Dead RS

10/25/04

Riding to work this morning, I just got onto 85 N from 285 W and heard something funny from the engine. Initially, I thought it was an exhaust leak. But judgment told me to get over. I wiggled from the fast lane, crossed 5 lanes to the slow lane, when BAM!!! Engine cut, smoke poured out behind me, oil spewing everywhere. I was one lane from the emergency lane so I pulled it over and coasted as far as I could. Looking over it, I seem to have cracked the engine block. Oil was all over my right leg, ankle and foot. I was fortunate that I listened to my intuition cause the back tire was coated, and I mean coated, with oil. Absolutely amazing that I didn't dump it. It's still sitting there, but I plan on picking her up after work. I'm pretty sure she's totally dead, which is a big, big bummer, cause she was my daily rider. Ya'll wish me luck recovering from my loss....

[thfwsf]

If you find out what happened to the engine, let us know. I'm curious to know what the failure was.

Also, it's good that you are safe and without harm. Good riding and good decision to get oveer. Better safe and healthy than the potential alternative!!

Tom
'01 Sprint ST (Radically fast red type)

[robadele]

Ouch! Sucks to have the engine go like that. Sorry for your bad luck. You weren't out of oil, so I wonder what let go? Cracking the engine case is often caused by losing a rod.

I used to live in Atlanta, 85 and 285 are mightly busy roads up near Spagetti junction. You made the right choise getting out of traffic.

[AAA]

Sorry to hear about the bike. Glad you're OK.

Keep us posted when you get more details.

For us with 00RS's - we do want to know what we should look out for.

ta
:???:

[Lefty]

Wow, talk about luck. I'm glad you made it through that ok. We've had alot of bike recks in the ATL lately, good to know you weren't going to be one of those but I'm thinking you got as close as you can get. Are you going to take it to Motobrit or Atl Triumph?

Definitely keep us informed of the post-mortem and what caused the trouble, DNK.

It is a bummer that it happened, but you did some smart riding and we can all take a lesson from your example.

God knows I wouldn't want to have CAR trouble anywhere on ATL's highways, let alone even considering a bike....

The good side for reference:



Yep, there's a crack...



It's a big crack...


I don't remember ever seeing this before...


Did I say crack... I meant gaping hole...


Looking to the right of the gear, you can see where something was banging before it blew...


Check how the crack goes across the top...


With a good jiggle, I think the whole thing would break off...


The bike sat on the side of 85 for about 8 hours in the sun, but you can still see the oil soaked tire. This doesn't truly reflect how drippingly slick it was earlier, but still a good idea...



Now, I'm not sure what exactly happened, but I'll be willing to bet that one of ya'll will be able to tell me what happened. BTW, keep your eyes peeled on ebay, cause this baby's getting parted out thoroughly. Any requests? Here's a pic of the whole bike...I know it's ugly, I had grand winter project plans. Alas...





I even have plastics that I won on ebay, paid for, and haven't received yet. They'll go right back on ebay...

[zore]

You could call a few junk yards to see if they have a used engine laying around.

[Devo]

Bummer man! Looks like a rod let go and went through the bottom of the case. Try the following link. You might be able to run down another motor.

http://www.bike-breakers.info/

[BigE]

At first I was thinking the cam chain busted and took out the case but after looking at the pics some more I'd agree with that you threw a rod. BIG Bummer! Sorry, bro.

I'd be interested in your wheels if you part it out though :wink: