bloody hell - sub zero temps mean nada trips to garage.
have finished tank so at least that is done. moving on to front brake repair, replace and repaint, then jump into the engine (or try and find a cheap mechanic to do it for me).
Hit -2 & snow yesterday so absolutely no chance of me taking the other bike out although today was 'warmer' and clear skies at about 3 degrees. have abandoned all hope of riding again until spring whenever the hell that is is the godforsaken hellhole they call England.
found a couple of cool headlight brackets so may start getting the old one off in readiness for eventual new lights.
less said about the cricket the better.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Sunday, 14 November 2010
November 14th 2010
Some progress - tank is now 3/4's done. Started polishing and cleaning the final bits of paint off. I'm planning to leave it a bit rough to add to the feel of the bike. Images posted below.
Still one side to do plus a final wash of the inside to complete. Then hopefully on to other items.
Still one side to do plus a final wash of the inside to complete. Then hopefully on to other items.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Oct 31st - Halloween and Boss's Birthday Pt 1
Still suffering from to many other non fun things to have completed further work. Tank is 3/4's done and I should have that finished soon. Then on to brakes,sparks and oil.
Took the boy child to the National Motor Cycle museum when I was up at the in-laws last week. Some images below including a namesake ? (see other posts), didn't know Chris W. had a motorcycling pedigree but there you go. Some nice images of the original Triumph engines and you can see how much Kawasaki lifted the design from these original brit bikes.
Couldn't resist including the oil containers as a reminder as to why the old brit companies are no longer with us (Mr Bloors fine rebirth of Triumph excluded of course.) A Barry Sheene Norton, Vincent and a few other nice bikes below.
Great museum, recomended for a visit but avoid the cafe with it's truly horrible coffee.
Deep autumn here although I was able to get the TL out last week for a good spin but I suspect it may be some time before the next one as the weather is pretty grim.
Took the boy child to the National Motor Cycle museum when I was up at the in-laws last week. Some images below including a namesake ? (see other posts), didn't know Chris W. had a motorcycling pedigree but there you go. Some nice images of the original Triumph engines and you can see how much Kawasaki lifted the design from these original brit bikes.
Couldn't resist including the oil containers as a reminder as to why the old brit companies are no longer with us (Mr Bloors fine rebirth of Triumph excluded of course.) A Barry Sheene Norton, Vincent and a few other nice bikes below.
Great museum, recomended for a visit but avoid the cafe with it's truly horrible coffee.
Deep autumn here although I was able to get the TL out last week for a good spin but I suspect it may be some time before the next one as the weather is pretty grim.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Sept 26th 2010
Depression kicks in.... bloody cold and or raining. No work as am snowed under with other stuff. A few days off from work coming up so hopefully a chance to push forward with the tank stuff and to start looking at a few other things.
Webber pulls a 3rd and Hamilton (dickhead) out - but Alonzo looks to be in amazing form. Tight in the F1 and I hate to admit it...really interesting close to the season as opposed to MotoGp which has been limp all year.
Webber pulls a 3rd and Hamilton (dickhead) out - but Alonzo looks to be in amazing form. Tight in the F1 and I hate to admit it...really interesting close to the season as opposed to MotoGp which has been limp all year.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Sept 4th 2010
More tank stuff - mostly complete. Pretty impressive results as 95% of the exisiting rust has been removed via two solutions left overnight across the weekends just gone. Shall try to strip the rest of the paint of next week and get the tank completely back to bare metal.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Aug 30th 2010
Autumn has struck - back riding with thermals again although it was reasonably warm (maybe 15).
Weekend work - stripped the tank of most of the original paint and have started the rust removal from the inside. using a product called Flowliner which seems to be working well. Didn't quite have a container that was large enough for the tank so it was left at an angle overnight. basically the tank that sat under the solution looks as good as new whilst the dry section has improved but still a little rusty. I'll let it dry over the week, tape the opening from the cap and petcock and reverse the position so it's all done.
Webber second in the F1, boring motogp from Indy but the Moto2 race was pretty good.
(no images because beloved has 'misplaced' our camera and I can't be arsed using the mobile phone to post dud shots)
ps Mr J.W. - it's pretty sad to post comments that compliment yourself...and your car.
