Author Topic: What did you do to your bike today (Read 729598 times)

Patmo · « **Reply #3800 on:** January 13, 2019, 12:33:02 PM »

Put my FZ6 in the basement a couple of weeks ago and started doing some long overdue maintenance. 66K on it and still had OE plugs. Changed them. Changed the oil and filter. Then started cleaning it and doing checks, from front to rear. Have a couple of tires to put on it, but still a can get a couple of thousand more miles out of the current Roadsmarts, so I’ll wait on those. Found a few bolts on the bag mounts that were loose. Took the brake calipers off and made sure the pads were all in good shape and that everything was moving freely and lubed properly. Still need to clean and lube the chain properly. Then it will be time to bring in my Ninja 650 and I do need to change those tires before spring comes. Love having a heated space in which to work.

HipGnosis · « **Reply #3801 on:** January 14, 2019, 01:20:34 PM »

Quote from: Patmo on January 13, 2019, 12:33:02 PM

Put my FZ6 in the basement a couple of weeks ago and started doing some long overdue maintenance. 66K on it and still had OE plugs. Changed them. Changed the oil and filter. Then started cleaning it and doing checks, from front to rear. Have a couple of tires to put on it, but still a can get a couple of thousand more miles out of the current Roadsmarts, so I’ll wait on those. Found a few bolts on the bag mounts that were loose. Took the brake calipers off and made sure the pads were all in good shape and that everything was moving freely and lubed properly. Still need to clean and lube the chain properly. Then it will be time to bring in my Ninja 650 and I do need to change those tires before spring comes. Love having a heated space in which to work.

Does that mean you haven't checked the valves??
I'm so jealous that you have a heated basement, AND that you can get a bike in it.
What tires will you put on the Ninja (I've got one too)?

minimac · « **Reply #3802 on:** January 19, 2019, 12:02:52 PM »

Installed the new Pyle speakers I got for Christmas on the Goldwing. Also found out I'm NOT hard of hearing.

Cookie · « **Reply #3803 on:** February 05, 2019, 01:14:24 PM »

Put the little KZ up on the bench for some overdue attention.

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Leanintree · « **Reply #3804 on:** February 05, 2019, 02:44:24 PM »

Took the seat to the upholstery guy for recovering and a minor rebuild. Hopefully back soon!
LT

chornbe · « **Reply #3805 on:** February 05, 2019, 03:06:11 PM »

(over the last few days)
Picked up the parts donor for the Burgman rebuild (not mine).
Moved the Ninja 250 (for sale) around.
Thought longingly about the Bonneville and the Bandit which are currently stored offsite.
Realized that's a good thing because the garage is a shit show right now, still recovering from the move.
Patted the trailer lovingly.
Moved the mitre saw and table saw out of the middle of the work area as I'm now done with them for a bit.

Next up: disassemble the donor Burgman, put all the not-destroyed parts in bins, put all the destroyed parts in the trash, then put the to-be-repaired burgman back in the air. w00t.

Make room for the Honda 350 Scrambler that's coming in for an end to end refresh and tidy-up for Spring.

garry · « **Reply #3806 on:** February 05, 2019, 08:12:50 PM »

Adjusted the shift lever position then rode it. I'll take what I can get in February.

coho · « **Reply #3807 on:** February 05, 2019, 08:23:51 PM »

I looked at the snow on it as I went to catch the bus.

xsrider · « **Reply #3808 on:** February 06, 2019, 09:29:24 PM »

I ordered 2 new tires.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #3809 on:** February 12, 2019, 11:25:35 AM »

nice 100 mile ride in near spring like weather, until I met a farm tractor coming at speed the wrong way up a one way lane. then I dropped it, after a full emergency stop. scraped head cover and two other minor dings. the tractor driver went round me and pissed off. arse, feck etc.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #3810 on:** February 16, 2019, 01:31:52 PM »

replacement parts bought-and much cheaper from the USA than over here or Italy

garry · « **Reply #3811 on:** February 16, 2019, 01:58:35 PM »

I washed the grime and salt off it before the temps dropped below freezing again. It's probably not leaving the garage for at least 3 weeks. Then it will (almost) be spring and riding season will return.

Cookie · « **Reply #3812 on:** February 18, 2019, 01:09:07 PM »

Removed the abominable air box from the littlest Kawasaki

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Installed some pods

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Then I sniffed Pandora's box.

