Maintenance night - HB?

[Stickchick]

I'll be getting my bike in a little while... When I get it I want to know how to do some basic maintenance... what are the chances of having a basic maintenance night up here? just things like changing the oil, cleaning the chain, and other little bits and pieces to look for? What sort of things should I look for?

Bring some Bourbon and beer and hopefully I'll learn something ... and then we can all get pissed... :innocent:

[yod]

Bring some Bourbon and beer and hopefully I'll learn something ... and then we can all get pissed... :innocent:


:killingme

[BigG]

I'll be getting my bike in a little while... When I get it I want to know how to do some basic maintenance... what are the chances of having a basic maintenance night up here? just things like changing the oil, cleaning the chain, and other little bits and pieces to look for? What sort of things should I look for?

Bring some Bourbon and beer and hopefully I'll learn something ... and then we can all get pissed... :innocent: Can you read, just follow the instructions, just like cooking realy:shutup:

[Stickchick]

Am I that scary that you don't want to socialise with me???? I don't have a manual as far as I can tell Colapop is giving me a mongrel (bit of everything)bike, just like him I suppose

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I'll be getting my bike in a little while... When I get it I want to know how to do some basic maintenance... what are the chances of having a basic maintenance night up here? just things like changing the oil, cleaning the chain, and other little bits and pieces to look for? What sort of things should I look for?

Bring some Bourbon and beer and hopefully I'll learn something ... and then we can all get pissed... :innocent:

Sounds like a good idea but you will find there are as many ideas on how to as there are people. For example I use a NT oil on my chian. NT stands for " No Throw" I have had 45,000 km outa a chain and still going strong. Down side it makes a mess of the rim. Some use spray on wax. No mess but only 30,000 thousand K's out of a chain. And that's only one small part of the job. Best we can do is come over and show you what we think and you can make up your own mind. Oil and filter are no big deal and we can help with that stuff. I have a workshop we can use as we have a few tools that make this stuff easier

Do you have a copy of the hand out from the RRRS day? If yes, a daily check list is in it. We can show you how to do these things and you are away.

Sorry I am a bit old for getting pissed. It gets me in to trouble and life is pretty good as it is so I will have a coffee.

Good to see you are keen to do this stuff. Mind you you could get a bike shop to look at putting this on. Why not ask in our H/Bay ride area and see who would be keen?

[nadroj]

I think she would like you to use your tools at her place.
The bourbon helps get the RING spanner over the Head of the bolt.

[Stickchick]

Dude I don't even know how to clean the chain!

Gixxer 4 ever - you're always welcome to come for a coffee.

[Colapop]

I'm a mongrel?? You want this bike now or when it's been put back together...?

Jeez I dunno, you try and help someone out and this is the thanks you get... :dodge: p/t

All good the bike is coming along nicely... I've got part of a manual... enough to get you going...

[BigG]

Dude I don't even know how to clean the chain!

Gixxer 4 ever - you're always welcome to come for a coffee.Best Idea yet, take it to someones place and they will help out, my mate lance did a short coarse on ( for women ) how to maintain your car, just simple things on how to check oil, water, tyre pressures and usefull information like that. What youre realy looking for is....................freindship I asume.:yes: Getting pissed is the worst thing you could do, you can't ride the bike after cleaning it in that state.

[Squiggles]

I think she would like you to use your tools at her place.
The bourbon helps get the RING spanner over the Head of the bolt.

bwahahahaha :lol:

[MSTRS]

... I've got part of a manual... enough to get you going...

The part that shows the key and starter button?? Very important, that part of the manual.....:innocent:
We'd be happy to 'host' a maintenance evening, although might be a tad cold now. Perhaps better on a Sunday avro for instance. I doubt that a bike shop would be keen to show anyone how to do stuff that will take work away from that shop, but Dooly is another matter. He might be willing to instruct' - if not, then Steve and I at least have a few clues.

[yungatart]

If we learned how to do our own bike maintenance, SC, then we would have to do our own bike maintenance....kinda makes the guys redundant, don't you think?
Far better to act like helpless females and let blokes do blokey stuff and keep their egos intact.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Dude I don't even know how to clean the chain!

Gixxer 4 ever - you're always welcome to come for a coffee.

No problem. We all have to start at the start. When you have the bike we will do a ride and end up here and just look over everything. I am sure with people like Wasp27 Dooly MSTRS and others we can cover most things you need to get the basics done. What type of bike Make and Model are you getting. I will look on the net for a manual?

[Stickchick]

No problem. We all have to start at the start. When you have the bike we will do a ride and end up here and just look over everything. I am sure with people like Wasp27 Dooly MSTRS and others we can cover most things you need to get the basics done. What type of bike Make and Model are you getting. I will look on the net for a manual?

Its a VTZ250 with a VT250F motor I think....Might have to get Colapop to explain it to you I think as I'm just interested in the fact that its going to go for as long as I need it too hehehehehe :innocent: :yes:

[Colapop]

Ok this is the story... SC was given a bike. Unregistered, unwarranted and not roadworthy... she asked about getting it fixed in a thread somewhere... It didn't seem like it needed much so I offered to bolt on the bits it needed and get it warranted etc and deliver it. I've been meaning to get up there for some time - so I thought kill two birds with one stone (waiting for the smart arse comments...)

As it turns out talking to other peeps it needs the cam chains, adjusters and all replaced so a bit of a major. Anyway as luck would have it I managed to source a bitzer with a good engine and get it here. My neighbour is more bike mechanical than me and has offered to help as well. So between the two of us and the two bikes we will get one on the road for not too much effort or expense. And the Stickychick will be hooning around on her Hoonda up there - terrorising you lot by the sounds of things.

For the record the two bikes are a VT250f (with a forked engine) and a VTZ250 with a VT250f engine (at about 25k) The manual I have had other sections mentioned but I couldn't get at them... I may have as much as there is... I dunno yet (haven't printed it) Having searched pretty extensively I will be suitably impressed if anyone finds a manual online.

Back on topic... I reckon it's a good idea for everyone to at least have some knowledge of maintenance, even if they don't do the maintenance themselves - they'll at least know what's been done when a mechanic explains it.

[BigG]

Ok this is the story... SC was given a bike. Unregistered, unwarranted and not roadworthy... she asked about getting it fixed in a thread somewhere... It didn't seem like it needed much so I offered to bolt on the bits it needed and get it warranted etc and deliver it. I've been meaning to get up there for some time - so I thought kill two birds with one stone (waiting for the smart arse comments...)

As it turns out talking to other peeps it needs the cam chains, adjusters and all replaced so a bit of a major. Anyway as luck would have it I managed to source a bitzer with a good engine and get it here. My neighbour is more bike mechanical than me and has offered to help as well. So between the two of us and the two bikes we will get one on the road for not too much effort or expense. And the Stickychick will be hooning around on her Hoonda up there - terrorising you lot by the sounds of things.

For the record the two bikes are a VT250f (with a forked engine) and a VTZ250 with a VT250f engine (at about 25k) The manual I have had other sections mentioned but I couldn't get at them... I may have as much as there is... I dunno yet (haven't printed it) Having searched pretty extensively I will be suitably impressed if anyone finds a manual online.

Back on topic... I reckon it's a good idea for everyone to at least have some knowledge of maintenance, even if they don't do the maintenance themselves - they'll at least know what's been done when a mechanic explains it.
Youre doing a good job there Colapop, Stick will be rapped:rockon:

[yungatart]

Youre doing a good job there Colapop, Stick will be rapped:rockon:

Too right!
She is getting reallly excited...hoping it won't be too long!
Keep up the good work, Col, you are a legend!

[Colapop]

Nah - just doing what other KBers have done for me... pay it forward, aye?

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Nah - just doing what other KBers have done for me... pay it forward, aye?

Good man. Thanks for the info on da bike. We will help chicky get the basic stuff. Cheers

[Gixxer 4 ever]

The manual I have had other sections mentioned but I couldn't get at them... I may have as much as there is... I dunno yet (haven't printed it) Having searched pretty extensively I will be suitably impressed if anyone finds a manual online.
.

There is a 3 part manual for the VT250F here. Or google it. "VT 250f"

http://www.vt.tar.hu/

I down loaded the first part and it looks good. Due to the slow dial up I will leave it to you if you want/need it.

[Colapop]

I got as far as Simon Bromley's site. Cheers I'll download it and print it at work 2moro.

[Spyke]

stickchick ill attend :yes:

i have been thinking for a while that it would be awsome if we had a general maintenance night in the bay sometime.

i personally would be the one learning.
i would be happy to let you guys use my bucket racer, it does need an oil change. LAST MONTH!!!

doesn't sound to promising that there will be one, i'll keep my fingers crossed though.

it would be cool to meet some of the other kbers from the bay too.

[Stickchick]

Youre doing a good job there Colapop, Stick will be rapped:rockon:

Rapped? I'm estatic thought it was gonna cost me a small fortune till the big guy came along with some awesome ideas. THANKS HEAPS COL!!!!!

[Gixxer 4 ever]

stickchick ill attend :yes:

i have been thinking for a while that it would be awsome if we had a general maintenance night in the bay sometime.

i personally would be the one learning.
i would be happy to let you guys use my bucket racer, it does need an oil change. LAST MONTH!!!

doesn't sound to promising that there will be one, i'll keep my fingers crossed though.

it would be cool to meet some of the other kbers from the bay too.

P/M your contact details to Stickchick and we can put you on the list of Emails. I assume you are not riding on the road?

Are you wanting to change the filter or just the oil?

[Spyke]

will pm stickchick my details tonight.

yeah im not riding on the road yet. hopefully in 6 months or so depending on money.

and im wanting to change the oil and filter, but i think me and dad can have some fun and get messy.

thanks
+andrew+

[Stickchick]

will pm stickchick my details tonight.

yeah im not riding on the road yet. hopefully in 6 months or so depending on money.

and im wanting to change the oil and filter, but i think me and dad can have some fun and get messy.

thanks
+andrew+

Got your details dude thanks very much and I'm sure that we can convince this lot to have a social night

[MSTRS]

Got your details dude thanks very much and I'm sure that we can convince this lot to have a social night

Ow ow...stop twisting my arm already. I said we'd do it, didn't I?

[Gixxer 4 ever]

will pm stickchick my details tonight.

yeah im not riding on the road yet. hopefully in 6 months or so depending on money.

and im wanting to change the oil and filter, but i think me and dad can have some fun and get messy.

thanks
+andrew+

That is exactly the way to learn. If you don't know what oil and filter to get take the old filter in to a bike shop and asked about what oil you should use make sure they match the old filter. In an old ice cream container cos they make a mess. Take the frame number and or engine number to the shop with you.
Bear in mind the frame might not match the engine as bucket bikes are often a bitser bike.

Warm the bike up first. Not too hot just warm. Make sure you have a socket that will fit the drain bung. Or a ring spanner. Best not to use a crescent etc cos they will damage the oil bung. If it is a cartridge filter, that means you screw the old one off and screw the new one on, oil the out side of the rubber seal on the cartridge with a thin layer of oil before you do it up. Just use a clean finger to spread it around the seal. Then spin it up till it starts to go tight. Then a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn to seat it to the engine. Check it often for leaks for the first few weeks. Tighten if you have to. Check oil level after you have started for the first time. It will be low cos it will fill the filter. Top up to full mark


I scratch the date and mileage in to the black paint on the filter.
If it is a refill the same applies but you need to make sure everything is very clean before you start work. Grit and oil do not go together. Clean is the key followed by tools for the job. You will never regret buying tools.

When you put the oil bung back in do it up till it is firm. Do not over tighten but make sure it is firm. Pays to replace the washer from time to time on the bung but maybe next time. Again check for leaks often.

Ask the bike shop if there are any bleed screws on your make of bike. Not many need the oil bled, that is to get any air out of the line, but our AG 200's have a bleed screw on the head to let the air out.

Don't let them sell you top of the range oil for a bucket racer. Search the net for a manual and see if you can find the type of oil the manufacturer recommends. The brand is not so important as the spec's for the oil. I am farming and I run Castrol GTX protec in the work bikes. Many people say I shouldn't cos it has no additives for the clutch but after many years it has not let us down. The rest of the bikes fall to bits before the motor. I am not recommending you use it but I am showing you that you don't need the most expensive oil in the shop.

Good luck and you are on the road to doing it yourself.

If you cant get the old filter off and it is a cartridge you can poke a screw driver through it and then turn it but you have to make sure you don't hit the oil "in line" as some of them extend in to the filter about 1/4 of the over all length of the filter. Do this with care and as a last resort

[MSTRS]

....Castrol GTX protec in the work bikes. Many people say I shouldn't cos it has no additives for the clutch.....

Um, I think you will find it is the additives (friction modifiers) that are found in some car oils that are the problem when it comes to wet clutches.

[Colapop]

Just a quick update on Stickychicky's bike...

Ive stripped both bikes back to frame, engine and running gear. The carbs have been taken off the bike to be fixed and are being cleaned and generally tidied by my bike mechanic neighbour.
The wiring loom has also been removed from both bikes so that the headlight dash and tail lights can be transplanted directly. The only part to be altered physically is a bracket welded to the steering neck. This will be done soon hopefully - neighbour has a welder. The chain sprockets and tyres from the donor bike look to be in better nick than the existing ones so they'll be transferred too. The forks although pretty tidy looking will probably be refurbished too given that the bike hawas sitting for some time prior to me getting my mitts on it. The fairings that will be fibreglass patched where necessary and maybe given a lick of paint and I'll be right as long as I retain the pink bits!! (Owner request :shutup:).

The idea is that SC won't need to do any maintenance on it other than give the chain a clean...

Planning on provisionally being able to RIDE it up there (a sure test of this wee bike) maybe the weekend following Queens birthday - TBC.

[Stickchick]

Planning on provisionally being able to RIDE it up there (a sure test of this wee bike) maybe the weekend following Queens birthday - TBC.

SWEEEETTTTT!!! If the stranger gives me some riding lessons in Auckland on Queens birthday I will hopefully be raring to go...Would hate for all your hard work to go to waste due to me being chicken to actually get on it

[Spyke]

thanks 4 the info gixxer.

i hope to do it this weekend.

hope the whethers good so you guys can have a good ride this weekend.

[yungatart]

SWEEEETTTTT!!! If the stranger gives me some riding lessons in Auckland on Queens birthday I will hopefully be raring to go...Would hate for all your hard work to go to waste due to me being chicken to actually get on it

Some of our guys will help you learn to ride SC....they don't take no for an answer either!
You'll be up and riding in no time!

[Stickchick]

thanks 4 the info gixxer.

i hope to do it this weekend.

hope the whethers good so you guys can have a good ride this weekend.


I hope it rains so then I'm not missing out again :crybaby: Nah seriously make sure you post on how much fun I missed out on :bye:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Planning on provisionally being able to RIDE it up there (a sure test of this wee bike) maybe the weekend following Queens birthday - TBC.


Great job Colapop. A big project that is coming together. We will have to get stick out and about ASAP so she can get experience.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I hope it rains so then I'm not missing out again :crybaby: Nah seriously make sure you post on how much fun I missed out on :bye:

Hahaha we will. You will be too busy to be thinking about us over the weekend.
Do you want to get out here and ride the DR 200 for some riding practise before Cola brings da bike up? We can bring you out and drop you back home.

[Stickchick]

Hahaha we will. You will be too busy to be thinking about us over the weekend.
Do you want to get out here and ride the DR 200 for some riding practise before Cola brings da bike up? We can bring you out and drop you back home.

Thats sounds like fun...Promise not to laugh though if I fall off :innocent:

[yungatart]

Not in front of you!
We'd at least wait till your back is turned!

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Thats sounds like fun...Promise not to laugh though if I fall off :innocent:

Mary Mooo and I would never laugh at you. I would rather you fell off here than on the road. It is a great place to learn. There are a few that started here over the years. Let us know when it will work for you.


Aye Tart :dodge:

[Colapop]

SWEEEETTTTT!!! If the stranger gives me some riding lessons in Auckland on Queens birthday I will hopefully be raring to go...Would hate for all your hard work to go to waste due to me being chicken to actually get on it
Whoa on there missy! I did say provisionally... I HOPE to get it done. BUT (I'm just trying to cover my arse here) IF I don't get it done on time don't send the HB Mafia down to 'get' me... :dodge:


I'll be off to the garage soon....

[MSTRS]

.... don't send the HB Mafia down to 'get' me... .....

Got Colapop's address? Check
Deep water close by? Check
Concrete boots ready for use? Check
20 people to hold him down for fitting? Ummmm....nope.

Damn. SC - you will just have to be patient. We are unable to provide 'encouragement'.

[Colapop]

Damn!! And I was hoping there'd be some takers... I haven't had any take a chance for awhile now...

[MSTRS]

Good news travels. Bad news travels faster.

[Colapop]

Yeah, I'm pretty quick...

[MSTRS]

...for a large fellow.:dodge:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Whoa on there missy! I did say provisionally... I HOPE to get it done. BUT (I'm just trying to cover my arse here) IF I don't get it done on time don't send the HB Mafia down to 'get' me... :dodge:


I'll be off to the garage soon....


Now would be good..........:nono:...... less cheek more work Cola...

:laugh:

Tis a big ask Chicky. Might take a few more weeks so you will have to practise here or in Auckland :yes:

[Colapop]

Ok ok ok!!! I'm going!! Sheeesh I had to go to work today...

[Stickchick]

Now would be good..........:nono:...... less cheek more work Cola...

:laugh:

Tis a big ask Chicky. Might take a few more weeks so you will have to practise here or in Auckland :yes:

I'm all good with that...I like Mary moos company anyway hehehehe

[Colapop]

I will be working on the machine/s ALL day tomorrow... I hope to have it running again by tomorrow evening.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I will be working on the machine/s ALL day tomorrow... I hope to have it running again by tomorrow evening.

I recon da stickchick owes you big time Cola. Does the bike need to be certified with the new engine?

[Colapop]

Nope she doesn't owe me. This is done for the reason that other KBers have done for me - because that's what KBers do. We help out and share where and when we can coz we know that if we need help then the same will be offered to us.

No certification required - I/we sourced a donor that the rego was put on hold.

