What have you done to your bike today?

[recman]

Another year, another MOT, another pass.

Another page get.

[ThatDippyTwat]

Glared at the 125. Might dig around in the motor tomorrow, see if I can sort the camchain.

Chucked the quiet can back on the VFR. 05:30 starts for a few weeks more. Tidied up, wrapped in cloth loom tape and rerouted some more wiring. Barring major shit happening, I cant see why it wouldn't pass it's MOT next month.
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[Shaft]

After an unintentionally too long sojourn and with a lot of help from a mate who put himself out for no more than a tea and a burger, my 650 Katana is in my garage.

I think the last time I rode it was my attempt to do the May Day run to Hastings in 2014 - I got as far as Locks Bottom, but I was recovering from a severe back issue and I realised I wasn't up to making the whole trip.

It was looking a bit sorry for itself, but after a quick pressure wash, I'm thinking that getting it back on the road might be reasonably straightforward - possible SnT incoming.
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Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[Zen Dog]

Fettling the Street Triple. Fitted a set of standard mirrors and removed the bar end ones (though I did go for a ride with both on looking like a crappy quadrophenia tribute). The bar end mirrors actually were better than I expected, but the standard ones are better again and I prefer the look. Also cut the excess off the sheepskin I'm using on the VFR800 and used it to make a tiny butt pad for the Street Triple. Works too, but looks as ridiculous as you'd expect...
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Current - '94 VFR750FR, '00 VFR800FI Previous - '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win (chinese copy of an old Honda design with a C90 engine)
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[Easy-X]

Had a look at wiring up an old T140 with a new loom. Need to work in an electronic ignition TBH more an excuse to get out in the sunshine

Must have been sending out some wiring telepathy today as the grandson of a friend of mine turned up with some LED headlamps for his hot hatch and I got his halos working. Very important stuff

Only spent about 5 mins on my own bike, more on that elsewhere in the forum...
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

Fitted a new reg/rec to the ZX6R. It’s in front of the shock but since that’s now an Ohlins the reservoir was in the way and the shock had to come out. I had to snip a cable tie to release the reg/rec plug. Later the aborted test ride revealed I’d also snipped the fuel pump lead as well. Berk! Gloomy garage, myopic old git. I’ve soldered and taped the lead now.

The old reg/rec seemed to be working ok (with some reservations) but was replaced as a last resort attempt to fix the parasitic drain I’ve mentioned before. However the motor started more promptly and felt smoother. Placebo effect maybe.

Edit: it was the placebo effect.

[Hong Kong Phooey]

Stuck a new Road5 front on the CBR, remembered to put an angled tyre valve on too.

Ordered a pair but as usual they don't arrive together, so the rear can wait, it's legal but a bit square.
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[Easy-X]

"Gonna treat the Kwacker to a new chain & sprocket set..."

Okay, so how did we get here?

https://i.imgur.com/UzNECPU.jpg?1

That's the transmission cover off from behind the front sprocket Seems someone back in the mists of time had tapped the seal in a bit too far so we found this tied round the crank output shaft...

https://i.imgur.com/pkU0XbX.jpg?2

Errrr.... okay! Needless to say there was a bit of an oil leak There's nothing actually wrong with the seal so that can go back in correctly but the tricky bit is the gasket. Resorted to cutting one from scratch as we could only turn up gaskets sold in the USA
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Pigeon]

Striple 40k miles Odo, rolled it back with disc lock on (twice in 18 months).
Another bent disc and this time the plastic shroud on the lock broke off triggering the anti-tamper pin to lock in place regardless of key use.
Hacksaw took about 7 mins to cut the pin, but damage was done. Another ebay special required.
Really must go back to putting old sock on wing mirror when lock attached.

Front discs were down to 2.87mm, but I'd got some ebay specials last winter and meant to fit them sooner.
I also meant to do the valves clearances last winter, but it was bang on middle last time and hadn't moved in previous 12k so left it...

Engine management light came on same time as ABS light stuck on after bent disc.
Bike had become hesitant to re-start when hot, so maybe pushing that valve check wasn't a good idea.
Engine had become louder when hot too, cracked headers.... Leaking header gasket....

Right. Garage time.


