Topic: What did you do to your bike today ?

[Dave Voss]

I introduced my CB550 to the BMW R1100RSL that I bought yesterday, I figure the best way to keep the old Honda running well is to park the 'other riding option' next to it as an incentive for it to behave for a while.  Actually, on a more serious note, my CB has been running really well lately, I think I'm down to just minor oil leaks from the head gasket O-rings to fix, but for now it's not bad enough to warrant engine disassemly, maybe I'll do it sometime this winter.

[Terry in Australia]

After a week of brake fluid covered hands, I finally got the brakes bled! In the end I had to remove the brake circuit and bolt it to my workbench. Then one joint at a time, bleed and the bolt up, then move to the next joint. I even pumped the pistons out by about 5 to 10mm.
Eventually I bolted the master cylinder on, then slowly snugged up the callipers, and forced the fluid (and air) back up and into the resevoir.
Wooo Hooo! Nice firm lever, new pads, and anti-rattle grease. Happy man.

Still waiting for my seat and rear spokes from David Silver.

Sounds like plugged bleed hole in master cylinder...just saying.

+1, I use a jet drill to clean mine out, and get full pressure is only a few minutes.

[krusty]

Picked up a sad looking $300 '84 FJ1100. It's still on the trailer in the drive. Will unload and take pics tomorrow.

[rickman750]

After a week of brake fluid covered hands, I finally got the brakes bled! In the end I had to remove the brake circuit and bolt it to my workbench. Then one joint at a time, bleed and the bolt up, then move to the next joint. I even pumped the pistons out by about 5 to 10mm.
Eventually I bolted the master cylinder on, then slowly snugged up the callipers, and forced the fluid (and air) back up and into the resevoir.
Wooo Hooo! Nice firm lever, new pads, and anti-rattle grease. Happy man.

Still waiting for my seat and rear spokes from David Silver.

Sounds like plugged bleed hole in master cylinder...just saying.

+1, I use a jet drill to clean mine out, and get full pressure is only a few minutes.

Cleaned out the bleed hole a week ago. I had to build my own splitter block for my three hose setup. Might have plenty of vacant space in it. The banjo seat on one calliper was marked and the copper wouldn't seal, so I applied a bead of solder to the copper washer.
I've worked through plenty of race bike brakes, but this one was by far the hardest I've ever bled.

[bjbuchanan]

Get yourself some new aluminum crush washers, they are the bees knees

[Juan1]

1. On my newly rebuilt engine that wasn't getting much oil to the top I dropped my oil pump, filled it with oil, and then reinstalled it.  Problem solved! 

2. I tracked down a broken wire that was causing my neutral light and low oil pressure light to fail to illuminate. 

Things I learned I need to fix.

1. I need to get cylinder #2 firing. A plug+wire swap with #3 revealed the electrics are fine, will rebuild the #2 carb next weekend).

2. Need to stop an oil leak from my oil pan.  A gasket swap did not remedy the situation, so I will try some gasgacinch on the gasket next, and then if the pan is warped too badly I will purchase another.

3. Need to get my tach working.  The problem is at the engine-cable connection.  It seems like the cable that interfaces with the engine gets pulled up into the sheath when I move the bars.

[Terry in Australia]

Cleaned out the bleed hole a week ago. I had to build my own splitter block for my three hose setup. Might have plenty of vacant space in it. The banjo seat on one calliper was marked and the copper wouldn't seal, so I applied a bead of solder to the copper washer.
I've worked through plenty of race bike brakes, but this one was by far the hardest I've ever bled.

Harley Davidson crush washers are copper with an O ring molded in, and work brilliantly. I bought 100 on eBay 10 years ago and I'm almost out after all the bikes I've built since, I must order some more, I wouldn't use anything else. Cheers, Terry.

[Terry in Australia]

Picked up a sad looking $300 '84 FJ1100. It's still on the trailer in the drive. Will unload and take pics tomorrow.

Leave it on your trailer and drop it off at my place Krusty, I need it more than you do.

[krusty]

Too late, it's off the trailer now.
Started having a look at what I had apart from rust on frame and frosty alloy. Pulled the plugs and tried to turn motor over by pushing it in gear. It's locked. It shifts through the gears ok. Using jumper leads I connected a battery pack. Turned ignition on and got nothing. Managed to get right blinkers going and after a bit the left starts working. Neutral light is now working. Brake light is working off front and rear levers. Horn u/s, broken wire. Headlight flasher works but otherwise, no headlight, or taillight. Tried starter switch and it seems to engage the starter but wont crank. Looked at the plugs and #2 seems to have a touch of corrosion forming so I guess that may be the piston which is locked up (unless its more than one). Injected about 50ml of ATF/Acetone mix into each cylinder, put plugs back in and put it to bed. BTW looks like its done 111,870klm, not a lot for an FJ.

