I Ride My Bicicleta To Schoooool

[.RJ]

brake fluid is usually ok, but for stubborn seals a touch of the right grease (make sure its rubber safe, else it will destroy the seals) can help assembly.

but you gotta make sure everything is spotless inside. and replace your brake hoses, too.

[Senor_Taylor]

Something is probably blocking your brake lines.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[GTBrandon]

Fluid flow was fine, I was just being impatient it looks like. Once I pumped the lever more and built up pressure, the other pistons started to move. So now we’re back in business baby! Also adjusted the rear brake drum so all brakes feel as good as new.

Since I had lost that side cover and haven’t found any decently priced used ones left, I cut up some sheet metal, sprayed it black, and threw it on as something that I’m happy with until I get another side cover that doesn’t cost a 1/10th of the bike.



Re-drilled and re-tapped the clutch reservoir so I could get rid of the hose clamps and have a cleaner look. The side I re-tapped won’t bite down as deep, but for now I’m happy with it.



Went riding all day and everything else seems good on the bike. Although it rained and after things had dried a little I rode back to my house and had my first oh-shit moment. Coming off the exit ramp I felt the back come out twice, and the only way to correct was drive right into a patch of gravel and correct while the back tire was in gravel to keep me from going into the next lane of traffic. It was definitely pretty scary but I was surprised how I was able to correct the fishtail initially without even thinking about it.

On that note, I’m ordering Michelin Commander II’s tomorrow, and will have my MSF course next weekend to finally be riding with a license.

Only other thing after that so far is getting a real helmet, maybe a SENA, and possibly painting the frame to cover where the pain and peeled and frame started to rust.

[davej]

I've got a small compressor at the house you're welcome to use if you need to go that route.

Edit: Nevermind, Tapatalk decided not to show me the last couple of messages until after I posted, but the offer still stands if you need air in the future

[Goodspeed]

On that note, I’m ordering Michelin Commander II’s tomorrow, and will have my MSF course next weekend to finally be riding with a license.

Wait wut

[Senor_Taylor]

On that note, I’m ordering Michelin Commander II’s tomorrow, and will have my MSF course next weekend to finally be riding with a license.

Wait wut

You must not have caught me screaming "STOP RIDING WITHOUT LICENSES" in the chat to those doing it and it falling on deaf ears.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Paladin90]

Nice bike!

[GTBrandon]

So I got the new tires mounted and this bike feels like a whole new experience! The old tires were so squared off that turning in felt very unwanted and unstable before, now this bike is super eager to lean and turn however I want. Now I just need to figure out how far I can lean so I can have fun in the mountains while feeling safe around turns.

Also drilled out the pilot screws and re-adjusted them to factory three turns out. Seems like it helped a little bit. Bike stills is a tad choppy, but it’s also a 30 year old V-Twin so maybe that’s just how it will be.

Installed a new battery as the old one died on me, and took the time to replace all four spark plugs as well. Was surprised a 2cyl has 4 spark plugs. Is this common on bikes?

I tried the beer bottle method of syncing the carbs but it didn’t work too well so I’m going to try and borrow a proper tool to do that whenever I have the time.

Bought a proper helmet, HJC FG-17 which is SNELL and fiberglass so I can feel safe when riding, be comfortable, and finally have a helmet of my own for AutoX and NASA.

Next steps are painting part of the frame that bugs me so it’s mostly black. I don’t like seeing the peeled up paint and rust only in that one spot. Also want to make that side plate a little cleaner but for now it works.

Also want to take off the sissy bar/back seat but that might be more restoration than I’m willing to put it. I am thinking about future resale and don’t want to harm that by making this too custom. I think I’m about $1,800 in at this point which I’m comfortable with. Wonder if I can make all that back considering all the little things I’ve put into it.

[V1GiLaNtE]

So I got the new tires mounted and this bike feels like a whole new experience! The old tires were so squared off that turning in felt very unwanted and unstable before, now this bike is super eager to lean and turn however I want. Now I just need to figure out how far I can lean so I can have fun in the mountains while feeling safe around turns.

See my post in the MSF course. Lots to learn about cornering, etc. Honestly, with that bike you're probably going to scrape the crap out of your pegs/exhaust before you hit any crazy lean angles due to the relaxed riding position. That will probably be your indicator. For now, you should focus your attention on countersteering and body position (to include keeping your upper body relaxed).

Installed a new battery as the old one died on me, and took the time to replace all four spark plugs as well. Was surprised a 2cyl has 4 spark plugs. Is this common on bikes?

Even though you bike is older it may well be an emissions thing. Starting in 2007 Suzuki introduced dual spark to the SV650. So yes, my 2cyl V-twin has 4 spark plugs.

[GTBrandon]

So I decided after riding this some more, and riding some other sport bikes that I want to transition into that realm of motorcycles. This bike has been great to me and an awesome bike to learn on in my opinion, just want to try something else out.

I bought a SENA 10S and wow does that create a whole new perspective to riding, being able to talk to friends while riding, hear directions, or listen to music has really made commuting and going on cruises much more enjoyable and adventurous. 

The final rounds of maintenance I did on the bike were flush the old shaft fluid out, new engine oil, drilled out and adjusted the pilot screws, lubed the kickstand so it wasn't a workout to get up or down, cleaned and lubed both the front and rear axle, as well as clean out the rear drum brake. Also installed new grips to reduce handlebar vibrations and fit my hands better, which made it much more comfortable to ride long distances. 

My hope is that I can get back what I put into the bike dollar wise, and then move onto a supersport or sport touring bike. So if you know anyone interested here is the ad I just made for the bike.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/6650397598.html

[Jake]

Didn't you just buy this?

[GTBrandon]

Didn't you just buy this?

It’s been about two months, bought as a beginner bike and it’s served it’s purpose. Also the intoxicating speed and gut fee of an R6 sped up that process

[GTBrandon]

Welp, sealed the deal on selling this bike. Ended up just about breaking even other than tag/title fees, at $1,650. Also bought another bike tonight with said cash, and it’s just a little bit faster....

[V1GiLaNtE]

Welp, sealed the deal on selling this bike. Ended up just about breaking even other than tag/title fees, at $1,650. Also bought another bike tonight with said cash, and it’s just a little bit faster....

Pics or GTFO

[GTBrandon]

Remind me to make a new thread later tonight