I've got over 13,000 miles on my 02ER and 1 set of pistons at 9,500. I too have seen a rash of crankshaft issues, but can't imagine why. Sled has never been fogged. Ran a can of Seafoam in it at the end of each trip. Broke it in with Yamalube for 1 tank of oil, and then Amsoil for the rest of its life. Also put a Tempaflow on it at 3,500. It's run perfect every trip.