The Final Countdown....
Today was nearly double digits on the plus side, and all this past week has seen melting. If it wasn't for the 100 plus feet of shear ice in the laneway, I'd be out riding. Tons of gravel and salt still out on the roads but
sooooonnn!
Last Saturday I installed my new front tire, a Michelin T-63 (90/90/21). This will be the second one and I really like them as a dual-sport tire. They wear incredibly well and grip great both on and off road.
This Saturday I tore the bike down AGAIN to replace a weeping coolant hose. I figured while I was at it I would do them all, cleaning up the fittings at the same time.
The afternoon was so nice that I could have the garage door open for some fresh air.
New hoses and clamps and fresh coolant (Bel-Ray Moto Chill).
The air box and throttle bodies had to come off to get to the hoses between the cylinders, one of the hazards of a V-Twin.
It was a good thing I was having a good look over, as I noticed the rear valve cover gasket wasn't sitting quite right above the rear exhaust. This would explain the tiny spot of oil I found last week. I removed the rear valve cover and fixed that little problem.
Once everything was back together I fired up the beast, and it seems my valve set and coolant project were a success! No leaks and the engine sounded as it should.
I used the bike lift to jack the front end way up to burp the cooling system like the manual suggests. It was a bit hairy holding the front of the bike steady while I pumped the stand to it's max. I counter weighted the rear of the stand so that it wouldn't tip forward. Too bad I couldn't reach the camera it would have been comical.
In the end it was nice to hear the bike running and see it ready to roll.
Very soon now............:cheerleader:
