Faulty FCP engine mounts

17judd17
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AU

Many people out there seeing this? (pics attached)

2023 kx450, 30 hours easy vet mx riding, Installed, torqued and maintained as per instructions. FCP tried every pathetic excuse in the book not to take any responsibility for a Cleary flawed part, then resorted to personal insults rather than offering a warranty replacement....

IMG 1928 0IMG 1923IMG 1924

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7/25/2023 2:45pm Edited Date/Time 7/25/2023 2:46pm

“You want less rigidity? Here you go!”

16
7/25/2023 3:01pm

Joking aside. I cracked a set of stock KTM 125 mounts in the same exact way. Everything was torqued to spec, no hard flat landings. No clue how it happened. 

BBA
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somewhere, NC US
7/25/2023 3:31pm

I wonder what type of alloy are they using on these mounts? 

1
TeamGreen
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7/25/2023 3:35pm

They’d be wise to warranty that structural failure. 

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The Shop

GPrider
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7/25/2023 3:48pm

If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is not, all would be breaking. My guess its a misalignment issue specific to your bike. Meaning once you torque the two top bolts there is a slight gap at the cylinder. When you tighten the bottom bolt you are drawing it in. This would put some, although very small, pressure where it broke. 

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sandman768
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7/25/2023 3:50pm

Could you feel the difference between these & the stock mounts? 

1
TeamGreen
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7/25/2023 4:07pm
GPrider wrote:
If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is...

If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is not, all would be breaking. My guess its a misalignment issue specific to your bike. Meaning once you torque the two top bolts there is a slight gap at the cylinder. When you tighten the bottom bolt you are drawing it in. This would put some, although very small, pressure where it broke. 

If there is/was a void or inclusion in that piece of aluminum, that’s a material defect causing the failure. 

If the part saw to much heat during the machining process or if it was not heat treated correctly (how you heat, how much heat, how it’s quenched/not quenched…etc.) or if the mounting surfaces of the mount wasn’t correctly finished to match the cylinder head’s surface or if there was a mis-machined blend-radius…etc., etc., etc. …all of which are manufacturing and process issues…again…that’s still “defective”.

In all fairness to FCP, they’ve made a lot of these and I haven’t seen this before; so, I’d roll with “shit happens” and I’d send the dude a new set…yes, “set”. 

 

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wrc777
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Fantasy
7/25/2023 4:08pm
GPrider wrote:
If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is...

If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is not, all would be breaking. My guess its a misalignment issue specific to your bike. Meaning once you torque the two top bolts there is a slight gap at the cylinder. When you tighten the bottom bolt you are drawing it in. This would put some, although very small, pressure where it broke. 

It could also be the stress concentration milled into the part right where it broke. 

2
scott15
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Port Angeles, WA US
7/25/2023 7:51pm

 

I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now, but surprised I had to re-purchase for the fix  IMG 8157 0

 

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NSP139
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7/25/2023 8:06pm
scott15 wrote:
  I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now...

 

I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now, but surprised I had to re-purchase for the fix  IMG 8157 0

 

What year is the bike ?

scott15
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7/25/2023 9:22pm
scott15 wrote:
  I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now...

 

I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now, but surprised I had to re-purchase for the fix  IMG 8157 0

 

NSP139 wrote:

What year is the bike ?

23

gristle568
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St Marys , PA US
7/25/2023 9:24pm

It probably costs them $10 to make that and it would have saved this thread from being made and hundreds of people seeing one of those mounts broken. 

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Goldmember
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7/25/2023 10:12pm

Those mounts are likely being sprung in to nip up. Manufacturing/design fail.

1
Richy
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7/26/2023 12:53am
scott15 wrote:
  I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now...

 

I had to purchase an ‘updated’ bracket from them after mine broke on my KTM. They went from aluminum to steel which shouldn’t break now, but surprised I had to re-purchase for the fix  IMG 8157 0

 

How is an aftermarket steel one better than an OEM aluminium one?

Genuine question, not being a dick 👍

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Goldmember
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7/26/2023 1:05am
Richy wrote:

How is an aftermarket steel one better than an OEM aluminium one?

Genuine question, not being a dick 👍

Steel, say 4140 or 4130, has higher strength, is more ductile, and much more fatigue resistant.

With careful design it may be no heavier.

1
17judd17
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7/26/2023 1:53am
GPrider wrote:
If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is...

If it was a design flaw all KX hangers would be breaking. If it was a material issue, which I am going to say it is not, all would be breaking. My guess its a misalignment issue specific to your bike. Meaning once you torque the two top bolts there is a slight gap at the cylinder. When you tighten the bottom bolt you are drawing it in. This would put some, although very small, pressure where it broke. 

No alignment or gap or pulling issues with these or the stock mounts.

1
7/26/2023 3:50am Edited Date/Time 7/26/2023 3:52am
sandman768 wrote:

Could you feel the difference between these & the stock mounts? 

Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable in any way.  For a start, Knobs on the tires, large flex, the tire itself, flex, up to an inch?   Suspension, over 12 inches, your knees, over 12 inches.   Even the soil we ride on, at times has 'give'.   How is anyone ever going to notice .001mm of movement in an engine mount?   Again, honest question, I don't see these things make a lick of difference in handling.  Someone please fill me in, I don't get it.  It makes me put chips up my nose.

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526
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7/26/2023 5:12am

What were the excuses or personal insults? 

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Goldmember
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7/26/2023 5:25am Edited Date/Time 7/26/2023 6:23am
17judd17 wrote:
Many people out there seeing this? (pics attached) 2023 kx450, 30 hours easy vet mx riding, Installed, torqued and maintained as per instructions. FCP tried every...

