Well guys, my first real problem with the Vinson is due to rider error. I smacked a tree this weekend and knocked my steering out of whack. I could tell something was wrong when I backed up and sped up to catch the group on the trail. The steering felt kind of loose and darty. Much of what I liked about the Vinson handling was immediately gone.

When we stopped on the trail to rest for a while, I started checking it out and when turning the bars a bit, the right wheel would move and the left did not. Upon further inspection, the left side rod end is very loose at the steering stem connection. I called the dealer and confirmed that there is no bushing in there, so I ordered a new rod end. That tree cost me $40 for the part and some wrench time when the part comes in!

I spent all afternoon cleaning up the yellow beast. Sand and mud caked all around the brake calipers and chassis. Had to take all 4 wheels off to clean her up. With a new rod end in place, it should be ready for another ride.

 

$40.00 isnt really to bad for a tie rod......hope everything else is ok with it....good luck