An update...
I've replaced the wiring loom into the donor bike and welded a bracket to fit the headlight bracket and headlight fairing. I have two more small brackets to remove and weld onto the new bike and that I'll do this weekend. The fairings have been glued & patched and will be sanded and cleaned up this weekend. Might even throw a little bit of paint on them too but not a full repaint. The carbs will be swapped over this weekend coz there's an issue with the power.
The brake pads may be replaced (check this weekend). The tyres from the other bike will be swapped over and the chain (maybe).

And then that should be it... A warrant and rego... and it'll be all go. The pics have been taken with a cell phone so aren't the best. These shots were taken prior to the bracket being welded and headlight fairing being fitted. In the middle pic her's is the bike on the left...

[Stickchick]

There are no words to describe how much this means to me.... thank you soooo much dude you are da bomb!!!! I'm absolutely blown away by your generosity and also thank your neighbour dude for me too.

[Colapop]

Barry??!? That bastard hasn't done anything... All he's done is bring over a couple of beers, stand around offering moral support, bullshit about old times, loan me his tools (including welder), point out my inadequacies, tell me stories of racing in the UK (his dad raced with Barry Sheen and co...) share a laugh... but apart from that - the bastard hasn't helped at all! :dodge:

Hahaha I'm lovin' it...

[Colapop]

So... it's been awhile since my last confession.

I haven't done too much more to the wee beasty since I last reported (work and study...)The other problem is that I'm trying work out why the bugger isn't starting now... Grrrr :angry:
It turns over and the spark seems ok. I suspect that the carbs (that I swapped) are dumping gas into the cylinder, could be a blocked open jet or summat? I'll be getting down to the garage soon to put some effort into it. It helps having the owner in town (extra pressure to perform!!) Hope to have it running agian today... I'll keep you's updated...

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Yep Chicky will keep you outa da house and in the shed. She is missing her second lesson toady. Hence I am in by the fire warm and dry. We have sorted a road bike for her to borrow for the next little while. Most of the training is in da paddock and then out on the road so all is well. She will be out and about in a month or so. Then on to the driving. She will hate that after riding.

Or needle valves. Put the old carbs back on and see if it will start. Helps to narrow the options. Assuming it was going with them before you started the rebuild.

I am sure she will be over to perv over it. Best you tell Chicky the sun is out here. Think I will ride this arvo

[Colapop]

Yep - they were both running! I'm off to the 'cave' (garage under house) now so I'll put things apart and put them back the way I found them...

No pressure...

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Yep - they were both running! I'm off to the 'cave' (garage under house) now so I'll put things apart and put them back the way I found them...

No pressure...

That sounds like a good plan. Hope you have good heat in the cave. Man it is cold here.
No pressure at all. Like I say we have a bike for now.
Don't tell Chicky I said that.

[Stickchick]

That sounds like a good plan. Hope you have good heat in the cave. Man it is cold here.
No pressure at all. Like I say we have a bike for now.
Don't tell Chicky I said that.

I have already heard!!!!!!:nono: Lucky I didn't come and have a look then isn't it I may have had to give you a hand and then my bike might be in worse shape than it is now? D Day is now the 28th July dude...Hopefully its plenty of time for you. All good if it is going to take you a while just remember that I need to get it registered before the first week of august. Can't do that without a warrant.

Driving lessons? pftt what do I need those for? All good I'm looking forward to more lessons on the bike and as well as a driving lesson.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

remember that I need to get it registered before the first week of august. Can't do that without a warrant.
.

Ummmm Not quite true. You can put it on hold for 3 months. :dodge:

[Colapop]

There will be a working bee held this weekend AND I have a wiring diagram ( a clear one and a fuzzy one!)

[Stickchick]

Ummmm Not quite true. You can put it on hold for 3 months. :dodge:

Reg has already been put on hold....Can it be extended if needed?

[Stickchick]

There will be a working bee held this weekend AND I have a wiring diagram ( a clear one and a fuzzy one!)

So you won't mind random texts asking how my bike is going and me wanting video that they are actually going then?

[NZsarge]

There will be a working bee held this weekend AND I have a wiring diagram ( a clear one and a fuzzy one!)

Good luck with that dude, you're a better man:innocent: than I. Wiring gives me the hee bee gee bees!

[Colapop]

Well, the working bee didn't eventuate - unless you count rwh turning up. He was a good help though - that rubber tubing you brought really did the trick!
Between the two of us, we muttered and mumbled and fiddled with this and tweedled with that... THEN I remembered what Paul in NZ had said about the rectifier possibly being fried... Ok so we swapped it over from the donor bike.
"Hmmm how come this one has three leads, that that one has only two?"
Three yellow wires in three yellow wires out... Turn the key... "Oooo that sounds different... Hey! It's going!!"

