AltRider Universal Joint Guard - CAUTION

[Travex]

If you've recently purchased an AltRider Universal Joint Guard this post should be of interest to you.

After trying out my new boots and pants on the S10 today I found them both damaged by a new AltRider Universal Joint Guard.

Upon contacting AltRider I was informed that just last week they became aware of a quality problem. Seems a quantity of them had not received the de-burrring step prior to being shipped out. As there are several laser-cutouts on the guard it has had quite a negative effect. It resulted in scratching, and scuffing (unfortunately near and on a seam) of my brand new Sidi Canyon (Goretex) left boot, and also to a brand new pair of KLIM Badlands Pants. Very unfortunate.

I'm leaving on a trip next week and have asked AltRider to forgo my having to return this defective guard for a new one and simply have one sent out quickly. Of greater importance is the damage to the gear and how that will be addressed. More to follow.

 

[Duckhead]

Guess you would be #2...........I posted this same issue several weeks.

 

[p51super10bombay]

I'd be asking for replacement of that new gear as well.

 

[Salmon Sam]

Could you feel the burrs on the ALTrider guard? I wonder if those of us who have purchased this could tell whether ours had had that de-burring step that they mention. The cut-outs are pretty sharp themselves. I wonder if they could do some damage as well. Just bought some new Sidi Armadas. Certainly don't want to scuff them up (this way, at least).

 

[krussell]

Mine does not have burrs, but the sharp edges marked up my boots.

While it get's sorted out I bought this instead http://www.advmotorrad.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_81_82&product_id=214

 

[clint64]

Mine does not have burrs, but the sharp edges marked up my boots.

While it get's sorted out I bought this instead http://www.advmotorrad.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_81_82&product_id=214

That's the one I have and have been very pleased with it.

 

[Salmon Sam]

Sounds like the "burr" story may just be that for an overall design flaw. I guess an easy fix/precaution for those of us who have already bought them would be black duct tape over the cut-outs. "Chincy", but if it saves $400 boots. Must be the "Canadian" in me.

 

[Travex]

Duckhead: Yeah, I failed to search it prior to posting.

p51super10bombay: We'll see what tack they take first. Naturally, damaged new gear from a new defective product will not stand with me. Haven't yet received their reply concerning intentions toward the product or the gear.

Salmon Sam: If I felt the burrs it never would have gone on. I believe the damage was caused by the lower cutouts. Take care not to wear those new Armadas with the guard. Scratching doesn't bother me in the least. Voiding Goretex's warranty due to customer induced damage does. Duct tape is of course a good stop-gap measure, but c'mon... This product is clearly poorly designed and implemented.

krussel: Thanks, that does look like a far better alternative. May order that up today and just sort out the damages with AltRider.

clint64: Your're lucky the one!

 

[Salmon Sam]

Travex - good point about the Gore-Tex. Certainly there must be enough of us who purchased these to get them to recall the guards. A fix might be to file/sand the sharp edges of the cut outs, but I don't know how that would make the finish look. This forum is great - looks like it saved me from trashing my $400 boots. Thanks. I will buy the beer. ::003::

 

[Travex]

You're right Sam... Some filing and sanding would fix the problem and affect the finish negatively, especially the black model.

Just heard back from AltRider and they've issued a return label and a promise of future replacement. Conspicuously missing was any mention of the damage done to my boot and pants. I've mentioned it and brought the issue more directly to the forefront and remain hopeful they'll do the right thing.

Too bad I hadn't run into Duckhead's thread just a day sooner.

Thanks for the beer! ::003::

 

[Duckhead]

Sending my stuff back tomorrow for a refund. I was going to sand and repowdercoat but that seemed insane for something already over priced. Bought the DSBP from ADVMOTORAD .....Jason is a good guy who always has time to talk if you call him.

 

[Travex]

Agreed about not wanting to put the time in on it. If I were to do it my way all the lower cutouts would be filled in and it'd look a lot like the ADVMOTORRAD product in the end. Although a non-catching/binding guard is essential, I think AltRider mistakenly placed form before function in this case.

I've heard other good words about Jason and will be taking your advice. Thanks. Looking at his address I see he's less than an hour's ride from here and that's faster & cheaper than shipping.

 

[Kelvininin]

I also have the Altrider universal joint guard... Been on for almost two years, zero problems.

 

[Salmon Sam]

Kelvin - what kind of riding and boots do you have?

 

[krussell]

Pulled mine off today, replaced it with the DBSP part. It'll do the job, and it's solid where the boot will hit it so that should stop the issue for me.

 

[Travex]

Kelininin: Yours was produced long before the admitted flaw. Good for you.

krussell: Thanks for posting that. Looks like the boot problem is licked. The pics on the AdvMotorrad site don't show that standoff. Your pic appears to show a gap capable of catching a hiked up pant leg. Am I reading that correctly?

 

[krussell]

krussell: Thanks for posting that. Looks like the boot problem is licked. The pics on the AdvMotorrad site don't show that standoff. Your pic appears to show a gap capable of catching a hiked up pant leg. Am I reading that correctly?

I bought the Altrider guard specifically to address the issue I had with the OEM guard catching my riding pants. I think the DBSP guard will be fine. The part that might catch something is a good inch further inside where the oem was. If I run into issues I'll let you know.

 

[Travex]

Thanks for that. ::008::

 

[Kelvininin]

Kelvin - what kind of riding and boots do you have?

I ware high ankle hiking boots, or work boots, currently Keens. Never cared for riding boots. Never found a pair that is both comfortable and fully waterproof. I feel I get good enough protection out of the hiking/work boots, and can still hike several miles mid ride without a second thought.

 

[Kelvininin]

For whats its worth I did just buy and install the master rear break cylinder guard. Ill keep an eye on my boots.