Weekend work - stripped the tank of most of the original paint and have started the rust removal from the inside. using a product called Flowliner which seems to be working well. Didn't quite have a container that was large enough for the tank so it was left at an angle overnight. basically the tank that sat under the solution looks as good as new whilst the dry section has improved but still a little rusty. I'll let it dry over the week, tape the opening from the cap and petcock and reverse the position so it's all done.
Webber second in the F1, boring motogp from Indy but the Moto2 race was pretty good.
(no images because beloved has 'misplaced' our camera and I can't be arsed using the mobile phone to post dud shots)
ps Mr J.W. - it's pretty sad to post comments that compliment yourself...and your car.
Sunday, 8 August 2010
August 8th 2010 happy Birthday Sis
Happy birthday Sis - hope you had a good one!
Not much to report - great plans to do the tank but found myself unable to spend money with a certain supply chain (Halfords) as the service was rude and non existent. Note to employers - surely staff should have some idea about the products they are selling or am I just crazy.
Anyhoo - took the headlight assy and dash off and gave the headstock a good clean. Will order tank products online and see how that goes.
Weather turned nice today so got a ride in which was nice. TL is ticking over nicely so large grin on mug for rest of week.
Had to post the following - Mr West (the dirty cheatin' kiwi whose bloody rugby team keeps whipping the hopeless australians) has moved to Denver and gone a little 'native'... Ford Mustang 'Bullitt' as per below. He claims to have sacrificed a pair of jeans for the look but I suspect that this is fairly typical of his style on any given day. Lovely car despite the owner I guess :)
Not much to report - great plans to do the tank but found myself unable to spend money with a certain supply chain (Halfords) as the service was rude and non existent. Note to employers - surely staff should have some idea about the products they are selling or am I just crazy.
Anyhoo - took the headlight assy and dash off and gave the headstock a good clean. Will order tank products online and see how that goes.
Weather turned nice today so got a ride in which was nice. TL is ticking over nicely so large grin on mug for rest of week.
Had to post the following - Mr West (the dirty cheatin' kiwi whose bloody rugby team keeps whipping the hopeless australians) has moved to Denver and gone a little 'native'... Ford Mustang 'Bullitt' as per below. He claims to have sacrificed a pair of jeans for the look but I suspect that this is fairly typical of his style on any given day. Lovely car despite the owner I guess :)
Monday, 26 July 2010
July 26th 2010
Slacko here - no excuse jusy busy with other stuff. Just finalising some details and will do tank this weekend...hopefully.
In the meantime here is a picture of my mate Chris's awesome Suzuki project.
Tres bon trailie...the bugger has been unwell and battling some nasty stuff.still able to get this work done so he is really putting me to shame.
In the meantime here is a picture of my mate Chris's awesome Suzuki project.
Tres bon trailie...the bugger has been unwell and battling some nasty stuff.still able to get this work done so he is really putting me to shame.
Monday, 14 June 2010
June 14th 2010
Distracted by other events and commitments - basically have done nothing except some odds and ends cleaning tank wise.
Went to track day on Sat 12th...sensational stuff on the TL1000s. Weather held off and we may even have seen a huge UK summer high of 18 degrees (pathetic I know but I'm trying to be positive - at least it didn't snow which happened when I went to Silverstone 2 years ago)
Much fun and pic's of destroyed tyre and gv posted of pit lane.
Also - F1 car that was used by the track owner Jonathan Palmer. You get a real sense of the power of these cars when you are close up.
Apparently Australians cannot play football as Germany kicked our butts at the Football but we beat the poms in rugby without a front row. Bodes well for 2011 Rugby World Cup.
3 Years here this month......probation may be offered next year :)
Went to track day on Sat 12th...sensational stuff on the TL1000s. Weather held off and we may even have seen a huge UK summer high of 18 degrees (pathetic I know but I'm trying to be positive - at least it didn't snow which happened when I went to Silverstone 2 years ago)
Much fun and pic's of destroyed tyre and gv posted of pit lane.
Also - F1 car that was used by the track owner Jonathan Palmer. You get a real sense of the power of these cars when you are close up.
