Where did these cracks come from?

RideLondon · Post by **RideLondon** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:28 am

Hi guys, got a mystery for you to have a crack at solving.

I bought my brand new 2015 white PCX 125 2 weeks ago today. Did I mention i love these bikes?

Two days ago I was cleaning it thoroughly for the first time since buying it. In cleaning the right side panel, just next to the seat, I noticed two small hairline cracks. Photos:

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1411633046.373288.jpg (167.72 KiB) Viewed 2423 times

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1411633025.873707.jpg (179.67 KiB) Viewed 2423 times

: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1411633005.497876.jpg (180 KiB) Viewed 2423 times

I know the photos aren't the best but hopefully you get the idea. If anyone wants a clearer view, I can upload a video later.

Now, I see no way this could have happened "on the road". I have been treating this bike very carefully, and it is in immaculate condition, spotless apart from these fractures. There is also no sign of damage or impact anywhere in the surrounding area of the cracks, and no dirt or scuffs as there would be if it had been hit/ attacked etc.

So I took it down to my local Honda and spoke to their man in charge of warranties. Quite possibly the most objectionable, unhelpful, and rude human being I've ever come across. Before he had even seen the bike it seemed like he had made up his mind. As soon as we got to the bike and he saw the cracks he said "I can send the photos to Honda UK but I'm 100% sure they'll reject the warranty claim. Plastic doesn't just crack, I've never seen anything like this before. a couple of weeks ago we had someone come in with gravel chips trying to claim it on warranty". So I said to him, "so how do you think this happened then?" He replied that the bike was probably like that when I bought it, and that I only noticed the cracks when I was cleaning that area close- up. Also, obviously when the bike had zero miles on it, it was spotless and the cracks were invisible. Then after being ridden, dirt gets into the cracks and makes them more visible.

So he said it was probably damaged in transit on the way to the showroom. In which case it's "not a warranty job", because it's not a manufacturing defect, and I "should have noticed it before I bought the bike".

Now, I am no expert but one thing strikes me as strange. The same panel on the left hand side is not tightened as much as the right hand side. What I mean by this, is that if I push gently inwards on the left panel and the right panel, there is significantly more "give" in the left than the right. The right seems very brittle and stiff. Is that just because there's something behind it, or has it been overly- tightened? If it's been overly- tightened this guy can stick it and give me a new panel thank you very much.

I would really appreciate it if someone with a 2015 PCX could compare the left and right panels, just by pushing inwards on them, and seeing if there is more "give" in the left one than the right one. Alternatively I might go to the showroom and see for myself on the new models.

I'm sorry for the long- winded post but thanks for reading. I hope it all makes sense. I really appreciate any help or advice.

Cheers

Sacha

Alibally · Post by **Alibally** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:39 am

They look like stress cracks to me. The panels might not be fitting correctly maybe due to a defect in the moulding of the panels.
If your sure it hasn't been something you've done the stick to you guns and go back to the dealer and get them to change the under warranty.
Regardless of transit damage or not they should not crack for no reason.

Anyone else with a 2015 bike had this problem?

If it's a trend then it gives you a bit more leverage with the supplying dealer.

RideLondon · Post by **RideLondon** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:47 am

Thanks for the reply.

I agree that they look like stress cracks. I am not just trying to save myself £100, it's not about the money. If I thought there was any way I could have done this myself I would just pay up! But I don't see any way it could have happened, and like I said, there is no sign of any impact/ dirt/ scuffing in the surrounding area. The cracks have appeared very neat and tidy, if you see what I mean.

RideLondon · Post by **RideLondon** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:47 am

Oh, anyone know how these panels are fitted? Are they screwed on?

P.S in case anyone is wondering! I weigh about 72 KG.

Kenno · Post by **Kenno** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:53 am

There's a 2015 PCX on it's way to me hopefully, so I'd better get a magnifying glass if they expect us to notice things like that when they deliver it!

fish · Post by **fish** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 4:54 am

Ask to speak with the area Honda representative. Even my tier 2 Kymco has an area rep. With an email address and a toll free phone number. Surely Honda has such?
Fish

RideLondon · Post by **RideLondon** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 6:09 am

I assume they must do. I'm based in London so I'm sure there will be an area rep.

homie · Post by **homie** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 6:42 am

all clear so far, and I've hit a couple pot holes... tried to see where the fastener was in relation to the crack but there is no way without a snake camera.

