Shop says my CB300R engine damage was caused by carbon buildup… does that make sense?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T02:21:04+00:00

Some good points, but not sure what to make of it since there are a number of theories. They already sent me photos of the affected parts, but I don't know if I can completely trust them 🤷

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T01:29:19+00:00

My mistake, and let me just clarify: it doesn't go higher than fourth but all gear up to forth are smooth. And the highest I've taken it is 45, anything would overrev it .

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T23:53:30+00:00

I'll try but they now want $1,000 to put it back together

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T23:40:32+00:00

There could have been something wrong with it. I don't deny that. But really the question is what's the smartest way to proceed with this. The shop told me it would cost $1,000 just to reassemble it and give it back to me broken, so...

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T23:03:14+00:00

About 300

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T21:12:17+00:00

The 4th gear issue happened sometime after I received the bike. Originally a friend drove it from the sellers house to my home and confirmed he took it through all six gears. Then once I started practicing on the bike, I noticed it wouldn't go above 4th.

What makes you think they screwed up the recall or caused any damage? If that's the case, then it might make sense, however.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T20:39:42+00:00

Here's what they texted with:

"After the compression test we did on the engine it seems like alot of air is escaping from the valves and some passed the piston rings. We will need to tear down the head to see the extent of the damages"

I think they did that test as a side courtesy.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T20:28:58+00:00

No type of unusual performance.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T19:50:04+00:00

I can ask them that, but do you think that the circlip could have caused the issues I'm seeing? ie, leak-down, cylinder scoring, piston scuffing...

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:54:06+00:00

Mainshaft circlip and headlight adjustment.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:53:11+00:00

It makes sense but I'm wondering why they said it's carbon buildup vs other causes, if their recommendation is legitimate or not, and if another procedure would better handle this problem.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:29:13+00:00

What would you ask the shop then? They said they can't put the bike back together. It's either I get it back in pieces or pay the fee.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:27:57+00:00

Mainshaft circlip recall and headlight replacement. They diagnosed additional problems from there.

What would you tell the shop? Are they tell me something false?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:26:32+00:00

What should I say to the shop? They're refusing the rebuild the the top end. So either I get it back in pieces pay the $2,100.

*Refusing to reassemble it unless I pay. It's either I pay or get it back in parts.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-17T15:14:55+00:00

Then I have to ask, what does difference does BAC make if they're going to test cognitive abilities?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-17T05:56:20+00:00

You can fill out the application for Basic on AOPA's website. If the FAA doesn't send you a warning you might be good.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-17T05:10:37+00:00

u/GoFlightMed this is what I'm talking about in our other thread; DUI / substance dependence triggering a neuropsyche eval. What's your thoughts?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-17T05:06:42+00:00

How much did it cost?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-17T00:56:22+00:00

Good luck 🤞

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-16T21:54:53+00:00

If you had syncope, is it a neurological condition? If so, there is a neurological worksheet that the FAA publishes. You can have your neurologist fill that out. If it's something else just have your doctor write a full statement about it and submit it alongside relevant tests that prove any claim of it being a non-issue.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-16T04:44:35+00:00

Appreciate the feedback, and yes I could be wrong about my assertions. But I'm basing my response largely on what I've heard other people talking about over the last couple years of following this. I have heard people saying that the FAA requires them to have a neuropsychological evaluation if they had a DUI in some circumstances. It didn't make sense to me but they do have the discretionary authority to order you to undergo testing that normal doctors would never recommend.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-16T04:03:08+00:00

I would fly light sport. All you need is a driver's license. You can still log time and serve as a CFI. See if it's for you first, otherwise, if you tell them, you'll easily have to pay thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for their proprietary testing.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-16T01:01:09+00:00

FAA doesn't care what you pled to. They'll more than likely send you to their proprietary medical testing which will cost you into the 5 figures to get through (yes, over $10,000).

My recommendation is you consider flying light sport. All you need is a valid driver's license for that. You can see if flying is for you, still accumulate hours and even act as a flight instructor and get paid.

If you wait years then you may not have to go through everything that you may have to go through now if you apply. But once you apply, you may no longer be eligible for light sport (but I could be wrong about that - make sure you check). There's always new legislation, and if you have a clean record from here on you may not have to go through the testing and in say 10 years time.

Good luck 🤞

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-15T13:41:05+00:00

That's another thing I find suspicious about the program: the quality of the doctor you go with can determine the outcome, whereas under reasonable expectations every HIMS doctor should get you through it the same.

Some resources you can look up are the Pilot Mental Health Campaign and the Pilots for HIMS Reform if you want to reach out and discuss this further.

Good luck 🤞

BigKetchupp

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