Apparently Australians cannot play football as Germany kicked our butts at the Football but we beat the poms in rugby without a front row. Bodes well for 2011 Rugby World Cup.
3 Years here this month......probation may be offered next year :)
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Monday, 31 May 2010
Sunday 30th May
have started on the tank...drained the old fuel, a lovely orange colour, hmmmm, may be a wee bit of rust in the tank. probably a good thing that electrics are buggered and that the engine didn't tick over if the fuel was that bad. Checked the carbies and drained the floats which looked reasonably clean so hopefully no damage done there. Pulled the cap of the tank and found more debris and leaf matter which is again a concern but easy enough to clean and strip. Also saw the extent of said rust within the tank so again more concern here. The cure apparently is to take a couple of litres of diesel full and a handful of ball bearing and shake vigorously for a number of hours to clean. Shall attempt this mighty task soon. Have removed knee pads from tank so looks better but in the long term (tell him he's dreaming!)I think I'll try and swap or cut up the tank for a 'peanut' look.
Deep down I suspect this poor engine is going to require the skills of a surgeon as opposed to the butcher who is hacking at it at present...but cannae' afford the dinero for the surgeon so shall recommence butchery asap.
Poor DNF Webber was slammed into by a bloody stupid German in the F1....poor bugger, but at least he got back on track for third and has the lead in the drivers championship. MotoGp next week....
Deep down I suspect this poor engine is going to require the skills of a surgeon as opposed to the butcher who is hacking at it at present...but cannae' afford the dinero for the surgeon so shall recommence butchery asap.
Poor DNF Webber was slammed into by a bloody stupid German in the F1....poor bugger, but at least he got back on track for third and has the lead in the drivers championship. MotoGp next week....
Sunday, 23 May 2010
May 23rd 2010
another nada progress report.
weather was...wait for it...actually in the twenties so got a nice ride in on the beast and spent the rest of the time playing with the family. Last weekend was a write off due to other committments plus it was bloody cold.
Only positive news is that I now have a service manual and can be imformed of the bad choices I am making in regards to repairs.
All Oz teams booted out of the rugby, Lorenzo 1st at le mans with Rossi 2nd...boring race. Casey Stoner off again so I suspect his season is gone for 2010.
have a good one
weather was...wait for it...actually in the twenties so got a nice ride in on the beast and spent the rest of the time playing with the family. Last weekend was a write off due to other committments plus it was bloody cold.
Only positive news is that I now have a service manual and can be imformed of the bad choices I am making in regards to repairs.
All Oz teams booted out of the rugby, Lorenzo 1st at le mans with Rossi 2nd...boring race. Casey Stoner off again so I suspect his season is gone for 2010.
have a good one
Sunday, 9 May 2010
May 9th 2010 - happy Mums Day in Oz and C.G has a new toy
If a motorcycle fails to start - does a fairy die? Poor f...g fairies - they'll be farkin' extinct soon due to my complete lack of mechanical nous.
Pulled off sprocket cover and stripped away a veritable truckload of black tar like substance which I assume was oil,chain wax and road dirt but could well have been the start of a new agrarian society as there was so much... chain does now roll a little more easily but as it's a rusted piece of shite the effect is not huge.
Cleaned and polished the sprocket cover and engine cases on the left side so that is mostly done.
have pulled a manual off the interweb in pdf form so will print the trouble shooting section and start at the top. from memory cleaning the tank was first so I'll need to get some turps and ball bearings to do that next week although I have a pretty heavy schedule on for other stuff. God forbid the sun comes out and I get a chance to ride a motorcycle as opposed to sitting in a shed swearing at inanimate objects...
Reds lost again thus destroying any hope I hold for rugby, this also unfortunately means my high minded email and blog rantings will come back to haunt me in the form of a number of abusive emails from arse clowns Tah's supporters....if any are intelligent or at least humorous I'll load them up here but i suspect we'll be pretty safe.
Brother in law has a new CBR600RR back in the land of Oz so congrats on the new arrival and if I get a piccie from the lucky bastard ;) I'll post it up.