Woohoo! We have a bike that runs.
All I have to do now is,
Tune the carbs (backfiring a bit in the carbs) could be valve clearances or summat?
Clean the chain and engine
Weld a couple of brackets on (!!! ok I'll make sure everything is unplugged!!!) for the fairings
Finish giving the fairings a lick of paint - I'll keep the pink bits Stickychicky!!
Change the tyres for the good rubber on the other bike
& Clean the chain and engine.

And she's good to go... Ready to ride to Hawkes Bay!

[MSTRS]

Another GB, is what you is Col.....especially that attention to detail you display - cleaning the chain and engine TWICE.

[Colapop]

Well I intend to ride it in between times - to make sure it's bedded in. Gotta see if it'll get me over the Taka's and back... a couple of times...

[Stickchick]

Well I intend to ride it in between times - to make sure it's bedded in. Gotta see if it'll get me over the Taka's and back... a couple of times...

You on the takas? on my 250?...Damm wellington Kbers can I get a photo of that!!!!:shutup:

[Colapop]

I'll make sure I form a posse...

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Reg has already been put on hold....Can it be extended if needed?

Yes. I had my 85 gixxer on hold for 10 months. Just keep renewing it. No cost.

[Colapop]

Having an issue with backfiring. I'm going to swap the coils over and get some new spark plugs. Any other suggestions?

[Stickchick]

Having an issue with backfiring. I'm going to swap the coils over and get some new spark plugs. Any other suggestions?

Maybe I should look at buying Tarts EL hehehehehehe :yes:

[MSTRS]

Having an issue with backfiring. I'm going to swap the coils over and get some new spark plugs. Any other suggestions?

When is it backfiring? (apart from when the engine is going...lol)

[MSTRS]

Maybe I should look at buying Tarts EL hehehehehehe :yes:

Maybe you should. You already know that it has a built-in GoatAvoider. Very important bit of kit round these parts.

[Colapop]

It's only on the front cylinder - back firing through the carbs, so I think it may be the coil. I'll swap the other one in and see what difference, if any it makes. Either that or the valve clearances, though I'm sure it wasn't doing it when it was running before.

[Colapop]

Well... I've had the coils, leads and plugs tested. They're all fine bar one lead. So that's at least that sorted. Had a good chat the ..? name escapes me...? and he gave me some good advice and places to look. Time is getting short but I'm not panicking ... yet... I'll get the bits back in and will give you another update shortly...

[Str8 Jacket]

Hey Col.... When you get it running, hows about I take it for a ride over the Taka's with you following. That way of anything happens then I can stay with the bike while you get a trailer? Im quite used to sitting on the side of the road with abroken-down bike. It'll be just like old times!

[Colapop]

Gotta get it going first!

[Colapop]

WOOHOO!!! I have two cylinders running!

Last night I hooked everything up and it still wasn't running on the front so I changed the coils to the other set and "Hey Presto Magico" we have a double banger. It is still backfiring so that's the next little wrinkle I have to work out.

I've discovered the wheels from the other bike are different sizes to the ones on the finished model so I'm still considering whether to swap them over or not (but they do have new rubber on them). The only real reason I don't want to change them over is because the front wheel has enclosed brakes (so it'll be harder to work on them in future..?)

Apart from tidying up the panels and getting a warrant and rego she's all go...

[MSTRS]

You great big good boy you...

[Stickchick]

Well Colapop has done a brillant job on my bike but its now off the professional to iron out a few things. THANKS HEAPS COLAPOP:love: for everything you have done so far on her you are amazing. Good to know that I'm still keeping my pink bits :shutup:

[MSTRS]

... I'm still keeping my pink bits ...

Now there's an opening for the unscrupulous to take advantage of...:innocent:

[Stickchick]

And I'm very surprised you never took advantage of it

[Colapop]

Well Colapop has done a brillant job on my bike but its now off the professional to iron out a few things. THANKS HEAPS COLAPOP:love: for everything you have done so far on her you are amazing. Good to know that I'm still keeping my pink bits :shutup:
I'll have you know, I removed the grey, cleaned them and gave the pink bits a polish too!!

Yep the well worn beasty VT has been transported to Boyles for a final tickle... it should have a warrant by the end of the day (as long as the front disk passes) then she's all go!

[MSTRS]

And I'm very surprised you never took advantage of it

But I'm not unscrupulous....
And again, Col...you're a leg-end, young fella.

[Colapop]

More like a book end - you know, the block of wood that stops things falling over...


Oh and I think pink baits are entirely appropriate for a girl.... Oops I mean bits... :innocent:

Hmmm.... Stickychicky's pink bits... :o ... ahem... *cough*... think of the bike Col.... think of the bike...

