Hi Everyone
What a great web site!
I have a 1999 Storm (FX) that I have had since 2003 at which point it had 5000 miles. Excellent good condition but some rusty bolts due to being parked up in a damp lock up. I set about making it good including greasing the rear linkage bearings and buying new bolts and nuts and a WP shock. Plus Remus pipes etc.... Anyway, I used it for a year or so, get bored and it sits in the back of my garage - this time nice and cosy and heated. Other bikes follow....Garage space dwindles....
To cut a long story short, I decided to go to Spain on the VTR two weeks ago with my wife in tow on a Ninja 250R. We didn't do much speed obviously - but the 250 is good for 90 so it was reasonable fun. Being eager not to lose her in my mirrors meant that I actually managed an average of 47 mpg over 1500 miles!
To the story again...It handled well and was lovely to ride despite being on 9 year old BT010s. They got nice and sticky which surprised me but they're coming off to be replaced with Roadsmarts or Pilot Road 2s. I also took the opportunity to take the linkage apart when I got back. All came out hunky dory although getting everything out of the way of the Remus L/H mid section (which refused to come off) was a bind. It's all back together now and, like before, there is bugger all clearance (2mm) between the bottom of the linkage and the top of the pipe that curves round in front of the rear tyre (when up on the Abba Stand). Is this normal? the second thing is that there is a very very small (almost imperceptible) amount of vertical play in the swingarm. I can't feel where this is coming from but I suspect the WP shock. The bearings, spacers and bolts were fine. There is no lateral play. Is this acceptable? Trouble is that I can't remember if there was play last time I did it (2003 and at 7500 miles) The bikes has now done 11000 miles.
Finally, the CCT issue. I have read the truly tremendous write up by Carl (I think) about changing to manual tensioners. But I can't be arsed to do all of this! Is there an easier way without taking the bike apart completely - noting that the bike is unlikely to reach 16000 miles for valves for at least another 5 years! Can I buy genuine Honda tensioners and is there a process to keep the cam chain in place that doesn't need me to take off the cam covers?
Sorry, lots of stuff here. But I'm beginning to like the Storm again! It was quite a good sports tourer!
Clive