Many people out there seeing this? (pics attached)

2023 kx450, 30 hours easy vet mx riding, Installed, torqued and maintained as per instructions. FCP tried every pathetic excuse in the book not to take any responsibility for a Cleary flawed part, then resorted to personal insults rather than offering a warranty replacement....

IMG 1928 0IMG 1923IMG 1924

 

That mount looks like it has sprung to me.

The frame part has moved in relation to the engine section.

It's hard to tell but there does not appear to be a stress relief fillet or radius on either the bolt lug or the chamfer on the bracket.

The rolling direction of the plate (the grain) in relation to the loads, is another, small, consideration.

 

image-20230726222109-1

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Darrin Willis
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Red Deer County, AB CA
7/26/2023 5:29am
sandman768 wrote:

Could you feel the difference between these & the stock mounts? 

Joshracing wrote:
Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable...

Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable in any way.  For a start, Knobs on the tires, large flex, the tire itself, flex, up to an inch?   Suspension, over 12 inches, your knees, over 12 inches.   Even the soil we ride on, at times has 'give'.   How is anyone ever going to notice .001mm of movement in an engine mount?   Again, honest question, I don't see these things make a lick of difference in handling.  Someone please fill me in, I don't get it.  It makes me put chips up my nose.

Its in the same vane as " I run 103.5mm sag " 

2
sandman768
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7/26/2023 6:14am
Joshracing wrote:
Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable...

Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable in any way.  For a start, Knobs on the tires, large flex, the tire itself, flex, up to an inch?   Suspension, over 12 inches, your knees, over 12 inches.   Even the soil we ride on, at times has 'give'.   How is anyone ever going to notice .001mm of movement in an engine mount?   Again, honest question, I don't see these things make a lick of difference in handling.  Someone please fill me in, I don't get it.  It makes me put chips up my nose.

What I”m asking is : could he feel the difference between the stock & FCP mounts in regards to the handling of the chassis…you make my point exactly… you would have to be a very precise and sensitive test rider to feel the difference…. Hence… chalk it up to a learning experience for buying something you never needed in the first place….

2
wrc777
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Fantasy
7/26/2023 6:54am

Of all the bikes to try aftermarket engine mounts the Kawasaki would probably be my last choice to try them on. It seems to have the most comfortable chassis flex of them all and the least need for more flex.

fourfourone
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86oh, CT US
7/26/2023 7:21am

Who cares if the OP can tell the difference...Not what the thread is about. It's about shitty customer service. 

 

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ns503
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NS Toolies CA
7/26/2023 8:22am
Joshracing wrote:
Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable...

Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable in any way.  For a start, Knobs on the tires, large flex, the tire itself, flex, up to an inch?   Suspension, over 12 inches, your knees, over 12 inches.   Even the soil we ride on, at times has 'give'.   How is anyone ever going to notice .001mm of movement in an engine mount?   Again, honest question, I don't see these things make a lick of difference in handling.  Someone please fill me in, I don't get it.  It makes me put chips up my nose.

sandman768 wrote:
What I”m asking is : could he feel the difference between the stock & FCP mounts in regards to the handling of the chassis…you make my...

What I”m asking is : could he feel the difference between the stock & FCP mounts in regards to the handling of the chassis…you make my point exactly… you would have to be a very precise and sensitive test rider to feel the difference…. Hence… chalk it up to a learning experience for buying something you never needed in the first place….

Want vs. need is irrelevant to it breaking.

 

5
Coughlin639
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Clayton, NY US
7/26/2023 10:07am
sandman768 wrote:

Could you feel the difference between these & the stock mounts? 

Joshracing wrote:
Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable...

Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable in any way.  For a start, Knobs on the tires, large flex, the tire itself, flex, up to an inch?   Suspension, over 12 inches, your knees, over 12 inches.   Even the soil we ride on, at times has 'give'.   How is anyone ever going to notice .001mm of movement in an engine mount?   Again, honest question, I don't see these things make a lick of difference in handling.  Someone please fill me in, I don't get it.  It makes me put chips up my nose.

On my RMZ I've noticed that the aftermarket engine mounts helpers reduce a bunch of vibration in the bars compared to the stock one. I can't notice any frame flex or anything, but if the vibration reduction helps keep me from getting arm pump as easily then they did their job for me

1
BigRedMachine
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Grants Pass, OR US
7/26/2023 11:33am

Wow! I was looking at these engine mounts, but now I'm suspicious about their lack of customer support if one of them fails.  FCP better make this right, because this kind of publicity can kill a company. 

2
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17judd17
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AU
7/26/2023 1:00pm
Joshracing wrote:
Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable...

Hey Sandman, with all due respect, how can anyone 'feel' an engine mount?  I see all this 'flex' stuff, but, belive none of it is noticeable in any way.  For a start, Knobs on the tires, large flex, the tire itself, flex, up to an inch?   Suspension, over 12 inches, your knees, over 12 inches.   Even the soil we ride on, at times has 'give'.   How is anyone ever going to notice .001mm of movement in an engine mount?   Again, honest question, I don't see these things make a lick of difference in handling.  Someone please fill me in, I don't get it.  It makes me put chips up my nose.

sandman768 wrote:
What I”m asking is : could he feel the difference between the stock & FCP mounts in regards to the handling of the chassis…you make my...

What I”m asking is : could he feel the difference between the stock & FCP mounts in regards to the handling of the chassis…you make my point exactly… you would have to be a very precise and sensitive test rider to feel the difference…. Hence… chalk it up to a learning experience for buying something you never needed in the first place….

I though I could feel a small difference in some conditions, could have been a placebo effect, certainly wasn’t worth the price. 

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