What was done today?
Started fitting the stainless bolt kit. Got the generator casing and sprocket cover done no problem. (Had to remove the fairing bolts, and plastic screw under beside the radiator, to be able to move the fairing up out the way so I could get a couple of awkward bolts swapped). The water pump case bolts were a b1itch to remove. Actually broke an 8mm decent socket on them (into 3 separate cracks). Not happy with that, but it's got a lifetime warranty and will get replaced the next time the van is in town. The water pump bolts came out the worst condition, and pretty rusty.
Flushed all bolt holes out with ACF-50, to try kill any future corrosion, and lathered each stainless fitting with proper Copa Slip. Fitted all case fittings with washers too. Did the starter motor bolts (but
didn't tackle the actual starter motor rusty nut. That's a "round-to-it" job). Was impressed at the difference made to the calipers, after removing the 8 x E12 Torx and replacing with shiny stainless allen heads. Nice. The Pro Bolt polished axle nut also looks the dogs danglies too!
As the stainless now shows up the
other bolts (i.e. the brake disc domed bolts), I'm gonna replace them too at some point. But, I noticed that 2 of them now have rounded off internals, and reckon they'll now be fun and games to try removing them.
Even just replacing the handlebar control bolts (throttle, brake and clutch) dresses the top half nice. Not sure about the stainless cap heads in exchange for the front tank bolts though...may swap them back, as the face of the allen cap is now open to collecting water. Whereas the old bolts were fine.
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All in all, it's been an expensive few weeks. What with me tyres, oil and filter change, plugs, air filter, stainless bolts, tank swap, wheel bearings and brake pads. It's come to just under £600. Loose change for some folk on here, but a mortgage as far as I'm concerned.
With her looking pretty reasonable now, it's no wonder why I'm tempted to jump on it and sneak the odd ride out on it. Still haven't heard back from the DVLA, but by the time they get their ass sorted out, the snow will be here. And there's too many dry sunny days happening that are calling me out onto the road.
It's a drug I tell ya! If I get stopped and up before the Judge, that's what I'll tell him. It's an addiction yer Honor. An actual drug. Scientifically proven to pump you full of endorphins and adrenaline rushes, rapid heart beats, sweating and a good physical workout. The buzz you get when you stop for the day and park it up. Yer STILL buzzing half an hour later, and sometimes, if riding hard, you're also physically drained.
To me, motorcycling is the motoring version of taking Heroin.
"Hello. My name's Dave, and I have a problem...."
VTR Firestorm and other bikes t-shirts
If not, then you may have to pull the carbs and check in there, just in case.
