What have you done to your bike today? Archive.

[Bhud]

Rusty, holed exhaust downpipe repair using a section of mild steel pipe.
Offending section removing by cutting. Inner sleeve fabricated (mostly for thickness, just to stop the welding blowing more holes in the pipe). New section of pipe welded on, and welds smoothed out with angle grinder.

https://i.ibb.co/N2r5dDk/exhaust-repair-smaller.jpg

[ThatDippyTwat]

Whipped all the fairings off the Viffer leaving the nosecone. She developed a nasty rattle on shutting the throttle, and I can't tell if it's tired bodywork giving up or a tired motor starting to give up (I have significant hearing loss - don't ride without plugs in boys and girls).

De-shitted the carb on the 125, but CBA. She needs a new tank, keeps getting clogged carbs even with a filter.

Started looking for a CBR600F3/4/4i, earlier CB600F's or Hornet's. Need something reliable, don't give 2 fucks about how it looks.
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[Pigeon]

Finally finished Gixxer.

Replaced steering damper fluid with ATF. Originally was going to use 15w suspension fluid (as per internet recommendations to replace the 10w), but I did a test run with ATF and found I liked that it was slightly easier to move, slightly less damping.

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

In fact, the whole bike is now easier to ride. Have backed out the suspension settings to rely more on the heavier springs and so far so good. It turns faster / easier, is more comfortable but doesn't bounce about. Happy days

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

It's taken me 6 weeks (about 8 days).

* Ktech 120Nm rear spring (not specifically for this bike, required a custom 80mm washer). 114Nm standard (according to Racetech).
* Silkolene 7.5w shock fluid (made my own shock reservoir charge pump adapter). 5w standard.
* Ktech 1.1 kg/mm front fork springs (stiffest they do for the bike). 0.98kg standard (according to Racetech).
* Silkolene 10w RSF fork fluid. 5w standard.
* Replace Steering Damper fluid with ATF for less damping. 10w standard (according to internet).
* Greased rear suspension linkages / bearings.
* Greased headstock bearings.
* Pumped and cleaned break calipers + new fluid.
* Replaced coolant.
* Replaced engine oil.
* Replaced spark plugs.
* Replaced air filter with BMC.
* Adjusted headlight aim.
* Adjusted chain.
* Painted the oil rad guard.
* Painted some chips on edge and underside fuel tank.
* Cleaned / greased every nut/bolt that came off.
* Cleaned / waxed the bike.

Did however break a few eggs:
1. Snapped the steering damper sensor connector locking tab when trying to undo it (the bike has a mix of push/pull tabs and I made a mistake).
Is currently held in place my a cable tie, but actually its on there tight and has made it easier to get the thing done/undone.

2. Snapped a lug holding the dash display in place. Was removing as per normal when adjusting headlight and the plastic lug snapped. I must have used too much lateral force. Took the dash apart and put a screw through from the inside into some PVC pipe, which now acts as the missing lug. A proper bodge, but it works and cant be seen.

3. Damper adjusters on the forks lockout when being undone, but not when increasing damping, they just spin at the end. I'm not sure how much of an issue this is as I know the turn counts. I've had the forks apart again, but still have the issue.


The oddities:

1. The Ktech rear spring is 120Nm and the standard (according to Racetech) was 114Nm. Only a 5% gain. But the ktech spring is huge, it weighs 40% more than the standard, has an extra coil to standard. And the rear now only moves 15mm and the ride is pretty solid to standard. Not harsh though. Either because I'm not requiring so much damping, or using a higher viscosity shock oil, the ride is solid but not hard if that makes sense. Vastly more than 5% difference.

2 .The oil that came out the forks (35cst@40c) seemed thicker than what I put in (47cst@40c). The springs that came out were actually 5% heavier than those put in (which claimed to be 10% stiffer).
I'm guessing the springs were made of different materials and the original fork oil was perhaps mineral based (started off thicker, but quickly thins).

In general, fluid wise, I seemed to be replacing old thicker fluid with new thinner fluid. But on paper the new fluids were 30% thicker. I suspect its down to mineral vs synthetic.


Bike feels planted and predictable, easy to change direction (but not flighty), firm but better at absorbing bumps.
For a first run, got lucky. Only thing I've changed on return was to add a turn of rear preload + adjust headlight aim.

Looking forward to riding it now

[Easy-X]

That's a tough one to follow!

I errr... replaced one of my horns that wasn't working and um... polished the stanchions with Autosol while I was there
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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]

Not mine, changed fork oil on a mates VFR800, it must have been the original oil as you don't see grey fork oil on sale.

