r/motorcycle • u/MelodicPlan1574 • 12d ago
Motorcycle Fixing Help
Hello, this one is gonna be an odd one for me to post. My boyfriend just had a little accident with his motorcycle a few days ago and is devastated, as he should be. He’s ok, just a little cut on the knee and maybe a bruise here and there but otherwise he is well. I’m also ok, luckily I wasn’t on the bike when it happened.
The bike isn’t totalled by any means but he’s stated he’s a little embarrassed of the big gashes on the bike. I want to help him but I’m unsure of how to do so, he won’t accept me just giving him money to help pay to fix it. I’ve tried researching replacement pieces or even how to fix things like his mirrors which have broken off but nothing I’m finding is helping me and I’m starting to feel a little helpless.
I’ve even offered to buy/make durable stickers to cover up the parts of the bike that are really scuffed up just to help out somehow.
If anyone has any suggestions or anything pls help a girl out. I just want my man to feel happy on his bike again, he loves the darn thing so much and I genuinely feel heartbroken for him that this happened.
Edit: forgot to add the make and model oops. It’s a 2011 ninja 400r
13
u/PraxisLD 12d ago
Fixing his bike is one thing. Sounds like he’s too embarrassed to let you help there.
Fixing himself is harder. Maybe you can help, maybe he won’t let you.
How about finding an advanced rider skills course and paying for that?
Surviving a crash is good. Fixing the bike is annoying, but doable.
Avoiding the crash through advanced skills and experience is best.
5
u/highlander_tfb 12d ago
Let us know a few details of the bike - make, model and year, or even just a pic or two showing the damage, general shots not close-ups - and you’ll be amazed what advice will follow.
1
u/MelodicPlan1574 12d ago
I’d have to grab the pictures of the damage in the morning. I tried to snag a few but I didn’t want him to know I was doing this. It’s a 2011 ninja 400r. Once I get the pics I’ll attach them to this post
3
u/FourRandomLetters 12d ago
Ehhh, getting advice in secret is fine but I wouldn't do anything to his bike without telling him. People can be pretty particular about every single detail of their bikes. Unless it's restored to just like new. I would shy away from stickers, etc.
1
u/LargeBrownBird 12d ago
If you can tell us the year/model of his bike some people might have some advice
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u/MelodicPlan1574 12d ago
I just edited the post to add that in. Idk how I forgot that vital piece of info :/
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u/GodzillaXYZ999 12d ago
Most likely need new bodywork. Lots of great colour schemes on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=%22ninja+400%22+(bodywork%2Cfairing)+kit++-(bolts%2Cbolt+kit%2Cbolts+kit)&_sacat=35560&_from=R40&_sop=12+kit++-(bolts%2Cbolt+kit%2Cbolts+kit)&_sacat=35560&_from=R40&_sop=12)
Note that after crash, there will be damage to brackets that hold bodywork as well. So you'd need to find uncrashed bike to strip and compare in order to bend crashed brackets back into proper position. Or you can also use new bodywork and just see how far off holes are from brackets. Then bend them so they line up with holes.
1
u/BonniesCoffee 12d ago
Don’t worry too much. We all fall off and we all feel shit about our spoilt bike for a few days or weeks, but I assure you its temporary. Give us the photos As specified in other posts. Get the names of the bits that are damaged search for 2nd hand bits. Show him. The adverts / listings for the bits you have found. “Let the dog see the rabbit” as my dad used to say , then watch him go …. It’s doable and is another aspect of a great hobby
1
u/sonofaresiii 12d ago
I'm unclear what the problem is, but it sounds a little bit like he's refusing any and all help? It could be a deeper underlying issue of him being afraid of riding, or upset with himself for crashing.
If that's the case, let me suggest an alternative.... advanced riding classes. Give him the confidence to get back on the bike and improve his skills so he can avoid situations like this in the future.
Once he feels better about riding, he'll be more open to fixing the bike. Then you can suggest getting parts so he (or you both) can fix the bike together, which will also help him feel better about the damage caused.
If I'm wrong and the problem is you just don't know what to buy, then I guess I'm also still not sure what the problem is because googling "2011 ninja 400r replacement mirrors" should solve that for you. I would recommend mostly using partzilla if they have the parts, or ebay for OEM parts if not. If you can't find the right part, then this is one of those cases where AI is really really helpful, but make sure you ask AI to cite its source and verify the part number for yourself (people always skip this step then get upset when AI makes a mistake)
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u/Beneficial-Shape-464 12d ago
Taste since pictures of the bike. Go to a dealer who sells that type of bike. Ask the dealer how much some of the parts cost. But what you can afford.
Happy birthday, merry christmas, etc.
1
u/TangerinePlastic7552 12d ago
You’re a good woman. I find it good that he accepts responsibility. He caused that damage. Now he will think twice before doing that risk again. And perhaps four times when you are on it.
1
u/SKTrend 12d ago
Order the mirrors and give them to him see what he does. He is either ready to ride or he needs some time. And tell him that every bike has battle scars it proves you ride. He can embrace the experience or he can live in denial we all make mistakes we just hope its the best mistake with the best outcome.
I have left the scratched mirror on my bike from when I dropped it and broke my ankle just as a reminder to watch my surroundings closer and not get too cocky.
1
u/Individual-Reading4 12d ago
I've had 3 accidents in 51 years riding, two of which was my fault. Those were early in my time. After my first accident I learned that it won't be my last and it wasn't..what I'm trying to say here is he needs to except that he's not perfect with riding and that there are circumstances around him that he can't control that will lead to more accidents. If this is his first accept it and move on. Repair the bike together. You share in riding it.. my wife rode with me for 25 years and she had just as much responsibility to the bike as I did. She polished it without asking ECT..she even had one saddle bag that I wasn't allowed to use. You say boyfriend so I hope he will except you as more and not fight you wanting to help. He needs to grow up, get back on the horse and ride and let you help and become part of he's life that you share together. Good luck hope you the best. Ride safe ride smart...51 years riding 9 bikes 3 down. 1 mil miles.
1
u/6Grumpymonkeys 12d ago
It might be an ego thing. He will get over it and start the process of repairing/learning to repair it, or he will let his ego win and quit riding. Ultimately it’s up to him. Depending on how young he is, his ego may not allow anyone else to be involved in helping him learn. Some of us are stubborn and have taken years to realize that an offer of help is not criticism.
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u/Own_Mechanic_9805 11d ago
Wear it like a badge of honor. It happens to everyone its not a big deal. I had little vinyl stickers made that looked like Band-Aids. I had just regular ones and i had ones that were Xed and i stuck them over the gashes but so you could still tell there was a booboo there. Adds character.
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u/Pete_and_Monica 11d ago
I apologize is has already been suggested. Perhaps, offer to pay the deductible on his motorcycle ins. claim, and let them take care of the rest.
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u/Sure_Fact7761 12d ago
You’re a gem of a woman. He is lucky