New Koyos up front (replaced the rears 6 months ago)

https://i.imgur.com/7rasRRC.jpg


Ebay disc specials, had them a year, fitted a treat

https://i.imgur.com/yydeRtR.jpg

Wrong model, non-ABS discs

Brand new EBC discs plus new SBS pads (anyone want any mk1 Striple discs?).

https://i.imgur.com/x2WFPXI.jpg


Airbox cleaned up

https://i.imgur.com/HIlZE31.jpg


New filter

https://i.imgur.com/n3Qx8KB.jpg


Rad got a proper clean. Tried soaking in Muc-off + blasting with hose, but there was this central 2-3 inch line of crud in the fins that was there before I bought a rad guard....so about 7 years ago.
In the end, I use a sowing needle to individually dig out each fin. Couple of hours later and hose was washing through form both sides much better.

https://i.imgur.com/LzlkxoC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bArADS0.jpg


Having struggled in the past for days with dremel, plusgas, blowtorch, stud extractors etc trying to remove corroded remains of nuts + studs from a 32k 14 year old bike. I figure £15 on studs and nuts every 5 years is money well spent. Plus should make exhaust valve check easier.
Cyl 1 (RHS) looks to have been leaking.

https://i.imgur.com/yCs6SdZ.jpg


They were in fairly good nick, but one had corroded threads enough to stop the nut from moving. And because of the raised lip the other side, locked itself to the headers.
Used a hacksaw to cut down to the bolts core, then molegrips + socket to twist the bolt apart after stud extractor failed + not enough room for two nuts together method.

https://i.imgur.com/ZX7E8cy.jpg


New studs + gaskets

https://i.imgur.com/woUI7yp.jpg


Headers + downpipes + cat got a VHT paint treatment. Did think about using Harpic to shine up the stainless, but decided winter would be slightly better defended with a can of paint.
Leak tested the headers before commencing to make sure it was worth the effort.

https://i.imgur.com/ta9V6i5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pxVwY1A.jpg


Lastly (so far) the ebay special rear disc + pulse plate. + new Goldfren pads......except when I went to the RHS Rear parts bin, the spring clip was missing. I must have thrown it out with oily newspaper
No problem, get one on ebay......there are none. OK, fine, get one from Triumph then....can't, its £380 for the caliper.
£35 caliper off ebay, just for the spring clip
But I got a spare caliper, piston, ABS sensor. Even the included original pads had 70% meat left.

https://i.imgur.com/jnXMDES.jpg



So next is valve check + probably re-shim. New plugs. Then back together and hopefully it pans out ok.

[Easy-X]

Probably the cleanest this area's been since new:

https://i.imgur.com/GGduack.jpg?1

As per my previous post that main seal had been tapped through till it was just rattling about at the back. Chain & sprockets turned up too late to fit today and the Kempton Autojumble is on tomorrow so probably Sunday to finish off.

Not sure it makes any odds but OEM is 15T/33T 630 chain and what was sent (apparently an "upgrade kit") is 18T/44T 530 chain. Ratios wise that's pretty close - maybe a hair more on the torquey side - so shouldn't be a problem? The sprockets do obviously fit on the spline/bolt-pattern.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Pigeon]

Striple valve check

https://i.imgur.com/N1Lfex1.jpg


Lift out + cleaned up the SAI / PAIR system
https://i.imgur.com/GazSizq.jpg

And whats this that fell out the cover, looks to be part of reed valve
https://i.imgur.com/6M2vyOw.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/6LV87da.jpg


Yep. Google turned up a dozen posts from '13-'16 owners whos reed valves snapped on Cylinder 1 within 24k miles (mine went around 34k I think). Including one guys bike where metal went missing and cam was damaged....allegedly.

Every one reported difficulty re-starting hot engines. I thought it was valve clearance issue, but here we go, it could well be just the SAI having shat itself.

Manual says to "inspect" which I sort of did every 12k, cotton buds + WD40. But never actually removed the modules and dismantled + cleaned thoroughly. Didn't realise they popped out fairly easily.
I just made sure the edges were clean and they opened / closed ok.
https://i.imgur.com/cU3tiJs.jpg

As can be seen by the shite that was underneath
https://i.imgur.com/rkYN08O.jpg

On plus side, break looks clean. And maybe I won't need to re-shim valves after all
https://i.imgur.com/QleZu9J.jpg

So £60 for new reed valves (that presumably could snap again at some point), or £60 for blank-off plates + plug for ECU + 02 sensor removal + plug for ECU. And can discard the whole faffy SAI + solonoid and not think about it again. Blank-offs it is.
Might lose a bit of mpg, but as long as it runs ok and not drastically different, think its worth it, shall see.
Mk2 can be fussy with TuneECU which should allow SAI and O2 to be disabled via phone + OBD2. But I feel happier having a physical wiring loom plug (+ the plates).