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Now I'm heading to the attic to dig out the manual.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3813 on:** March 09, 2019, 10:06:50 PM »

Ordered new tires, tubes and spoons for the KLX and TW. Figured these are the dirt bike rims and will give it a try changing them myself.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #3814 on:** March 10, 2019, 04:48:59 AM »

Get a Bead Buddy II from Motion Pro to help in the process. It'll keep the tire from sliding and popping up as you spoon the second side on. Also, get some baby powder to coat the tube before you put it in. It'll let the tube self adjust inside the tire casing to avoid rim pinches.

https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0471
Or, you could come over here and use my stuff.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3815 on:** March 10, 2019, 08:11:56 AM »

I may take you up on that Tom. I'll bring over my stuff and have you supervise while I do it. Take you out to lunch for your troubles. I'll give you a jingle when the parts come in.

Leanintree · « **Reply #3816 on:** March 10, 2019, 10:42:50 AM »

Finally took the leap to an led bulb for the Rex. Still need to finalize the re-aim, but so far I dig it.

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Ignore potato quality photo. Dark and rainy, but it shows spread and power well.
Lt

Cookie · « **Reply #3817 on:** March 10, 2019, 02:07:52 PM »

Quote from: Leanintree on March 10, 2019, 10:42:50 AM

Finally took the leap to an led bulb for the Rex. Still need to finalize the re-aim, but so far I dig it.

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Ignore potato quality photo. Dark and rainy, but it shows spread and power well.
Lt

Quoted for"potato quality"

Skee · « **Reply #3818 on:** March 10, 2019, 03:31:49 PM »

Got them both ready for trade-in. Took the GPS mounts off, ram balls, Gerbings plugs, one GIVI case plate that I think I can re-use, hung the stock exhaust back on the Connie, etc. It's amazing the stuff you you find you added over the years and kind of forgot was on the bike even though you use most every time you ride.

Left bike specific stuff that I won't be able to reuse on the bike, like the seats, Madstad bracket, tank covers, tail racks, electrical plugs, etc.

Virginian · « **Reply #3819 on:** March 10, 2019, 05:31:12 PM »

Quote from: Skee on March 10, 2019, 03:31:49 PM

Got them both ready for trade-in. Took the GPS mounts off, ram balls, Gerbings plugs, one GIVI case plate that I think I can re-use, hung the stock exhaust back on the Connie, etc. It's amazing the stuff you you find you added over the years and kind of forgot was on the bike even though you use most every time you ride.

Left bike specific stuff that I won't be able to reuse on the bike, like the seats, Madstad bracket, tank covers, tail racks, electrical plugs, etc.

I must have missed it but which bike did you settle in on? Saw or Suzy>?

PatM · « **Reply #3820 on:** March 11, 2019, 01:11:16 PM »

Tested the battery. 12.2 v

Put it on desulfating charger.
Hey! 13.4 v after charge.
12.9 v after 12 hours.
Try to start the bike.

Yup, it's dead.

New battery on the way.

chornbe · « **Reply #3821 on:** March 11, 2019, 01:33:10 PM »

Quote from: PatM on March 11, 2019, 01:11:16 PM

Tested the battery. 12.2 v
Put it on desulfating charger.
Hey! 13.4 v after charge.
12.9 v after 12 hours.
Try to start the bike.

Yup, it's dead.

New battery on the way.

Yep. I don't buy expensive ones any more. If they're used frequently, even cheap batteries are fine. If they sit, sitting can kill a super expensive top end battery just as quickly as a cheapy.

PatM · « **Reply #3822 on:** March 11, 2019, 02:29:56 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on March 11, 2019, 01:33:10 PM

Quote from: PatM on March 11, 2019, 01:11:16 PM
Tested the battery. 12.2 v
Put it on desulfating charger.
Hey! 13.4 v after charge.
12.9 v after 12 hours.
Try to start the bike.

Yup, it's dead.

New battery on the way.

Yep. I don't buy expensive ones any more. If they're used frequently, even cheap batteries are fine. If they sit, sitting can kill a super expensive top end battery just as quickly as a cheapy.