When you sort the front it usually highlights any other issues at the rear end, I'm not equipped for shock refurbs though so it'll probably be changed for a Nitron.
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'81 CG125, '97 FZS600 : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

[Easy-X]

[B0ndy]

Replaced both levers on the R1 (changed to OEM from chinky stubbys a previous owner fitted). While doing it found the clutch cable was on its last legs, glad it didn't snap while out and about.

Carry a spare so replaced and a new replacement ordered, job jobbed.

https://i.imgur.com/iT7OKsy.jpg
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CBF 125 -> CB400SF -> GSX600F -> ZX6R (G1) -> GSXR1000 K4 -> ZX6R (B1H Stunt bike) -> VFR800 -> R1 5PW -> Sprint 1050 -> Fireblade 929 -> ZX10R C2H

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

Bought a Yuasa 8Ah YTX-9-BS stock replacement battery for the ZX6R. I'd have preferred a bigger capacity (because the 10Ah on the R1 maintains a useful charge noticeably longer when the bike isn't used for a while) but bigger doesn't fit.

It turns out that batteries come pre-filled these days by law, either because sulphuric acid is an explosives precursor (said Google) or to deny wannabe acid-attack gangsters access to the stuff (said the Halfords assistant). Possibly both. Strange times.

Anyway, I've just topped up the charge before first use. I'd been starting the bike with a portable Li-ion jumper but I remembered that a weak lead-acid battery puts a strain on the charging system. I've been there before.

Also noticed that the RHS fork seal is leaking, which is way too soon after I'd had the stanchions rechromed and fitted OE seals and bushes. I tried to clean any grit out using a 'Seal-Mate' type of plastic tool but it wouldn't go in and ultimately just bent.

[Sister Sledge]

Made the silencer noisier.
Chopped some internal metal away using a grinder. Should shake the neighbours ornaments now.
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CCM 404 DS

[Shaft]

Slightly missed the boat, but sold my XJ yesterday.

Now trying to decide what to do with the money - I always put money from vehicles back into vehicles, it's a thing of mine.

1. Put a big chunk of it into my Silver Wing, get it properly up together.
2. Swap the Wing plus cash for a newer, better one.
3. Take the Katana out of mothballs and use that for the Summer, just for a change
4. Add to the fleet - this isn't really a sensible option, but my finger was hovering over the button when a really clean MZ 301 Tour came to my attention, I really fancy a usable 2 smoke, just for gits and shizzles.
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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

[hellkat]

Insured it.
I shall later be taxing it.
Then ...

I'm not sure.
It's been a while.

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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[ThatDippyTwat]

She was rattling badly on rolloff. Tracked it to a loose rear exhaust manofold, one nut had disappeared completely. Sorted a few other jobs while I was in there, mainly rust related, and replaced the air filter.

https://i.imgur.com/RtXPOJfl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/f6Wch6gl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5ZA6rXZl.jpg
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[chickenstrip]

[Sister Sledge]

Have been out on it today and it developed an intermittent fault with the LH indicator. Yeah yeah on then off then on..
Traced it to a borked wire where the loom 'assembles' from lesser wires behind the headlight. A temporary fix and will replace the whole wire for it at the next oil change.

Had a weird thing happen though: The bike's stored in a small workshop and so needs covering. As I placed the sheets onto the bike I got a content tingle in my tummy once it was covered over.
Does that mean I now love my bike??
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CCM 404 DS

[TheSmiler]

Well sidecar ended up coming off recently due to a snapped connector, which has been replaced. Been doing some work and pricing up some work for that.

These lights from a ford escort arrived a few days ago so got get some clamps and then wire them up. Since the sidecar got fitted last Friday I've done about 400 miles which isn't bad.

Also acquired some leading link forks which will be going on very soon.

https://i.imgur.com/Dfp8t4Wl.jpg
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

[hellkat]

I fuckin aced it.
Been off the road over three years, and just got back on as if it were yesterday.
I had forgotten how torquey it is
I have had to revive muscles I had forgotten I owned.

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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[chickenstrip]

[hellkat]

Loads.
I posted them on the thread that was started by the girl who DIDN'T buy it. Can't remember what it was called. I'll see if I can find some. They're probably on my Facebook somewhere.
(edit: https://www.facebook.com/hellkatjen/media_set?set=a.10153570251839691&type=3)


That one is currently the other one that is off the road
It only needs a bit of a twiddle with its starter electrics, and an MOT.