[Colapop]

Update you want yes? Ahh young Jedi, time it is said comes to those who wait. Mmmm yes, time it does come. Those who are patient are rewarded, yes.

[Colapop]

Okee dokee then an update you want?

HERE IT IS
Mr Honda is not a nice man. He may have mellowed as he's got older, but back in the late 80's he was an angry man! This/these little bike/s have been a learning curve that's for sure.

I started out with the intention of transferring the good bits from the first donated bike to the second. The reason for this was that the engine in the second bike is a whole lot better than the first rattly bucket o' bolts. So I duly transferred the wiring loom and cdi onto the 'new' - no problems. Cool thinks I onto the next task attaching the dash and associated panels. "This is sweet" says I (to me)... Hmmm as Yoda alluded to... "Think you are wise, young Jedi. But much you have to learn, yes."

You may have seen the other updates in this thread already so I won't bore you with the middle bits... suffice to say - you cannot transfer the wiring loom and cdi over unless you are an auto electrician AND have intimate motorcycle electrics knowledge. Soooo I got the boys from Boyle Kawasaki (Welly bikers take your bikes there!!) to have a nosey and help me troubleshoot this wee beasty. The proper cdi gets put back and the old wiring loom too... Now it not only runs on two cylinders but runs sweetly with no backfiring!!

Off home to finish the wiring job. Connect the 'new' dash to the old loom. lots of plugs later... ok so you'll have to excuse a little bit of cynicism here but I have by this stage taken to testing everything after each change. Oh hello! The headlight is not working! Check the bulb... two prongs broken off! Doh! So change to the spare bulb I had. Yay! NOT!! The collar fell of the fricken thing! So thinking that was all I had to replace I went happily off to Boyle's to get a warrant. Fitted the light bulb then the tail light decided not to go. Fiddldy fiddle and we have a broken wire. More farting around and it's decided to go home and work on it. Grrrr....

Disconnect the front end and start again... get it back together (testing as I go) and SWEET! It's all systems go! NOPE! Why the hell aren't the neutral and oil lights going. Hang about the tacho isn't going either! Trace trace trace....
OMG. Broken brittle wires, transfer block plugs, and soldering later... finally actually found the offending wire... stumped me though ended up connecting them together and still no joy! Took in to Boyle's (again) this morning and told them not to give it back til it was fixed!

They called me up this arvo and left this message... "Please come and take this bike away. Please!!" OoooKkkk....? Having 'experienced' this bike I rang to make sure they were pulling my left one. A little drive down there and SUCCESS!! The Stickychick Express is warranted and ready to rock the bay!! Pink bits and all!!

See below for a graphic representation...
1,2, & 3 on the road outside the shop... in good nick.
John - Boyle Kawasaki king pin "Just don't bring it back - ok?" He looks happy doesn't he?
5 & 6 back to the scene of the crime....

[Clivoris]

Tears of happiness should be flowing freely. You deserve a beer and a blat on my newly shod Ape. Top work mate.

[Stickchick]

Tears of happiness should be flowing freely. You deserve a beer and a blat on my newly shod Ape. Top work mate.

Tears of happiness are definitely flowing...not sure I'm gona sleep tonight!! Col you have done an AWESOME job on my little baby, as ugly as she may seem she is all mine and i will be pleased to riding her around the bay. Nice polish job on my pink bits too.....Now for the ride to Tauranga to get the prefessional Dmntd clean hehehehehe

[Colapop]

Ooo a tootle on the Ape -I have a full license too!!

Honestly though, this has been about KB. The help that I have received I have just passed on. Hopefully the bug spreads further and we all help each other. :grouphug:

[Toaster]

Tears of happiness are definitely flowing...not sure I'm gona sleep tonight!! Col you have done an AWESOME job on my little baby, as ugly as she may seem she is all mine and i will be pleased to riding her around the bay. Nice polish job on my pink bits too.....Now for the ride to Tauranga to get the prefessional Dmntd clean hehehehehe

Good to see he did a good job of polishing your pink bits sweety.:innocent:

[yungatart]

DMNTD and SC- both with their pink bits...OMG!!!
it looks fine SC and as you say, it is yours! Can't wait to see you on the road on it.
Col, you could follow us in the truck, so if anything goes wrong (which it won't!), we can just put it back in the truck.What about riding HW 50 from Waipuk?
The plan for tomorrows ride is not certain yet. Will confirm details on here tomorrow when I hear from her with the pink bits!!!

[Colapop]

Yep that's cool. Only thing I'm thinking about is too many extra rental k's..? But I'll go with whatever the Boss Lady says. Got the camera sorted so there will be some decent photos of you lot for a change - you better get cleaned up!

