Interesting dealer comment re FPC failures

[Andy_E]

I've a few longish trips coming up so popped into Allan Jeffries to buy a spare FPC (I know, bike costing this much shouldn't need one, but I'm being pragmatic).

The parts guy said that he doesn't know of any failures with the latest part and recommended that I swap to the new one if my FPC was an older version (which it is).

The part number for the one I was sold is 16.14.7.720.776. Anyone had one of these fail? This part is painted black, the FPC fitted to the bike (08GSA bought last August) appears to be bare metal.

Personally I'm taking his comments with a pinch of salt and other than testing the new one to check it works I'm not planning to fit it permanently unless the old FPC fails.

 

[gavin@iow]

I've a few longish trips coming up so popped into Allan Jeffries to buy a spare FPC (I know, bike costing this much shouldn't need one, but I'm being pragmatic).

The parts guy said that he doesn't know of any failures with the latest part and recommended that I swap to the new one if my FPC was an older version (which it is).

The part number for the one I was sold is 16.14.7.720.776. Anyone had one of these fail? This part is painted black, the FPC fitted to the bike (08GSA bought last August) appears to be bare metal.

Personally I'm taking his comments with a pinch of salt and other than testing the new one to check it works I'm not planning to fit it permanently unless the old FPC fails.

I still have the original unpainted version in my june '04 bike, and it's working ok, have even removed it to look at the connections and they are as new. I don't ride in the rain, so water can't collect in the FPC area. Did you also buy a new seal?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

If your bike has one of the older ones, it should be changed under warranty. Mine was last year and I`ve never had a problem. I would think the best thing to do is get the latest version fitted under warranty and keep the old one as a back in the very unlikely event you will need it

Oh by the way Gavin, there is no proof that water ingress causes the failure so and it`s purely a manufacturing issue. If you don`t ride in the rain, that must really curb your motocycling opportunities

 

[Andy_E]

I still have the original unpainted version in my june '04 bike, and it's working ok, have even removed it to look at the connections and they are as new. I don't ride in the rain, so water can't collect in the FPC area. Did you also buy a new seal?

Mine looked a bit furry at one point but I cleaned it up and ACF50'd it, I've also drained the water out on a couple of occasions. Not had any problems as yet. The new one came with a new seal.

 

[Andy_E]

Mine was last year and I`ve never had a problem. I would think the best thing to do is get the latest version fitted under warranty and keep the old one as a back in the very unlikely event you will need it

I may still seek a swap under warranty when the bike's in for its next service (if this one doesn't fail before then) but when I've had warranty work done on previous cars and bikes (albeit nothing on this bike) the supplying dealer has insisted on retaining removed parts. TBH I was in a dealer buying some other bits and considered this an insurance policy against being caught out in the wilds of Scotland, France or wherever with no phone service and no bike!

 

[jack.pe]

If your bike has one of the older ones, it should be changed under warranty. Mine was last year and I`ve never had a problem. I would think the best thing to do is get the latest version fitted under warranty and keep the old one as a back in the very unlikely event you will need it

Oh by the way Gavin, there is no proof that water ingress causes the failure so and it`s purely a manufacturing issue. If you don`t ride in the rain, that must really curb your motocycling opportunities

I have a 2004 bike and never looked at the FPC, do I have to have a look for signs of corrosion and such? and presumably I would have to pay to have mine changed to the newer version?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I have a 2004 bike and never looked at the FPC, do I have to have a look for signs of corrosion and such? and presumably I would have to pay to have mine changed to the newer version?

Jack, don`t worry about it as your`s seems to be in good order. You may want to check with a dealer if you can get one under warranty if you feel it`s a problem.

Your best bet if you are concerned is to check out the work around which is a sticky on the 1200 section and carry the bits on the bike. It will get you out of trouble and save you a bucket of money on buying an FPC you may never need.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I may still seek a swap under warranty when the bike's in for its next service (if this one doesn't fail before then) but when I've had warranty work done on previous cars and bikes (albeit nothing on this bike) the supplying dealer has insisted on retaining removed parts. TBH I was in a dealer buying some other bits and considered this an insurance policy against being caught out in the wilds of Scotland, France or wherever with no phone service and no bike!

Yes, you may be right there but you could ask for the old one....you never know they might say yes

Check the FPC failure workround posted by Wapping. This will get you out of trouble and maybe a cheaper option.