Good to see Mark Webber (the DNF specialist of old) post a win in the F1 and especially nice to see Hamilton (or twat as I refer to him) crash on the last lap..
laters
Pulled off sprocket cover and stripped away a veritable truckload of black tar like substance which I assume was oil,chain wax and road dirt but could well have been the start of a new agrarian society as there was so much... chain does now roll a little more easily but as it's a rusted piece of shite the effect is not huge.
Cleaned and polished the sprocket cover and engine cases on the left side so that is mostly done.
have pulled a manual off the interweb in pdf form so will print the trouble shooting section and start at the top. from memory cleaning the tank was first so I'll need to get some turps and ball bearings to do that next week although I have a pretty heavy schedule on for other stuff. God forbid the sun comes out and I get a chance to ride a motorcycle as opposed to sitting in a shed swearing at inanimate objects...
Reds lost again thus destroying any hope I hold for rugby, this also unfortunately means my high minded email and blog rantings will come back to haunt me in the form of a number of abusive emails from arse clowns Tah's supporters....if any are intelligent or at least humorous I'll load them up here but i suspect we'll be pretty safe.
Brother in law has a new CBR600RR back in the land of Oz so congrats on the new arrival and if I get a piccie from the lucky bastard ;) I'll post it up.
Good to see Mark Webber (the DNF specialist of old) post a win in the F1 and especially nice to see Hamilton (or twat as I refer to him) crash on the last lap..
laters
Sunday, 2 May 2010
May 2nd 2010
Progress...kind of.
have new used battery and full of hope, plugged it in and... fark all.
no light, no ignition, nada spark. Accept completely that it was unlikely to turn over straight away but the fact the there is obviously a failure to see electrics running through the system is a problem seeing as I'm hopeless at wiring. am pursuing a multimeter and have to get a proper works manual before attempting anything else as I'll be just firing off on uneducated and poorly thought through tangents as best. on a positive note the front brakes have been cleaned and stripped and i'll bleed and replace the fluid at some point.
MotoGP - dud race today except for the last 3 laps. Lorenzo/pedrosa and rossi in that order. jerez looked sunny but unfortunately pommie land has returned to it's normal weather pattern of continuing shitty and wet with more possibility of the same.
best to Mr West now residing in the land of tea parties, gun ownership rights and cheese whip. Enjoy!! Are you allowed to go to 'Spring Break'?
have new used battery and full of hope, plugged it in and... fark all.
no light, no ignition, nada spark. Accept completely that it was unlikely to turn over straight away but the fact the there is obviously a failure to see electrics running through the system is a problem seeing as I'm hopeless at wiring. am pursuing a multimeter and have to get a proper works manual before attempting anything else as I'll be just firing off on uneducated and poorly thought through tangents as best. on a positive note the front brakes have been cleaned and stripped and i'll bleed and replace the fluid at some point.
MotoGP - dud race today except for the last 3 laps. Lorenzo/pedrosa and rossi in that order. jerez looked sunny but unfortunately pommie land has returned to it's normal weather pattern of continuing shitty and wet with more possibility of the same.
best to Mr West now residing in the land of tea parties, gun ownership rights and cheese whip. Enjoy!! Are you allowed to go to 'Spring Break'?
Sunday, 25 April 2010
April 25th 2010 (Anzac day - Lest We Forget)
Not much - the worlds most boring motorcycle blog continues to build up a big head of nothing...
Some cleaning, fixed the kickstart, messed around with the exhaust and contemplated taking the brakes off. Bugger all else I'm afraid. Every time I look closely at it I find things that will need replacing - not good.
Bidding on cheapo battery on ebay so hopefully that will kickstart the 'get the old girl running project'
Reds win again so am deeply concerned that I am in some sort of 'Trumans Show' news illusion but shall enjoy until reality comes crashing back in.
Some cleaning, fixed the kickstart, messed around with the exhaust and contemplated taking the brakes off. Bugger all else I'm afraid. Every time I look closely at it I find things that will need replacing - not good.
Bidding on cheapo battery on ebay so hopefully that will kickstart the 'get the old girl running project'
Reds win again so am deeply concerned that I am in some sort of 'Trumans Show' news illusion but shall enjoy until reality comes crashing back in.
Sunday, 11 April 2010
April 11th 2010 Post
Not much - about 15 minutes polishing before kids demands took over. engine case has come up ok (see piccies below) but more work to go.
