The first point of contact / complaint in a case like this is the supplying dealer. They provided the product and service and any legal remedy is with them.
Not at all, I completely agree with you. I almost did contact Nitron earlier in the week but then I thought I'd give the supplier/installer a chance to comment. As has been highlighted, arguably they should have noticed what was apparent. They're an authorised dealer for Nitron and I'm hopeful that their dialogue may expedite resolution. As it happens the bike is laid up for winter now so I have time to get this resolved and the original parts are back on. The YSS look spot on.
I don't know if it is positive that I'm not the only one or negative that I didn't just get a duff set of shocks. That just doesn't seem good enough to me? I've emailed the supplier and K-Tech, just took some much clearer pictures as well. Did you fit yours yourself, are you concerned? Cheers
just checked mine exactly the same as yours been riding with them like that all summer no problems now I have noticed it not happy with it although there fixed there is bound to be slight movement up and down I am worried now that the force could eventually snap the bolt holding the shock on. be interesting to see what reply you get back from k tech.
This problem will definitely transfer energy into the machined aluminium parts but whether or not its sufficient to cause severe damage I couldn't say. Its likely the bush would take more of a pounding than is usual and prevent anything more serious from occurring.
I think the bolt will be fine as it is not stressed, it just attaches the shock laterally to the mounting lug. The damage will be to the lug itself, probably only the paint as in your case as the actual lug is pretty hefty, and to the shock body itself. No idea if you could crack the shock body? In any case, I'm amazed that Nitron and K-Tech seem to supply shocks with this issue. I'll let you know if I get any replies, but they are all out until the New Year and I don't expect a quick reply. For your paint damage could you paint the 'dent', then fill with clear resin and if necessary paint over that as well? You could probably get away with using a brush.
Had the shocks and cartridge front units fitted by an authorised dealer. Have only done about 100 miles since but am not happy that the shocks are damaged (cost about £600) and under stress against the lugs. Maybe just a washer would have been enough to bring the shocks clear.
I was thinking of an epoxy type paint with a high build to re-constitute the powder coating. You could probably 'shape' the metal and lose the damage that way. I shall probably seek a specialist repair without making the job bigger than it needs to be. I'm pleased to know that others may be able head a similar problem off before it gets as bad as mine is. It's going to be interesting to hear what these manufacturers have to say on it.
Togsha, I can't see if I have any damage unless I take the shocks off. AS I say, I haven't ridden it but at the least I expect some paint damage and a scratch on the shocks. A spacer to the inside of the shock would probably give enough clearance, don't know if it would angle the shock though. Flashp, let us know how the repair goes. Let's all keep in touch.
Add a washer top and bottom ! WoW that was an easy solution , and that would "Stop Angle" from occurring ?? Wouldn't it ??
It depends on how much clearance you need. By adding washers you move the shock on the mount out from the lug which may cause the retaining bolt to pinch the ferrule or the bush. The shock is meant to be able to rotate on the lug as the swingarm moves. I'm not in front of the bike as write this but it's what occurs to me without looking.
I dont have the set up to look at but referring to your comments is the design such that the bush centre is fixed by the bolt or do the dimensions allow a slightly free play to allow the shock to angularly move? If the latter then a washer(s) will just exasperate the issue and may cause other issues. Please inform which design it is? If the design is for the bolt to be tight but shocker bush to be free then a shouldered bolt or stepped outer washer is the only way a plain inner washer could/should be used.
Don't think there is room between the mounting lugs at the bottom for a washer, it is a U shaped mount, no space for anything but the bottom shock eyelet..
Sorry to hear about the problem with your Nitrons Flash. I think we went to the same fitter who specified the shocks from Nitron and fitted them. Mind you, I have the 3 way adjustable ones, so the shock body is different straight away, so the responsibilty lies with the installer I'd say. It's something they should have spotted immediately. A shock becomes a rod if it is not free to move. I was a bit worried about the young lad working on my bike, but he was supervised by the boss who test rode my bike before handing it over. I went direct to Nitron to have the forks done.
I believe there is already a washer in place at the bottom on the inside (nearest wheel) so I think that that option is not available anyway. I am not going to touch anything as it is up to who ever is at fault to resolve the problem.
I just checked the Nitron site and there isn't a shock specified for a 2018 T100. They only specify parts for up to a 2016.
There is a bushing that fits to the inside of the mounting lug but it doesn't 'space' out the shock eyelet, just reduces the hole to the correct dimension for the mounting bolt. You are right to just leave it to installers in your case.
That’s awful the fact that you used an official agent and the shocks are imho not fit for purpose at £600,agree that the issue is with the original fitter and if they have supplied the wrong year of shock they are 100% liable,worse that the frame is marked that would piss me of as no fault of yours
There were a number of other Speed Twin owners who have had the KTEC shocks fitted so this situation could become expensive for someone.
