Forum Replies Created
-
Replies
-
A big thanks to Carl, Harry, and Willis for helping me with the removal and replacement of the front spring strut Saturday. It was epic, with the heat torch coming perilously close to wiring and the gas tank! But mission accomplished. The only glitch was the lower bolt was a b____ to get out and the head was a mess when we were done. A new one is on order, thanks to Willis.
I connected all the wiring for the ESA tonight, zip-tied it down, and ignited the bike——yes, it all lights up and looks AOK.
Finish snugging down the rear strut, the lower on the front when it comes in, and putting the body back. Then ready for a test ride. Should be able to get all this done by Saturday.Honestly, this job definitely requires more than one set of hands.
And thanks to Beth for providing moral support, pizza, and salad!
Phase 1—-Tupperware off, no problem. The top bolt and nut of the rear shock were easy to access, and after inserting an allen wrench to hold the top in place, went after the bottom bolt. I thought it might require heating (locktite) to loosen, but lo/behold, none on the bolt! The only little glitch on this was I needed to take off another short section of the muffler assembly to fully get the bottom bolt out. That piece was aged in place, and took a few “taps” of the rubber mallet. After that, probably close to two hours and Beth’s help and eyes to work out how to unplug the two wires to the ESA, due to tight fitting and other unmentionables. Much cussing involved, which helped. Once that was done, wiggled the shock out and cleaned it as best I could—-covered with the oil that had leaked out. And cleaned the wheel well area. Now to UPS the shock to Ted Porter to take out a part or two for the new one.
And, when we came home from a family visit last night, the new front shock was on our porch! I’m planning on that one following our General Meeting next Saturday. I’m thinking it won’t take that long to change out now that I have some experience on the wiring plug!
This really is a two person job, so any who would like to assist are welcome. Also, as long as I am in the area and it will be easier to get the shock out with the alternator cover off, a good time to replace the alt belt.We have 13 signed up on the Ride List, including Lorna Z. Aaaannnndd, Paul Kirch, a brand new member! Imagine that—-he signed up on the Ride List!
My apologies——-other than the gpx, I didn’t note down the meet up spot anywhere else. Black Bear Diner, on Mountain Ave, just off the 60, in Chino. Again, would like to leave as close to 8 a.m. as possible.
Gilbert and I will be hooking up with Eric and Patrick at the ARCO AM/PM on Ontario Ave just off the 15 in Corona at 8:15 a.m., then heading to Lake Elsinore.
Here is the route to Arizona on 9 April. 376 miles, 6 1/2 hours riding to Prescott/Campground. Figure we leave the meetup spot by 8 a.m., and get to Prescott by about 4:40 p.m., factoring in rest stops and a fast lunch in Parker.
I’ll have a couple of proposed day rides in the next several days. Any suggestions are welcome.I am registered for this. Keep in mind, the limit for registrations is 1000, so get your name in soon!
Good ride! Please send me any photos you would like me to include in the Newsletter.
Thanks!