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:02 am

I haven't noticed any cracks on mine, but when new and I collected from the show-room, there was a stiny bit of paint chipped off the front wheel mud-guard and two very tiny tears (mm's) in the seat fabrix near where it bends round under to be stapled. I didn't mention it but it bothers me when you buy something new with any problems (cosmetic or otherwise).

It seems the panels were improperly fitted or they had trouble fitting the panels and pressed too hard, and now one of more is bent slightly in the wrong position causing the tear(s). I would definitely take it to the dealer and raise with Honda if no joy, as it could get worse or break more when trying to remove panels for service.

SECoda · Post by **SECoda** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:28 am

Your Honda is on crack?

They cut a tire on mine when they uncrated it and had to put a new one on. I guess it may have happened then?

Mel46 · Post by **Mel46** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 11:15 am

I have a 2013 model that came with a paint defect, a bubble, that eventually opened up. Since I have had so many other problems with it, I ended up fixing it by getting some TouchUp paint. I shouldn't have had to do anything, but things like this do happen. Hopefully your dealer will understand and just replace the panels at no charge. After all, Honda isn't perfect, so manufacturing defects do happen. Let us know if they continue to live up to their reputation.

RideLondon · Post by **RideLondon** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 11:38 am

Thanks for all the input guys. SECoda, I did think it may have happened during uncrating. In which case obviously it's their fault but apparently I "should have noticed it when they walked me round the bike" o.O I will have to wait and see what they say, but I'll update this thread as soon as they get back to me.

Alibally · Post by **Alibally** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 12:44 pm

If they broke it then they should fix, regardless of you didn't notice it. If your like most people you just want to get on the bike and go.

SECoda · Post by **SECoda** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 12:58 pm

I had mine on the trailer before I saw the cut. I wonder if they would have covered it after I left.

Sacha wrote:Thanks for all the input guys. SECoda, I did think it may have happened during uncrating. In which case obviously it's their fault but apparently I "should have noticed it when they walked me round the bike" o.O I will have to wait and see what they say, but I'll update this thread as soon as they get back to me.

WhiteNoise · Post by **WhiteNoise** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 2:17 pm

BOO! Not Good
Sasha, I just looked at my 2015 both sides are fine, No damage at all seen. I gave a slight push to the panels in question to see if there would be more give to one than the other. Both gave the same, alls good. It's Tupperware

It sounds to me, that the panels were not fitted properly before you took delivery. Question...Did your dealer go over the whole scoot with you prior to it rolling off their grounds? You know, the get acquainted tour,...this is that and that is this? Just wondering as something might have been noticed then, "If" you got "the tour."

I'd go say H E L L O to Honda! Again.
Maybe it could be, that when the Very First person sat on the seat, that the downward pressure put on the poorly assembled "body covers" caused them to crack? (on both sides)
Geez!! If so, What a Shame

I'm going to post a pic in my next post of panel parts, maybe it will help you in some way

WhiteNoise · Post by **WhiteNoise** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 2:40 pm

Scroll 3/4 way down on this page http://www.hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f ... 8&start=80
You can save this pic to your computer and print a copy: The 2014-2015 body panel locations and removal chart. See #20 Body Cover.
Maybe it would be useful to bring your copy to the dealer to help you explain things better (to anyone that "might?" listen

Or maybe you want a go at it taking things apart yourself? (Me? I'd go Honda

SECoda · Post by **SECoda** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:02 pm

I know on Bikerz Bitz those panels are pretty inexpensive (for one or two of them) but you hate to have to do that when it is new.

WhiteNoise · Post by **WhiteNoise** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:40 pm

Sorry Sacha, I can't seem to post that pic after many try's. I just updated my generation 3 iPad to version iOS 8.0 this morning. Not Liking it so far!

SECoda · Post by **SECoda** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 3:46 pm

I like that the Plus on the new iPhones mean they bend in your pocket. Are iPhone users getting bent out of shape?

iOS8 was tragic. They pulled a lot of code to prevent a security disaster right before release. It is amazing it works at all. I think they stopped the update. Steve Jobs is rolling in his grave. My Plastic Surgeon buddy has a Samsung Android as his working backup.

homie · Post by **homie** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 4:01 pm

You don't have to take the update... I rarely go first

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