| Tough luck Fred888. I can only say that my own bike has been extremely reliable so far. I've got my fingers crossed now though..!
Red SPS - Maybe you already know this, but the 888SPS/SP5 engine was fitted with special 'low friction' crank bearings, which were designed to last only a few races before needing replacement. Here's some info. (culled from another site) ...
**** "SP4S/SP5 have different crank bearings to SP4. They're of a more 'low friction' design - but they do not last long. This was not an issue when the engine was conceived, since it was intended for a race series in Italy where it would be rebuilt often (500 - 600 kilometres). But if the original bearings are not changed at regular intervals, they become loose and let the crank hammer on the cases until something fails. Usually, the cases crack.
The upgrade is to install 888 Strada crank bearings as soon as possible, and replace the cases with those from an ST4. These have an extra 2 - 3lbs of internal webbing - right in the areas where the case is prone to cracking." ****
Steve  |