airportcop
Well-known member
I now have learned that you should never trust a mechanic to tell you that something is wrong with your motorcycle. I recently had my FJR inspected to renew my license and the auto/bike? mechanic told me that I needed new front brake pads. Since I had difficulty knowing how to properly check them I took his word for it and ordered some pads. Last night I went to change them and was I surprised at how easy it was to do. Another surprise was that my pads looked almost new. I have had this bike since 2009 and purchased it with 14000 plus miles on it. It now has just over 30000 miles and they haven't been replaced since I've had the bike. It takes some getting down and low to see exactly how much pad you have left but it can be done with the proper know how. The back looked a little more worn as I had expected but they too were still good. Take some advice from a novice mechanic, get to know your motorcycle and save yourself some money and grief. I learned a little earlier that my front fork seals weren't bad like the local dealer said they were. Fork seals will leak slightly over time and riding. Unless they are dripping wet or you have puddles in your garage they may have just sucked in a little pebble or dirt that has kept the seal open slightly to allow a little (very little) fork oil to escape. They sell a thin soft plastic tool that looks sort of like colored 35mm film that will help clean out any debris stuck in the seal so try this first before you spend the big bucks on new fork seals and oil. Just some friendly advice to share. You meet the nicest people on a Yamaha!
