What did you do to your Yamaha today?

Rebuilding brake calipers. Pistons are a bitch! I tried using compressed air but I don't think I have enough pressure. Switched to the grease gun method which works really well and isn't that much effort to clean up afterwards.

I don't know about other models but on the xj700n the pistons meet in the middle with half the piston still in the cylinder so you need to pop them one at a time. Took me awhile to figure it out. There was no way those guys were coming out by pulling them.

I'm planning on posting the pics when I am done. To much mess to doc as I go.

 

Oh, and I did the rear shoes while I was waiting for the degreaser to work its magic on the calipers.

 

Put about 50 miles on it, stopping to watch the planes.

 

So I guess the stage before it becomes "jell" (or gel) is the "mayonnaise" that another member here described that was in his MC. lol

 

....and the 'jell' is right before it turns to a hard crusty powder that'll lock everything up tight

 

got my shinkos, frame almost ready for paint. Can't wait for next summer

 

So glad you were able to get her all fixed up after the accident, btw. Such a beautiful bike. Would have been a crying shame to have it written off.

 

Thanks! The stuff I fixed up was all pretty easy. The exhaust is still not fixed, but it works (if you don't count that big rust hole on the bottom of the muffler... it's loud). I'm considering the Motad setup, but would keep an eye on the exchange rate for that one.

 

Got a link for that? I assume that's(the Motad setup) a 4:1 exhaust?

I'd love to just wholly replace mine; finally deal with that rattle and the mess that my current exhaust system is. I've been basically patching up mine since I got the bike, a whole new system would be marvelous.

 

http://www.motad.co.uk/

 

http://www.motad.co.uk/yamaha-xj550/ yup, 4:1, at least some is stainless. (not sure about the can).

 

Awww, they don't make one for the 750

 

More on topic: despite (still!) being sick, got the new "I really wanted a Seca" custom tail light installed. Still haven't put my original valve cover back on with its shiny new donuts and whatnot because sub zero temps and sickness make that stuff unpleasant, but swapping the two tail assemblies around was just 4 bolts on the cubby and some quick bullet connector changes.

With the original incandescent light reinstalled, finally my CMS is error free - no more blinky red light of irritation!



Not perfect, but I'm happy with it.

 

Got out my umpa lumpa suit and rode to work 34 degrees this morning. Yeah gonna ride till it gets to 32 at least that's my plan.

 

34 is my low limit ride till it snows and roads are covered in ice , then I have my morning coffee with my bikes until spring read the fsm to them for a bedtime story

 

I also rode to work today.
I wasn't the only one and I couldn't resist taking some photo's from the motorbike parking.
One is of my bike and a Vmax, the other is a Diversion 900.

 

Must be a Dutch parking lot: more bicycles than cars! I love it! Do you wear your klompen when you ride?

 

I could as klompen are officially rated as safety footware, but I find them lacking in comfort (a lot)

 

My pake taught me to fill them with straw. It makes them (slightly) comfortable and (slightly) insulated.

 

Yesterday evening I cleaned my bike using a product I've used the last 3 times. Murphy's Oil Soap and warm water applied with cotton rag, then towel dried.

We have hard water, and this product leaves no water spots. Paint and chrome gleam. Acrylic windshield - removes bug guts with no streaks. (As you all know, Windex (or other ammonia based product) is a no no as it fogs windshield plastics.)

Murphy's Oil Soap seems really gentle, is easy, and works well. Probably not so good for removing heavy grease, tar or oil, but for general cleaning it is great.

 

Sounds like a good product will have to give it a try.
Raining fairly hard this morning yet right now it is sunny. Hope that the sun will dry out the roads by this afternoon for an evening ride.

 

I've heard of this "washing" thing. My bike got rained on in the parking lot at work the other day. Does that count?

 

Took a vacation day temp in the 70's took off and rode was such a great day bike ran great turned 18k on odometer put on over 100 miles ...seeing how the trees were changing color was fantastic ...rode through a nature preserve looked down and stopped and looked at a foot long freakin snake he was green and brown ..was kinda cool to watch him take off ...rode further and a huge groundhog was on side of road munchin away on some weeds , I don't know who was more startled him or me lol . All in all I really enjoyed the ride I know soon will be putting it away for winter.

 

I sure hope so! Hell, I see it's raining hard and take the bike for a spin just to rinse off the dust

I also count: parking too close to the work sprinklers.

 

Lately, the wife has been adding an item to the honeydo list. The same thing, again and again. "Why don't you go for a ride today?" I think she knows how grumpy I'll be in a couple of months when I can't ride, and wants my "bike ride battery" full.

 

I would agree with the bike ride battery full. I still try to get a ride in now again in between rain storms. Feel so much better when I do.

 

If I can't ride my bikes I at least have my morning coffee with them

 

Made a couple flat dollies as motor carts - local Princess Auto(Canadian Harbour Freight) had 3" 110lb casters on sale for $3 each, so why the heck not.

