Upcoming Winter Maintenance

[oldktmdude]

Nice numbers Pete, another 100psi and you could turn it into a diesel.

Noel

No wonder my starter motor struggles sometimes.

[PaulG]

Finally able to measure my valve clearances:

               #1                                  #2                            #3                                 #4                                SPEC

Ex     0.23  &  0.18-0.20           0.18-0.20  (both)           0.15-0.18 (both)                 0.15-0.18 (both)               0.16-0.20


I/L    0.13-0.15 (both)             0.10-0.13  &  0.13          0.10-0.13  &  0.13-0.15        0.10-0.13 (both)               0.11-0.15


The left Ex #1 has a 278 installed and the GYSM chart states a 280-285 replacement.  I just saw the updated fjowners pdf chart and it suggests a 282 replacement.  So I go with the 282 if available?

The right side Ex #1 and both Ex #2 are near the top end of spec.  I guess they will need checking.... at the end of next season?

[PaulG]

Got around to replacing that one exhaust shim today.  Since I only needed one, the Yamaha dealer gave me a replacement 285 shim for free cuz I'm a "regular".  After rotating the engine a few cycles the new clearance changed from .23 to between .18 - .20 (spec .16 - .20).  Warmed the bike up and did a carb synch after also.  Didn't have time to take her for a run though.  Rush hour was starting and I had to make my way from downtown out to my 'burb.

So that's settled (hopefully).  That's my only major mechanical issue to deal with before next spring.  The rest of my fiddling will be re-arranging my slip-ons so they are tucked in better than the flying-V they are now.  Then take care of some plastic.  My front fender mounts are crumbling - again - so maybe fabbing up a fiberglass fender will keep me busy this winter.  Maybe an RPM fork brace for Xmas too... 

Has anyone tried using a Flexible Exhaust Pipe or Flexible Exhaust Tubing similar to these for the mid-pipe between the collector box and exhaust can?  If so, are there any motorcycle specific items out there or would automotive do.  I have read they may rot out eventually.  Did a quick google on it and didn't come up with much specific for m/c's other than custom HD's.

[PaulG]

Took the plunge and bought some flex pipe for the exhaust mid-pipes.  I wanted to shorten up the length of the system and reduce that Flying V look that my system has now.  Word of caution - just because the box say 2" ID doesn't mean it is!  FFS!  I only bought one pipe initially to to see if it would actually work, and bought some adapter fittings that wouldn't fit due to this.  Caued me multiple wasted trips back & forth to try different adapters and T-bolt clamps until I realized the pipe diameter was wrong.  Garrrggghhh! 

But once that was out of the way... I realized the flex pipe fits right over the existing gasket on the collector box.  I had to cut a V into the pipe so it would actually clamp on, otherwise it would just slip off.  The slip-on used a 2" pipe as an adaptor, and then the same V notch in the flex pipe with a liberal usage of exhaust cement.  This has allowed me to move the slip-ons forward about 6 inches to better match the stock location.  About $50 worth of material in total.  The flex pipe may not last more than a few seasons, so I've been told, but they were only $15 each.  If it all goes to shit I still have my SS bent pipes that I removed to do this.



I bent up some SS flat bar for a bracket to use the stock exhaust mounts.  I'm debating to change that to something more straight down to the can.   Initially I thought to keep the clamp as far to the middle of the can as possible.  This gives a bit more flex in the mount, but I haven't had a chance to take her for a run yet - and probably won't for several months as winter is settling in now.     Gadzooks -  just looked outside and it's snowing now.




That is sort-of complete for now.  Got my RPM fork brace last week and popped it on too.  Now I will have to polish up the rest of the bike to match it... 

Next the rear fender hugger.  I bought this (alleged) '87 Honda CBR1000 hugger during the summer from the wrecker who was closing up shop.



At first I had to hack off about an inch from the front L (chain guard) and front R.  Needed to do this cuz it woudn't rotate forward under sub frame and was getting stuck.  Once that was done the R side had to be hacked off cuz it wouldn't fit over the rear brake arm and brake line.  But the original rear mounting point for the chain guard lined up perfectly, and the width of the unit is more or less OK.  The R rear of the hugger lined up with the break arm mount for the rear calper.  So I drilled a hole and used the mounting bolt for that.





I used a pair of tin snips to cut it off so I will have to smooth it out later with that watchamacallit saw I have.     By doing this I have effectively removed most of the mounting points on the R side, outside of the rear one.  I'll see if I can bodge up something later for the R front of the hugger.  On the left there are two more mounting points still there.  I need to bend up a small L-bracket to attach to the swing arm.



A question I have is:  Is there an adhesive I could use that would stick the bracket to the swing arm?  I've used JB weld on some things (like the fender tabs) but I found that too brittle.  Maybe I didn't let it cure long enough before putting them back together.  I would prefer not to drill a hole and screw one on.  As a last resort I could remove the swing arm and get some welded on.  But that's like ... work... man... 

Finally, due to cutting an inch off the front of the chain guard, there is some of the chain exposed.  The hugger guard was already shorter than the FJ one.  I did a quick measure and there is now about a 4"-5" difference.  Basically from the swing arm guard forward the chain is exposed.  Will this matter?  The original front mount for the chain guard is on the other side of this.  If it's an issue I can bend up a piece of PVC sheet with a heat gun at work and use that mount and the ones on the front for the swing arm guard (with longer screws).



Any suggestions greatly appreciated.   

[ribbert]

A question I have is:  Is there an adhesive I could use that would stick the bracket to the swing arm?  I've used JB weld on some things (like the fender tabs) but I found that too brittle.  Maybe I didn't let it cure long enough before putting them back together.  I would prefer not to drill a hole and screw one on.  As a last resort I could remove the swing arm and get some welded on.  But that's like ... work... man...  

Don't be shy about drilling into the swing arm.......





There's no reason not to and it makes mounting the hugger much easier. I made the brackets from 1.6mm ally strap. I don't believe adhesive is a satisfactory fix for this application and a couple of screw holes is not going to have any effect on the swing arm.

Noel

[PaulG]

Thanks for the info and pic.     Did you used self-tapping screws, or did you have to tap them manually?

[ribbert]

Thanks for the info and pic.     Did you used self-tapping screws, or did you have to tap them manually?

Yes, self tapping SS metal threads. They have been on there for a lot of miles by now and despite the hugger flexing when it hits the subframe, they have not come loose. Two I drilled into the aluminium brackets did though, so I replaced them with nuts and bolts.

Noel

[PaulG]

I see there are pretty existing holes in the swing arm.  From your pic it looks like you used a  couple. I measured it with some  calipers and got 5.4-5.6mm. I checked it with a tap and it looks like an M7 would fit. Do you remember what size screws you used ?

You have the underslung gsxr brake arm. Mine is stock with the break arm in the way which may make additional r-side support difficult, but not impossible. if I can utilize what's available the better. If I need to drill I will.