yikes!!!!

[Joe Percival]

Just going over the bike today following my return from a 2K+ trip to Tahoe and northern Sierra region. Much to my surprise and concern I found that the welded on nut on the right side of the lower front frame element that is used to connect to the upper frame element had not only come loose but both it and it's mating bolt were gone!!! This is on an A13 with less than 5K total miles on it! Fit and finish is one thing, but this kind of failure was a real surprise to me! Although my 12 month standard Kaw warranty has run out, I had bought a 48 month extended warranty so hopefully everything will be fixed up with out to much out of pocket expense. Not sure what it would have meant to me if more pieces had fallen off... Has any one else had this kind of problem? Is there a solution other than re-building the entire bike or buying a XR650L and a big tank (or heaven forbid a BMW beast)? I am supposed to get the bike back good as new in a week. I hope to see it before labor day. I'll post an update when I get the bike back. BTW, I also asked to have my Kaw saddle bags and the right hand plastic replaced under warranty since the plastic had melted and the saddle bag was burned clean through on the same trip. Looking back, I guess I'm pretty lucky I didn't go down in a pile of flaming jeans and underwear and I should count my blessings! Joe