We are all aware that motorcycle parts may wear out and fail, but which repairs are the most expensive? To determine these expenditures, we used a Triumph Tiger 800 as a baseline.
Costs for various makes and models will obviously vary, but this provides a good indication of the common mechanical issues that will put the greatest hole in your budget and how much of the cost is made up of labor vs components, which is essential knowledge for frugal home mechanics.
A new ECU
Estimated Cost : Rs. 1,35,000
One more unpleasant surprise: Who among you believed the vehicle's ECU was only a little, black box with a few transistors and a circuit board? A new ECU will really cost as much as a high-end laptop, so installing it yourself won't save you a tonne of money.
Since there are no moving components on this solid-state technology, the ECU should survive indefinitely. Obviously, since the world is not perfect, it is possible for your ECU to malfunction even if it shouldn't.
Clutch Replacement
Estimated Cost : Rs. 69,000 complete assembly
When a clutch wears out, you often get a lot of notice. Other than maybe adopting a more mild driving style and refraining from "riding" the clutch, there isn't much you can do to stop it.
There isn't much good news or bad news in this situation; replacement clutch components are very expensive, and while performing the work yourself can save you money, the labour costs are only about half as much as the parts.
Replacing the Alternator
Estimated Cost : Rs. 36,500
The alternator is one of those components that you just take for granted, but they do wear out, and when they do, your bikes complete electrical system goes out of commission (at least until you've installed a new alternator).
Estimates of an alternator's lifespan range from 50,000 to 100,000 kms or more, although they don't last forever. Additionally, they are pricey little creatures, so there isn't much to be saved by performing the fitting process yourself (unless you go for a cheaper used part).
Rectifier replacement
Estimated Cost : Rs. 26,500
A rectifier and regulates voltage, simple!. It converts the AC power into DC power, then regulates the DC power to ensure that the power doesn’t go over around 14.5 volts.
There are a wide range of possible reasons your motorcycle’s regulator rectifier could fail. One of the primary causes of failure is heat. Different motorcycle manufacturers install the regulator rectifier in different locations of the bike, with some placing the part near the radiator or other sections of the bike that impede airflow.
Other common causes for regulator rectifier failure involve the battery. To have voltage, the battery needs to have a reliable ground connection. If the link is bad and the voltage is faulty, this can cause the regulator rectifier to run hotter than usual. Things like poor grounding, a loose or weak battery, and a worn battery connection can all lead to regulator rectifier failure.
New head Gasket
Estimated Cost : Rs. 24,500
Head gaskets seal the gap between the cylinder block and the head of the engine and keep the oil, cooling, and combustion chambers separate until they break. You experience oil in the cylinders at that point, a lot of blue smoke coming from the exhaust, and a noticeable decline in your reputation with the neighbors.
Unfortunately, while the head gasket itself is very inexpensive, the labour required to remove the head and skim it (don't cut corners on the head skimming) is quite substantial. If you're lucky, you could go years without experiencing a head gasket failure, although it appears to occur most commonly in older, seldom used bikes.
Timing Chain
Estimated Cost : Rs. 5,000
You should never skip this extremely time-consuming and expensive routine maintenance. The mechanism that links the crankshaft at the engine's bottom with the camshaft at its top is known as the timing belt (or chain). The valves and the pistons may clash and destroy the engine if it breaks down or skips a few teeth on the gears.
Therefore, even if it goes against the norm, replace a part that seems to be functioning well. You may find out from your bike's handbook or your neighborhood mechanic, so pay attention.
Radiator Replacement
Estimated Cost : Rs. 40,000
Radiators can last for years without issues, but they can malfunction if your bike receives a front-end collision or if you don't use the right antifreeze mix when you fill it up. This is because the right antifreeze mix has corrosion inhibitors and will stop frozen water from expanding and harming the radiator.
If your motorcycle is losing coolant, don't assume it's the radiator right away. There are many other hoses and couplings that might break, and they are far easier and less expensive fixes. Therefore, before you purchase a new radiator, be certain that it is the radiator that is defective.
Starter Motor Replacement
Estimated Cost : Rs. 32,000
There aren't many things worse than turning the ignition key and getting nothing but a little whirr, a few ticks or clonks from beneath the tank and a long period of stillness.
In such a case, replacing the battery is a pretty inexpensive and straightforward remedy. The starting motor can be the problem if you're not so lucky. These frequently function without issues for years, but occasionally they don't.
Water Pump Replacement
Estimated Cost : Rs. 16,000
The water pump is a tiny but crucial component of the cooling system in your bike. It could last 50,000 kms, might last 100,000 kms, and might never break down while you own the bike. However, if it does break down, coolant is no longer forced through the radiator and surrounding the engine, which rapidly gets hot and irate.
Water pump failures can occur spontaneously, but you can decrease your chances by maintaining your coolant system in good condition and topped off with the right antifreeze mixture.
Ketan Kanetkar - January 23, 2023
In due course of time, the cost of the repairs has significantly increased. As per the recent check at the Triumph Service centre, the cost of the starter motor has raised substantially from 32,000 to 48,000.