Well, it's been an "Interesting" weekend with the KLR. Firstly, I decided it was time to see if this monster would come to life, so first thing was to check out the fuel tank and tap. The tank is fine, the tap is not fine. I took it off and re-sealed it to the tank, but sadly, the tap leaks badly around the actual tap mechanism, so I'll have to get a new one.
Anyway, that wasn't going to stop me kicking this thing into life, so, put the tank and seat on, and attached the fuel line. Put a gallon of fresh fuel in. Had already charged the battery, so on it went. The moment of truth!!
Fuel on, Ignition on, Kill switch on.....Kick...kick...kick...kick!! Pant pant...Kick etc. No joy. Well, this was Saturday, and I had other stuff to do, so not too despondent, I packed the bike away and pondered what could be amiss.
Today, Sunday, I woke and decided to 1. check for sparks, and 2 does the plug smell of fuel..
Ok, check for spark with plug out, no sparks.Hmm...ah ha!! HT lead looks a bit loose, yes, it had fallen out of the coil!! So, back in it went. Sniff the plug..yep, fuel smell. So, hopefully, the HT lead was the culprit.
So, back on went the fuel tank and seat. Ignition on, fuel on, kill switch on...Kick, kick kick OUCH!! JESUS CHRIST, MY FOOT!! Well, it would seen that it was trying to fire, but I got the kicking badly wrong, and so I now have a very badly bruised foot and sprained ankle! After all the love I've given the KLR, this is how it repays me!!
So, The Good is that it is trying to fire.
The Bad is that it didn't run.
And The Ugly is my poor lower leg!!
I am now too sore to walk much, let alone kick the bugger! I have been You Tubing lots of kick starting techniques though, and I'm confident that next time it will be easier, We will see! It did bang a couple of times though, so ultimately, I am pretty happy about the situation, but I HAVE to perfect the starting technique!!
If I don't, then my trip around UK mainland could be the longest on record!!!
Next update will be when I'm all better, and the bugger will be under my power!!!
Link to watch my feeble attempt at starting the beast!!
http://youtu.be/47NeHeHKfVs Just highlight it and right click on open link for a laugh!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Friday, 6 January 2012
Back to the grind!
Well, it's been a while!!
Christmas and New Year has come and gone, and I've done little to the bike, but will be putting that right soon.
I filled up with oil a couple of weeks ago, curious to see if there were any leaks, but to date, none at all.
I also filled up the coolant, which was a slow job, also wondering anout leaks, but again, none as yet, so all good there.
I managed to blag a full set of original indicators for £25, and a reflector for £5, but have not fitted them yet. Will have to take the bike to the local welding shop to get the original stand bracket fixed to the frame. I've tried many permutations, all to no avail, too short, too long etc, so original is best, them Japs know what they're doing!
As it's friday, and I have a busy weekend, I won't be doing anything till Monday, but I think I'm gonna get some fuel and give it a try. Can't keep putting it off forever, and if it starts, I'll be overjoyed!
I managed to strip all the old black paint from the 2 replacement side panels, and got some proper plastic primer. Gave one panel a coat, but it's been too cold really to go any further with that. Also got some Kawasaki green paint mixed up, it's good to have a mate who works for a paint firm!
The plan now is when the bike is finished, and as long as it seems to be ok and reliable, I'm going to do a sponsored ride around Britain in aid of Asthma UK, who have given my wife great support. That's for the future anyway, let's get the bugger started first!!
Christmas and New Year has come and gone, and I've done little to the bike, but will be putting that right soon.
I filled up with oil a couple of weeks ago, curious to see if there were any leaks, but to date, none at all.
I also filled up the coolant, which was a slow job, also wondering anout leaks, but again, none as yet, so all good there.
I managed to blag a full set of original indicators for £25, and a reflector for £5, but have not fitted them yet. Will have to take the bike to the local welding shop to get the original stand bracket fixed to the frame. I've tried many permutations, all to no avail, too short, too long etc, so original is best, them Japs know what they're doing!
As it's friday, and I have a busy weekend, I won't be doing anything till Monday, but I think I'm gonna get some fuel and give it a try. Can't keep putting it off forever, and if it starts, I'll be overjoyed!
