Soylent Grin
Member
Yesterday, I changed the oil, spark plugs and brake pads. A longer funnel would have been useful. I was putting in a synthetic blend 20-50, and it was cold to boot. Very thick and slow going.
There was nothing wrong with my existing plugs, I just wanted the experience of opening up the bike a bit, and also switched over to the Iridiums. I found out that spark plug tool that comes in the owner's tools isn't optional, it's mandatory. At least with my limited tools. I had no idea the plugs were in such deep wells.
I saved the brake pads for last, since everything I'd been hearing led me to believe that would be the easiest part. Grr...
When I did what the manual said, and removed the brake assembly from the rotor, I couldn't get enough leverage to get the holding pins out with the allen wrench. When I did finally manage to get the holding pin to turn, I had enough force on the wrench that it slammed into my thumb. Just a minor cut, but OUCH! With the pads back in, I couldn't get the assembly over the rotor. So I ended up leaving the brake assembly on, which gave me better leverage to remove the holding pins, and eliminate the need to get the rotor into the narrow groove between the pads.
It still took forever, a couple pads didn't want to get in, but I finally managed it. Right then, the downstairs neighbor came by. I had no idea he was a mechanic (never talked to him), but he said make sure to pump the brakes before just jumping on and going. I had no intention of just taking off right away, but I was better prepared for the no brake feeling when I squeezed the lever the first time.
I skipped the rear brake. I have rear brake pads, but I didn't know rear brakes needed to replace springs at the same time, and didn't have a clear bleed hose, etc. I can't remember everything the manual says about rear brakes, but it was more than I wanted to get into since it was already getting dark. I'll study up on it and get the parts later.
All in all, an eye-opener, and unfortunately, I still have a couple of screws left over. I thought I was paying attention to details like where screws went, but I guess my attention lapsed somewhere.
There was nothing wrong with my existing plugs, I just wanted the experience of opening up the bike a bit, and also switched over to the Iridiums. I found out that spark plug tool that comes in the owner's tools isn't optional, it's mandatory. At least with my limited tools. I had no idea the plugs were in such deep wells.
I saved the brake pads for last, since everything I'd been hearing led me to believe that would be the easiest part. Grr...
When I did what the manual said, and removed the brake assembly from the rotor, I couldn't get enough leverage to get the holding pins out with the allen wrench. When I did finally manage to get the holding pin to turn, I had enough force on the wrench that it slammed into my thumb. Just a minor cut, but OUCH! With the pads back in, I couldn't get the assembly over the rotor. So I ended up leaving the brake assembly on, which gave me better leverage to remove the holding pins, and eliminate the need to get the rotor into the narrow groove between the pads.
It still took forever, a couple pads didn't want to get in, but I finally managed it. Right then, the downstairs neighbor came by. I had no idea he was a mechanic (never talked to him), but he said make sure to pump the brakes before just jumping on and going. I had no intention of just taking off right away, but I was better prepared for the no brake feeling when I squeezed the lever the first time.
I skipped the rear brake. I have rear brake pads, but I didn't know rear brakes needed to replace springs at the same time, and didn't have a clear bleed hose, etc. I can't remember everything the manual says about rear brakes, but it was more than I wanted to get into since it was already getting dark. I'll study up on it and get the parts later.
All in all, an eye-opener, and unfortunately, I still have a couple of screws left over. I thought I was paying attention to details like where screws went, but I guess my attention lapsed somewhere.