Thanks for the kind messages and Congrats to Andrea & Chris !! Spoke to Dean over the weekend and he passed on your good news. Obviously intimidated by having the mighty Christopher reading the blog especially as I hear his bikes have been featured in Oz custom mags!! motivation to try harder there.....
Shall buy battery this week and get things back on track.
Hit a sweltering 11 degrees today so tore it up on the TL - managed a knee down scrape so must be doing ok.
Mighty Reds win in SA which is insane and the Tah blouses gave it up for the Crusaders like the big wee girls they are so all is right in the world.
MotoGp tonight - am tres excited!!
have a good one!
Thanks for the kind messages and Congrats to Andrea & Chris !! Spoke to Dean over the weekend and he passed on your good news. Obviously intimidated by having the mighty Christopher reading the blog especially as I hear his bikes have been featured in Oz custom mags!! motivation to try harder there.....
Shall buy battery this week and get things back on track.
Hit a sweltering 11 degrees today so tore it up on the TL - managed a knee down scrape so must be doing ok.
Mighty Reds win in SA which is insane and the Tah blouses gave it up for the Crusaders like the big wee girls they are so all is right in the world.
MotoGp tonight - am tres excited!!
have a good one!
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Easter Sunday April 4th 2010
Noooooooooooo....
the madness begins, although I promised myself I wouldn't - I've started polishing/cleaning the engine cases. Looks much cleaner but now I'll have to do the whole stinkin' thing meaning that I am screwed (but in a nice way). There's something quite relaxing about polishing metal and seeing grime come away. I'll regret it in the long run as it gets more and more fiddly but what the hey. It's not like the pommie weather won't give me plenty of chances to spend quality time indoors....
Still trying to find a cheapo battery but no joy - may have to bite the bullet and pay full price.
Ride on the TL today - tres bon although bloody cold.
Bloody Tahs on top and Qld lost - bugger.
the madness begins, although I promised myself I wouldn't - I've started polishing/cleaning the engine cases. Looks much cleaner but now I'll have to do the whole stinkin' thing meaning that I am screwed (but in a nice way). There's something quite relaxing about polishing metal and seeing grime come away. I'll regret it in the long run as it gets more and more fiddly but what the hey. It's not like the pommie weather won't give me plenty of chances to spend quality time indoors....
Still trying to find a cheapo battery but no joy - may have to bite the bullet and pay full price.
Ride on the TL today - tres bon although bloody cold.
Bloody Tahs on top and Qld lost - bugger.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Sunday 21st March 2010
apologies but again no work completed.
went for a ride today and had other duties.
still chasing a cheap battery beofre I can proceed (yes - total tightarse but have a limited budget so need to cut corners when I can)
hopefully more positive news next week.
MotoGP last testing times below: Stoner absolutely flying, be interesting to know the fuel loads on these laps but very impressive times at the last test of the year before the season gets underway next month.
Casey Stoner Ducati GP10 1.55.353
Valentino Rossi Yamaha YZR-M1 1.55.860
Andrea Dovizioso Honda RC212V 1.55.879
Nicky Hayden Ducati GP10 1.56.115
Loris Capirossi Suzuki GSV-R 1.56.195
Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha YZR-M1 1.56.504
Randy de Puniet Honda RC212V 1.56.504
Colin Edwards Yamaha YZR-M1 1.56.722
Mika Kallio Ducati GP10 1.56.767
Ben Spies Yamaha YZR-M1 1.56.779
Aleix Espargaro Ducati GP10 1.56.897
Alvaro Bautista Suzuki GSV-R 1.56.898
Dani Pedrosa Honda RC212V 1.56.935
Marco Melandri Honda RC212V 1.57.222
Hector Barbera Ducati GP10 1.57.223
Hiroshi Aoyama Honda RC212V 1.57.251
Marco Simoncelli Honda RC212V 1.57.379
went for a ride today and had other duties.
still chasing a cheap battery beofre I can proceed (yes - total tightarse but have a limited budget so need to cut corners when I can)
hopefully more positive news next week.
MotoGP last testing times below: Stoner absolutely flying, be interesting to know the fuel loads on these laps but very impressive times at the last test of the year before the season gets underway next month.