Pulled my spare 750 Maxim motor from its bent frame, to kill two birds with one stone. First, to finally get rid of the wrecked frame and clear up my driveway. Second, to get some experience moving motors from chassis in preparation for my starter clutch swapping.

Considering cleaning it up and swapping it into my Maxim when I pull the current motor for its clutch, but probably won't... Not really interested in resyncing for the spare motor and my carbs just to swap it back. May get adventurous though.

 

what year maxim? i do not think it matters if it is 82 or 83
what are you going to do with the bent frame? is the tail section still good? from just after the shock back? mine was hacked off and I would like to replace it

 

82, according to the VIN. The frame is bent at the neck, and the tank mount (bolt) is damaged. Tail and lower section is fine. I've stripped it down, but have the stock parts as well (lights, inner fender, outer fender, etc). Shoot me a message, and I'll get some pics.

 

I rode it 1 hour (round trip) to see a friend who restores 50's and 60's vintage Ducatis.

Then, I got my XJ a friend.

It's a BSA Spitfire Mk IV Special. Last registered in 1977, so yea, thats 40 years of sitting round. It'll be a winter project!

 

Changed oil and while doing that found right case guard cracked ( I bought them awhile back with this one already this way I welded it once already) took it off this time set temp and speed up welds turned out much better will see if this works out. Wind really blowing and been spitting rain so not really riding weather even though it is 68 degrees out.

 

...Was reminded about just how bloody heavy these engines are. Didn't figure out a good way to get it downstairs last time, got to figure something out this time. My back's just not what it used to be.

 

Bought a non running but complete xj650 maxim ($100) yesterday. A few months ago, I sanded and painted the header pipes and mixer on my other xj650 (currently on the road) but the exhaust system on the new parts bike is so nice I'm tempted to switch them. Having a few holes in the painted exhaust (but clamped shut) actually makes it a no brainer. Actually, I'm not sure yet if it's a parts bike or fixer upper.

 

Whooow! Nice find buddy. Looks complete. That man’s duc collection is impressive also

 

Oh! I misunderstood; thought that was just a bike he had around. That's an awesome find! Can't wait to see how she turns out!

 

Thanks. I plan to document this (to some extent) on youtube. (). I also found a really nice one that sold for some silly money early last year. If I get less than half that, I'll be pleased. https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0116-228045/1968-bsa-a65-spitfire-mk4/

 

I like the details: 2 tone paint, the gas cap, the air filter covers, beautiful! And the dials look like a nice watch. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

It is odd how the odometer is at 99999.5. Are there that many miles on it and it just stops instead of wrapping? Maybe a malfunction or somebody was tampering with it?

 

I'm told the speedo was replaced. It's missing the cable as well. I found a used one on e-bay and will just have to live with not knowing how many miles went on the bike in 10 years on the road.

 

The bullet brake light.

Sounds like ou have a good laundry list - will be exciting to see the finished product.

 

Yesterday rode to school and right next to where I usually park is this R1 and yes I know its a sport bike however what got my attention were the tires or the condition of the tires as you will see in the following pics.
The owner gonna need some new tires that is for sure however I am sure that he had a great time getting them to this condition!

 

getting ready for a new set of tires

 

Supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow for the first time. Cold and windy. Had to leave my buddy in the garage. Perhaps the last trip this fall...been running Stabil in last couple tanks as I've been surprised how long I've been able to run.

Warmer Saturday, so will probably do the winter checklist and put her away.

Time to get the snowblower out

 

Here in Southern Oregon we got a few more days of very nice weather going to get the most out of them as I can!

 

Today I replaced the old tired and worn out diaphragms with new rubber ones from JBM Industries. Thanks, Paul!

Using smaller wire cutter pliers worked a champ on the rings and the rubber had enough stretch to easily get around the flange lip, but sat tight in the piston indentation.
Some pictures for reference.

 

Rode to work this morning after fighting slightly to get it started at approximately 37 degrees. It's plenty windy which makes it feel even colder. Everyone I passed looked at me like I was crazy, maybe I am a little. Reminded me real quick that I need to upgrade a few items in my cold weather riding apparel. Pushed the bike into the shop at lunch to let it warm up a bit this afternoon so it starts a bit easier when it's time to go home. Just not quite ready to let go of riding season yet

 

That is what a dedicated rider does- dress for the weather and the slide- Proud of you bro

 

Time for a valve clearance check and valve cover gasket replacement.

Just a side note and an observation on this sample of one but there has been debate on valve lash clearance hot vs. cold.

Cylinder 1 Exhaust - hot .20mm - cold .18mm
Cylinder 1 Intake - hot .15mm - cold .12mm

Cylinder 1 exhaust was checked first hot, then cylinder 1 intake. Then back to cylinder 1 exhaust to re-verify .20mm hot. It sat that way overnight and cylinder 1 exhaust measured .18mm stone cold.

 

Very interesting. I'm surprised there's that much difference between hot and cold. Could definitely explain cold blooded bikes.

On my ride to work this week, 25°c, ride home, 4°! That's a big swing, no wonder it needs full choke! And I don't even have cold weather gear. For the American people, that's 77° and 38°.