Plugs looked warn, but ok after 14k
https://i.imgur.com/q5r0TSG.jpg


Onto valves. Intakes were still bang in middle of spec. Shifted 0.02 in 14k miles. Spec:
IN 0.10 - 0.20
EX 0.325 - 0.375
https://i.imgur.com/ov3Mnxb.jpg


Did find this though. Intake lobe appears to have taken a beating. Not great.
Really not sure how/when either.
First check at 11k had it at 0.10 (tight end of spec). Shimmed to 0.16
second check at 24k had it at 0.15
Current check at 38k has it still at 0.15
Each time I brush over 50/50 molly grease + oil mix over lobes (and buckets if cams out, which they were last time).
I can't believe I didn't notice it before, but how has it happened on just 1 lobe, that at no point went out to spec?
https://i.imgur.com/Mri6Djt.jpg


But the exhaust valves. Wow. They appear to have shifted alot!
Again, double checked readings with two different sets and brands of gauges.
Spec EX 0.325 - 0.375
And I have two at 0.2, two at 0.25, one at 0.28 and one at 0.30

All well out of spec. Cams out it is then. Technically only one, but will pull the chain out and measure it for wear.

Its suspicious that the inlets have barely moved 0.2 in 14k, but the exhaust have suddenly shortened up circa 0.15 with a huge range of variances.

The big difference this time, is I dropped the rad. Making access to EX side much easier. So maybe just error in getting values previously. But I use three sets of gauges and rotate each cyl twice. But logically, it must likely be user error.

Anyway. Hopefully re-shim tomorrow and check chain for stretch.

[Easy-X]

I got an old junker MTB for the wife I thought I'd build up, £10 from the local recycling centre. Apparently the original crankset was made of marzipan as both arms were bent in so first job was to replace. On cheap bikes they just have the things jammed on a square taper so you need a puller tool and ofc the threads on one of the arms just dissolved under the slightest pressure. As I said: marzipan

"Fuck, now what?" And then I thought of of the recent discussions about exhaust studs so I blasted it with a MAPP torch and just whacked it with chisel & hammer, popped straight off... which was nice
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Hong Kong Phooey]

KTM MOT pass, rear tyre was almost flat though. Pumped it up, got home, checked for leaks with soapy water including the valve. Nothing.

Tyre has stayed up since. Nobody had interfered with the bike. I fitted the tyre and both beads popped in.

Valve core was tight, and also screwed to the rim nicely.

Weird.

CBR front tyre took a 10g tyre balancing weight off and it felt better, took another 5g off but no chance to re-test. Put a nut and bolt in the mudguard the old ones vibrated loose.

CBR rear tyre arrived, no chance that'll be going on tonight with a brand new Xbox sitting there.
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[blurredman]

Got the MZ ES250 to start after the engine rebuild.

Had to use a drill in the rear sprocket whilst the engine was in top (4th) and a ton of petrol came out the spark plug, which I put down to an odd float valve overflowing which I had since rectified.

Just been bolting stuff back onto it like the rear brake arms and foot rests etc etc. knackered.

Engine does take awhile to return to idle and seems like it has an air leak but I can't detect it. It is actually jetted slightly richer, and what's more the needle does look like it has had the tip chipped off so it should be running way rich. Will have to think about this.
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S.
Current: 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (bored to 295cc) - 38k, 1990 MZ ETZ251 - 49k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 9k, 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 17k.

[Easy-X]

Day 1 of the XSR major service.

Changed oil, coolant, brake fluid. All looked okay - no "panning for gold" with the oil, no oil in the coolant - brake fluid was something like a treacle colour so well worth doing. Did a visual inspection of pipes and cables, etc. noted brake pad thickness. Chain slack, clutch & throttle play all within spec. Now just need to get the tank off to swap the plugs and air filter.

As far as consumables are concerned a very easy bike to work on. Can't see how Yamaha could have made it any easier beyond being able to trigger the ABS test mode without a diagnostic tool.
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[om15]

Fancied a light weight mid range street bike, lots of shopping around and I bought an X plate 2000 Kawasaki ER5 with a genuine 2300 miles, (not even run in and its got the key of the door).
Seller put it through the workshop for service, new Bridgestones and carb clean.
I have started at the front end, wheel and disc off, clean rust off disc, jenolite and re-assemble with loads of lube, moving back through the bike, taking bits off, cleaning and lubing, all seems ok.

