So I was talking to Pretty Wife this afternoon after my ride this morning and she said something to the effect of "It sounds like you have already had the first 3 phases of most relationships with your new bike..." so I did what I always do, which is smile and nod, then offer to do chores.
Phase #1 - The Honeymoon - (0 -1000kms)
We all know the signs of the honeymoon, in fact I gushed all about it here with my "First Impressions" Thread 10-12 weeks ago now. Total lust, infatuation, sneaking a peek every time you walk past the garage, twisting every conversation with your riding friends to magically be about your new amazing bike, yada yada...
Phase #2 - The Rough Patch - (1000-6000kms)
In real relationships I'm a firm believe that troubles are almost always a two way street and there are rarely innocent parties. Well, in this one I throw that theory out the window and I paint myself as pure as the driven snow, and the 890R the demon spawn from Hell.
It's a long laundry list of issues, I'll just bullet point them here:
This phase had me file for divorce. I scheduled an appointment at my local dealer for the bulk of the fixes (rotors, reservoir, MAP, 4th CSS, etc...) and then once it was all done - for sale ads were posted up. Turns out I'm not cut out for "Euro Charms" and just want tools/machines that work. In this day of technological wonder, I find it unacceptable that a $16,000 top spec new machine could have soooo many niggles.
Phase #3 - Therapy, a cool down period, and a second chance (6000kms-7800kms/current)
I told myself that one more issue and I was bringing the bike back to the dealer with all the parts and keys, and saying send me a cheque for what I paid or let me know when my brand new 890R arrives and we can try this from the beginning again. Thankfully I have an AMAZING local KTM dealer who worked with me, took my concerns up the chain to the bosses at KTM Canada, and even though I was THAT guy who everyone dreads hearing from - they never shirked from their responsibility to make sure I was looked after. Badgering KTM to approve items not usually covered (chain), communicating with me at every step of the way, and getting parts in ASAP and scheduling in service appts immediately to get me back on the road every time.
So - after all the final warranty repairs and new parts were done a few weeks ago, knock on wood it's been perfect. This CSS is still bone dry after 1800kms, new DID chain is amazing (so much less rolling resistance), rotors and pads are bedded in and are sublime, and so on... It just plain works.
Is it still for sale?
Yes. Sadly I'm the type of guy who has a long memory and holds a grudge far too long.
Am I content to keep it and ride it if I don't get any takers?
Absolutely. I've had some of the best rides possible the past few weeks on it - weather is great, roads are mostly traffic free, and the bike has been bulletproof.
Phase #1 - The Honeymoon - (0 -1000kms)
We all know the signs of the honeymoon, in fact I gushed all about it here with my "First Impressions" Thread 10-12 weeks ago now. Total lust, infatuation, sneaking a peek every time you walk past the garage, twisting every conversation with your riding friends to magically be about your new amazing bike, yada yada...
Phase #2 - The Rough Patch - (1000-6000kms)
In real relationships I'm a firm believe that troubles are almost always a two way street and there are rarely innocent parties. Well, in this one I throw that theory out the window and I paint myself as pure as the driven snow, and the 890R the demon spawn from Hell.
It's a long laundry list of issues, I'll just bullet point them here:
- warped front brake rotors (picked up at first service - 1000kms by Tech, replaced with new pads as well @5800ms)
- CSS X FOUR replacements - each one lasting anywhere from 100-1600km's before deciding Motorex is best outside the engine rather than inside it.
- Leaking Brake fluid Reservoir (at 4000kms)
- Squealing/chirping chain (at 2500kms)
- MAP Sensor Failure (replaced at 5800kms)
- Oil burning - since the first service I've had to put in 725ml to keep it in the mappy spot of 1/2 way up the red circle (when checked hot, let stand 5 minutes, and on a level surface - all while rubbing my belly and tapping my head - crikey what a convoluted set up KTM!)
This phase had me file for divorce. I scheduled an appointment at my local dealer for the bulk of the fixes (rotors, reservoir, MAP, 4th CSS, etc...) and then once it was all done - for sale ads were posted up. Turns out I'm not cut out for "Euro Charms" and just want tools/machines that work. In this day of technological wonder, I find it unacceptable that a $16,000 top spec new machine could have soooo many niggles.
Phase #3 - Therapy, a cool down period, and a second chance (6000kms-7800kms/current)
I told myself that one more issue and I was bringing the bike back to the dealer with all the parts and keys, and saying send me a cheque for what I paid or let me know when my brand new 890R arrives and we can try this from the beginning again. Thankfully I have an AMAZING local KTM dealer who worked with me, took my concerns up the chain to the bosses at KTM Canada, and even though I was THAT guy who everyone dreads hearing from - they never shirked from their responsibility to make sure I was looked after. Badgering KTM to approve items not usually covered (chain), communicating with me at every step of the way, and getting parts in ASAP and scheduling in service appts immediately to get me back on the road every time.
So - after all the final warranty repairs and new parts were done a few weeks ago, knock on wood it's been perfect. This CSS is still bone dry after 1800kms, new DID chain is amazing (so much less rolling resistance), rotors and pads are bedded in and are sublime, and so on... It just plain works.
Is it still for sale?
Yes. Sadly I'm the type of guy who has a long memory and holds a grudge far too long.
Am I content to keep it and ride it if I don't get any takers?
Absolutely. I've had some of the best rides possible the past few weeks on it - weather is great, roads are mostly traffic free, and the bike has been bulletproof.