[Stickchick]

Yep that's cool. Only thing I'm thinking about is too many extra rental k's..? But I'll go with whatever the Boss Lady says. Got the camera sorted so there will be some decent photos of you lot for a change - you better get cleaned up!

Dam you for being so sensible!!!!!!! We can talk about it tomorrow morning and I'll give tart a ring to confirm what we are going to do

[Colapop]

Me? Sensible??!!?? Hahahahaha!! You heard it here first folks - Colapop the Sensible (that's my new viking name!)

[MSTRS]

HW50 is no further than SH2. It is suggested to go that way because most of it is really easy riding, there is a bit of interesting stuff AND a whole lot less traffic to be concerned about at the speed we are likely to travel at for Stick.
The weather looks good too!!!!!!

[Colapop]

Well, ok then... an update on the VT.. or what's left of it :weep:

It's dead. Electrics are fried & fused and Stickchick was lucky not to have a serious accident on it. I don't know what caused it but the diagnosis seems to be that no matter how much effort I'd put in, this bike was going to have problems due to previous electrical work by whoever had the bike before 'giving' to SC. Two things; a) I'm not happy that I put SC in that sort of danger. I feel responsible although I've been told the problems were more than I could have known about - it doesn't help I still feel bad. b) I'm not happy with whoever gave this bike in that state to a learner rider. How f&*%king irresponsible can you be? They must have known it had serious problems! :angry2:
RANT OVER.

This thread was intially supposed to be about a HB maintenance night to help out with some general items of maintenance that could be carried out easily by those who may not already know about these things... In the interests of helping out (don't worry I won't be touching nothing!) can I suggest that now that SC has secured a trusty steed (the mighty EL I understand) the HB maintenance night does get scheduled for some time in the near future?

Just a suggestion....

[yungatart]

Col...first, don't beat yourself up...you were trying to help, and you did an awesome job (not your fault it didn't work..you cannot turn a sow's ear into a silk purse).
Second...the maintenance night will happen.
We are still willing to host it at ours, just need to sort out a date.
I'm sure that Mstrs, Team Cudby, and G4E can provide us dumbarses with some helpful tips.

[Zukin]

Well, ok then... an update on the VT.. or what's left of it :weep:

It's dead. Electrics are fried & fused and Stickchick was lucky not to have a serious accident on it. I don't know what caused it but the diagnosis seems to be that no matter how much effort I'd put in, this bike was going to have problems due to previous electrical work by whoever had the bike before 'giving' to SC. Two things; a) I'm not happy that I put SC in that sort of danger. I feel responsible although I've been told the problems were more than I could have known about - it doesn't help I still feel bad. b) I'm not happy with whoever gave this bike in that state to a learner rider. How f&*%king irresponsible can you be? They must have known it had serious problems! :angry2:
RANT OVER.

This thread was intially supposed to be about a HB maintenance night to help out with some general items of maintenance that could be carried out easily by those who may not already know about these things... In the interests of helping out (don't worry I won't be touching nothing!) can I suggest that now that SC has secured a trusty steed (the mighty EL I understand) the HB maintenance night does get scheduled for some time in the near future?

Just a suggestion....

Give this man a big CAN OF HARDEN UP :shutup:

Seriously like what the others have already said, what you did for SC was fantastic, you mentioned above that you put SC in some serious danger, it is not worth thinking about what might of happened had these things that YOU fixed not of been repaired by you - Did you think about that!!!

You are a top bloke and I would be happy for you to look at my bike any day, as I really don't have a clue and would always respect your opinion!!

Cheers Scott

[MSTRS]

...It's dead. Electrics are fried & fused ....

Not quite as dead as a dead thing. Rectifier is toast, quite common on those bikes. No-one's fault really. But for someone who needs simple reliability, it's a goneburger.

[Spyke]

Col...first, don't beat yourself up...you were trying to help, and you did an awesome job (not your fault it didn't work..you cannot turn a sow's ear into a silk purse).
Second...the maintenance night will happen.
We are still willing to host it at ours, just need to sort out a date.
I'm sure that Mstrs, Team Cudby, and G4E can provide us dumbarses with some helpful tips.

OOooo am i allowed to come and see how to do some maintainence?

[Colapop]

Thanks for the kind words guys... I'm not beating myself up, it's just that it didn't turn out as I would have liked.

I look back on my first bike with a kind of warm fuzzy view and I remember it as though it were an old friend - sometimes we fought, sometimes we played... all in all good times. I would have liked that for SC. I suppose though, seeing SC ride up and down the street the first time on her own bike and then the smile she had made the effort worthwhile. That was fantastic! :first: Hope you have many more happy K's chick!