Managed to get out on my bike this weekend, even if it was just ferrying stuff between my old and new places. Could have done with a trailer!
One thing it reminded me was that my brake lever comes right the way back against the handlebar, and when I 2 finger brake, I can't get it to brake hard (like for an emergency stop)even when I squash my fingers. It's fine for regular riding.
It was like that since I got it, and a service doesn't seem to have fixed it. I have an adjustable brake lever, but I don't want to take it out further, as it's at the limit of my reach already. There seems to be a lot of slack (probably more than an inch of pull) before the brake starts to come on.
Does anyone by any chance know a way to fix this before I get my Haynes and tools out?
I've just reached 600 miles on the bike and am thinking about carrying out the first service myself. Is it just a case of changing the oil and filter and checking the chain tension or is there other things I should be looking at as well. Not really wanting to stick it in to a local dealership if i can do that myself.
I must've pushed the bike nearer to it's limits (certainly to my limits) on Sunday, more than I've ever done with one of these before, on some of the most challenging roads for the longest single day's fast riding. Since I bought this one, all I've done to the chassis is adjust the fork preload (? blue centre) so that they match on both sides - for some reason they were way different when I got the bike. Now both 2 rings showing. And I was really surprised that I managed to induce no wobbles, wallows or other misbehaviour at all. As far as I can see visually, everything is standard, but I don't remember the handling being this good on any of my previous 3 thous, not even after I had a brand new Hagon shock fitted on the last one (although I did notice a big improvement with that - the original shock had had it!). I suppose that (apart from how I found the preload set) it could be just more dialled in to suit me and my riding than my previous ones.
So if I was to fit R1 front forks and an R6 rear shock, would I really notice the difference that much?
My fuel gauge was acting up so removed clocks and opened them up. Gave them a good clean and tweek. Before assembling them back in housing I plugged in and tested - all good. Noticed one of the bulbs out so swapped with one that worked to check if bulb or connection and it was the bulb. But as I was testing it again I touched the circuit board on the frame and there was a puff of smoke and now nothing works :'( Are the clocks shot or is there a fuse hidden some where for the clocks ?
All I seem to do on here now is post questions on every subject apart from the sodding bike lol.
This time it's garages. We're about to buy a house and the question is cheaper without a garage and build one myself or more expensive with one ready made. Problem is I've no idea how much a garage costs; either just materials and self build or get a local builder to do the lot.
Anyone know what sort of figures we're looking at?
(p.s. on the subject of the bike - did the front disc the other day and every single nut came out a treat )
As some of you know... Nurburgring... bla bla bla. Anyway, I had some work to do to the bike before I go, and some things I did not have to do,but did anyway .
I had posted about a broken exhaust clamp a few weeks ago. I decided to get it welded, which meant taking the system off the bike. 2 studs broke (not bad considering the nick of them). So I then had to get the broken studs out, which involved removing the radiator and fan, so I did a full flush with that too. Removed all of the radiator hoses and gave them some rubber treatment whilst I was at it. I then got the studs out (after a few choice words), got the exhaust welded and re-fitted (after an hour of polishing the pipes and buffing the carbon fibre end can). Sounds ace.
Then I set about doing EVERY service item in the Haynes manual. 31 jobs in all. New fluid all round. New front pads. New rear tyre. One of the items was carb balancing, so I got myself a Morgan Carbtune. See pics of before and after.
I also posted about chain adjustment when touring. A Scottoiler V system seemed to be the tool of choice, so I got one of those too. Works a treat.
I also got a Ventura luggage system, Mini tank bag, Viper touring seat, sat-nav mount (for my phone) and a waterproof sports camera.
I got out yesterday for the first time in a couple of months and had a 110 mile run to bed everything in and see how the bike is feeling post alterations/service. I have to say, I am very, very pleased. The carbtune did its job, well worth it. The new pads are street racing grade, and with the Hel lines, it stop's well. The luggage hardly affected the ride and the seat is fantastic. Got that tyre scrubbed in too :lol . There is a wee bit of test ride footage from the sports-cam below. You can blame youtube for the poor quality, the original footage if much better.
So thank you to everyone who helped me out with the advice mentioned above. I will do a lap of the Nurburgring in honour of you Foccers.
)
