Karata problems

soonertodd

BANNED
have a knocking at idle and the clutch is dragging,pulled it apart and the basket is ate up pretty good from the clutch plates.Saw some old threads about the issue but nobody had a fix.I called Jim at karata this morning and they have an updated clutch pack and basket that he claims won't wear out like the earlier ones.

So he tells me the updated parts run about 550.00. I asked about his warranty since i have only put about 1-2k miles on it, and I spent 4 grand on it.he says that's just the way it is,do i want to buy the parts or not,he has 2 other people on hold.

I am so pissed right now,would be nice if people would stand behind what they sell.
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
I have seen this same problem on a few other Karata belt drives. Never on a Baker....I agree with the customer service statement. They should be helping you any way they can. Not charging you full retail for a new one.
 

ChoppaNoob

Active Member
How long ago did you buy the primary ? Only 1-2k miles but he sent obsolete parts that were known to be faulty ?! Should have just included the right stuff to start with if it is a recent purchase...
 

mastiffdave

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry that you had this problem but this is exactly why I'm so down on karata. He doesn't have a clue what customer service is and doesn't care . Good luck in getting it fixed .
 

soonertodd

BANNED
I'm sorry that you had this problem but this is exactly why I'm so down on karata. He doesn't have a clue what customer service is and doesn't care . Good luck in getting it fixed .
I agree.I called once or twice a month for 6 months checking on when one would be available.He always said,just a couple more weeks,call back.I bought a softail to ride while i rebuilt the dog and was thinkin about puttin a belt drive on it,and my manager and a couple other techs in the shop are shoppin for belt drives cause they liked mine.Well guess which brand they won't be buying now.

If anyone here reloads ammo,they have heard of Dillon.by far the best company i have ever dealt with in terms of quality and standing behind what they sell.If GM,Ford,and Chrysler had Dillon's quality,no-bullshit 100,000 mile warranty back in the 70's and 80's Toyota,Honda,and Nissan would be minor players in the US.

I'm the type of guy who likes to buy things one time.That's why i buy Snap-on tools,Honda mowers,Stihl saws and lawn equipment,Dillon reloading machines,and a Karata belt drive.I thought Karata was going to be worth the 4k it cost.
 

pauly

Active Member
have a knocking at idle and the clutch is dragging,pulled it apart and the basket is ate up pretty good from the clutch plates.Saw some old threads about the issue but nobody had a fix.I called Jim at karata this morning and they have an updated clutch pack and basket that he claims won't wear out like the earlier ones.

So he tells me the updated parts run about 550.00. I asked about his warranty since i have only put about 1-2k miles on it, and I spent 4 grand on it.he says that's just the way it is,do i want to buy the parts or not,he has 2 other people on hold.

I am so pissed right now,would be nice if people would stand behind what they sell.
I think it would be very helpful to have a sticky with all major upgrades - add ons with user ratings and comments so we know what to expect before we buy the parts!

Just my suggestion.

Paul.
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
I agree.I called once or twice a month for 6 months checking on when one would be available.He always said,just a couple more weeks,call back.I bought a softail to ride while i rebuilt the dog and was thinkin about puttin a belt drive on it,and my manager and a couple other techs in the shop are shoppin for belt drives cause they liked mine.Well guess which brand they won't be buying now.

If anyone here reloads ammo,they have heard of Dillon.by far the best company i have ever dealt with in terms of quality and standing behind what they sell.If GM,Ford,and Chrysler had Dillon's quality,no-bullshit 100,000 mile warranty back in the 70's and 80's Toyota,Honda,and Nissan would be minor players in the US.

I'm the type of guy who likes to buy things one time.That's why i buy Snap-on tools,Honda mowers,Stihl saws and lawn equipment,Dillon reloading machines,and a Karata belt drive.I thought Karata was going to be worth the 4k it cost.

Karata has only been around for a few years. Baker has been around for many, and that's all they do is build transmissions, Primary drives, and open belt primary drives. Baker built the Trans and Primary on the 05-up Big dogs...why did you go with Karata?
 

Coolbreezin

Active Member
First let me say Im sorry for your troubles and financial losses. I know exactly how you feel, see my link below. If youre going to spend another $550, Id invest in an attorney. Try to group with other people that have been screwed by this guy, especially regarding the open primary). If nothing else, this should fall under a recall as it pertains to safety. Am I wrong here?
 

soonertodd

BANNED
Karata has only been around for a few years. Baker has been around for many, and that's all they do is build transmissions, Primary drives, and open belt primary drives. Baker built the Trans and Primary on the 05-up Big dogs...why did you go with Karata?
I wanted a 4 inch belt.they look and sound badass and I thought it would be reliable.
 

soonertodd

BANNED
First let me say Im sorry for your troubles and financial losses. I know exactly how you feel, see my link below. If youre going to spend another $550, Id invest in an attorney. Try to group with other people that have been screwed by this guy, especially regarding the open primary). If nothing else, this should fall under a recall as it pertains to safety. Am I wrong here?
Thanks,and no you're not wrong. I could see it being a safety issue.makes it kinda hard to stop at times.I'm not riding it anymore til I get it fixed
 

sean92591

Member
too bad baker won't produce a 3.5-4.0 inch belt drive. it would be a hit. when i bought my 2.4 wide belt from baker they said there are no plans to ever produce a wider one. perhaps they will change their mind which means my 2.4 will be for sale. i love the 3.35 inch width of the ultima. that to me seems to be the perfect size. not too big and not too small.
 

slam

Member
I have a 4" Karata. It looks great but I'm having the same issues. If Baker would make a 4", I'd buy one right now.
 

ChoppaNoob

Active Member
Bandit makes a badass 4" that I was eyeing. Dont know their reputation or if they have them to fit the newer BD's...

 

Coolbreezin

Active Member
Ive always voted for the underdog. Since I got ass-raped by Keith Berryman and the American Judicial system Ive really taken things personal that dont involve me. In this case its the Karata clutch basket assembly. Perhaps the affected people could benefit from this link.
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
 
Sucks to hear stuff like this! I have a karata 4" on my pitbull and really haven't put any real miles on it! I will say that I had a good experience with karata. Not sure if something's changed but hopefully this will get resolved.
 

Brew

Troop Supporter
Same with me, I havent had any issues with my Karata assembly either and have several thousand miles on mine. I hope all gets resolved...
 

Trainguy

Chromeoholic
Sucks to hear stuff like this! I have a karata 4" on my pitbull and really haven't put any real miles on it! I will say that I had a good experience with karata. Not sure if something's changed but hopefully this will get resolved.

X2:2thumbs:
 
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