just givin you guys an update on my prev threads. today i replaced my fan switch, topped up my coolant, burped my system and got rid of my old shitty rear indicators and swapped them for new upgrades.
now the cooling fan comes on properly at 95-96degrees (which is lower than the 104 i was expecting it to kick in at), but the lower the better. gave the battery another full charge for good measure.
i know half this stuff you guys can do with your eyes closed. but this is the first time ive done anything like this on a motorcycle before, so im mega happy and keen to keep improving.
once again, thanks for all the pre-advice, it was a massive help
My wife bitches at me enough for my pile of parts to install on my current RC51.
Much less the look I get when she passes it by on its stands on the way to the utility room.
My wife has become very jealous of the constant stream of UPS packages coming to the house, for the bike. I am seriously considering having them delivered to my office, so that she does not see how many things I order.
That's how we all started. Small jobs, going onto more challenging ones.
To avoid making expensive or permanent mistakes on your SP, get yourself an old bike that doesn't take much investment (Watch out for rust in tank & things like that). Take it apart and rebuild it just for fun, maybe something you can use to pop down to the shops like a race replica 2 stroke, an older single trialie or something simple and single cylinder. If you're not confident - Get a workshop manual before taking it apart and always label (freezer bags are useful) parts, put them away neatly and where possible put nuts bolts & washers back in place so you easily know where they go. Use a digital camera to show how wires are routed, etc. so you don't have to guess later.
You'd learn a lot and probably become a better rider from understanding how the intricacies of a bike work and be able to diagnose problems more easily through this knowledge in future.
You'd need tools, so invest in decent ones if you find yourself enjoying the experience. In the long term they'll pay for themselves. I've had big bikes completely apart and back together in about 2 days and saved myself a ton of money doing things myself, but more importantly I trust myself to make sure the job's done absolutely right.
When I lived there I found UK mechanics weren't always that diligent as they couldn't really take their time and pay total attention to what they were doing. Corners can be cut where things aren't thread locked, torqued down, screws missing, etc. which diminishes the quality of the bike. Doing it yourself you can make sure everything's done perfectly, but experience counts for a lot. The more you do, the more you learn.
If you'll be a biker for the rest of your life & like machines, learn how they work and how to look after them well.
I'd say the no. 1 rule is don't attempt a job without the correct tools. There's a good chance you'll regret it if you do.
Keep at it you will learn a trade few have the willingness to learn these days.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
RC51 Forums
191.9K posts
10.5K members
Since 2008
A forum community dedicated to Honda RC51 owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, V-Twin racing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!