True.
Lots of reports of OEM BMW RT-LC batteries that didn't last more than 3 years.
OEM BMW is $285 CDN

Yuasa AGM $145 CDN.

sleazy rider · « **Reply #3823 on:** March 11, 2019, 02:55:23 PM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on March 10, 2019, 08:11:56 AM

I may take you up on that Tom. I'll bring over my stuff and have you supervise while I do it. Take you out to lunch for your troubles. I'll give you a jingle when the parts come in.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #3824 on:** March 11, 2019, 05:29:43 PM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on March 10, 2019, 08:11:56 AM

I may take you up on that Tom. I'll bring over my stuff and have you supervise while I do it. Take you out to lunch for your troubles. I'll give you a jingle when the parts come in.

oooooh, I just had a really good idea for, say, the third week in May or so? That would be a fun boys nite out. Drop ship some tires and bring the XTs over and wrench a while.

You know, hypothetically.

garry · « **Reply #3825 on:** March 11, 2019, 07:55:50 PM »

I actually rode it today (the 530). Not a great afternoon, but I'll take what I can get.

Andrew · « **Reply #3826 on:** March 11, 2019, 11:23:14 PM »

Quote from: PatM on March 11, 2019, 02:29:56 PM

Quote from: chornbe on March 11, 2019, 01:33:10 PM
Quote from: PatM on March 11, 2019, 01:11:16 PM
Tested the battery. 12.2 v
Put it on desulfating charger.
Hey! 13.4 v after charge.
12.9 v after 12 hours.
Try to start the bike.

Yup, it's dead.

New battery on the way.

Yep. I don't buy expensive ones any more. If they're used frequently, even cheap batteries are fine. If they sit, sitting can kill a super expensive top end battery just as quickly as a cheapy.

True.
Lots of reports of OEM BMW RT-LC batteries that didn't last more than 3 years.
OEM BMW is $285 CDN Yuasa AGM $145 CDN.

Local auto parts store has a battery for my 08 GSA for $100, with a one year warranty. Yep done buying high dollar batteries. Last one has lasted almost 2 years

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3827 on:** March 12, 2019, 07:51:48 AM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on March 11, 2019, 05:29:43 PM

Quote from: mr.awesome on March 10, 2019, 08:11:56 AM
I may take you up on that Tom. I'll bring over my stuff and have you supervise while I do it. Take you out to lunch for your troubles. I'll give you a jingle when the parts come in.

oooooh, I just had a really good idea for, say, the third week in May or so? That would be a fun boys nite out. Drop ship some tires and bring the XTs over and wrench a while. You know, hypothetically.

Sounds like a plan Bill. Why don't you change that from hypothetical to reality.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #3828 on:** March 12, 2019, 08:18:19 AM »

I started it just to see if it would start. It did. This has been an atrocious winter. The big melt is on now though.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #3829 on:** March 12, 2019, 09:07:48 AM »

Quote from: mr.awesome on March 12, 2019, 07:51:48 AM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on March 11, 2019, 05:29:43 PM
Quote from: mr.awesome on March 10, 2019, 08:11:56 AM
I may take you up on that Tom. I'll bring over my stuff and have you supervise while I do it. Take you out to lunch for your troubles. I'll give you a jingle when the parts come in.

oooooh, I just had a really good idea for, say, the third week in May or so? That would be a fun boys nite out. Drop ship some tires and bring the XTs over and wrench a while. You know, hypothetically.

Sounds like a plan Bill. Why don't you change that from hypothetical to reality.

I'm pretty sure we're locked in already. Just need to pick a day.
Hey Tom, you're hosting this shindig if you'd like to have any input on when it occurs.

HipGnosis · « **Reply #3830 on:** March 12, 2019, 08:23:36 PM »

Figured out how I'm going to paint it.
As posted in this post I don't care for the color of my new-to-me BMW F800ST. The paint has quite a few scratches, and a gouge, so...
I got a quote on wrapping it; ouch. I was impressed with the colors available, but not with the 5 yr life expectancy AND that it can't be (easily) removed after about 3 yrs.
I spray-can painted a few bikes many years ago. The last few had impressive results - I learned how important prep, wet sanding and buffing are.
I looked into what spray paints are available now. I found out about SprayMax, 2K (2 part) Urethane Aerosol Clear Coat. It has the urethane activator in a seperate compartment of the can and comes with a 'cap' that you use to release it. It has high U.V. and weather resistance.
It's going to be orange-red. Candy orange over red. If it looks like I think it will...

melville · « **Reply #3831 on:** March 13, 2019, 07:35:39 AM »

