mrclean78

I hope that by my finding and reporting the existing problem that others will take the time to check those lower pinch bolts on the front axle. You finding the same condition only reinforces a potential problem. Sure am glad you found it. I reported my findings to Yamaha Corporate but only received a polite thank you from the employee and nothing more was said. Please give Yamaha a call with your findings.

I should add that I have my suspicions that back in late February when I took possession that the mechanics putting it together weren't too adept at their work and not very thorough. While driving home I noticed a light on but without my reading glasses I wasn't sure what a light on the dash meant but upon arriving home determined with glasses that the bike was saying TIRE PRESSURE LOW. Sure enough I only had 31 Lbs in each tire.I did feel that the ride was pretty soft. Another thing about thoroughness the bike only had three tenths of a gallon of gas in the tank as I had to fill it up before departing for home. Thankfully a station was only 2 to 3 blocks away. In regards to yesterdays event the mechanic working on my bike was the new head mechanic and only there for three months.

The Pinch Bolts in question were at the very bottom of the front wheel. The bike only has 2000 miles on it at this point, so still pretty new. I've had a lot of bikes in my time of various makes and NEVER had one with the lower pinch bolts loose. Had that salesman not noticed it I may have had a very rude awakening.

I don't get into talking about general things on here regarding any of the previous Yamaha's I've had but I do believe this needs to be broadcast in regard to the 2018 Transcontinental. I found yesterday while visiting a Harley dealer in Brighton,Michigan by an astute salesman after bragging about my bikes attributes and traveling 30 miles to get there that one of my front end pinch bolts was missing and the other one was loose. I tightened up the one loose one by a good 3 turns and cautiously went to the dealer I got it from in AnnArbor,Mich to replace the missing one. I have to say I was cautiously driving there half expecting something to happen. So where does the blame for this lay ? Did it start in Japan or here in the states. I'll be getting with Yamaha tomorrow to start the investigative procedure. So a word to the wise Check Your Pinch Bolts.