Well, the rear shock is done, so it's time to go thru the forks, right? I need to check what's actually in there and definitely change the oil. (None of the previous owners can tell me what exact mods were made to the forks...all they remember is that it's been "revalved" (but not, say AK-20s or other aftermarket). So I'm waiting on buying fork oil until I see what's in there.) What I found in there were 1.0kg springs and shorter-than-stock spacers. Now there are longer spacers, 10w oil and a 160mm air gap. Will ride this way and tweak as needed.
Yikes...I've got myself a bit of a project. How did that happen?? :rotfl:
Parts and pieces and fluids are either already here or on their way, and I plan on having the bike down for a week or so to get it all completed.
Why do I have a feeling I'm going to be asking a lot of questions soon?? I've already done hours and hours of research here...invaluable info is to be had here!! :clap:
Anyway, just thought I'd share, and thank all of you in advance for the knowledge you've already poured out here that has given me the confidence to do this huge project!
- I also have a new set of convertibars and a Yamaha R6 throttle that I'm going to install.
- Convertibars installed; working on final settings. What a pain. Scratched the heck out of my top clamp without realizing it while rotating the main mounting ring again and again for positioning. After many hours of tweaking (literally over 5 hours, spread out over several days/evenings), flipping the mounting ring upside down and back again, I only have the bars close to where I want them. There's no way to make them exactly match each other's settings, so as I sit on the bike I can tell that one bar has a slightly different orientation than the other. Frustrating. Will continue to tweak.
- ​I finally got them where I wanted them and put the plastics back on...only to find that the bottoms of the stalks now hit the plastics. So I cut them off at the correct length, and now have full lock-to-lock steering. The throttle cables touch the windscreen a bit at full left lock, but it's not a deal breaker; the shield just flexes maybe 1/8" and all is well.
- I have throttlemiester bar ends / throttle lock and got a ConvertiBars "kit" to install them, but so far I have no idea how these are supposed to mount. Still investigating.
- Left side is simple: push in, tighten the bolt, done! The throttle lock takes a lot of messing around until you find the sweet spot, but I've found it and now have a working throttle lock.
- R6 throttle got replaced with a G2 aluminum quick turn throttle because I wasn't comfortable with the mods needed to use the Yami throttle tube.
- ​This G2 throttle tube *rocks*!! I LOVE the quick turn throttle. It really brightens up the throttle response, and doesn't make low-speed riding twitchy at all. If you're thinking of doing this...do it! You'll be pleased!
- Convertibars installed; working on final settings. What a pain. Scratched the heck out of my top clamp without realizing it while rotating the main mounting ring again and again for positioning. After many hours of tweaking (literally over 5 hours, spread out over several days/evenings), flipping the mounting ring upside down and back again, I only have the bars close to where I want them. There's no way to make them exactly match each other's settings, so as I sit on the bike I can tell that one bar has a slightly different orientation than the other. Frustrating. Will continue to tweak.
- And since the convertibars came with clutch and brake lines, and longer throttle cables, guess I'll be doing the brake fluid and bleed and the clutch fluid and bleed (I have 7 speed bleeders on their way...the LL version.).
- Ugh...do *not* get the LL version!! I had to return them and get the L version. Much better. Both hoses and all fluid changed and bled; used 1.25 bottles of Motul DOT 5.1.
- While I'm replacing clutch line/fluid, might as well open the clutch slave cyl to check for crud. And clean out the front sprocket cover and check the sprocket.
- It's gross in there! But now it's clean, and I no longer fear opening it up once in a while and cleaning it out.
- Of course I might as well check the brake pads, right? (Have 2 sets of EBC HH Sintered's on their way for the front; rears are fine.)
- Brake pads are fine, so I have a new set for another day.
- And heck...probably better change the oil and the coolant too. (Unsure yet what oil and coolant to use...I know CB will recommend Motul! ) Not going to replace hoses unless they're bad...those fancy ones are spendy!!
- Done! Maxima SynBlend 10w40. 1 gallon...used the whole thing! K&N oil filter as well. O'Rielys 50/50 coolant, good for all motors. Also replaced the OEM air filter with a K&N.
- And then there's the PB double bubble that should arrive soon.
- Not only do I have the PB, but I bought a ZG touring, dark smoke. Haven't mounted either of them yet.
- ​I decided to try the ZG first and I love it! Puts the wind right at my shoulders, not my chest, not up my helmet. One day I'll try the PB as well.
- Not only do I have the PB, but I bought a ZG touring, dark smoke. Haven't mounted either of them yet.
- And I might as well check the spark plugs.
- Checked them and they are fine. Cleaned them up a bit and re-installed them.
- And since the body work will be off, the bike should get a good cleaning as well.
- Pending...
Yikes...I've got myself a bit of a project. How did that happen?? :rotfl:
Parts and pieces and fluids are either already here or on their way, and I plan on having the bike down for a week or so to get it all completed.
Why do I have a feeling I'm going to be asking a lot of questions soon?? I've already done hours and hours of research here...invaluable info is to be had here!! :clap:
Anyway, just thought I'd share, and thank all of you in advance for the knowledge you've already poured out here that has given me the confidence to do this huge project!