Yamaha Lapierres

jonfs400

Finding my (electric) wheels
Dec 12, 2015
5
1
50
Hello, I'm new here!

I have a 2016 Lapierre FS400 and had a problem with the motor wobbling all over the place after less than 50 off road miles. It's been "fixed" under warranty but it was apparently caused by spacers not being fitted where they should be on the lower mount bolt which then led to movement and the mounting points wearing.

I guess there arent many around yet, but was just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem?
 

jonfs400

Finding my (electric) wheels
Dec 12, 2015
5
1
50
Factory I assume. I'm not entirely convinced that this was the problem, the thread on the same bolt was also damaged.
 

jonfs400

Finding my (electric) wheels
Dec 12, 2015
5
1
50
I'm happy that it wasn't the dealer at fault that caused the problem, the bolt was tight but with the damaged thread may not have been doing it's job and allowed some movement. The response from Lapierre was that there "may" be a spacer missing, which doesn't inspire confidence. Surely they should know if a spacer is missing or not! The frame doesn't seem to be damaged but the mounting faces on the motor are worn from the movement. The repair was to bond washers to the motor and file them down until the motor fitted tightly in the frame. If that doesn't last I'll be expecting a new motor and/or frame. Off to bike park Wales tomorrow so that will be a good test for it.
 

RobF

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 22, 2012
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Presumably the washers were bonded to enable them to be filed to the correct depth in situ.

The washers are now sandwiched between the frame and motor, so won't be going anywhere - assuming the rest of the fixing is in good order.

As a general point, Lapierre has had some problems with its ordinary bikes.

The heel clearance on a full susser was inadequate to allow pedalling by anyone other than a ballet dancer.

Then there was a few frame breaks which led Lapierre to being dubbed Snapierre.
 

jonfs400

Finding my (electric) wheels
Dec 12, 2015
5
1
50
Presumably the washers were bonded to enable them to be filed to the correct depth in situ.
Yes, but also to hold them in place when installing the motor as it would be impossible to fit a loose washer on 2 of the 3 bolts. I'm not particularly happy with the repair but it was the only repair option and was Lapierre's suggestion. I'll ride it a couple of times then drop the motor out to make sure the washers are still bonded and that the motor can be removed and installed easily. I still have almost 2 years of warrenty so no hurry to get it sorted. If it needs to be replaced at some point I may as well put as many miles as possible on this one first!
 
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Cyclezee

Guest
Hi Jonfs,

How long have you had the bike?

I wouldn't expect that to happen on a cheap bike never mind one costing several thousand.
 

jonfs400

Finding my (electric) wheels
Dec 12, 2015
5
1
50
About 7 weeks now, but I noticed the fault on the 3rd ride when it was 3 weeks old. Tomorrow will be the 4th ride.