Agreed on the assembly issue. I'd be a pissed off SOB if I were one of the engineers who designed this marvel of an engine/trans power combo, only to have it half-assed assembled by some lazy, careless, prideless zombie.
I've been digging for an answer to a simple question. Who actually installs the throttle bodies? These engines are assembled in Japan and shipped to South Carolina for installation. So are the throttle bodies attached in Japan or in S. Carolina?
The CPSC is super interested in "thermal" issues related to SXS, hence Honda's dissatisfaction with our Talon video and subsequent removal of it. If it wasn't for Honda and other manufacturers fighting for all of us, they would have SXS banned from production. That has come directly from Honda's GM of product development. Polaris and Kawasaki have both been caught suppressing issues with their SXS units and punished, something I don't think Honda would ever do.
If you guys recall, Honda recalled the 700 early on for issues related to fires by replacing the middle skid plate with 1 with larger holes to help remove debris that could catch fire. Then if you install an aftermarket skid plate, you've negated the recall and Honda's efforts for fix an issue that as owners you could prevent by following the pre-trip checklist in the owners manual. But did they blame it on owner's? No they stepped up and tried to fix the issue and reiterated the importance of cleaning out the skid plates occasionally. I understand the exhaust being so close to skid plate didn't help the issue, but again, at least they tried to fix it.
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@CumminsPusher said, Polaris's problems are the result of horrible engineering and design. I've personally worked on several 800 Rangers both single and double cabs. Everyone of them had melted fuel injector wires and arcing spark plug wires. The fuel lines don't stop at the fuel rail, they extend out another 6 inches to a cap. That piece of hose is just waiting to break or bust and spray all over and already not optimal situation.
I feel for you guys who lost a machine, any machine, Polaris, Honda or whatever. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, with or without a solution to the problem. But I believe Honda is being brutally honest about the issue and would go to no end to find the center of the issue and find a solution.
I've worked for Honda for almost 11 years and love this company, they've done some stupid stuff in those 11 years and sometimes I wonder what in the world they were thinking. But in the end it all seems to work out.