Casey Stoner Ducati GP10 1.55.353
Valentino Rossi Yamaha YZR-M1 1.55.860
Andrea Dovizioso Honda RC212V 1.55.879
Nicky Hayden Ducati GP10 1.56.115
Loris Capirossi Suzuki GSV-R 1.56.195
Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha YZR-M1 1.56.504
Randy de Puniet Honda RC212V 1.56.504
Colin Edwards Yamaha YZR-M1 1.56.722
Mika Kallio Ducati GP10 1.56.767
Ben Spies Yamaha YZR-M1 1.56.779
Aleix Espargaro Ducati GP10 1.56.897
Alvaro Bautista Suzuki GSV-R 1.56.898
Dani Pedrosa Honda RC212V 1.56.935
Marco Melandri Honda RC212V 1.57.222
Hector Barbera Ducati GP10 1.57.223
Hiroshi Aoyama Honda RC212V 1.57.251
Marco Simoncelli Honda RC212V 1.57.379
Sunday, 14 March 2010
March 14th 2010 Update
no work again....missus off to Paris with the ladettes so home alone with the kids.
have bid on a used battery on ebay so hopefully I can pick that up next weekend and get back on track.
Mighty Reds win again in Super 14 so it would seem that black is white and white is black...universe completely flipped upside down from normal s.o.p. Have complete faith that a downward spiral to the cellar will begin soon.
have bid on a used battery on ebay so hopefully I can pick that up next weekend and get back on track.
Mighty Reds win again in Super 14 so it would seem that black is white and white is black...universe completely flipped upside down from normal s.o.p. Have complete faith that a downward spiral to the cellar will begin soon.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
March 8th Post
again - no progress.
am looking at a battery on ebay as I can't be arsed paying full price for a new one.
plus the sun actually shined and was a balmy 6 degrees so took the other beast out for a ride. First ride in 4 months.... someone remind me why I live here again ;)
am looking at a battery on ebay as I can't be arsed paying full price for a new one.
plus the sun actually shined and was a balmy 6 degrees so took the other beast out for a ride. First ride in 4 months.... someone remind me why I live here again ;)
Monday, 1 March 2010
Feb 28th 2010 Progress
nada
zilch
didn't even look at it...
Friends visit so no bike work this weekend plus it was a little on the cold side so I wimped out.
zilch
didn't even look at it...
Friends visit so no bike work this weekend plus it was a little on the cold side so I wimped out.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Sunday 21st Feb 2010 - Zilch progress
Went to bike shop to see if battery could be saved and recharged but no joy.
Will now have to source a battery before attempting anything else on the bike.
On a happier note the mighty Reds won so several redneck friends will be happy and to further add substance to those thoughts of joy the Tah's (and Brumbies) lost.
Will now have to source a battery before attempting anything else on the bike.
On a happier note the mighty Reds won so several redneck friends will be happy and to further add substance to those thoughts of joy the Tah's (and Brumbies) lost.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Feb 14th 2010 Update (plus the Mighty Reds)
it seems I owe Mr Kawasaki Deisgner an apology from last weeks rant and should have vented my frustration at Mr Manual designer....
there is a method to remove the battery without all of the pain and suffering of fender/airbox/seat removal but the stupid manual didn't have that listed. Anyway, some progress and a fairly sharpish step back to report. Battery has finally been liberated from it's cave and shall be taken to shop for re-charging if possile. Front fender is also off but I have managed to snap a bolt head of from a bolt (honestly - it just snapped dispite my gentle caress and about 30 sprays of lubricant) from the brake line bracket on the right side of the front wheel. Have started to drill it out but suspect that this will take me a while as I can't be arsed doing it at present. Also drilled out the last remaining stupid bolt on the chain guard that had siezed so that piece of rubbish has been liberated from the frame. Not much else to report - still bloody cold and now have a 500W site light in the garage which is both warming (good) and retina destroying (bad - AHHHHHHHHHH my eyes, my eyes). Do Not Look At The Sun Indeed...
A little concerned as the throttle action seems 'challenged' at best when I test it as it doesn't return or flick back to a neutral position when turning it on & off. May be just a dud spring but I really don't want to mess with carbies and cables at this stage.
