An afternoon in the shed.

[Dragonstaff]

Spent a bit of time in the shed today, taking the front legs off James' ST to do the seals.

Hopefully my Haynes manual won't take too long to get here, because the online version doesn't get out to the shed.


I have also replaced the melted Oxford grips with an Ebay non-heated set. Now the gloves won't stick to the grips...

[Dragonstaff]

Got the forks stripped down today. A quick run to Bunnings in the morning for a couple of cans of brake clean and I can start the re-assembly. These are so much easier than the last set I did, which were off a CX 500 Custom. It is nice not to have the cap take off around the shed when it is removed.

The Haynes book should be here on Tuesday, so timed well.

[Brock]

Here is a link to the 2003 manual
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xlk443ietarqa3sw8j8rc/ST1300-2003Manual.pdf?rlkey=4uad18ww9omg0wcuwplp09cyc&st=gr3aq7sf&dl=0

[Dragonstaff]

Thanks Brock. I have found the manuals.lib one online, but I don't have computers or tablets in the shed, and the phone is way to small.

I like a book that I can open and refer to with dirty hands or gloves on, and that doesn't need wifi or phone signal to work, neither of which I have in my shed.

[Brock]

 

[ruSTynutz]

Hopefully my Haynes manual won't take too long to get here, because the online version doesn't get out to the shed.

I didn't find the Haynes manual all that good, in fact I'd almost forgotten I had it, but then that could just be me and my short attention span...lol,
Hopefully you find it more useful than I have, Dave! 

My go to is usually Google or YouTube when I need to look up stuff...
If it's a YouTube video I'll download it using this free program: https://www.youtubedownloaderhd.com/ so I have it if needed down the track or when I don't have internet access... 

[Dragonstaff]

I have never been a fan of Haynes manuals either, but if I want an actual, paper, book, then I don't have much choice. I always preferred the Gregory's ones myself.

However, it got here today, and will do what I need for a little while. If it starts to fall apart like they usually do then I will complete the job and put it in a folder full of clear sheet protectors, at which point it will probably be even easier to use.

That looks like a useful little tool, Rusty. Downloaded with thanks.

[ruSTynutz]

That looks like a useful little tool, Rusty. Downloaded with thanks.

Cheers Dave! 
I think YouTube tries to stop people downloading videos, so the program gets regularly updated to stay ahead.

[Dragonstaff]

Got the forks re-built with new All-Balls seals and dust covers. The rest looked pretty good, with minimal wear on the bushes and plenty of life in the springs.

I also lifted the tank and found a virtually brand new air filter, so I think it had a service before it was sold. I will have to see if I can get a look at the oil filter before I drop the oil.

The last pic is after the first bounce, so to speak, and things are still a little oily on the surface.

And just to make life fun, the damn Haynes manual has gone all metric, and only gives torque setting in Newton-Metres. No Foot-Pounds at all. Luckily my torque wrench has both, and a conversion chart in the box as well. Also lucky that I haven't tossed the chart...

[Dragonstaff]

Today's little job was to drop the coolant in James' ST and pull the thermostat out to check. I took the opportunity to blow out the radiator fins and check for damage, and to touch up some damaged paint.

The thermostat is stuck open, fully open lying on the bench in 12 degrees. Anyone got a good spare laying around? The locals want $156+ for one, and the yanks will take a month to get it to me.

This was supposed to be quick job...

[Langers]

Assuming the thermostat hasn't changed from pre-08 to post 08, Blue City Motorcycles appear to have the thermostat for $117 (no idea re postage).
https://bluecitymotorcycles.com.au/oem/honda/search-parts?brand=honda&type=MB&year=2008&model=4901&assembly=69563

[Langers]

And I've used this crowd in the past: https://japan.webike.net/ps/THERMOSTAT+19300-MBT-003/#!search&p.k=THERMOSTAT+19300-MBT-003

[Dragonstaff]

And I've used this crowd in the past: https://japan.webike.net/ps/THERMOSTAT+19300-MBT-003/#!search&p.k=THERMOSTAT+19300-MBT-003

Thanks Mark. Less than $60 including post.

Much more reasonable.

All up $66 including the paypal currency conversion charge, and the express post to get it here next week.

[Dragonstaff]

The Thermostat arrived last Friday, but it took until yesterday to fit it (it has been too damn cold here the last few days- we seem to be getting Melbourne weather without the rain) and get the bike put back together. I will give it a decent test run tomorrow, then it will be on the market.

[Dragonstaff]

Test run went well. Temp went to three bars and stayed there, which is the same as my bike, and the forks and clutch felt fine.

Now to give it a decent bath, take some glamour shots, and get it sold.

[Brock]

NO!  NO!  NO!

Now to give it a decent bath, take some glamour shots, and get it sold.

That is the wrong thing to say, you will upset the bike..

What you need to say is " After much love and effort, I will give my girl a spa treatment , Take some revealing pictures and reluctantly and with much regret Pass her on to some one who can impart the true love that is needed.."

 

[Dragonstaff]

 

NO!  NO!  NO!

Now to give it a decent bath, take some glamour shots, and get it sold.

That is the wrong thing to say, you will upset the bike..
  :roflWhat you need to say is " After much love and effort, I will give my girl a spa treatment , Take some revealing pictures and reluctantly and with much regret Pass her on to some one who can impart the true love that is needed.."

 

 

[Dragonstaff]

Now that James' bike is out of the shed, mine has gone in for its annual service. Oil and filter, coolant and brake/clutch fluid change (this year, not every year), clean the air filter, and a new front tyre. The Pirelli Angel GT did 14,000ks in 16 months, so not too bad. This year I can afford a road 6, so that is what she is getting. Final drive oil got changed last year.

Most of the work got done yesterday and Tuesday, and I will do as much as I can finish tomorrow, before it gets back to Melbourne weather like it was today. Belly pans will have to wait until next week, when the tyre will be done.

[Dragonstaff]

With both the ST's back on the road, I have hauled one of the others into the shed.

I have decided, after getting it out for a possible sale, only to have the bloke pull out and buy a different one (in Victoria) on the day he was supposed to come and have a gander, to get the Silverwing cleaned up, running again, and passed for Australian Rego. (Bloody hell, that is a sentence and a half).

Today was plastic removal and bath time. Next will be a precautionary engine removal, check, and carby clean, along with a caliper rebuild and a new glass in the master cylinder. And yes, the mileage is genuine.

[ruSTynutz]

That should keep you off the streets for a day or two, Dave! 

Have fun! 

[Bodø]

That should keep you off the streets for a day or two, Dave! 

Like your bicycle 

[Dragonstaff]

That should keep you off the streets for a day or two, Dave! 

Like your bicycle 

 

[ruSTynutz]

That should keep you off the streets for a day or two, Dave! 

Like your bicycle 

I don't have a bicycle... 

[Dragonstaff]

The Silverwing is going to take a little more than I thought...Maybe.

At the very least, a new Chinese master cylinder, because I doubt I will get a genuine that is in any sort of usable condition without winning the lottery, and probably a clutch cable, as the original is not moving at all.

Everything else looks pretty good though, although getting the exhaust off was a *****, 'cos it wasn't interested in coming apart and had to come off in one piece. At least I can get to the joints now...

[Dragonstaff]

Got the engine out of the GL 500 today, and all the fluids drained. She was laid up with fresh oil and coolant, and it has stayed where it should be. The oil is still gold coloured and clear, and could be put back, and the coolant was full and still green.

As would be expected, the internals of the water pump and housing are still as good as new.