I have read the voltage regulators are crap and looking at fitting a MOSFET, anybody like to comment on this?

It is a nice light weight little bike, goes well and insurance with Bennets is less than £100 fully comp.
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Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk

[Hong Kong Phooey]

[om15]

[Hong Kong Phooey]

Rear Road 5 tyre on the CBR, balanced first try this time, which is a bonus.
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[ThatDippyTwat]

Sorted the camchain and started chucking the 125 back together. Need to make a blanking plate for the EGR stuff, as the outlet/inlet for it is on the other side of the barrel compared to the old one, and it'll interfere with the exhaust.

https://i.imgur.com/zoGD2UMl.jpg
Wear on the Cam, Rocker arms and Camchain guides. Quite confident she was ran low on oil at least once.
https://i.imgur.com/7qEriKTl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OI6wbynl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/miuKaQ1l.jpg
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[hellkat]

Well I put some 20-50 in the Snarley and fired it up, so I rode it up to St Albans to collect my mate, Mad Liz on her Triumph 955.
Forgot to put some air in the tyres. *note to self

Then Liz and I rode to Newport Pagnell, where we were supposed to be going to an NCC custom bike show.

So we get off at Newport Pagnell and Liz goes the wrong way, and I straddle the junction awaiting her return. When she returns, I follow some likely-looking chaps into the correct turning, but she goes up the road and doesn't arrive behind me.

So I go back, and she has a dead bike, won't start.
Off I go back to the chaps in the car park to ask for some heroic help from a prospect in pushing her bike round and having a look at it

(strange thinks I, not a lot of bikes here)

The hangaround wanders off and gets her and the bike (now working) back into the carpark, apparently just dodgy kickstand wiring.

But it turns out that the people running the rally had some mad-arse organisational plans, which meant they weren't going to be there till the band was on (7.30) and then the custom show was in the morning - but we didn't want to wait that long, we thought it would already be rocking and rolling by mid-Saturday afternoon. And I only really go to NCC dos for the custom show, cos there's always something cool to look at.

So we had a few drinks with the chaps (a local MC out of a day trip), and members of the organising club show up to start setting up. Liz recognises one as a long lost friend and I sit back down, hoping for another drink

But that was not to be, so we left after about two hours - happy girlies: her having reconnected with an old mate, and me having flirted with some chaps. Easily pleased, us.

Then I stayed at hers and we ate curry, drank wine, and went out this morning antiques shopping, chatting up dogs, and eating waffles in a very middle class ladies-who-brunch kind of way.

Then I rode home back down the M25/M11, and got just a little bit wet (just damp knees) and the bike ticked quietly for an hour or two while I had a kebab before I covered it up.

Now its raining.
I didn't intend what I actually meant to do (socialise with the NCC and perve on their bikes)
But I had a great time, and I missed the rain, that's all that matters.

____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[to v or not to v]

i wiped a few bugs off the lights, because i happened to be passing by with a rag in my hand.
thats about as affectionate as im going to get.
____________________
current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
its old and fat, but its a damned good ride. the bikes not bad either.

[Brava210]

