ive you read the ktm manual engine check at 80-90 hours, honda cfr its the same.
If you dont want the warenty then don't go to the dealer and do it your self.
The thing with the 70 houre interval engine ceck is that they replace a lot of bits that "could"be at fault, (just like in any other enduro bike), but becaus the give a 2 years warenty, the play it save and say replace it.
Ive the bike came with no warenty it would probable had no mention about changing the big parts....
as a comparisment, piston is replced in may enduro bike acording to the manuel mafter 60-80 hours... how many out there really do that????
just check the grease thing lever play clutch change oil and filter(air also) and just drive.
Competation bike cost money, that the difference between a trailbike long distence bike , offroad bike (g650xch, 650 and more) and 450 400 cc enduro bike..
ive you read the ktm manual engine check at 80-90 hours, honda cfr its the same.
If you dont want the warenty then don't go to the dealer and do it your self.
The thing with the 70 houre interval engine ceck is that they replace a lot of bits that "could"be at fault, (just like in any other enduro bike), but becaus the give a 2 years warenty, the play it save and say replace it.
Ive the bike came with no warenty it would probable had no mention about changing the big parts....
as a comparisment, piston is replced in may enduro bike acording to the manuel mafter 60-80 hours... how many out there really do that????
just check the grease thing lever play clutch change oil and filter(air also) and just drive.
Competation bike cost money, that the difference between a trailbike long distence bike , offroad bike (g650xch, 650 and more) and 450 400 cc enduro bike..
WindyChuffer
Registered user
Not quite right.
Likely root cause of the initial crack (fast crack) is a manufacturing defect, leading to continuation stress cracks (the V).
Will attempt to explain from my interpretation of conversations with my "resident" Chartered Engineer on this matter:
There are two type of crack visible in the photo:
1) Fast Crack: A crack that has formed fast. This is the main crack, and these cracks tend to be quite uniform, hence the long straight crack. It is likely that this fast crack developed very early in the engines life, possibly the the first time it was used. It is also possible that the fast crack stops at a "wall" - i.e. where the visible hollow end of the crank becomes solid, and also possible that the fast crack simply just stopped.
and
2) Slow forming cracks - the two that make up the V. These are likely being formed by stress and are spreading with vibration of use exacerbated by the crank now being out of balance. These slow forming cracks will spread and will likely cause catastrophic failure of the crank if not arrested.
Neither of us have seen the crack in person; just the photo.
Service intervals are different, the BMW at 10 hours is I think the shortest of the main Enduro bikes.The TE first service is around 500 miles assumeing in between basic checks are carried out bybthe rider - chain tension etc etc
Jay B
Crank was incorrectly heat treated after forging. The straight crack would have started to form almost immediately after the forging was machined. V crack will have started where the straight crack hit a change in section. poor heat treatment or lack of it.
WindyChuffer
Registered user
Interesting take on the issue. If correct, more than likely to apply to a rather large batch of G450X's. I smell a recall...
ovenpaa
Registered user
BWM just dropped a new engine in when it started rattling so they may well do this to yours.
WindyChuffer
Registered user
I can't fekkin believe it - instead of authorising a new engine, BMW have instructed Bahnstormer to replace the crank & bearings.
What are they smoking in Bavaria...?
Apparently BMW finance are insisting the bike is "fixed" before coming back with a proposal to my rejection of the bike. Can't see how the two are related - odd IMHO. Hey ho.
Although the bike won't run..................I reckon this saga's going to run and run and to your detriment unfortunately
In the end, I bet you wish you'd never seen the bike
Sammo
Registered user
Have you been given a replacement bike while yours is in for repair?
Tell them to sod off... the bike is clearly not fit for purpose as the engine is shagged.
Tell them you don't have any faith in their product, If it was to knacker again then you might be left to pick up the cost.
I had a similar thing with a new car a few years ago, I argued and argued with Peugeot until I got my cash back.
Martin Lewis (the moneysaving expert guy) swears by this saying :-
S saleable goods
A as
D Described
F fit for purpose
A a
R reasonable
T time
Your bike falls quite clearly into 2 sections, 1 :- the fit for purpose bit and 2 :- a reasonable time before it knackers bit.
To sum it up......You want your cash back !!
Good luck
Tell them you don't have any faith in their product, If it was to knacker again then you might be left to pick up the cost.
I had a similar thing with a new car a few years ago, I argued and argued with Peugeot until I got my cash back.
Martin Lewis (the moneysaving expert guy) swears by this saying :-
S saleable goods
A as
D Described
F fit for purpose
A a
R reasonable
T time
Your bike falls quite clearly into 2 sections, 1 :- the fit for purpose bit and 2 :- a reasonable time before it knackers bit.
To sum it up......You want your cash back !!
Good luck
ovenpaa
Registered user
Well at the risk of slightly hi-jacking your thread my bike is gone, hacked in against another BWM - talk about brand loyalty eh? The last one (HP2) needed new forks and wheels at 2 years but despite the last two bikes being less than hoped for I just have a thing for boxers so roll on September 
Meanwhile I need another enduro to replace the GX.
Meanwhile I need another enduro to replace the GX.
Similar threads
