You really cannot tell from a picture, can you take the plugs out, remove the flywheel and crank the engine over to see if it wobbles or is the starter motor cogged to the flywheel? One telltale sign is usually that the seal might start leaking. Basically the only way to be 100% sure is explode the whole engine and take the whole shaft to a shop to be measured, but I'd suspect if it had gotten a hit you could see it by turning the engine over.

 

Thanks mattson, but that is way past my limited mechanical skills. I guess when I get enough cash together I will take it in to a shop.
I thought I could get away with just the stator cover, then realized the stator went to hell and also the harness that comes from the rectifier. Now the engine, that's just too much for me. lol. I'm still recovering from the accident. I'll let a pro look at it. Know any in south florida?

 

Hey guys, thanks to all of your help, i was able to make better decisions regarding diagnostics and repairs to the bike. So i feel compelled to update on both my status and the bike's.

Me first: I am up and about, able to walk around (with a slight limp), and am back to work (almost full time) So that is great news. Turns out you don't need all ten toes to walk. lol.

The Bike: well, turns out the crank was not bent, and the engine was able to spin freely with no wobbles. This Saturday, I replaced the flywheel, stator, stator cover, clip and all the bolts that were there, plus the left fairing. I probably didn't have to replace all the parts (especially bolts etc) but it just felt wrong to reuse parts from the accident. Like a bad omen. After installing all the parts, adding fresh oil, and connecting a set of jumper cables to the battery and cranking her for what felt like eternity, she coughed a little and finally turned over and stayed on. I can not describe the feeling!!! PURE JOY!!!
I think i even shed a tear, . Today i took her for a test ride to gas up and fill tires to proper psi, and boy it felt great. I didn't even mind running with her to jump start after gassing up. Guess the battery needed more charging

All in all, i am grateful for the get well wishes, and all the input from you all. It kept me going and got me and my bike on the road. VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. I hope some day i can return the favor.

Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Michael
PS. please be safe and wear your gear guys.

 

Hey! Glad to hear you're better and got the bike back together! It's great feeling to get something up and running by yourself, specially since you are still recovering from the crash.

Didn't mean scare you with the crank wobble before but wanted to bring the possibility to your attention. Glad it turned out ok.

Once more guys, ATGATT!

 

Thanks mattson, truth be told,you did scare me but it was also a reality check. Maybe its time to get rid of the bike, maybe its a sign, maybe i shouldn't ride anymore. I did have a Honda mechanic check it out and thanks to your advice i was able to be more specific as to what to look for and what my concerns were.

ATGATT! funny thing is i always wear my gear, and did that day as well. All except my boots. Just had the sneakers on (Which flew off on impact) cause i was just driving my girl to work, taking a quick ride around and picking her up to go home. 2-3 hours max. If i had my riding boots with the reinforced toes maybe i would still have mine. "All the gear" definitely means boots too.

Again, thanks for your help and advice.

Be safe brother

 

Congratz on getting the bike back up and going, but more importantly, glad you came out relatively OK. I went through the same thing a few years ago, took a LONG time before I was healed up enough again to ride(almost lost my leg). I commend anyone who gets back on that horse after something that.

Also, helmet was scuffed up pretty good, so I could have lost more then just a leg if I wasn't wearing it.

Oh, I dont blame you for replacing EVERYTHING.

 

Hey guys,
Another update on the F4i. Sadly after a few months of minor riding I noticed that she started to leak. I checked around and could not find where is was coming from. Finally, narrowed it down to the stator case. The leak was not huge, just a couple of drops here and there but non the less A LEAK.
I was hoping it was just loose bolts, but nope. Removed the cover to check the gasket and noticed that the flywheel had some scuff marks from the stator. Turns out the crank was bent, ever so slightly and the leak was from the cover not sitting a 100% flush. I am on the hunt for an engine now. Its scary not knowing the condition and history of all these engines on Ebay.

 

BTW, credit to Mattson, he called it (the bent crank) from the get go.