What did you do to your FJR today?

[raYzerman]

Next time fer fun, try Simple Green and let it work for 5 minutes, then use your toothbrush.

[FJRoss]

Next time fer fun, try Simple Green and let it work for 5 minutes, then use your toothbrush.

Doesn't usually take that much time. These were a gawd-awful mess. Never tried Simple Green on calipers before although Spray Nine seems to do a decent job on brake dust. Both are alkaline water- based cleaners. (Spray Nine might be a bit more aggressive. ) There usually isn't an oily residue - just brake dust and dirt.

[bill lumberg]

Mounted my garauld hydration system, Laam, and tank bag in preparation for an early start and long day Friday.

[raYzerman]

Next time fer fun, try Simple Green and let it work for 5 minutes, then use your toothbrush.

Doesn't usually take that much time. These were a gawd-awful mess. Never tried Simple Green on calipers before although Spray Nine seems to do a decent job on brake dust. Both are alkaline water- based cleaners. (Spray Nine might be a bit more aggressive. ) There usually isn't an oily residue - just brake dust and dirt.

Agree, Simple Green is citrus based. Note... Spray Nine will etch glass, don't clean your windows with it. DAMHIK.

[gixxerjasen]

Mounted my garauld hydration system, Laam, and tank bag in preparation for an early start and long day Friday.

This makes me sad. But it's also something I "Did" to my FJR, sort of. Griff recently posted a heck of a deal on a used gerauld hydration system that I jumped on. Post office delivered it to the other side of the neighborhood. For most folks this was a box of garbage and so whoever got it likely tossed it in the trash instead of dropping it off at my house. I confirmed with Griff and with the post office that it had the right address, but our carrier doesn't really care where things end up.

Ole Griff chased this one from end to end fighting to get my money back from the Post Office. I'd given up but he didn't and yesterday, miraculously I got my money back. So Yesterday I accepted my money back and maybe one day I'll get one of these too. It's ok though, based on my current riding plans, I won't be needing one so soon.

[FJRoss]

Next time fer fun, try Simple Green and let it work for 5 minutes, then use your toothbrush.

Doesn't usually take that much time. These were a gawd-awful mess. Never tried Simple Green on calipers before although Spray Nine seems to do a decent job on brake dust. Both are alkaline water- based cleaners. (Spray Nine might be a bit more aggressive. ) There usually isn't an oily residue - just brake dust and dirt.

Agree, Simple Green is citrus based. Note... Spray Nine will etch glass, don't clean your windows with it. DAMHIK.

Spray Nine is also sufficiently alkaline to etch unprotected aluminum if left in contact too long. pH is around 9 for Simple Green but over 12 for Spray Nine. I use it with great care, I don't let it dry and I rinse it off quickly. Does a great job on wheels. I haven't tried the Simple Green on the bike but will do so. It should be a lot less aggressive although I don't have any visible surface damage from the Spray Nine at this point.

[bill lumberg]

I really want to get a second one for gear or supplemental fuel or water. My Rtic (thanks jwilly) holds ice so well I just dump more water into it when I’m down to ice. But I kind of want a garauld mount on the left side too.

Mounted my garauld hydration system, Laam, and tank bag in preparation for an early start and long day Friday.

This makes me sad. But it's also something I "Did" to my FJR, sort of. Griff recently posted a heck of a deal on a used gerauld hydration system that I jumped on. Post office delivered it to the other side of the neighborhood. For most folks this was a box of garbage and so whoever got it likely tossed it in the trash instead of dropping it off at my house. I confirmed with Griff and with the post office that it had the right address, but our carrier doesn't really care where things end up.

Ole Griff chased this one from end to end fighting to get my money back from the Post Office. I'd given up but he didn't and yesterday, miraculously I got my money back. So Yesterday I accepted my money back and maybe one day I'll get one of these too. It's ok though, based on my current riding plans, I won't be needing one so soon.

[tominca]

You can save a few bucks anywhere, but that ain't the right stuff. Different Part Number; you want #93003 Check the labels.

I was at Home Depot several times but could never find the Super Lube #93003. Finally got some at Amazon on the way. I go through this stuff every Spring for opening the pool.

[Hppants]

Absolutely gorgeous weather this morning after a nasty cold front passed through yesterday evening. Woke up to about 50 degrees and severe clear. So I pulled out the ole red pig and accompanied a buddy on a 200 mile "local" back road adventure. Grilled shrimp salad for lunch.

