Engine Paint- Erosion/Flaking Question

[HyperGirl]

Today I was informed by Ducati USA that they will not warranty the repair or restoration of the eroding/flaking engine paint on my 2008 Hypermotard, which I purchased new from a dealer in 7/2009 with a 2-year warranty (warranty good until 7/2011).

".....it was determined by both the dealership and the Regional Service Representative that the condition of the paint on your horizontal cylinder is the result of riding conditions, such as graveled roads, and is normal wear and tear."

The fact is I live in a rural area of NW California where it is not uncommon for our paved roads to have a bit of gravel in the corners, or for me to ride over short stretches of dirt/gravel road that are under highway construction (~100 ft?). I assumed the problem with my engine was a paint defect, and I had no idea it was from my riding conditions.... If that's the case, I'll concede and drop the issue, but, before I do, I am curious to see what folks here on the forum think.

Do you think the erosion/flaking shown in these pictures of my engine is normal wear and tear, and could have been caused simply by having to go through short stretches of dirt/gravel?

Thanks .

PS: I apologize for the "dirty" engine , but the pictures taken when it's clean don't show the contrast as well.

[johnchypermotard]

from the photos you posted, i would venture that if gravel was the reason, that the paint on the leading edge of the cam cover (the black painted part) would also be chipped. from the photos, it appears that this is not the case.

also, if gravel was the reason, how come the lower horizontal valve cover is not all chipped up, as this is in direct line of where gravel would be thrown up from front tire?

hope you can make the ride down to attend LDD2010.

Originally Posted by HyperGirl

Today I was informed by Ducati USA that they will not warranty the repair or restoration of the eroding/flaking engine paint on my 2008 Hypermotard, which I purchased new from a dealer in 7/2009 with a 2-year warranty (warranty good until 7/2011).

".....it was determined by both the dealership and the Regional Service Representative that the condition of the paint on your horizontal cylinder is the result of riding conditions, such as graveled roads, and is normal wear and tear."

The fact is I live in a rural area of NW California where it is not uncommon for our paved roads to have a bit of gravel in the corners, or for me to ride over short stretches of dirt/gravel road that are under highway construction (~100 ft?). I assumed the problem with my engine was a paint defect, and I had no idea it was from my riding conditions.... If that's the case, I'll concede and drop the issue, but, before I do, I am curious to see what folks here on the forum think.

Do you think the erosion/flaking shown in these pictures of my engine is normal wear and tear, and could have been caused simply by having to go through short stretches of dirt/gravel?

Thanks .

PS: I apologize for the "dirty" engine , but the pictures taken when it's clean don't show the contrast as well.

[Monstaman]

That is bullshit eh, that is clearly flaking and not just road debris wear.

Mate of ours here has 30k on his and it gets tortured on shingle roads, 2007 model and it looks fine.

This is typical of DNA's "fuck off" attitude, I would be taking it further if I were you to an outside assessor with teeth.

[HYPERR]

It looks like flaking due to paint defect to me.
My KLX is ridden off road on not just gravel but on rocks and it doesn't have any paint flaking off.

[firstarsbrnwhite]

if it makes you feel any better my 08 is even worse than yours.

[MarksFriggin]

I have paint flaking off around the spark plug hole areas. I wonder if road gravel caused that too.

[firstarsbrnwhite]

Originally Posted by MarksFriggin

I have paint flaking off around the spark plug hole areas. I wonder if road gravel caused that too.

haha me too, it's more like 'bubbling' im sure road gravel causes bubbling

[Raiden]

There is an old thread on this and no it's not from gravel or what ever they said. Mine is also flaking off. It's a bad coat of paint that is happening to most 2008 Hypers.

Just noticed, flaking paint on the cylinder case...

[HyperGirl]

Originally Posted by johnchypermotard

from the photos you posted, i would venture that if gravel was the reason, that the paint on the leading edge of the cam cover (the black painted part) would also be chipped. from the photos, it appears that this is not the case.

also, if gravel was the reason, how come the lower horizontal valve cover is not all chipped up, as this is in direct line of where gravel would be thrown up from front tire?

hope you can make the ride down to attend LDD2010.

Yes, I will be at LDD2010. I'm one of your volunteers !

[Chouch]

Mine is flaking too, but not under waranty anymore, so I dont even bother asking my dealer...