Over the last 5 days, I have been removing the 5 years of commuting corrosion/crud from my beloved Scoot.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FLy2u0Ur-uF37HQFHQybbS_0G7_QCn0X-zNVvYYHcBCwjGLjzoCJlLqvqV2M-x6QKhW-fq5OmU3jaFwAVOCD8Pg_5E2cYgW-dT46bsN5hBpFP1OUevrd8rHQRVgtvnzixfA-SAdXvev6Yu2cXuO9FfJl2HmnhZFlQPdIvLW1zI-kG2cWt8AgP8J_5xzKI5tN1toKLYcoY7e7--x9Ny7jYBKTHLMt90i2sfflyBIidJa5eLrWW_Mrj6PMZa32JSih0VYnB_wbQTZUChnEcVdEtt0L8l1Sw9QzD4HRfhbygPF5_wz2Ehmsa4hx1o9X558YcylDKvL414m2Wlbv_l0Pd_k9UwOT4l2fAWHk-7ux04HjNMBBV0mFBoryw7JD_2PkC6Gr60bnaguJRShW-YEzX5J3qghnKDZq52VICCErBWUBUatNk_ZV2H6psxm10Ok8RH-ZAc3uyMJGX-WriHP1oI-ErcBccf7euDlexEX-reZrSpHOZswCbv7SSxvrDLsoqFLxUpYQ96omjbTP605_913CEfL5EkH3ZInlGoMHnkJHiGcMnxPSVo3n810pezVWwF-5l3DMuJ_2qJUwqj4g3ThZjVzvEbvpVnrbkjWZrPTjeZElgWcL7C5E6e46MzkzosyXmFXVKXMR7t4jxjBqLV4dt7GRud-_PxyXCC08D2jEVQ4mXbaWqoMN6oeMCLD32wBUasb80td75KXCTzKUCa6yQQ=w1955-h1465-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/y0HHC8rFolc1Fn16H8WBxxe5lI_4YW1GEyJSKOcrS4Be5HmiEqe_VM4hhhqsAAneSpH13p_o94qOzx5W3sw2xvbQQiKwmVIRRL9qSrZM-LpucUjmBqL9UBI_JIrzWsz9ntF1IRnXeMfKX3hg7bXKRCKAFdVWpxtOcGUEzdo7-eWbano7uesEjJk5EcuLCMw-G93H3Vrp_Tc0XyCn6OB1zieVip8z-xiGVRyjNbSW1kEEnGEQK4AgtjOK6M_AD3GhcVDaRNjvKK9DkkI5zAwixi8qcVv2D5Dt1kaQqfq86xFZOFqrnAgODlVplsZhLcGQZ5zD7aaIq5oUKUEs4ixAbz3dkpAnofUP4X8Y9G_IrHkFQIw9bB8dKsEcyEj16l3dPeehoTxKstrvgpAA-h-_dRq32IDJlf8PfDClKUDUC1d91tB1GfnFxbE7FR6Aun5AW5UF73dtdjErB9Y2qea8wOSG0LuNIcpHJ104U5tqUnAddhlg_05aQzgZMfM3Hm5VEsQN314UArU_vlGPepH7_eITsUnRy9lPw643gDitG_b3x_oUG_FW_gJ_ij5t4YJWUTZnd4T-G3GBMP5UcevIySK8TLv3FpUPPyPrfxu5nwNSsYZRGT_d-YDH8SNLPiLaYfCqvPpt-zMQSFgwZwJu0KSlYAEnMS-fBAUphcUh7h941EIDM2bjXkACaLNlgQQDRBlA4dOSNI3kj9Rok2K4lr1bWg=w1955-h1465-no?authuser=0
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Honda Novio, Puch Grand Prix, Suzuki AP50, CZ 125, Wassell 125, Montesa 348,Honda 125TDC, Suzuki 100ER, Suzuki GSF650 Bandit, Aprillia Pegaso, Honda PCX125, Honda Forza300, BMW G310 GS, Suzuki SFV650, Honda CB500X

CHARLEY SAYS " ALWAYS TELL YOUR MUMMY BEFORE YOU GO OFF SOMEWHERE"

[Fisty]

Farted at it as I got a pizza out of the freezer.

Might take the fat bitch out for one last blat this sunday.
____________________
Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[Pigeon]

Striple valves etc

Re-shimmed the exhaust valves.
https://i.imgur.com/vSkJ0gr.jpg


Using the Triumph Service manual method for checking the cam chain wear.......if it wasn't stretched before (it was a bit) it has been now.
Within spec, but louder once it went back in
https://i.imgur.com/QCgLJoS.jpg


Painted downpipes onto brand new studs + nuts + gaskets
https://i.imgur.com/66IOZjZ.jpg


O2 sensor removed and SAIS removed......shiny blanking plates.
https://i.imgur.com/IA7ILXD.jpg


New coolant (having had rad out to thoroughly clean).
https://i.imgur.com/P5uR2Ph.jpg


New spark plugs. Inserted using some plastic pipe which i read someone elses post where they did this. Brilliant method to get them started, can gently lower the plug in and feel exactly whats going on. Definitely use this method going forward.
https://i.imgur.com/NEplJYh.jpg


Shiny new filter
https://i.imgur.com/0fMDT1n.jpg


Balanced the throttle bodies.....the balance tank precariously off a bit of wood was not in the Triumph service manual.

https://i.imgur.com/e5AAsYe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QYEXTPj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sYqNcJ0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GrrMBmT.jpg


Bike went off for MOT......only in the daylight did I realise I'd forgotten to paint the link pipe
https://i.imgur.com/SbC4Nx5.jpg

MOT pass

Went for a hoon down to Climping. Bike felt mega.
https://i.imgur.com/0BaaCZW.jpg