Karata problems

[slam]

I've had mine for a few years now. Had an earlier issue with my clutch plates sticking, called Jim and he sent me a new rear pulley and a new clutch(the upgraded version). Of course I had to pay for it. I had the original for maybe a year. The "better" set up he sent me has maybe 1K-2K on it now and a couple of weeks ago it started with a bad noise like something is about to come apart.

The few times I talked to Jim on the phone, he was very helpful, but I've heard from a few members on here that they didn't get the same customer service.

 

[soonertodd]

What pisses me off is this has been a known defect for several years check these thread dates
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/help-wanted/27134-noise-open-primary.html
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/performance/14795-clutch-not-totally-disengaging.html
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/dyno-runs/5922-karata-piranha-jr-clutch-basket-worn.html

 

[soonertodd]

I've had mine for a few years now. Had an earlier issue with my clutch plates sticking, called Jim and he sent me a new rear pulley and a new clutch(the upgraded version). Of course I had to pay for it. I had the original for maybe a year. The "better" set up he sent me has maybe 1K-2K on it now and a couple of weeks ago it started with a bad noise like something is about to come apart.

The few times I talked to Jim on the phone, he was very helpful, but I've heard from a few members on here that they didn't get the same customer service.

That sucks,and another reason i dont want to pay for the upgrade.who knows if the "upgraded" parts will really last any longer.He obviously wont stand behind it.

I'm guessing he had a batch of the defective pulleys and instead of trashing them he took the GM approach and kept shipping them out. look where that got them.

 

[Coolbreezin]

Theres no aftermarket supplier that makes stuff to fit the Karatas?

 

[BBChopper]

Theres no aftermarket supplier that makes stuff to fit the Karatas?

 

[mastiffdave]

Omg ,BB that's great. Just dig a hole and bury it.

 

[bigd1960]

Ironically I just sent Jim an email and was in the process of ordering. Glad I read your post. Sorry to hear. Baker it is!

 

[soonertodd]

Ironically I just sent Jim an email and was in the process of ordering. Glad I read your post. Sorry to hear. Baker it is!

Let him know why you went with baker,might help us out

 

[soonertodd]

Theres no aftermarket supplier that makes stuff to fit the Karatas?

I'm sure someone else manufacturers the clutches,maybe the basket also. But I don't know who or I would see if they would stand behind their product. If I have any luck I will def post what I find. And Jim still has time to make it right,if he does I will post that too.

 

[slam]

I sent Baker and Bandit emails yesterday. I asked Baker if ever plan on making a 4" belt drive and I asked Bandit if there's will work on Big Dogs. Whatever I find out, I'll post it.

 

[Iman]

Ironically I just sent Jim an email and was in the process of ordering. Glad I read your post. Sorry to hear. Baker it is!

Theres a group buy going on with Baker now

 

[05 old dog]

i have the 4 inch karata and yes the same thing happened with about 1,000 miles on clutch system...called jim and that was what he told me the fix was also...i installed new basket and the new thicker alum tooth fiber plates...been running them about a year and a half....close to 6000 miles . took clutch apart last week just to check things out and i have no wear on basket or plates...you can see where plates sit in basket but no grooves. dont know why these new plates arent standard in his new belt drives...and yes he is hard to talk to...a little abrupt! BUT nothing sounds like a 4or 5 inch belt drive!

 

[mastiffdave]

:flag:

i have the 4 inch karata and yes the same thing happened with about 1,000 miles on clutch system...called jim and that was what he told me the fix was also...i installed new basket and the new thicker alum tooth fiber plates...been running them about a year and a half....close to 6000 miles . took clutch apart last week just to check things out and i have no wear on basket or plates...you can see where plates sit in basket but no grooves. dont know why these new plates arent standard in his new belt drives...and yes he is hard to talk to...a little abrupt! BUT nothing sounds like a 4or 5 inch belt drive!

So karata has been sending parts out that he knew would need replacing to make his system correct for at least two years ,if I'm reading this right Billy.
That's nice of them after you spent 4 grand.

 

[05 old dog]

maybe 2 years on the fix dave...its just thicker plates....the original thin ones were steel and they just chattered grooves in the basket...then plates would start a knocking noise in clutch.

 

[mastiffdave]

maybe 2 years on the fix dave...its just thicker plates....the original thin ones were steel and they just chattered grooves in the basket...then plates would start a knocking noise in clutch.

Ok, so two years plus of doing this. It would be interesting to know the number of times he's told people that in two years. .

 

[KnotSo]

Theres a group buy going on with Baker now

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/group-buys/57717-baker-open-primary-group-buy.html

 

[soonertodd]

maybe 2 years on the fix dave...its just thicker plates....the original thin ones were steel and they just chattered grooves in the basket...then plates would start a knocking noise in clutch.

So,there's nothing different about the basket? Did he make you pay for the basket and clutch pack? Glad it is holding up. Thats the way it should have been shipped out.

 

[05 old dog]

i think it was same basket....and yes i was charged for basket and new fiber plates...

 

[bigd1960]

I'll be glad to

 

[slam]

I got a response back from Bandit. They make open belt drives for 2004 and earlier. I should hear back from Baker tomorrow.