[pat1098]

That's pretty sad. Give him our condolences.

You would have to think that in at least one of the accidents the engine must have run on its side for a time.

As you may have read in my (currently stalled due to the lack of one part..) rebuild thread (Pat's Engine Overhaul) my big-end bearings were in great condition after a reasonable mileage.

That's what makes me think your friend's issues are probably due to his bike running while lying on its side, with some attendant lack of oil supply.

 

[pat1098]

Yes, it's definitely possible that it ran on it's side for a bit.

Pat, how long would it take for damage to occur from that? Seconds or minutes?

Depending on revs, not long. Not minutes. :bawling:

Only as long as it takes to clear off the residual oil, then she's running fairly dry.

Plain big-ends need a high-pressure oil delivery. When that falters they cook pretty quickly.

No balls or rollers reducing the friction in there.