Photos of said bolt to follow but otherwise pretty boring progress.
The Mighty Reds nearly whooped the dodgy cheatin' Tahs this weekend but I understand the Couchman has lost his pocket money despite the result so all in all a proud result for the redneck state and frankly he has too much money anyway so dry those tears ya wee little girly man :)
there is a method to remove the battery without all of the pain and suffering of fender/airbox/seat removal but the stupid manual didn't have that listed. Anyway, some progress and a fairly sharpish step back to report. Battery has finally been liberated from it's cave and shall be taken to shop for re-charging if possile. Front fender is also off but I have managed to snap a bolt head of from a bolt (honestly - it just snapped dispite my gentle caress and about 30 sprays of lubricant) from the brake line bracket on the right side of the front wheel. Have started to drill it out but suspect that this will take me a while as I can't be arsed doing it at present. Also drilled out the last remaining stupid bolt on the chain guard that had siezed so that piece of rubbish has been liberated from the frame. Not much else to report - still bloody cold and now have a 500W site light in the garage which is both warming (good) and retina destroying (bad - AHHHHHHHHHH my eyes, my eyes). Do Not Look At The Sun Indeed...
A little concerned as the throttle action seems 'challenged' at best when I test it as it doesn't return or flick back to a neutral position when turning it on & off. May be just a dud spring but I really don't want to mess with carbies and cables at this stage.
Photos of said bolt to follow but otherwise pretty boring progress.
The Mighty Reds nearly whooped the dodgy cheatin' Tahs this weekend but I understand the Couchman has lost his pocket money despite the result so all in all a proud result for the redneck state and frankly he has too much money anyway so dry those tears ya wee little girly man :)
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Feb 7th 2010 Update
My hopes soar on the fact that it only took me 1 and 1/2 hours to remove one bloody stripped nut to remove the f.....g rear fender. Thankfully the children were out of earshot as my language skills were excerised to the fullest. The good news is that I have the fender off, the tank and airbox out but again am thwarted in my desire to get the battery out by mechanical incompentence combined with stupid black and white pdf print-out of the workshop manual. If I may pose a question - I understand that a battery on a motorcycle should be enclosed and protected from the elements but putting it below the seat, requiring airbox, rear fender and electrical system disconnection/removal does seem a little extreme and I suspect that Mr kawasaki designer was either suffering a severe sake hangover or his wife had just slept with a more successful Suzuki or Yamaha exectutive...f..k me it's been a frustrating two sessions in the shed and to further enrich my life the weather has been as cold as a brass monkeys.
Sensational....
Photos to follow and if you squint real hard you can kind of imagine what the bike will look like at some point in the future with a single seat and the rear frame hacked off.
Sensational....
Photos to follow and if you squint real hard you can kind of imagine what the bike will look like at some point in the future with a single seat and the rear frame hacked off.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Love The Beast - Eric Bana Doco
Saw this on saturday nite....excellent.
Any child of the 70's from Australia will remember the time and the cars.
Cool story, shot well with some nice insights.
Do yourself the favour as Molly used to say....
Any child of the 70's from Australia will remember the time and the cars.
Cool story, shot well with some nice insights.
Do yourself the favour as Molly used to say....
Sunday, 31 January 2010
January 31st Work
Not too much to report - little over an hour only worked this weekend due to other committments.
Sissy bar removed after much swearing....drilled one side out but was able to leverage the other side ok using spanners.
Have also taken off the pillion grab rails - a little messy as the rear shocks sit on this frame mount as well.Some balancing,lifting & more swearing was required.
Rear mudguard has one very hard to reach nut so have held over removing that for the present. Also need to get the electrical map as I'll need to get the rear light disconnected when I do that....
Sissy bar removed after much swearing....drilled one side out but was able to leverage the other side ok using spanners.
Have also taken off the pillion grab rails - a little messy as the rear shocks sit on this frame mount as well.Some balancing,lifting & more swearing was required.
Rear mudguard has one very hard to reach nut so have held over removing that for the present. Also need to get the electrical map as I'll need to get the rear light disconnected when I do that....
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Sunday, 24 January 2010
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