I already had a bird - 96 model with 65k miles - my third - another resurrection job in Repsol colours - but after a great Alpine tour this year (2,400 miles in 12 days - faultless performance by the bike) I decided to treat myself to a newer one.
Hey presto a 20k miles one in mint condition and the faster RED colour (yes, start bitching,you with the slower colours) came up and I jumped at the chance.
Picked it up, took it straight to my spanner monkey for full service, CCT, (preventative as it's 21 years old and he had it apart anyway) Valves clearances etc etc and coolant change Carb balance etc etc etc.
Got it back last night. Rode it home (first ride on it) and the difference is remarkable!
Front suspension through our bumpy, rutted, potholed country lanes is better, but I have to be honest here - the older bike has a smoother engine. Noticeably. I know the new one has sat around a lot so I'm hoping some miles under its belt will make a difference; I'll run it on the best fuel for a few tankfuls and see if it's just time needed to get it running smoother - this has worked for me with other bikes that have stood around.
It pulls willingly enough, revs out cleanly through the gears (only got up to 4th then had to back off)
Second ride this morning and by the time I got home, a little better. Methinks dirty old fuel was sitting in the carbs a little too long (the Spanner Monkey did drain them and fill with fresh before balancing the carbs) and it will take a while for the nasty residue to be gradually washed out by the new fuel.
Next on the list - new down-pipes and new tyres; leaving the chain & sprockets till after winter salt episode has abated....
We'll see what happens... A couple of pics for you to brighten your day.
OUT with the old.....
IN with the new.
Need to fit the heated grips, sat-nav lead and Wing Rack- Off to the shed with you!!
Hey presto a 20k miles one in mint condition and the faster RED colour (yes, start bitching,you with the slower colours) came up and I jumped at the chance.
Picked it up, took it straight to my spanner monkey for full service, CCT, (preventative as it's 21 years old and he had it apart anyway) Valves clearances etc etc and coolant change Carb balance etc etc etc.
Got it back last night. Rode it home (first ride on it) and the difference is remarkable!
Front suspension through our bumpy, rutted, potholed country lanes is better, but I have to be honest here - the older bike has a smoother engine. Noticeably. I know the new one has sat around a lot so I'm hoping some miles under its belt will make a difference; I'll run it on the best fuel for a few tankfuls and see if it's just time needed to get it running smoother - this has worked for me with other bikes that have stood around.
It pulls willingly enough, revs out cleanly through the gears (only got up to 4th then had to back off)
Second ride this morning and by the time I got home, a little better. Methinks dirty old fuel was sitting in the carbs a little too long (the Spanner Monkey did drain them and fill with fresh before balancing the carbs) and it will take a while for the nasty residue to be gradually washed out by the new fuel.
Next on the list - new down-pipes and new tyres; leaving the chain & sprockets till after winter salt episode has abated....
We'll see what happens... A couple of pics for you to brighten your day.
OUT with the old.....
IN with the new.
Need to fit the heated grips, sat-nav lead and Wing Rack- Off to the shed with you!!
