Cav47 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 13, 2022 2:25 pm
The only “stressful” part was disconnecting the brake lines. I have a wild fear of brake fluid ruining paint.
Keep an open bottle of rubbing alcohol handy, paper towels, and put a plastic grocery sack under your work. One of the worst things about working with brake fluid is getting it on your hands then leaving fingerprints in the paint.
Worst thing about installing the Helibridge is cutting Yamaha's cable guide off. Either that or disconnect all cables, wires, and hoses to thread through the cable guide (corrected spelling) when it is removed.
I may back out of mine at some point, with advice from Josh about handling all the cable slack. But I’ll probably leave it on for the winter at least. By which time I’ll be accustomed to it and forget about it.
Today, I pulled the throttle cables loose a third time. First time, I didn’t get it around all the brake lines. Second time, I didn’t see that the brake extension was binding against the throttle cables. So, fixed that mistake.
Then, I realized that my mityvac wasn’t just for brake flushes. It might help me get the shitty, spongy feel out of my front lever (which has persisted since the extension install).
Voila! Front brake is back to normal.
I could f@$k up a brick. I have no business around mechanical stuff unless it’s powered by smokeless powder.
Last edited by bill lumberg on Wed Nov 16, 2022 12:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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bill lumberg wrote: ↑Tue Nov 15, 2022 6:00 pm
I may back out of mine at some point, with advice from Josh about handling all the cable slack. But I’ll probably leave it on for the winter at least. By which time I’ll be accustomed to it and forget about it.
Today, I pulled the throttle cables loose a third time. First time, I didn’t get it around all the brake lines. Second time, I didn’t see that the brake extension was binding against the throttle cables. So, fixed that mistake.
Then, I realized that my mityvac wasn’t just for brake flushed. It might help me get the shitty, spongy feel out of my front lever (which has persisted since the extension install).
Voila! Front brake is back to normal.
I could f@$k up a brick. I have no business around mechanical stuff unless it’s powered by smokeless powder.
Amateur. I have fucked up a brick.
Stand back and watch me drop fasteners into my engine in a few weeks when I attempt to do a valve clearance check after Viking Saturday in the mountains has been run...
CollingsBob wrote: ↑Tue Nov 15, 2022 7:57 pm
I chained both bikes to their respective floor anchors..then covered them up for the winter.
No chains or floor anchors here (thankfully), but I topped off the fuel tanks on both bikes late last week. I will add Stabil tomorrow and run them for 10 minutes or so to get them fully warmed up and stabilizer throughout the fuel system. Then I will store the bags in the basement and disconnect the batteries. Might get out for another ride but it becomes less likely as each day passes. A thaw in late December or early January isn't impossible - as long as there is enough rain to rinse away the salt. I tell myself that I will do some work on the bikes during the winter but the reality is that it will most likely wait until riding season is on the horizon - sometime in March.
Currently, we have a snow/freezing rain/ice pellet weather warning for tomorrow afternoon and overnight...
escapefjrtist wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:15 pm
New battery...7 (almost 8) year old OE Yuasa finally gave up. Hour ride this afternoon confirmed all is good!
~G
Waiting to see how long my 12 year, 100,000 mile OEM will last. I figure it is pretty much done at this point. Resting voltage is alright and it starts the bike OK. Not much reserve capacity so I have to be careful about stuff like leaving the ignition on to keep the windshield elevated while washing the bike. Self discharge rate is enough to make for a difficult start after sitting idle for just a couple of weeks. I don't use a tender.
A new Yuasa in the spring, I think. While it might be OK for local rides, I would hesitate to trust it for a long haul ride somewhere. A jump start can save me in the event of accidently running the battery down but won't get me by a shorted (or open) cell. The higher self discharge rate is a concern...
Cleaned up the garage and got the bike up on the center stand. Getting ready to change the CCT with the green dot. I suppose I'll have to remove the tank which is always a pain disconnecting those clips...
Finished organizing the cave, with FJR and Commando easy to get out for riding in reasonable temps. Got the Matchless up on the new to me, pneumatically operated lift. Man, my old back is gonna love me now, that thing is awesomely awesome, like some very awesome thing.
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escapefjrtist wrote: ↑Thu Nov 17, 2022 10:15 pm
New battery...7 (almost 8) year old OE Yuasa finally gave up. Hour ride this afternoon confirmed all is good!
~G
Almost 7 years with the OEM. Been on a Battery Tender and cranks like it should coming off that. If I forget it for a few days it seems to not have the power on first crank. Just that first draw when hitting the starter button. After I ride it a bit she cranks like new.
I think a new Yuasa will be on my winter project list just to be on the safe side. I have been stranded twice on motorcycle trips and each has a story of misery I just added for a fair price an Allstate road assistance policy which cover motorcycles. For about 14 bucks a month they will tow up to 100 miles and provides trip interruption of up to $1500.
No I am not an Allstate agent but figured I would pass it along in case anyone is interested. Not many policies include motorcycles that I know of. If it happens one time to you in the mountains in the middle of nowhere or on the side of i85 south on a 100 degree day with cars flying by you in the breakdown lane (I thought for sure this was the end of my life) you might consider having it. Hey its insurance right? You hope you never need it but its peace of mind knowing I have someone to bail me out if something happens.
Since I’ve got the fairings off I decided to put led bulbs in the turn signals. I already have them in the headlights. Looking for recommendations / links on which leds to use for the turn signals.
ice_station_zebra wrote: ↑Mon Nov 21, 2022 3:33 pm
Since I’ve got the fairings off I decided to put led bulbs in the turn signals. I already have them in the headlights. Looking for recommendations / links on which leds to use for the turn signals.
You will have to get ones with a built-in resistor (or add a resistor to the circuit) or you will get a fast blink. I don't have any specific recommendations. Are you doing brake/running lights as well? Post your results if you find something that works well.
I just added for a fair price an Allstate road assistance policy which cover motorcycles. For about 14 bucks a month they will tow up to 100 miles and provides trip interruption of up to $1500. 
but figured I would pass it along in case anyone is interested. Not many policies include motorcycles that I know of. If it happens one time to you in the mountains in the middle of nowhere or on the side of i85 south on a 100 degree day with cars flying by you in the breakdown lane (I thought for sure this was the end of my life) you might consider having it. Hey its insurance right? You hope you never need it but its peace of mind knowing I have someone to bail me out if something happens.
