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Philious
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 28 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: 23:16 - 30 Nov 2007    Post subject: XR Problems Reply with quote
Now 2 things I've noticed this evening firstly my bike lost all pressure in the brake resevoir (the lever came to the bars with no resistance) when I set off earlier.... the bike had been sat in the pissing rain for about 2 hours.

Luckily I wasnt going 2 fast and pulled over to the roadside, I pumped the lever a few times and the pressure came back and use of my front brake.

Secondly when riding my bike the bars are slightly turning to the right.. I adjusted the chain earlier before setting off as the slack had increased somewhat... could it be due to the back wheel not being true after adjusting the chain.

Apologies in advance for lack of grammar and punctuation but right now im off to change into a dry pair of socks and make a cuppa.
____________________
Previously; Honda XR125 - Yamaha DT125r - Aprilia Rs125 - Suzuki GS500e, Currently; Kawasaki ZX6R + ZX10R
Theory : Passed 28/7/09 Module 1: Passed 21/09/09 Module 2: Passed 23/09/09
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Philious
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 28 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: 16:46 - 01 Dec 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote
Update...

Basically spoke 2 my mate and explained it to him, he said to readjust the rear wheel but to completely slacken the adjusting nuts and push the wheel completely in and readjust from there.

I have done this and still the bars arent completely straight when riding it in a straight line...

Forks possibly the problem ???

Is it a simple thing to realign the forks in the yokes?
____________________
Previously; Honda XR125 - Yamaha DT125r - Aprilia Rs125 - Suzuki GS500e, Currently; Kawasaki ZX6R + ZX10R
Theory : Passed 28/7/09 Module 1: Passed 21/09/09 Module 2: Passed 23/09/09
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SM.Morgan
Traffic Copper



Joined: 04 Apr 2007
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PostPosted: 17:31 - 01 Dec 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote
You want to check and see if the bars are straight, I dropped my old Senda 125 and the bars bent making them look off when riding an a straight line.

If you haven't dropped it recently its hard to think of a reason your forks would go out of line.


Confused

Don't know without seeing it mate, perhaps have a look at the chain again, are you tightening the wheel spindle up enough? the chain could possibly be pulling the wheel forward on one side causing it to become un-aligned?
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Harley XR1200
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Philious
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 28 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: 18:03 - 01 Dec 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote
I did drop it about 3 months ago avoiding some coffin dodging cager who must have looked right through me when she pulled out of a junction.

If the forks are pissed im surprised I hadnt noticed sooner to be honest.

It looks like the forks have twisted left cause the front wheel isnt even aligned with the mudguard and headlight. I hope this is just as simple as it sounds I cant afford new forks between now and xmas.

Yea I'm using my torque wrench on the spindle and doing the nut up to the specified 93nm....
____________________
Previously; Honda XR125 - Yamaha DT125r - Aprilia Rs125 - Suzuki GS500e, Currently; Kawasaki ZX6R + ZX10R
Theory : Passed 28/7/09 Module 1: Passed 21/09/09 Module 2: Passed 23/09/09
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SM.Morgan
Traffic Copper



Joined: 04 Apr 2007
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PostPosted: 20:42 - 01 Dec 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote
Also check to see if the mudguard is aligned with the wheel, I know this sounds stupid but it does make them look really off if the mudguard is squiff. Laughing
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Harley XR1200
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Finglonga
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 21:49 - 01 Dec 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote
If its only started after you adjusted the chain forget about the forks. Check the rear wheel is aligned correctly, don't rely on the marks on the swing arm as they are not always accurate . . If ever.

Also check your tyre pressures (which should be checked every week minimum).

As for your brakes, it sounds like you have air in the system and they need bleeding. Try that first then if not it could be a seal gone somewhere.
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wcr
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 21 Aug 2007
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PostPosted: 00:01 - 02 Dec 2007    Post subject: Re: XR Problems Reply with quote
Flipk wrote:
Now 2 things I've noticed this evening firstly my bike lost all pressure in the brake resevoir (the lever came to the bars with no resistance) when I set off earlier.... the bike had been sat in the pissing rain for about 2 hours.

Luckily I wasnt going 2 fast and pulled over to the roadside, I pumped the lever a few times and the pressure came back and use of my front brake.
.


Common fault with those who don't maintain brakes. It go's without saying brakes and tyres are the two most important things on a bike or car.

Brake fluid should be changed every 12 months regardless of bike usage, brake fluid absorbs moisture and contaminates very quickly.

I always use DOT 5.1 or Super Blue racing fluid due it's it's higher tolerances (check if it's compatible with your braking system first). The Super blue fluid is easier to see when the system is flushed as it's blue.

When you change the fluid on the front brake leave the cover off the reservoir but cover it with a polly bag (stops any crap getting in overnight). Put a cable tie round the lever quite tightly (as if your pulling the brake).

Next morning cut the cable tie and replace the cover, you'll find a very strong front brake. Because you have applied pressure overnight it forces all small air bubbles upwards. It does take overnight because brake fluid is heavy in viscosity so any small air bubbles will travel slowly.

Also check pads and disc's for wear, although you should be doing this on a regular basis anyway Wink
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ZaphodBeeble
World Chat Champion



Joined: 10 Feb 2004
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PostPosted: 00:54 - 02 Dec 2007    Post subject: Re: XR Problems Reply with quote
wcr wrote:
When you change the fluid on the front brake leave the cover off the reservoir but cover it with a polly bag (stops any crap getting in overnight). Put a cable tie round the lever quite tightly (as if your pulling the brake).

Next morning cut the cable tie and replace the cover.


This method is highly recommended. Thumbs Up Very Happy

This especially works well for those annoying 6-pot Tokico calipers on the ZX636s etc.

The most accurate way to check the wheel alignment without expensive tooling is with a ruler. Put the ruler against the rear wheel spindle and measure how far it is from the back of the swingarm. Do the same on both sides and adjust until the measurement is equal both sides of the swingarm.

Z
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Current bike: VTR1000F Firestorm. Previous: Firestorm (written off) - XJ600 Divvy - NSR125 - DT125 and a load of offroaders.
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Philious
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 28 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: 08:07 - 02 Dec 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote
Strangely enough it was the forks... They had twisted in the yokes meaning the front wheel was pointing slightly to the left... I undid the pinch bolts on the yokes and used the old school bicycle method of holding the front wheel with my knees and turning the bars until all was aligned...

Feels 1000x better to ride now and I've had no problem with the front brake since then, although I have taken my mates advice and I pump the lever several times now before setting off so I know all is working...

Also did an oil change today which was obviously needed even though the old oil was only put in 1800 miles ago, using the 10w40 rather than the 10w30 honda sold me last time, she now seems to run a bit smoother too

Thanks for all the help guys
____________________
Previously; Honda XR125 - Yamaha DT125r - Aprilia Rs125 - Suzuki GS500e, Currently; Kawasaki ZX6R + ZX10R
Theory : Passed 28/7/09 Module 1: Passed 21/09/09 Module 2: Passed 23/09/09
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Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 18 years, 284 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
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