They were both locked up in a garage with a broken locking mechanism, so had to stay there and ended up out of MOT and wasting away.
Still, they're out now!
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[chickenstrip]

[Fizzer Thou]

On the way home from a rideout the other night the temperature gauge did not rise like it should have done.I suspected that the thermostat was stuck open as I had this on a car a few years ago.When I stopped at some traffic lights temperature reading went up,so that indicated that the sensor was working.

Once home I looked up on the Fowlers website to find that a new thermostat would be £48 or so if they had any stock,so having found a second hand one I waited for delivery.
Having received the one I ordered I removed the existing one from the housing

https://oi666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Workshop/20190415_111205_zpsclffh7rd.jpg~original
https://oi666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Workshop/20190415_154657_zps2as4olfi.jpg~original

Once I had the original I found that there was a lump of something stuck on the valve seat.Once cleaned I tested both in a saucepan and brought the water slowly up to temperature

https://oi666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Workshop/20190415_160815_zpsm9zm370n.jpg~original
https://oi666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Workshop/20190415_161845_zpsczzz0zcr.jpg~original

The original opened slightly sooner,which was not bad for a critical part that has done over 60,000 miles.

Once the replacement was installed everything was topped up and tested okay,ready for the rideout tomorrow and Monday
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[Fizzer Thou]

[recman]

Hot washed it, dried it, demon shined all the shiny bits and pumped up the tyres.
I'll take it for a spin tomorrow.

[stinkwheel]

Set up my neww "garage oven" using a 30A caravan extension cable and the cooker socket. The weak point is the 13A plug fuse, all the cable is 30A. Did not blow.

A neighbour was having a new kitchen, I asked what she was doing with the oven, it was going in the skip so said I'd have it.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/l8sXk49COmm5xT8zDH3KyYfdURz-oZllgFzMFEvtEMp9wO5f1orbMjIDpxd9quxGM0wGjSQEt-88SI50chDmKgiN33YgjoXxAwf9FuzZ5w8qth1cZ8qDnGSCQgNOQ771-YOrQUkM1w=w1163-h872-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lkBoP6zk6Rs5c7aI-J5g01nWFclEzIVwykMEmctXwjiY6iFbyMIcuaYTJ7jh6o6WAv0VZFms_OSav_dT5lgyzzbCT2BAaPhaPaTnPsoc6N_YLxvhGn2TLZ1-dzgMUAKQcb6AxJkWNQ=w654-h872-no

Having a garage oven means I can puit smelly and oily things in it like VHT paint for curing and crakcases for removing/fitting new main bearings. Piece. Of. Piss. and no angry spouse to deal with about the smell of burning oil in the kitchen.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1pK64ibsmQwLmbHN0q91qi9hlbzEE94kuJ73J0GDahmm8mgJlmTO_jrgpglnUIv6dXYVB3ox6u5UKRKNKW6UnhaoG6ETHgW2QkBc6tGLoD5JBhLxm1m8UD9-05rUmK0v-DA1O59voA=w1163-h872-no

Crank in the freezer for tomorrow.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jliIcSB83NxTeSnJmYv2TKvqRPyZA33CZuKK7tUjVXfuf9jluMJ2QuGPQpY3nbFabIfItldVQHRCsiSlPA8UwWush68AJ95Fz_ilMxgn8tpFNZ39YH5y_XY0oP5QYFHW_mXUeT0qNQ=w1163-h872-no

Also tapped and blocked the "breather" hole between the crankcase and oil tank. Bolt fitted with green bearing fit. If it comes out, it'll fall to the bottom of the oil tank where it can either be fished out with a magnet of stay there and sulk.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JFhFxkdVXICaavR17j9Hl3jf4hC1RrcOkd8W28L2qKpHLy0--HBImintIkQZ1P2_lm-Jo-wnHrunt8FA-RMSey0qrVixIUmbsdJ1XWruArIqDj03gGXk5tt6pm3-LaVz89rsoANLmQ=w1163-h872-no

On a whim, removed the baffle from the 612 bullet to see how it sounded. Needn't have bothered, it had already destroyed it (that's supposed to be wrapped in inch thick fibreglass packing). I presume it happened within a few miles of setting off on its first ride.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Us2V_05XqH6oFRrbsAdXntwZcM4QY3lpZ-L-dkeIB0CwmgxDQErbbCQtSQsjOAYyVvHxbCanUuapWosXi7_7Mh14XMDI3jBV4vXjfdX9SE9CyE7Bum0v96oIkqyN5KIIsTyNQReAPg=w654-h872-no
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[The Shaggy D.A.]

The bike now opens and closes the garage door
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Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[chickenstrip]