Rust on swingarm underneath chain guide


martwho

New member
So only had my bike now for about 3 months, bought it as a shop demonstrator, a 2017 model with approx 350 miles on it. Got approx 2500 miles on it now so been doing well. Have been riding it all weathers to commute to work so it has seen plenty of rain action however i am meticulous with the cleaning.
Noticed during its last clean a brown line of crud underneath the chain guide behind the left hand side heel guard. On investigation lifting up the chain guide reveals the chain guide has worn of the paint and exposed the swingarm which has started to rust.
Was pretty peeved initially given the length of time i have had the bike. Anyway when i had the next opportunity i took it to the place i bought it from and they had a look.
They immediately said they would order a new swingarm and get it replaced. They hadn't seen an issue in this location before but had seen rust on a couple of others in different places.
On chatting i commented that because the chain guide isn't stuck down the chain movement will act like a belt sander and cause this chain guide to just rub the paint away. They agreed but said this is how they are attached.
On one hand i'm really glad they just agreed to replace it but on the other i'm thinking it will just happen again. Maybe not right away due to the weather improving now, but come next winter i suspect this will happen again.
Also the coating on the swingarm does seem ridiculously thin.

Additionally whilst there i commented on the starter switch sticking sometimes and they agreed they would replace this as well. (apparently a common problem which hasn't prompted a revision by Yamaha yet)

IMG_20180420_100230_resized_20180420_100453373.jpg
 

bobh

Member
Try squirting plenty of ACF50 into the gap. That will inhibit the corrosion and also act as a lubricant to prevent rubbing.

Alternatively, get hold of some clear self-adhesive plastic (the sort of thing that's sold to prevent bungees etc. scuffing paintwork) and insert that into the gap.

But I agree, owners shouldn't have to go to these lengths, the manufacturers ought to have it sorted.
 

martwho

New member
So a quick update. Had the swing arm replaced under warranty. The replacement is exactly the same as the old one in that there is no protection in that area to prevent it happening.
Bizarrely whilst in the dealer i checked out the 2018 model which looks like it has exactly the same swing arm but does have a thick piece of clear plastic mounted in this area!
Clearly Yamaha don't want to save themselves money as i will be checking this again before the warranty expires.
 

grant66

New member
Bizarrely whilst in the dealer i checked out the 2018 model which looks like it has exactly the same swing arm but does have a thick piece of clear plastic mounted in this area!
Just had mine replaced, they fitted the one from the 2018 model.

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