POV Motorcycle Inspection Quiz: What is your answer to this question?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:20:26 -0400

Your unit is about to go on an extended holiday weekend. Your Commander wants every member to have a vehicle inspection. You have a very experienced NCO doing the inspections. He notices what appears to be a leak coming out of soldiers motorcycle. He fails the motorcycle. Question was he right or was he wrong? Motorcycle in Question is a 1974 Harley Davidson Big Twin Shovel Head.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:21:56 -0400

Wrong. I'd be more worried if a 74 HD Shovel wasn't leaking...

Response by SSG Brandon Sheldon made Jul 23 at 2015 6:22 PM

SSG Brandon Sheldon — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:22:06 -0400

Is it a constant drip or just sitting there?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:22:52 -0400

Wrong. Because everyone knows the older Harley's leak like crazy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:24:13 -0400

I say you have to fail the bike if it is a serious enough leak. I'm a rider and have been a motorcycle mentor before. Have to do the right thing. You can always take the time to assist and re-inspect later.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 23 at 2015 6:25 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:25:31 -0400

He was wrong. The tolerance and machining on Harley-Davidson motorcycles before the Evolution engine was not great. The Evo forward a leak on a Harley was more of an exception rather than the rule. Therefore a Leaky Shovel was normal and the operator was probably on top of it.

Response by SSG Brandon Sheldon made Jul 23 at 2015 6:28 PM

SSG Brandon Sheldon — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:28:19 -0400

Why would it be wrong? If the NCO is using t-clocs then he would be right to do so. It shouldn't matter if its an older Harley, a new one or any other brand.

Response by SFC Timothy Gallagher made Jul 23 at 2015 6:45 PM

SFC Timothy Gallagher — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:45:07 -0400

Wrong. A older Harley Davidson shovel head will always have an oil leak. You can rebuild the motor with new gaskets and it will leak.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 6:51 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:51:41 -0400

Just because you own an older Harley that's prone to leaking doesn't make it right. Leaks can cause accidents for other POV/POM'a on the road. That's just like saying "my HMMWV always has class 3 leaks because it's old" that HMMWV would be on the 026, so wouldn't the Harley fail the inspection?

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 23 at 2015 7:07 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:07:34 -0400

Up front, I'd back the experienced NCO. Your discussion did not state that the leak was the only item marked off or details such as the extent and location of the leak. But assuming that the leak was the only issue with the overall safety of the bike. It could still be enough to prevent its use on some rides. Of course, a minor leak in and of itself would not normally make the bike unsafe for short rides around town. However, a minor leak can become a serious problem if the member was preparing for a long (multi-hour or multi-day) ride. Your NCO may have saved the member hundreds of dollars or even saved his prized Harley from becoming an expensive yard ornament.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 24 at 2015 4:22 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 04:22:33 -0400

WRONG!!! :>) It was one of those POS AMF Harleys!

Response by SFC Daniel Faires made Jul 24 at 2015 9:39 AM

SFC Daniel Faires — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:39:13 -0400

It's not leaking its marking its territory

Anyway anything before 1990 seems to leak what class of leak ?
If it's really poring out I would fail it but a slow one that's normal

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 4:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 16:03:18 -0400

The NCO would have to prove that he is a SME (six digits on his personal odometer, practical experience in repair and pulling more than 20K/year). To place an oil leak on a motorcycle as an immediate NMC would provide evidence that it is not the case. Ignoring the Class of leak there are models, particularly older ones that will have a bit of character.

My 1980 BMW R65 leaked oil if parked on the side stand for any period of time.

Response by SSG Peter Ludlum made Jul 24 at 2015 6:40 PM

SSG Peter Ludlum — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 18:40:11 -0400

I dont know what the new inspections consist of but if the lights work, the brakes work, the safety or State inspection is good, the rubber is good and all the fluid levels are correct, then it is good to go. I dont know who or what says that the inspection is mechanical but it is a safety inspection only. That and registration/insurance. Competent or not unless he is a certified mechanic he/she cannot make that mechanical determination. I always parked my bike OFF POST anyway. There are limits to what an NCO is required to know. FYI 5 drops of oil left for a week will become a 12" diameter stain.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 3:21 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 03:21:02 -0400

Commander's intent. NCO was right.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 2:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 02:07:03 -0400

is it part of the TCLOC inspection? If so, he did the right thing. Would you want to be on the road and something happen?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 5:47 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 17:47:07 -0400

The commander entrusted this experience NCO to make the call, so in his judgment, if he felt that the leak was a hazard,he had the right to fail the bike inspection at that moment, state his reasons why, and recommend possible solutions to the Soldier to have the bike meet the standards. Nothing personal; he was just doing his job to the best of his ability. The soldier could plead his case to the commander, and if the commander deems that it's ok to ride, he may override the NCOs decision, and assume the overall responsibility in the event something does go wrong!!

One time I was a primary jump master on an AC and I was told by the OIC to continue operations with a frayed anchor line cable. I refused to continue operation because In my judgment it was not safe! The OIC relieved me of my JM duties on the spot, and had me driven off the DZ, but lucky for me, all the other jump masters told that commander he was wrong and they also followed me off the DZ. we were applauded by the COL for doing the right thing!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 2:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 02:23:23 -0400

Is he experience with motorcycles? Doesn't say, but units should have a senior motorcycle mentor

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 10:18 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 10:18:40 -0400

You have to follow the rules man, but 1974 HD's are notorious for "marking their spot"