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What did you do to your Yamaha today?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Cutlass84, Jun 4, 2007.

  1. iluvtrinisoca

    iluvtrinisoca New Member

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    Plasti dipped my tank and panels. When I have put the bike together I will post new pics of completed bike. Still have to change the oil, replace the rear brake switch. replace gas cap and seals. Rebuild the petcock as I have it off the bike now. Drain and replace the gear oil. Any advice will be appreciated. I am trying to learn to service my bike and it is fun but I want it to be safe and done right. I do have a manual that was generously donated to me on this forum.

    Most of all Guys I need feedback!!!!!!!!!
     

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  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    The virago got its floats wet-set last night. Fired it up today in a toasty-warm 32ºF garage (both doors open to let the exhaust out). It's an easy starter (one push of the button), and drops back down to idle without a hiccup :)

    I have a few more things to do before it's ready for the road. My riding buddy will be pleased. I sure wish my Seca would start so easily in the cold.
     
  3. lacucaracha

    lacucaracha Member

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    K-moe, they just don't seem to want to catch on the first bump, do they...

    15W fork oil down from 20W(almost rattled out my teeth). New VRM-163 tire in the rear. Rear diff oil change.

    And sent my cheapo ebay shocks out to this guy:

    http://chrislivengood.net/wp/?p=1167

    Because I hate compressing springs.
     
  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    I'm thinking about doing the same. 20wt is fine in the bends, and on smooth roads, but on roads with a ripple (or closely spaced expansion joints) the front end is overdampened.
     
  5. lacucaracha

    lacucaracha Member

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    Yeah it kinda bucked too hard on stuff that should have been a little smoother.

    I also reduced preload a tad, and it really helped out. I think unless you're racing, it's way worth it.
     
  6. BluesBass

    BluesBass Member

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    Well not entirely XJ-related, but I did work on my Yamaha's today:

    XJ-related:
    Finished stripping my XJ650 carbs for the bike I'm getting running.
    Began carb cleaning dip of internal components, and finished soda blasting the carb bodies, bowls, and hats. They are looking good, and once the parts are dipped I can use the new gaskets I got from Len to rebuild them and get them on the bike.

    Non-XJ but still Yamaha related:
    Finished sandblasting and boiling the parts for the Virago 700. I started reassembling the carbs with new gaskets (also from Len) and o-rings. Still have some work to do, but the bike is nearing completion. Once the carbs are on I can throw a battery in and temporarily mount the tank so I can get the carbs synced and the engine running right. It's a bit too cold and snowy out for my taste today so this was put on hold.

    All Yamaha related:
    Looked into the Ballistic Evo2 Batteries for my bikes. For the XJ's they seem to be around $160-200 for a battery that loses 10% of its charge per year sitting, and is way lighter than our stock batteries. The Virago takes a $300 battery but is much lighter and more energy-dense. With a balance charger I can charge each cell individually and maintain the best performance and life out of each battery.

    Also stripped the full Vetter luggage and fairing off of my Midnight Maxim (which now that full luggage package is available to anyone interested, PM me for details). Got the King-and-Queen seat back on the bike with the sissy bar and a quote on reupholstering the seat. Planning on going back to stock look for this bike with hidden upgrades here and there (dynacoils, 750 tank, Ballistic Evo2 battery, etc).

    More to come when I get more done!
     
  7. dmlyster

    dmlyster Member

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    picked-up my carb bank, petted it, wispered to it, wished it was installed and purrrrring. Oh well, maybe later.
     
  8. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Just remember to fix a way so you can draw current from the battery prior to starting when it's cold out. Cold Lithium batteries don't hold their energy density well, and need a quick warm-up (5 min) before they will deliver full current.
     
  9. BluesBass

    BluesBass Member

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    Heated gloves installed on both bikes, and I can always turn them on and let the running lights do the trick. That should be enough I think.
     
  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    I spent the day repiaring the fairing to my friend's XV920. Next I'll start modifying the supposedly "Yamaha from the same year, fits your fairing perfectly" windscreen, so that it will actually fit. I'm so happy that I only spent $20 on it.

    Edit:
    I just got the call telling me of another snow day. It's one of the advantages of living in a town that only has one plow truck. I'll be able to put another weekend's worth of work in tomorrow [​IMG]
     
  11. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Should be plenty.
     
  12. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Sat on it and made "vroom-vroom" sounds...
     
  13. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    why wouldn't you just let the starter warm up the battery ?
     
  14. FtUp

    FtUp Well-Known Member

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    lol! I actually fired mine up today and it made the vroom vroom sounds.

    CN
     
  15. PilotSmack

    PilotSmack Active Member

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    Finished the engine rebuild. Valves are all in spec, compression numbers are 130, 135, 130, 135.
     
  16. Thrasher

    Thrasher Member

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    I got board today and got out a file and went to town on my cylinder fins.
     

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  17. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    From what I understand that sort of battery won't deliver enough amperage to turn a starter when it's below 40ºF. Just passing on what the manufacturers recommend to do.
     
  18. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    40F, that's about my limit too :)
     
  19. Hotcakesman

    Hotcakesman Active Member

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    I looked at her half stripped apart in my basement..
    patted her on the rear fender
    told her she was a good girl and soon we
    were gonna have some fun

    also put some of her parts with the other parts I have for her
    kinda waiting for some certain stuff to show up
    before I tackle other work
     
  20. rmcrow

    rmcrow Member

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    Changed the oil to get rid of leaking gas and took it for a ride around the block really quick while I am waiting to kill it trying to clean and rebuilk the carbs to fix a stuck float valve.😀😀 Too nice a day not to ride at least a little. I claim trying out my new dorky looking but armored gear to make sure it feels right riding as a good excuse.
     

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