Quote from: HipGnosis on March 12, 2019, 08:23:36 PM

Figured out how I'm going to paint it.
As posted in this post I don't care for the color of my new-to-me BMW F800ST. The paint has quite a few scratches, and a gouge, so...
I got a quote on wrapping it; ouch. I was impressed with the colors available, but not with the 5 yr life expectancy AND that it can't be (easily) removed after about 3 yrs.
I spray-can painted a few bikes many years ago. The last few had impressive results - I learned how important prep, wet sanding and buffing are.
I looked into what spray paints are available now. I found out about SprayMax, 2K (2 part) Urethane Aerosol Clear Coat. It has the urethane activator in a seperate compartment of the can and comes with a 'cap' that you use to release it. It has high U.V. and weather resistance.
It's going to be orange-red. Candy orange over red. If it looks like I think it will...

Red is faster!

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thatguy · « **Reply #3832 on:** March 19, 2019, 10:11:17 AM »

Tuono's up on the lift for the detail work finishing up engine swap.

PatM · « **Reply #3833 on:** March 19, 2019, 12:21:13 PM »

It's all reassembled and ready to ride.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3834 on:** March 23, 2019, 12:39:32 PM »

Bead on the rear tire of the TW would not let go. Used my trusty John Deere 2320 bead breaker on it. It didn't put up much of a fuss with that.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #3835 on:** March 23, 2019, 02:13:02 PM »

Quote from: melville on March 13, 2019, 07:35:39 AM

Quote from: HipGnosis on March 12, 2019, 08:23:36 PM
Figured out how I'm going to paint it.
As posted in this post I don't care for the color of my new-to-me BMW F800ST. The paint has quite a few scratches, and a gouge, so...
I got a quote on wrapping it; ouch. I was impressed with the colors available, but not with the 5 yr life expectancy AND that it can't be (easily) removed after about 3 yrs.
I spray-can painted a few bikes many years ago. The last few had impressive results - I learned how important prep, wet sanding and buffing are.
I looked into what spray paints are available now. I found out about SprayMax, 2K (2 part) Urethane Aerosol Clear Coat. It has the urethane activator in a seperate compartment of the can and comes with a 'cap' that you use to release it. It has high U.V. and weather resistance.
It's going to be orange-red. Candy orange over red. If it looks like I think it will...

Red is faster!

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unless it's a BMW....

Skee · « **Reply #3836 on:** March 23, 2019, 05:05:07 PM »

Quote from: HipGnosis on March 12, 2019, 08:23:36 PM

Figured out how I'm going to paint it.
As posted in this post I don't care for the color of my new-to-me BMW F800ST. The paint has quite a few scratches, and a gouge, so...
I got a quote on wrapping it; ouch. I was impressed with the colors available, but not with the 5 yr life expectancy AND that it can't be (easily) removed after about 3 yrs.
I spray-can painted a few bikes many years ago. The last few had impressive results - I learned how important prep, wet sanding and buffing are.
I looked into what spray paints are available now. I found out about SprayMax, 2K (2 part) Urethane Aerosol Clear Coat. It has the urethane activator in a seperate compartment of the can and comes with a 'cap' that you use to release it. It has high U.V. and weather resistance.
It's going to be orange-red. Candy orange over red. If it looks like I think it will...

Many people thought the rattle-can job I did on my Wee was factory paint. Surface prep makes all the difference, along with good primer and multiple thin base coats. Thanks for the recommendation on a good top-coat. If I ever do it again...

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3837 on:** March 24, 2019, 03:00:11 PM »

Changed the front and rear tires on the TW. That rear is a freaking car tire. Had it on my tire warming rack for awhile before I tried putting it on.

They were 20 years old so I guess they were due.

changed the rear tire on the dirt rim of KLX. Tried to do a static balance and found the bearings very tight. New bearings to be put in befor that goes back on the bike.

bungie4 · « **Reply #3838 on:** March 24, 2019, 04:44:59 PM »

Nuffin'
http://i.imgur.com/2QOwOst.jpg

chornbe · « **Reply #3839 on:** April 03, 2019, 04:21:54 PM »

Since I work for the undefeated, undisputed, heavyweight champions of the universe in the realm of sliding spec, I figured, what's the fucking point of coding anything at all today, and spent the day in the garage. Let me clear; I love the smooth power, the delivery, the performance, and oddly satisfying handling of the Burgman 650. Tearing down a parts bike to a pile of parts is not really any different than any other bike. Lots of tedious unbolting and evaluating. This parts donor, when I tore it down, was largely a write off for all external parts. everything was trashed; the bike apparently tumbled. But the CVT was the real win, here.

