I need a little DIY maintenance help.
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:06 pm
I've been riding the Duc since I got home from my 2 1/2 year gig overseas a few weeks ago. Today I installed a new air filter, I'm in the process of flushing the coolant, then I'll change the oil and this weekend I'll go back to the factory spark plugs. I also got some Michelin Pilot Road 3s to go on as well.
I have a few questions:
First, the flush and fill seems to be quite the pain in the ass to do. It's very slow. I removed the drain plug at the pump drained the coolant then ran water through the system. Then I filled the overflow and ran the motor a bit, it didn't do anything so I removed the hose at the top of the radiator and filled the radiator, then buttoned it up and ran it again. This time I got the system to show a temp on the gauge. When it got over 175 I shut it down and I'm waiting for the bike to cool down and will add water to try to get it full. I'm shooting for a 70/30 mix. Am I going about this the right way? Is there a trick to make it faster?
Next, since I took the tank off to swap out the air filter I'm not happy with how it's remounted. Does anyone have photos or a very good verbal description of the front where the tank meets the frame. What I see doesn't seem 100% right but it was mounted solid before I took it off. I see a rubber disc mounted on the frame with a screw or bolt head sticking up about a centimeter. It looks like the whole thing should fit in the recess of the tank but the bolt keeps it propped up and the tank seems to be able to wobble a bit side to side. Ideas? Suggestions?
Last, I'm thinking some new grips would be nice. Does anyone have any recommendations on grips that will be comfortable and look correct on the bike?
Thanks for your help guys! If I can I may try to get an iPhone pic or two of the tank mount.
-Sean
I have a few questions:
First, the flush and fill seems to be quite the pain in the ass to do. It's very slow. I removed the drain plug at the pump drained the coolant then ran water through the system. Then I filled the overflow and ran the motor a bit, it didn't do anything so I removed the hose at the top of the radiator and filled the radiator, then buttoned it up and ran it again. This time I got the system to show a temp on the gauge. When it got over 175 I shut it down and I'm waiting for the bike to cool down and will add water to try to get it full. I'm shooting for a 70/30 mix. Am I going about this the right way? Is there a trick to make it faster?
Next, since I took the tank off to swap out the air filter I'm not happy with how it's remounted. Does anyone have photos or a very good verbal description of the front where the tank meets the frame. What I see doesn't seem 100% right but it was mounted solid before I took it off. I see a rubber disc mounted on the frame with a screw or bolt head sticking up about a centimeter. It looks like the whole thing should fit in the recess of the tank but the bolt keeps it propped up and the tank seems to be able to wobble a bit side to side. Ideas? Suggestions?
Last, I'm thinking some new grips would be nice. Does anyone have any recommendations on grips that will be comfortable and look correct on the bike?
Thanks for your help guys! If I can I may try to get an iPhone pic or two of the tank mount.
-Sean