I've just picked my 2013 repsol up on Monday and noticed some imperfections on the frame..ill post pics to see what everyone else thinks. Surely they aren't all like this. I'f anyone else has one they could check and give me some feedback id really appreciate it. The blades being picked up on Monday for inspection. Id prefer a new one if poss. The marks are visible ..Mines not a week old yet and has only covered 150 miles. The marks are at the top of the frame at the bottom side of the tank .. Cheers for any advice and help in advance
Yeah that looks bad. Probably not structural but not the quality you'd expect for an £11K spend. Hope they swap it for you...
I'd reject it if possible. I certainly wouldn't like to think my brand new bike had had it's frame swapped. Don't forget once you accept remedial works you can no longer reject it. Whilst it doesn't look structural how do you really know. Where did you get it from? It should never have passed Honda quality control and maybe the PDI should have picked it up. Ask yourself should it be there? No. Am I happy to accept a substandard part, especially a frame? No way.
Does it look like a ground down weld? Would it be reasonable to ask for an Engineers report, or if you don't get what you want threaten one. A good line of argument may be would it impact on resale value? Mike.
Is it only visible of you push the plastic panel in? Have you had a chance to look at other 2013 bikes - I think the frame is painted so it could be it needs a repaint in that area maybe?
Just had a look at mine and it's similar not quite as bad but same place and size on both sides. I have a black frame if it makes any difference.
Certainly not what it should be. Here's the same weld on my 2011 Repsol and certainly looks a lot better (Sorry for pic quality).
Hi, I've been thinking about this, If this is a poorly ground weld, and it's structurally sound I think your position is quite weak, I think it's unlikely Honda will replace the bike as it may set a rule that could be very expensive for them. I hope you do get your wish and it's replaced, but if this isn't the case you have a fantastic bike (wish it was mine) the problem can't be seen and it won't impact on performance. Get out, enjoy it, and give it some beeenzz. Good luck, Mike.
Mine is a 2012, just been out to check mine and mine has it on the right hand side much the same but not as prominent as its painted black. The left hand side seems okay. Let me know how you get on with this. Cheers
Ok aprilia welding work might not look the same but their final machine workmanship is utter crap! This is highly evident on their engines everything is left as a rough fast cutting from the cnc machining! And the duke does not have the reliability the Honda does! How many dukes have almost 90k miles on them and the bikes only had to have routine servicing done to achieve this!
Yes it is painted, I know because when I had a Honda Dealer fit my Sato Street hooks, they helpfully left a scratch on the frame. Thankfully it was professionally repaired.
