On-track incident Sep30th NHMS. Cause

[Boston Moto]

We have finished examining all the evidence we could find and we have pretty conclusive evidence that the mounting bolts on the right front brake caliper on Thierry's bike backed out and the caliper simply fell off. It swung back away from the brake rotor and when Thierry went for the brakes there was no stopping power on the first squeeze. As for why the bike went down so fast, we can only speculate. Suspicion lies with the fact that the brake caliper was jammed behind the front wheel. This may have caused lack of steering input or caused the front wheel to lock up. Both calipers were still attached to the brake lines and no fluid leaks were evident.

As it is completely impractical to require all trackday participants to safety wire brake caliper bolts and pad pins, we will implement a further check in tech to ensure that the brakes and pads are secure. This will add time to tech, but is obviously beneficial in the interests of track safety. All of us at Boston Moto are extremely relieved that this did not cause any major injuries and that we can take measures to ensure that this will not happen again in the future. This information will be relayed to all the trackday providers in the region.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at trackdays@bostonmoto.com

The Boston Moto Team

Special thanks to NESR Member 'origin' for being in the right place at the right time with a camera to back up our conclusions after looking at the bike. This is a zoomed-in section of one of his pictures taken on the day.

[SteveM]

Having read the trackday recommendations for bike prep, I've adopted one for my street riding that I would not have begun doing without the trackday prep info.

Once a month I go over every significant nut and bolt to check tightness.

It's tedious, but stuff can get loose (even on a Honda).

You should be applauded for the way you've been open and handled this professionally.

I can imagine it's sometimes difficult to get the point across to streeriders that the stresses they will put on their bike at trackday are a level (or two?) beyond what they normally run into (poor choice of words) on the street.

Mondo said it best. Shit happens, we deal with it positively and move forward.

[Mondo]

Thanks BoMo!

I myself will def be going over every bolt on my bike and checking it! haha

You guys have treated me so well, and with the utmost class during all of this, and I didn't expect or believe I deserved half the help/offers of help/other things you guys have done for me since the incident! I'm not blaming anyone for this and to tell you guys the truth I'm not even mad, shit happens, its a trackday...you sign up knowing things could go wrong!

Bottom line is im piecing the bike back together now, and I will have it sitting in its track plastics ready to go for the first Boston Moto track day next year before I even ride it on the street!

Thanks guys!

[The Snowman]

Kudos to the Boston Moto guys. I guess it goes to show that anything can happen to anyone, even the least or most experienced riders.

Thanks for stepping up.

[Sheppo]

I am glad you were able to figure out the cause.

[TIMMYDUCK]

I use the blue Loc-tite on my caliper bolts.

Glad you men were able to sort out the cause of this .

[Paul_E_D]

I had this happen to me in T1 once. scary stuff. Glad no one was hurt. edit: well other than mondos of course.

[Degsy]

I had this happen to me in T1 once. scary stuff. Glad no one was hurt.

Broken Fib for mondos, but could have been much worse.

[scubasteveRR]

Special thanks to NESR Member 'origin' for being in the right place at the right time with a camera to back up our conclusions after looking at the bike. This is a zoomed-in section of one of his pictures taken on the day.

Jeez, thats some good potography right there!! You guys are like MOTO- NCIS

makes me wan to safty wire or locktite my caliper bolts now

[CBR929RE]

I've heard of pads falling out before but not the whole caliper coming off. scary stuff. also why I have some of the basics safety wired, maybe I'll wire up some more stuff over the winter.

[eboos]

I had that happen with my truck once. Scared the crap out of me when the bottom bolt came out and the rotor swung up and started grinding on the inside of my wheel.

[CEO]

If anyone on this forum wants to safety wire anything, feel free to ride your bike by my garage and we'll take the bolts off, drill them, reinstall them, and safety wire them. Then you'll be comfortable with the whole process. Or bring just the bolts if you prefer over the winter. I have a drill press and hand drill. Others on here in other parts of NE would likely be willing to help as well, especially for forum members and trackday goers.

Even on a street bike I do a few of the basics. Which reminds me I need to do the new steed.

[Pittenger5]

Even on a street bike I do a few of the basics. Which reminds me I need to do the new steed.

All my oil bolts are wired. I'll probably pull the caliper off and do it over the winter too.

Two things about safety wire:
1. it will prevent a bolt from loosening.
2. If you put safety wire something, you know hands were put on it after maintenance, which helps prevent the "oops I forgot that bolt".

[Jim]

If anyone on this forum wants to safety wire anything, feel free to ride your bike by my garage and we'll take the bolts off, drill them, reinstall them, and safety wire them. Then you'll be comfortable with the whole process. Or bring just the bolts if you prefer over the winter. I have a drill press and hand drill. Others on here in other parts of NE would likely be willing to help as well, especially for forum members and trackday goers.

Even on a street bike I do a few of the basics. Which reminds me I need to do the new steed.

having someone drill press your bolts is a very helpful idea & very generous of Chris to offer. another option is to buy a bolt set already pre-drilled for safety wiring, like this kit form Pro-Bolt

[DucDave]

I came in from a session once....(not with BOMO)... and the brake lever pin was sticking out about 1/2 inch. Couple more squeezes and it would have popped out. The horseshoe clip was missing. You can be sure I check those too now...

[DuncanMoto]

Brakes are one thing I will always safety wire on a track bike from now on.
Hell, one of my street bikes are safety wired, so why not?

Great job figuring the whole thing out and keeping everyone updated. BostonMoto is a real class act. I can hardly wait until next spring.

[FireboltEric_MA]

having someone drill press your bolts is a very helpful idea & very generous of Chris to offer. another option is to buy a bolt set already pre-drilled for safety wiring, like this kit form Pro-Bolt

Holly shit them some expensive bolts.... very nice expensive bolts I should say...



Good to see this has worked out for the best. Hate seeing anyone get hurt at any event.

Can't wait till next year, seems soooooo far away now...

[Mondo]

Can't wait till next year, seems soooooo far away now...

[Jim]

Holly shit them some expensive bolts.... very nice expensive bolts I should say...

pay $100 for a set of bolts, or $500+ for repairs

it's a good idea for those who dont have a drill press, or dont want to bother drilling everything. i will most likely get a set of these for my track bike.

[DesmoTull]

I looked at the Fastenal (Thanks QFactor!) website, and they have some pre-drilled screws, but I couldn't find any socket cap type. That might be a cheaper alternative to Pro-Bolt.

[CEO]

The cheaper alternative would be to grab some beers, a bunch of 1/16" drill bits, and your bike and come on over.

It will help to pass the winter by, too

[Pittenger5]

Or spend 20 bucks on bits, and an afternoon and drill the fuckers.

[CEO]

Whoa whoa whoa richie... don't you bring sensibility into a conversation involving DBClownz... you know better than that..

[Mondo]

The cheaper alternative would be to grab some beers, a bunch of 1/16" drill bits, and your bike and come on over.

It will help to pass the winter by, too

ill be by chris....you like Blue Moon?

[CEO]

ill be by chris....you like Blue Moon?