Thanks. I'm with you there. I'm trying not to think about the possible outcomes, but I'd be a fool not to.

Problem is, fixes are based on statistics with all corporations of any size. When the "numbers" show an economic need to address an issue, it's addressed (usually). I, however don't want to be one of their numbers used to make a proper decision.

 

Are both uppers and lowers affected, or does anyone know yet? Rumley's vid just shows wear on the upper.

 

It can effect either the uppers the lowers or both..since it is an issue with the knuckles really.

 

I'm really getting spooked with this problem. I've checked and can't see any play but I'm concerned about being ten miles from no where in 6-8 ft of snow and having it break down.

 

I really wouldn't be scared if you know how to check for play...this ins't something that is just going to magically get so bad that it breaks on one ride IMO. What makes it dangerous is alot of people don't even thinkg to check for ball joint play on a new machine.

 

The ball joint issue has a safety recall ,the first thing they check for loose if it had they change the steering knuckle.if it have no loose they replace the bolt 8mm. 8.8 whit a 8mm 10.8 whit more torque. the real trouble of that bike so far, for me it's the a arm bushing that don t last .for the other thing we can take any bike in is first year and find so much trouble you will be scare to drive it.

 

Isn't paranoia a wonderfull thing? When I go to a football game & when the players huddle, I think they're talking about me. LOL

Yeah, I'm mechanical enough but sometimes that makes it worse. CRAP HAPPENS !.
I built a helicopter one time and lost 5 lbs each flight worrying about areas that I was concerned about but the engineers had approved.

 

I hear you....it isn't really paranoia IMO..but well placed concern. I fly and work on aircraft...we inspect them pretty thoroughly between operations...sometimes it can be a pain to do and it takes a bit of time..but when the risks are high it only makes sense..
So with that mindset if I was going to be putting around the house at low speeds working with my XP I wouldn't bother jacking it up and checking the ball joint play,not much stress on the ball joints doing that and if one failed at 5 mph..so what....but if I was doing anymore than that,going out for a realt trail ride, I broke out the jack and checked the play everytime...and I felt fine about riding it as long as they were tight before I took off,even on a 100 mile ride. But if I had ever seen any play in the ball joint where it goes through the knuckle I wouldn't have taken it out of the yard,unless it was on a trailer.

 

I hear what you're saying Mongrol.....For me, no more pounding in and out of snow filled ditches with the tracks on.....or tires for that matter until this is totally resolved. Once I get it back from the shop and it's tight, I'll ride it like I used to, but as High mentioned, keep a real close eye on it. I don't think it's anything to get real spooked about as long as there's no play. She's a solid machine other than that, and a couple other relatively easy fixes. This ball joint issue is by far the most worrisome. Makes the clicking axles seem like a joke.