[cincnorad]

Took in my 2005 Ninja for the 600 mile maintenance on Saturday. Something felt "not right" to me about the experience. They did it too quick, bike was right where I had left it for them when I returned for pick-up. I remember leaving the dealer and telling my girlfriend, "I don't know why... but I feel like they didn't do anything." Anyhow, I rode the bike home... seemed okay... Started the bike up today, and doing my inspection... noticed there was freaking no oil in it! Pipes started smoking, so I immediately shut it off.

My Burbank dealer is closed today... but I'm wondering:

1) Did I likely do any damage driving it home, and then starting it up today?

2) Are THEY responsible, and what I should I do about this when I reach them tomorrow?

3) Should I get another "independent" mechanic to inspect to make sure they don't lie about any potential damage that occurred?

4) Anything else I should think about before freaking out?

 

[Spok]

I'd contact Kawasaki about the dealership and I'd say if they didn't put oil in then they are responsible.

 

[cincnorad]

I'm not mechanically inclined... but just to make sure:

I checked the oil level window... NOTHING. I noticed there's no dipstick on these bikes like on my Suzuki. If there was oil I'd SEE it right?

 

[Strictly VN 1600]

IF you checked the bike upright and didn't see any oil...then your oil level is way too low... But if you had your bike on sidestand and checked the oil level, then you might be okay. Let somebody sit on your bike and check it again.

 

[Tobydawg]

Yeah, you would see the oil throught the little window. I'd contact the dealer and if they don't cooperate then contact the Better Business Beareu (www.bbb.com). Or maybe even better, call the local TV news stations (i know my local stations have a call for action type program) and see if they can investigate.
it's highly unlikely that you did it driving home. unless of course you ran over a 3' rock in the road 8)

 

[ipscshooter]

Took in my 2005 Ninja for the 600 mile maintenance on Saturday. Something felt "not right" to me about the experience. They did it too quick, bike was right where I had left it for them when I returned for pick-up.

Pipes started smoking, so I immediately shut it off.

If they didn't do anything to it then the oil is still in there. As to quick, 99% of the 600 mile check up is oil and fitler. Most of the rest is checking for loose nuts etc. My feeling is that most dealer mechanics just do a visual. They are probably getting beaten up by the boss to hurry up and push bikes though the shop. If it ain't falling off they don;t see it.

Make sure you are checking the oil level correctly. READ THE MANUAL.

If it was dry it would have been making some pretty awful sounds. If they left it dry, they own the problem.

From the smoking they may have not tightened the filter or drain plug correctly and it drained out on your way home. If either is the case, I would talk to the service manager. Let them tow it to the shop on their dime and check it. If they screwed the pooch, I would insist on and extended warranty for the engine. Maybe on the order of 10 years. At the least a tear down and inspection of the engine.

You have the paper work with in and out miles and the service they performed. If you don't get satisfaction call Kawasaki district manager. Keep records of conversations and calls.

Good luck.

 

[QKENUF4U]

if you DID check the oil level CORRECTLY and there was no oil then you prob. did some damage to bearings on the crank.

have someone sit on the bike and hold it straight up and down. check the oil level. if its ok, then you DIDNT HURT ANYTHING.

WAS THERE A RED LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT STAYED ON AFTER YOU STARTED THE BIKE ????????? if not then its fine.

check your filter also to make sure its tight. if its a new filter then you just have oil on the header and its burning off (thats where the smoke is coming from)
good luck

 

[1Adam12]

Take it to AIP in the valley. The guys over there are competent. All Industries Performance and see Greg. They are located at White Oak and Sherman Way.

Check your oil level again and like Qk said if everything was done right the mechanic probably got some oil on the head or even a little on the pipe will do it.