I managed to strip all the old black paint from the 2 replacement side panels, and got some proper plastic primer. Gave one panel a coat, but it's been too cold really to go any further with that. Also got some Kawasaki green paint mixed up, it's good to have a mate who works for a paint firm!
The plan now is when the bike is finished, and as long as it seems to be ok and reliable, I'm going to do a sponsored ride around Britain in aid of Asthma UK, who have given my wife great support. That's for the future anyway, let's get the bugger started first!!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
More Bits !!!
Well, today, Tuesday 8th November, MORE bits arrived!!
The new original throttle grip came, and more importantly, the rear wheel spacer arrived. I would have liked to have fitted this today, but, as usual, stupid work got in the way! That and feeling like crap due to a cold bug which Donna, more worryingly, has also got. Ironically, it would seem we caught it at the vets!! Should have got a shot while we were there!
As the weather is also pretty crap this week, I think I'll get it all sorted at the weekend, when the new thermostat should be here as well. I will then be ready to fill up with oil, coolant, and maybe, if I dare, some fuel and give it a kick!!
The new original throttle grip came, and more importantly, the rear wheel spacer arrived. I would have liked to have fitted this today, but, as usual, stupid work got in the way! That and feeling like crap due to a cold bug which Donna, more worryingly, has also got. Ironically, it would seem we caught it at the vets!! Should have got a shot while we were there!
As the weather is also pretty crap this week, I think I'll get it all sorted at the weekend, when the new thermostat should be here as well. I will then be ready to fill up with oil, coolant, and maybe, if I dare, some fuel and give it a kick!!
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Bonfire Night
Anyway, back on the bike front, have now got both wheels on, although the back wheel is missing a spacer, which explains quite a lot, such as, wheel had rubbed away part of the upper chain guard, and the opposing side swing arm. I'm amazed the previous owner actually rode it and stayed alive!!
Anyeay, I've managed to get a replacement, new, spacer from good old E Bay for £6.99, a bargain, especially as they are not produced anymore!!
I'm hoping that it arrives on Monday, then I can complete the back end. The front end is done, apart fron fitting the front mudguard, or for any Americans, the front fender! I have fitted the speedo cable, new front pads, although I still need to repair the master cylinder. It looks like I'll have to buy a replacement piston assy for it, but it's not expensive.
Have still got trouble sorting the side stand, and have not as yet decided exactly what to do. I've fitted the small replacement one that I bought, as the latest big one ended up to bloody big!! I'll get there though, it may be just need to get a pice welded on to extend the short one, which would be good, as it really is a strong piece of kit.
The chain, which looks almost new, has been bathed in a pool of gear oil, and is now hanging and draining in the workshop. Once the spacer arrives, I can fit the front sprocket, chain, front sprocket cover, and importantly, the neutral switch wire. There is still quite a bit to do, and it's a bit frustrating as money is always a factor, but it is making progress, although sometimes it's one step forward and two back.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
New Arrivals!
Wahay!!
Today has seen the arrival of the new Metzler Karoo rear tyre, and a new inner tune with Rim tape.
I fitted the rim tape, and rushed it all round to Frost Tyres, where John soon had it all in one piece for the princely sum of £5.
Well worth it. Now looking forward to friday, when, after taking the dogs to the vets for their kennel cough vaccinations, I shall be getting a lot of stuff done.
Trial fitted the stand to a spare frame lower today too, and it fits perfectly. Hope thats the case actually ON the bike, but I'm sure it can be adapted if need be.
Anyway, friday hoping to fit both wheels, stand, chain, chain guard, front sprocket and guard.
In true Edd China fashion, I may need my mate Paul to help me on that bit as it's quite heavy, but it will probably end up being wife Donna instead!!
If it stays fine, maybe fit some bodywork, in fact it'll be nearly done!! Nah, a bit to do yet, but it's going the right way.
Today has seen the arrival of the new Metzler Karoo rear tyre, and a new inner tune with Rim tape.
I fitted the rim tape, and rushed it all round to Frost Tyres, where John soon had it all in one piece for the princely sum of £5.
Well worth it. Now looking forward to friday, when, after taking the dogs to the vets for their kennel cough vaccinations, I shall be getting a lot of stuff done.
