From One Problem to The Next

I started off the day with the goal of replacing the master brake cylinder reservoir and finding out why the front calipers were squeaking. The brake fluid in the bike was pretty skunky and it had a lot of black residue in it. I used a medicine dropper to suck the old oil out of the reservoir. (worked like a champ) With a little force I was able to get the old reservoir off and began cleaning the inside. I bled the lines completely out on both sides. As I went to add the new brake fluid I notice that it is DOT 3 synthetic. I didn't realize that is what I had bought and hoped that it would work.

In the process of pumping the brake lines back up I started to think that this synthetic brake fluid wasn't going to work. I think it may be too thin for the cylinder. At long last, and with help from my brother, the line did pressurize. Mostly. We both took it out for a ride and it stops the bike still but feels soft. Maybe that is just an attribute of synthetic. My hope is that it will work its way in with a little riding and I wont have anymore troubles. Ya right.

In the course of doing this I decided to change the grips and adjust the position of the clutch. The grips came off will a little effort and I used a little hairspray on the bar ends to slide the new grips on. I reconnected the throttle lock then decided to adjust the position of the clutch handle. I loosened right up, I tipped it down were I wanted it and then started to tighten it back up when it stripped loose. I pulled the bolt out and could see that it had only bit about 3 threads. I borrow Dad's tap and chase the treads then off to get a longer bolt. 43 cents later and I'm back in business.

On a happier note. I finally opened and used my motorcycle lift. It works like a champ. It easily lifted the bike and was really quite stable considering the ground that I was using it on. In the picture it is only lifted to the first safety latch. There is probably 5-6 inches more travel in the jack. That was 40 bucks well spent.

Vacation is over

I mean that in every sense of the word. I've decided that there is major problems with my front brake calipers. I took the bike out again the other night and they were squeeking the entire time. I have also noticed brake fluid spots on the front tire. I can't tell where it is coming from yet but this weekend I'll have some time to look into it. I'm leery about taking any long trips with the brakes like that.

On a positive note. The bike started right up after sitting for two weeks. It's idle has smoothed out and it seem to be running rather well. As soon as I get the brake issue resolved I'll put a few more miles on it.

Eggs?

So yesterday I found out that I can carry eggs in the trunk of the Goldwing. My Dad and brothers and I are making dinner tonight for our Mother and wives and set off for the grocery store on the motorcycles. Part of that shopping list was 2 dozen eggs which I am happy to say made it hope safe and sound. I learn something new everyday.

Friday night Rachel and I went out to dinner on the bike. Hoovers Cafe is about 25 miles from our house. We took the old highway for the scenic view. The ride down was nice as we had the wind to our backs. Coming back however was much more windy. On the ride back we took a detour up towards Monrovian Park. I'd like to take the girls on a picnic there some evening.

Riding Courses

I called down to St. George today to get the schedule for the classes. The next one that I could go to is May 28-30th.
The June dates are: 18-20th and 25-27th.

As you can see this is a three day class.

Friday 6pm-9pm
Sat 8am-5pm
Sun 8am-noon

lunch is not provided.

The cost is 125.00 per person and includes a 250 cc bike and helmet. You can bring your own if it is licensed and insured and the helmet has to be DOT approved. I would surely bring my own. Classes won't be held again until fall.

They actually offer a advanced rider course that I would rather take, but they require that you have passed the basic course as a pre-req. Just another way to suck money out of you I think. The advanced course is taught at Miller Speedway on the track and sounds cool.

Rain or Shine

Either way I'm going for a ride this Saturday. Maybe Friday evening if it is warm enough I can take Rachel to Hoover's for a burger. Irregardless it is time to get out and ride.