We had the world all to ourselves.



I tell ya - this is a heavy bike. Since I bought the dual sport, I now realize just how heavy it is. But boy, it sure is fun to ride!!!

[Cav47]

Absolutely gorgeous weather this morning after a nasty cold front passed through yesterday evening. Woke up to about 50 degrees and severe clear. So I pulled out the ole red pig and accompanied a buddy on a 200 mile "local" back road adventure. Grilled shrimp salad for lunch.

We had the world all to ourselves.



I tell ya - this is a heavy bike. Since I bought the dual sport, I now realize just how heavy it is. But boy, it sure is fun to ride!!!

I am just gonna say this, but don't read anything into this other than I am jealous as heck. "You know its Thursday, and your ass should be at work!" WTH, I thought retirement was sometime in July?

[Hppants]

13 weeks left. Burning accrued leave - I work no more Fridays and I'm off most Thursdays!!

[D-Eagle]

13 weeks left. Burning accrued leave - I work no more Fridays and I'm off most Thursdays!!

Now THAT'S the way to work!!!

[ice station zebra]

Installed the EBC brake pads in the front and Michelin PR4 GT and 'T' stem. No worries about installing the front wheel itself, but I expect some frustrations trying to get those calipers back on...any tricks to that process?

[FJRoss]

Installed the EBC brake pads in the front and Michelin PR4 GT and 'T' stem. No worries about installing the front wheel itself, but I expect some frustrations trying to get those calipers back on...any tricks to that process?

Shouldn't be any problem. Push the pads back and remove the bracket that holds the brake hose in place. Much easier with that removed (no longer attached to fender). Oh, and make sure the T-stems are angled enough so they don't hit the caliper...

[tominca]

There are no trick or difficulties in fastening the calipers as long as you compress the brake pistons fully in. Just be sure the pistons are well-cleaned before putting the pads on, and before compressing them back into the caliper. It's actually not a hard job at all. Be aware that when you push in the pistons it can fill, or overfill the brake fluid reservoir, especially if you have added or changed fluid as the brake wore down. Be prepared to remove some fluid and protect your paint in case it overflows.

[FJRoss]

There are no trick or difficulties in fastening the calipers as long as you compress the brake pistons fully in. Just be sure the pistons are well-cleaned before putting the pads on, and before compressing them back into the caliper. It's actually not a hard job at all. Be aware that when you push in the pistons it can fill, or overfill the brake fluid reservoir, especially if you have added or changed fluid as the brake wore down. Be prepared to remove some fluid and protect your paint in case it overflows.

Good point on being aware of the fluid level in the reservoirs. I have seen someone (not me) make a mess of it; either because they forgot new pads are thicker or because they pushed them all the way back.

(Also good point in making sure the side of the pistons are clean before pushing the dirt past the seals.)

Remember to "pump up" the brakes before you take the bike off the stand!

[ice station zebra]

Be aware that when you push in the pistons it can fill, or overfill the brake fluid reservoir, especially if you have added or changed fluid as the brake wore down. Be prepared to remove some fluid and protect your paint in case it overflows.

Good to know, thanks for pointing that out!

[raYzerman]

What those guys said, that's the way to do it. The brake hose bracket off gives you lotsa slack to keep from scratching up yer wheels.

[N4HHE]

Installed the EBC brake pads in the front and Michelin PR4 GT and 'T' stem. No worries about installing the front wheel itself, but I expect some frustrations trying to get those calipers back on...any tricks to that process?

Cover the caliper with a cloth rag to minimize scratching the wheel. For both removal and installation.

Take the 2 caliper bolts out then rock the caliper to spread the pads. It won't come off unless the pads spread just a little bit. Gently, you do not want to bend the disc.

I spread the pads with a flat blade screwdriver. Then insert the disc between at an angle to hold the pads apart (do this by feel with fingertips) while discovering the path to get the caliper inside the rim. The path always feels unnatural, but then everything falls in place. Having said that, I've spent 10 minutes trying to get one on. And sometimes I've spent 10 seconds.

[gixxerjasen]

Then insert the disc between at an angle to hold the pads apart (do this by feel with fingertips) while discovering the path to get the caliper inside the rim. The path always feels unnatural, but then everything falls in place. Having said that, I've spent 10 minutes trying to get one on. And sometimes I've spent 10 seconds.

This, damnit, this. Usually it's the first one that takes ten minutes and I cuss the whole time, then the second one goes on in 10 seconds and I cuss some more just because.