Help needed!! Issue with build quality on a 2019 CB650R.

EnglishBikerDan · Apr 25, 2019

Hi all,

So, I need some help. I have had my bike around a month or so, have only covered 880 miles, never been out in rain and always covered. However, I seem to have some rather bad corrosion on the water pipe that goes into the engine. While it may not be an issue technically, this is not a good thing to see on a brand new bike!

I've spoken to the dealer and their response was "This has happened with our demo bike". They have said they will look at it but from my conversation with the sales guy, I felt they were quite dismissive. Can I ask if anyone else has this issue and if not, could you post a pic and let me know mileage etc? I really want to head them off at the pass in case they come back saying "This is just how it is".

The area in question is towards the rear of the engine, there's a gap you can look through while crouching next to the bike.

I also found a missing bolt on the radiator and the header bolts were literally finger tight, I unscrewed all of them without a tool when fitting my new exhaust.

I love this bike but I am just a little worried about the QA!

Help would be very much appreciated.

Dan

GJP · Apr 25, 2019

I have only had mine a week Dan but will happily check for you later, just remind me when you need an update ok

EnglishBikerDan · Apr 25, 2019

GJP said:
I have only had mine a week Dan but will happily check for you later, just remind me when you need an update ok

Thank you, I'm really interested to see how many bikes have this issue.

58webbing · Apr 25, 2019

I have just checked my bike out (400 Miles) and all is pristine. Your loose header nuts sounds to me like someone has been messing about. I would check other fasteners for signs of use, ie the rest of the exhaust etc. If they have been used the plating will show some small signs of distress. The only quality issue I have found so far was about 1/4 turn throttle play.

Sunde · Apr 25, 2019

My CBF2018 also had rust on several fastnings and bolts when i got it fresh off the boat. Honda replaced all affected parts for me no questions asked.

matt650 · Apr 26, 2019

Anecdotally when i collected my new 2018 CBR650F last September, i was quietly impressed that virtually every bolt i could find looked like it had been marked as checked for correct torque. Small blue markings everywhere on everything. Not sure if this was done by the dealer or the factory but it gave me a lot of piece of mind.

58webbing · Apr 26, 2019

Cynically, marker pens are cheaper than spanners

miweber929 · Apr 26, 2019

EnglishBikerDan said:
Hi all,

So, I need some help. I have had my bike around a month or so, have only covered 880 miles, never been out in rain and always covered. However, I seem to have some rather bad corrosion on the water pipe that goes into the engine. While it may not be an issue technically, this is not a good thing to see on a brand new bike!

I've spoken to the dealer and their response was "This has happened with our demo bike". They have said they will look at it but from my conversation with the sales guy, I felt they were quite dismissive. Can I ask if anyone else has this issue and if not, could you post a pic and let me know mileage etc? I really want to head them off at the pass in case they come back saying "This is just how it is".

The area in question is towards the rear of the engine, there's a gap you can look through while crouching next to the bike.

I also found a missing bolt on the radiator and the header bolts were literally finger tight, I unscrewed all of them without a tool when fitting my new exhaust.

I love this bike but I am just a little worried about the QA!

Help would be very much appreciated.

Dan

For the most part, what you have noticed as far as corrosion is a bit typical for these Tailand built Honda's in salty environments. There's a reason these bikes cost 20% less than a comparable Japanese built Honda and the ones built in years past. Most of the "early life" corrosion cases were fixed by dealers so you should be able to go back and get the parts replaced. I know my 650F was built well, but parts on it oxidized and slightly corroded MUCH easier and faster than other bikes I've owned, also from different manufacturers, but I expected it based on the price/value and just kept up with it.

I do not ride or live in a salt water environment and don't ride in the winter, however.

On the other hand, the loose header bolts and missing radiator bolt is more troubling. I have yet to find anything wrong with the build quality on these "inexpensive" models (I had a Grom, NC700X and the CBR650F, all Tailand built) just that they weren't as "finished" as my Japanese built VFR's and CBR's of older days. Hoping it's just a fluke, but I'd take it to my dealer and have them go over it from front to back and insist on that. You may have some trouble since you have modified the bike but I would still try.

EnglishBikerDan · Apr 29, 2019

Thanks for the replies, I'm going to raise a warranty claim with Honda for these parts as they've used these horrid steel clamps all over the hoses and they have all corroded. Weirdly, my 2018 CB500X is totally fine. Some parts have gone that white colour but I rode all winter so to be expected. The CB650R however is new and hasn't even been washed yet! I'll let you know the outcome.

GJP · May 1, 2019

matt650 said:
Anecdotally when i collected my new 2018 CBR650F last September, i was quietly impressed that virtually every bolt i could find looked like it had been marked as checked for correct torque. Small blue markings everywhere on everything. Not sure if this was done by the dealer or the factory but it gave me a lot of piece of mind.

Mines the same, all marked up

Brammers · May 1, 2019

Same on my 2014 Cbr650f.

EnglishBikerDan · May 1, 2019

My bolts are all marked up, just all these hose clamps are rusted to shit. Seems common on quite a few bikes as the clamps are untreated steel. I might just get them replaced at some point with something decent.

Fasterclouds39 · May 2, 2019

Hi whete are these clamps i been flying around in all weathers on my cb650r beauty

Fasterclouds39 · May 2, 2019

Yes i think the thailand built bikes do lack build quality of jap built older bikes, i thonk its money saving idea feom honda im not very happy about it as i told the dealer

Fasterclouds39 · May 2, 2019

My typo speller on phone is terrible

Enrico · May 2, 2019

' For the most part, what you have noticed as far as corrosion is a bit typical for these Tailand built Honda's in salty environments.'
'Weirdly, my 2018 CB500X is totally fine' - so maybe it isn't typical of Thailand built Hondas !

EnglishBikerDan · May 3, 2019

These clamps are on all the large rubber hoses. So from the radiator and into the engine and also underneath the engine. Honda are getting replacements for me.

58webbing · May 3, 2019

Save the old clamps and get them zinc (or similar) plated in case the replacements are no better than the originals.

Enrico · May 3, 2019

'Save the old clamps and get them zinc (or similar) plated in case the replacements are no better than the originals.' - if that was the case wouldn't it be better to just replace the clamps with stainless steel ones ?

GJP · May 7, 2019

Thanks for the heads up Dan, will keep an eye on them

Help needed!! Issue with build quality on a 2019 CB650R.

Attachments