I'm leaving Tuesday for my trip to the dragon, so I wanted to do what I could before taking off. I had new tires put on a few weeks ago (PP3's).
Today I changed the oil and filter. Second time this year with Royal Purple and a K&N oil filter. I'm addicted to the 17mm nut on the end. [emoji7]
The chain has needed to be cleaned for months, but I have been bad, so that is now done.
I have heard of all the bad figment with the K&N air filters, but I ordered one anyway. Mine fit perfectly. I guess I got lucky or K&N has fixed the issue. I don't know what the recommendation is for air filters, but I figure 22,000 miles is enough. I suppose it's just wishful thinking, but even with all stock exhaust and air box, I felt a slight power increase on the butt dyno. [emoji2] I missed the middle screw in the air box lid down deep by the sensor. I tried for several minutes to pry up the cover with all other screws removed, but finally saw the extra one down deep in the middle. Ugh. I had never lifted the tank before, but it wasn't bad at all. Even with a full tank. I found it easiest to wedge a short piece of 2x4 under the hinge with both sides resting on the frame. I wish I had taken more pictures, but it was a rush job tonight.
I was worried about the fuel line and thought about doing the fix, but sadly, I've never actually read what the fix really is, so I was just very careful when lowering the tank and I rode it hard for a few miles after putting the tank down and I'm sure the line is un-kinked for now. I may do that fix later. I also removed the tank bra you see in my sig pic. In 20,000 miles of riding this bike, I've never seen it without the bra. I thought it was time. I will most likely put it back on after the trip, but I enjoy seeing more of the fastest blue color for now.
The worst part was when I started to change the front brake pads to HH pads. I realized I had ordered 2 sets of REAR pads. I swear they had the same number. Messed that one up. Now I can't get the right pads before my trip. I didn't want HH pads on the rear, so I guess I will sell them if anyone wants them. I opened one set. I may put them on later, but not sure.
I still want to do HH pads up front with SS brake lines. A loud horn and the suspension is still on my list, as well as a possible exhaust. An Ivan flash to get rid of the throttle snatch is highly desirable too.
I think things are buttoned up as mush as I can for the trip. I will try to take some pictures along the way and post in my almost unused travel thread. They will just be short updates with a couple pics each day.
I bought a new, cheap jacket. I've never had a mesh jacket, and I thought it was time. I wanted Hi-Viz, which it is, but it only has foam armor, no CE. [emoji19] I may see if the CE will transfer from my other jacket. I've never had CE back protector, so add that to my list. Oops, I realized I'm still in the What did you do to your FZ thread. Gear and trips aren't part of that. Maybe I'll post more in my travel thread for those who want to read it.
