1st Time w/New Lift Table

[motohorseman]

Picked up one of the Harbor Freight motorcycle lift tables the other day - it's well worth the money but remember, I'ts cheap, it's not a commercial lift, and that's OK for me and home use.

It's so much nicer to work on the motorcycles now. Yesterday the oil/filter was changed (fine, I admit, I'm stubborn, the spin on oil filter conversion was a great move, glad I did it, there, I said it  ).

Also picked up a air powered hydraulic fluid bleeder. My air compressor is tiny, you can carry it, but it was enough to power the bleeder - and oh by, did that make bleeding the hydraulics quicker and easier!

I still need to replace the front brake lines, still a tad spongy - you can feel the hose expand if you hold it, they need to do.

Most importantly - I found the clip for my master link missing! Luckily, I had one.

The rear tire, I had gone with a Avon bias ply on the front as the radial wore really poorly - So I wanted a matching bias on the rear. Oh, it rides so nice now!

Gotta love these motorcycles, and I've got to decide which direction to go next. I'm thinking the motor mount rubbers might be going, and I've located a big bore race motor looking for a new home - maybe it's sleeper time?

Hate to mess up a good thing though....

[aviationfred]

Great looking lift.  I am looking to get one of those before the end of the month. The lifts are on a huge discount at the moment, plus I will use one of the 20% coupons.

Fred

[X-Ray]

They are one of the best things you can add to the shed for looking after the FJ. Makes oil changes, chain maintenance, cleaning etc etc etc so much easier when its all at eye level. 

[motohorseman]

Great looking lift.  I am looking to get one of those before the end of the month. The lifts are on a huge discount at the moment, plus I will use one of the 20% coupons.

Fred

They make two types, one is supposed to be better than the other -

[motohorseman]

It's great for the price (with the coupon, $319.00)

[motohorseman]

I put the wheel stop on backwards, just seems to work better, stops wheel better than a "ramp" would.

The locking pin bar needs to be replaced, I'm looking for a good replacement now. Maybe some saddles to help spread the load.

Check the oil, mine was really low. And putting the rubber plug back in the fill hole was as almost as frustrating as the valve adjustment process on a Honda VFR800.

For the price though, it's unbeatable IMHO

[Burns]

"found the clip for my master link missing!"

consider that a warning.

rivit, rivit, rivit

[red]

"found the clip for my master link missing!"
consider that a warning.
rivit, rivit, rivit

Motohorseman,

At a minimum,  apply safety-wire to secure the clip for the link.  Here's how:

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dclary/media/DSCN1750_zps7ec38037.jpg.html

Cheers,
Red

[rktmanfj]

[ribbert]

There is no comment under the photo, are you suggesting this is a good idea or a bad idea?

Noel

[red]

There is no comment under the photo, are you suggesting this is a good idea or a bad idea?
Noel

Noel,

I'm not too sure about that one, because there is no telling what material that safety wire may be, or what material the next guy might use, instead.  It should be rust-proof, at least.   The picture that I linked earlier uses the correct hardened steel link clip, safety-wired in place, so rust should not be any concern.  The steel clip is designed to handle the stress, certainly.

Cheers,
Red

[rktmanfj]

There is no comment under the photo, are you suggesting this is a good idea or a bad idea?
Noel

Noel,

I'm not too sure about that one, because there is no telling what material that safety wire may be, or what material the next guy might use, instead.  It should be rust-proof, at least.   The picture that I linked earlier uses the correct hardened steel link clip, safety-wired in place, so rust should not be any concern.  The steel clip is designed to handle the stress, certainly.

Cheers,
Red

Really?

I suppose if one were stupid enough to do it with fishing line or the like instead of appropriate safety wire, yeah, it would be a bad idea.  Exactly how much lateral stress do you figure the clip is under at any given point, anyway? 

I should've known better than to offer an opinion on anything the least bit technical with masterminds like you guys in the group.

Fuck this shit.

[simi_ed]

I don't know that anybody would be so lame to do safety wire job with anything other than genuine safety wire.  If they do ...

[movenon]

I don't know that anybody would be so lame to do safety wire job with anything other than genuine safety wire.  If they do ...

+1

I guess there wasn't a good reason why Yamaha spec's and used a riveted link.   
George

[Burns]

In all fairness, the fella said to safety wire the master link "at a minimum". 

Personally "minimum" is not the road I'd choose, but it is an improvement.

With a servicable chain I'd say the rivit link is the best compromise but the "best" thing would be to use an endless chain (anybody have a source?)


I'm thinkin' that with the service life of today's top quality chains, when it is time for a new one it is probably also time for fresh sprockets and inspection/lube/replacement of the suspension bushings; with the swing arm off your best bet for a new chain is endless.