These are great photos: I know the proper fix is what you say. I contacted kymco again and asked them to consider giving me a "factory spec" repair. My contact is Joe V.P. of operations. He really seems like a stand up person. I sent him my concerns (or should I say the forum participants concerns) about the proposed repair. He is running those by the tech department. I will let you know how it goes. One local shop said they could split a motor and replace a crankshaft if 4 hours time. Does this sound possible with all the know how and correct tools? By the way the parts I will be needing are 1) crankshaft 2) drive plate 3) pinion starter 4) gasket
bill
Sounds good! 4 hours with the engine in the bike, or just bringing the engine in by itself? That doesn't sound bad to be honest either way.
You'll need the crankshaft, crankshaft seals, engine gasket set, drive face, starter bendix, and for good measure, you may want to get a new belt.
The problem when an issue goes "public" like this, is that you get a lot of different opinions. Take for instance, oil. If I ask 10 different people which oil they use, I'm probably going to get 10 different answers. I think your case is pretty cut and dry though, as far as what needs to be done, and you seem to be on the same page. I'll be surprised if Kymco's tech department comes back on a different page, but hey, they're the ones (hopefully) providing the warranty repair so the ball stops with them, unless you pursue the job on your own.
If they fix the bike with shims, be sure to ask how that will affect your existing warranty, and if the repair is guaranteed at all.
~Josh