I purchased my Suzuki DL650k9A V-strom off the showroom floor in 2009 so this will be the 4th season with my bike and things need to replaced and checked over. Now the major item are tires, but I had a set of Michellin Anakee2's installed last October and the tread still looks like new. About a month ago I brought my bike to my mechanic for a quick visual check to see if I needed a new chain, sprockets or brake pads, as I have over 23K on them.
Ted, my mechanic went right to work and started crawling around on the ground and he says that I am good for another year. The chain is in good shape and hardly stretched. I am very careful not to stress the chain with rapid starts and the sprockets are still holding their shape. Brakes are well in excess of 50% pad life left and I am in the habit of lubing my chain all the time. It's a simple task which only takes a couple of minutes while on the (optional) centre stand.
One of the wear items I was concerned about was the clutch cable, as it is a mechanical system. Last year he found a broken pivot bolt
Earlier this week I dropped my bike off to get it serviced. It is basically naked. I removed all my valuables including all the tools under the seat. I detached all the side cases and top box
and also removed all the accessories attached to the bike, including my tripod and ram mount extensions and GPS cradle. I usually ride my bike with all the cases attached as I feel that it is safer to have a larger footprint and be more visible
This day, when I rode Naked, it felt so liberating and much more maneuverable, sort of like a sports car, felt more nimble with quicker response
Anyway it was decided to check my clutch cable carefully and replace if in doubt. Since this is my fourth year with the bike and I am going somewhere HOT, I wanted the antifreeze changed, the brake fluid flushed, and Ted recommended changing the Fork oil & have the blinker fluid topped up
This morning at work I received a voice mail letting me know that my bike was ready to be picked up, so I rushed there after work in anticipation . . .
but it was not to be . . .
Oh my gosh, that last shot made me laugh out loud. Your reflection in it is PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteKathy:
Deleteit took a few times before I could get the right angle. My arms are too short
The whole staff had spending money as it is really labor intensive to change he blinker fluid. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI also love the last shot. You have the perfect expression...
Richard:
DeleteThe blinker fluid funnel is under the right panel and it is hard to get behind the radiator with the spout. It's a two person job, as you need a third hand to swing the radiator out of the way
THe least they could of done was invite you for a drink...
ReplyDeleteRoger:
DeleteI only spoke to them not much earlier. I wished they had told me they were closing shop. I had plans to ride my bike to work on Friday (today)
Bob
ReplyDeleteBlinker fluid??
Is this an anagram for something?
N
Nikos:
DeleteYellow is the preferred colour but there are different shades depending upon dilution. I like to us 8:3 ratio. Cannot be refilled unless your engine is cold
are they off having drinks where they purchase their inventory of blinker fluid? lol...
ReplyDeleteMs M:
Deleteas you know, it is hard to purchase small quantities of Blinker Fluid. Red is the hardest colour to find. anyway I only wanted a small bottle of yellow (8:3 blend) but the dealer purchases bulk in 45 gallon drums
look at Trobaritz's recent shocking post. She also had her shock bearings replaced. I wonder if I should have that done too
Bob, you said you stripped all the valuables and extras off the bike, and yet you left your torpedo tube attached. Care to explain? Is that not a Department of National Defense requirement? Defense Minister Peter McKay and one his escorts will be dropping by in a Sea King to seek an explanation, I have no doubt. Brace for it.
ReplyDeleteDavid:
DeleteI have no problems with the shop, but lots of people walking around so I thought best to De-accessorize it. The tool tube is held on with large diameter hose clamps but it does look like a missile launcher.
I think the blinker fluid nozzle is right by the muffler bearings, lol.
ReplyDeleteLook at you lubing your chain all the time. I really need to do that more. You don't want to know how long it has been. No really, you don't.
I am glad you have your bike all race ready even if you didn't get to pick it up. It looks pretty nice all naked. I can see why you felt it was more maneuverable.
Oh and I agree with everyone else, that last pic is great.
Trobairitz:
DeleteHmmmm, muffler bearings . . . I may have some of those somewhere. On a trip I lube the chain every two/three days. I didn't want to leave the service until the last minute. This way I can ride for a few weeks to make sure all is okay.
I just phoned Ted/EMS and he won't be closing early today, so I am all set. I still have to look into more power outlets before our trip
Trobairitz, you beat me to it with the muffler bearings! I was going to suggest getting them chrome plated. Then they won't end up looking like the front brake rotors.
ReplyDeleteLubricating the pivot points in the rear suspension might not be a bad idea. I just did that a while ago and one of the bolts was quite dry and corroded.
Erik:
Deletethanks for the hint. Will check out the pivot later when I pick up my bike
Wait!! Did you have the piston return springs checked? Don't need them breaking in the heat of a July.
ReplyDeleteLove the last shot. I wanna put a sign like that up in the office.