The repair bike is largely torn down to the bare minimum needed for evaluation of the issue. The final drive is toast, and unlike EVERY other CVT machine in the universe, this one has a distinct, separate CVT "gearbox". With clever unbolting of certain frame stuff, flexing, sweating, pleading and whining, you can get the cover off the CVT to get to the cones. What you can't do.... however... is get the cones OUT.

Suzuki clearly thought they'd designed the CVT gearbox for long-duration use, what with having to remove the ENTIRE power train to crack the gearbox from the engine... and then used a rubber and fibre standard-ish v-belt. WTF, Suzuki???

Then they used an oil-soaked metal and fibre segment belt-chain-thing in the final drive.

WTF, Suzuki, redux.

Now that I'm re-engaged in this project and have moved on to the repair bike as the main focus, holy crap. If you have a Burgman 650, ride, love it, treat it well, and for the love of god, maintain it well and avoid hard launches. You don't want to deal with the mechanicals involved in the gearbox. Just trust me on this.

HipGnosis · « **Reply #3840 on:** April 03, 2019, 09:27:37 PM »

Took the rear wheel off the VStar 950.
The plug I put in it last season doesn't hold air for more than an hour or so (or it's got another puncture).
Every cruiser forum says the Michelin Commander II is the best tire, but it doesn't come in the size I need. I caught a sale on Bridgestone Extruder Max which has good reviews.
Then I rode the F800 for a cpl hours.
Tomorrow I'll call around for price to mount it.

PatM · « **Reply #3841 on:** April 03, 2019, 09:59:18 PM »

Today was the second day this year I could take it out, I washed it.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3842 on:** April 04, 2019, 05:52:58 AM »

Changed the fork oil and seals on the TW. Put the front end back together. 60's forecasted for this weekend. Hopefully I can get out on one of them.

Black Hills · « **Reply #3843 on:** April 04, 2019, 08:00:38 AM »

new batteries for the 300 and and the 1190, it's been a long winter.

mr.awesome · « **Reply #3844 on:** April 06, 2019, 04:10:23 PM »

Put batteries that were being rotated on tender inside all winter back in all the bikes. TW battery showed 12.7v and lit the headlamp. Once I pushed the starter button everything went dead. Volts go to 0 when starter is pressed. Jumped bike with other battery and all is good. Battery was only a year old. While she was running, let it warm up and then did an oil change.

Skee · « **Reply #3845 on:** April 06, 2019, 07:48:45 PM »

Wired in a switched lead on the GPS mount. As you might expect, switched output was hard to find on the Kawi. I don’t know if they moved it on the 2019 model or the internet info I found was misleading. Before it was done, I had half the plastic on the garage floor.

Then again, no photos so maybe it didn’t happen.

Andrew · « **Reply #3846 on:** April 06, 2019, 11:03:59 PM »

Slipped on a set of new shoes. Taking a ride down to LA next week and the Heidenau K60 were looking a bit worse for the age. Went back to radial this time (Tourances) She sure feels smoother and quiet.

Skee · « **Reply #3847 on:** April 17, 2019, 06:36:53 PM »

Put gas in it for the first time.

Used 5th & 6th gears for the first time.

Saw triple digits for the first time.

Rode in the rain (more like a brief shower but it counts) for the first time.

There ain't a lot left to do, but there's a lot more to come.

PS Now I have almost as many miles on my bike as ED puts on when he goes out for a coffee.

maddjack · « **Reply #3848 on:** April 19, 2019, 09:26:28 AM »

Washed it to get yesterdays road gorp off it, it pretty again.

garry · « **Reply #3849 on:** April 19, 2019, 01:54:24 PM »

I rode yesterday as well. And also got caught in the rain. However, my bike is still a filthy dirty mess. Like a proper SPORT-touring bike should be. Road patina.

I (well, wife and I) managed to assemble the key cylinders for the Super Duke luggage and get them installed without wanting to kill ourselves or drink heavily. The 1190 luggage required taking most of the luggage apart to install the cylinder. Huge PITA. With the Super Duke you just push it in the hole. Assembling the cylinder itself to match the bike key was pretty simple. So now it's good to go for the Spring Meet (assuming I don't take the 530).