Hi just got done checking out the 97 bird I bought, installed speed bleeders, new upper cowl, as strapped down cycle wrong on way home with it on trailer and cracked the top cowl, aftermarket cowl was not too bad to fit onto cycle just minor adjustments. Put on frame sliders, used clip on bars, changed oil to synthetic (ouch not cheep) put on double bubble windscreen(made a big difference on the ride(6'2", 210 pounds) tried to replace the head bulbs with 100wt from e-bay but prongs on new bulbs too narrow to fit sockets. Now have a set of break pads to install if I can get the calipers to compress to allow for room of new pads. Nice to be riding a street bike again, when younger and in the Navy rode a 1968 Norton Commando(750) from Jacksonville Florida to Spokane Wa. in three and a half days.
Any hints on installing break pads would be welcome!!

Hey, Abnormally Tall Person.

Turn the 'bars so that the reserviour is semi-horizontal.

Remove the res. cap.

Caliper Pad lock bolt cover removed.

Caliper Pad lock bolt removed.

Drop pads.

Carefully, and I mean carefully, apply pressure to the brake lever to get the pistons to move out of the calipers 1-3mm. (Do one side at a time to prevent opposing pistons falling to the floor). Squirt with brake cleaner. Scrub with old tooth brush.

Carefully, and I mean carefully, push the pistons back into their warrens in the calipers, keeping an eye on brake fluid level in the res.

Insert new pads. Pad pins and covers reinstalled.

Work brake lever progressively to move pistons out to meet new brake pads. Check fluid level in res while doing this so that it does not drop too low. Too low and you are up for a 'pain in the arse system brake fuild bleed'. Top up res if needed.

When level firm, refit res cover.

Wind a luggage stetchy around the brake lever and handle bar grip so that the lever is pulled back firmly against the 'bar. Leave overnight. (forces any air out the system).

Running in: Gentle application for 100kms. No hard braking, Gentle. After this, bring the bike up to 100kmph and brake hard, real hard, repeat 2-3 times.

Sorted.

Alpha.

Originally Posted by Ghazzah

Scrub with old ex-wife's tooth brush.

Great instructo, Gazzy, with the exception of th ecorrected bit above.

Omega.

'Scrub with current-but-deeply-despised wife's tooth brush'...

Much more satisfying. Toothbrush also useful on 'roids....

Originally Posted by blueshark

tried to replace the head bulbs with 100wt from e-bay but prongs on new bulbs too narrow to fit sockets.

I might suggest that you either fit HID's or leave the 55w on the bike... The electrical system on the XX isnt one of its strong points and people have had issues after installing 100w lights..

HID's on the other hand provide a much better solution, they provide more light and most kits only draw 35w.

Thank all for the advice it will save me time and money!!

Great, sound advice from the brother down under! (Ghazah!)

Γαμμα!

my cousin has hid's on his bird. can see him miles away, even in the day time