[AJK]

Too late, it's off the trailer now.
Started having a look at what I had apart from rust on frame and frosty alloy. Pulled the plugs and tried to turn motor over by pushing it in gear. It's locked. It shifts through the gears ok. Using jumper leads I connected a battery pack. Turned ignition on and got nothing. Managed to get right blinkers going and after a bit the left starts working. Neutral light is now working. Brake light is working off front and rear levers. Horn u/s, broken wire. Headlight flasher works but otherwise, no headlight, or taillight. Tried starter switch and it seems to engage the starter but wont crank. Looked at the plugs and #2 seems to have a touch of corrosion forming so I guess that may be the piston which is locked up (unless its more than one). Injected about 50ml of ATF/Acetone mix into each cylinder, put plugs back in and put it to bed. BTW looks like its done 111,870klm, not a lot for an FJ.

Looks good Krusty. I'm sure you'll make it a runner before too long. Hopefully the ATF will work its wonders over the coming days. Assuming you can free it up and get it running with a good carb clean out, etc, that would be a pretty good $300 venture with a cleanup.

[edwardmorris]

Finished zinc and chromate on the last two large parts http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126735.msg1586028#msg1586028

[Bankerdanny]

Didn't do anything to the bike (per usual spending all my time and $$ on the MG). However Monday I took advantage of a super coupon and picked up Harbor Freight's 2.5 litre ultrasonic cleaner for $69.99.

I have a pair of spare SU carbs to try it on first. But the goal is to sell those and put the money into the 550. Sadly that won't help me join up with the Rally when it gets to Michigan this week. Looks like I am sticking to the every other year participation schedule.

[jamesbekman]

Banker danny you are the only other guy I know working on MG's and old Honda motorcycles   At least I know I'm not the only crazy one. 

[nccb]

After a long week of work and commuting it's time for a beer. Think my seat has seen better days. Commuting everyday seems to increase the rip.

[Stev-o]

After a long week of work and commuting it's time for a beer. Think my seat has seen better days. Commuting everyday seems to increase the rip.

Great lookin bike....but plz order one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB750-CB-750-1972-1976-SEAT-COVER-STRAP-HIGH-QUALITY-A13-/271243371898?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f275d657a&vxp=mtr

[nccb]

haha, thank you stev-o.  I will get right on it.

[Tews19]

Wheeled out my 550 for the first time since picking it up last year.

[Stev-o]

Wheeled out my 550 for the first time since picking it up last year.

Wow!  The end is near!?

[edwardmorris]

Cleaned out the bleed hole a week ago. I had to build my own splitter block for my three hose setup. Might have plenty of vacant space in it. The banjo seat on one calliper was marked and the copper wouldn't seal, so I applied a bead of solder to the copper washer.
I've worked through plenty of race bike brakes, but this one was by far the hardest I've ever bled.

Harley Davidson crush washers are copper with an O ring molded in, and work brilliantly. I bought 100 on eBay 10 years ago and I'm almost out after all the bikes I've built since, I must order some more, I wouldn't use anything else. Cheers, Terry.

Part number please Terry I'll be needing them soon.

[evanphi]

Cleaned out the bleed hole a week ago. I had to build my own splitter block for my three hose setup. Might have plenty of vacant space in it. The banjo seat on one calliper was marked and the copper wouldn't seal, so I applied a bead of solder to the copper washer.
I've worked through plenty of race bike brakes, but this one was by far the hardest I've ever bled.

Harley Davidson crush washers are copper with an O ring molded in, and work brilliantly. I bought 100 on eBay 10 years ago and I'm almost out after all the bikes I've built since, I must order some more, I wouldn't use anything else. Cheers, Terry.

Part number please Terry I'll be needing them soon.

Same! Would love to know.

[evanphi]

Installed a new 100-link chain. My old one was streeeeeeeeeeeeeeetched out. With the new chain, my adjusters are turned pretty much all the way down. I had a bit of a struggle to get the master link on!

Now I can't see any daylight through the chain at 3:00 on the sprocket.

[nccb]

Installed a new 100-link chain. My old one was streeeeeeeeeeeeeeetched out. With the new chain, my adjusters are turned pretty much all the way down. I had a bit of a struggle to get the master link on!

Now I can't see any daylight through the chain at 3:00 on the sprocket.

I have a 100 xring on mine and it's the same way. Adjusted just a hair above the very bottom notch.

[Zaipai]

New tires, not today be a few days ago.. Still counts right? 

[Terry in Australia]

Well I performed a very delicate "Double Wheelectomy" on my massive 'Wang yesterday, in preparation for new tyres. I ordered a pair of Stinko 777 Whitewalls via Jeff at Ace Motorcycles, and took the wheels over first thing this morning to get them fitted. The old tyres (Dunlop/Bridgestone) were still showing plenty of tread but as they weren't manufactured in this century, and my tax refund came in last week, I thought it was time to lash out.

Cliff (Maduncle) dropped by this afternoon and gave me a much needed hand to button it back up again, and we had time for a short 50 miler before it was time to head for home. I do have to fix my leaking rear brake caliper tomorrow, but all in all, a good day! Cheers, Terry.

[maduncle]

Today I delivered the CB450K0 cafe racer I built to its new owner so now I officially own one complete bike (XJR1300) and one under construction (another CB450).

I also really enjoyed learning how to bolt two and a half cubic metres of plastic storage compartments onto a Goldwing, thanks Terry for the company and the quick freeway run - glad you got home safe (and your bikes arse is way crooked).