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.