Trial fitted the stand to a spare frame lower today too, and it fits perfectly. Hope thats the case actually ON the bike, but I'm sure it can be adapted if need be.
In true Edd China fashion, I may need my mate Paul to help me on that bit as it's quite heavy, but it will probably end up being wife Donna instead!!
If it stays fine, maybe fit some bodywork, in fact it'll be nearly done!! Nah, a bit to do yet, but it's going the right way.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Slow progress
Well, a quick update on slow progress.
I spent a few frustrating hours yesterday trying to rebuild the master cylinder. First problem was that the rebuild kit bore little resemblence to my own piston assy, and was in fact too big.
I assumed that my master cylinder was off a KLR 600 A1, but obviously not.
I now have a bit of a dilemma. I can't really send it back, as I opened it and actually fitted the outer dust seal.
I thought I might get away with the original seals, but after filling and bleeding, there was not much pressure being exerted, although I have no pads in yet, Once I have fitted thew new pads and front wheel, I'll try again. You never know your luck!
On the good side, got an E Mail today (Monday) saying that the tyre, tube and rim tape were on their way. Also, the new side stand arrived from Belfast, and quite a thing it is too!!
Well, here's hoping for an easy day at work tomorrow, and a couple of hours fitting stuff!
I spent a few frustrating hours yesterday trying to rebuild the master cylinder. First problem was that the rebuild kit bore little resemblence to my own piston assy, and was in fact too big.
I assumed that my master cylinder was off a KLR 600 A1, but obviously not.
I now have a bit of a dilemma. I can't really send it back, as I opened it and actually fitted the outer dust seal.
I thought I might get away with the original seals, but after filling and bleeding, there was not much pressure being exerted, although I have no pads in yet, Once I have fitted thew new pads and front wheel, I'll try again. You never know your luck!
On the good side, got an E Mail today (Monday) saying that the tyre, tube and rim tape were on their way. Also, the new side stand arrived from Belfast, and quite a thing it is too!!
Well, here's hoping for an easy day at work tomorrow, and a couple of hours fitting stuff!
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Bits..bits...bits..!!
Well, today has seen a few bits arrive at last.
2 oil filters arrived, along with a master cylinder rebuild kit, and a bolt for the front brake lever, which was missing. It's not the correct one, but it'll do the job. 2 oil filters, as I am changing the oil after a few days, and then again after 200 miles, just to be safe. Also arrived, a spanking new NGK surpressed spark plug cap, which looks great, very retro, and some more electrical connectors, as I have used bloody loads!! Oh yes, and 5 metres of solder, always useful for....soldering stuff!
Not fitting anything today, too tired after a busy week at work, so off for a few beers tonight, and then set about sorting the master cylinder tomorrow morning. Have also bought a new rim tape, tube and rear tyre. over £100 but once that lot is fitted, and the replacement stand and front wheel, it will actually look like a proper bike, and aactually, will not be far from finished. Tyre is a Metzler Karoo, not used them before, but they get good reports around the world on KLR forums, so I'll give it a go. Will buy a new Metzler Karoo front when the bike is ready for the road, but the knackered old tyre on the front will do for moving around in the garden etc. Onward and upward !!
2 oil filters arrived, along with a master cylinder rebuild kit, and a bolt for the front brake lever, which was missing. It's not the correct one, but it'll do the job. 2 oil filters, as I am changing the oil after a few days, and then again after 200 miles, just to be safe. Also arrived, a spanking new NGK surpressed spark plug cap, which looks great, very retro, and some more electrical connectors, as I have used bloody loads!! Oh yes, and 5 metres of solder, always useful for....soldering stuff!
Not fitting anything today, too tired after a busy week at work, so off for a few beers tonight, and then set about sorting the master cylinder tomorrow morning. Have also bought a new rim tape, tube and rear tyre. over £100 but once that lot is fitted, and the replacement stand and front wheel, it will actually look like a proper bike, and aactually, will not be far from finished. Tyre is a Metzler Karoo, not used them before, but they get good reports around the world on KLR forums, so I'll give it a go. Will buy a new Metzler Karoo front when the bike is ready for the road, but the knackered old tyre on the front will do for moving around in the garden etc. Onward and upward !!
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