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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Roadstergal on September 10, 2005, 10:50:48 PM

Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 10, 2005, 10:50:48 PM
Pulled it apart and cleaned it up a bit. There are some pretty significant exhaust leaks and at least one oil leak.  I checked the valves; intake fine, exhaust too loose, changed them.  I moved the jetting down to just a little over stock.  Lubed the chain, which wants changing, and changed the oil.  The headers were loose.  I cleaned them up (the flange had some odd chunks on it that kept the can from sealing) and painted them.  There's still a leak where the flange meets the pipe, and I can't get rid of it by wiggling.  I remember someone posting about a suitable product to block a small leak like that, but I can't find it.  Anyone remember?
Anyhoo, I took it for a spin.  The low-end felt more there than before.  There's a dead spot from 5500 to 6000, and it's a doozy.  I'm probably way lean with the leak and the pod.  I'll switch back to the stock airbox, and when I get the exhaust plugged, it should be dandy.
Then the suspension.  I like that the bike is lowered, but I don't like that it has so little front travel.  It bottoms out way too easily.

Then, maybe, cosmetics.   :P
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Mk1inCali on September 10, 2005, 10:55:31 PM
Front end swap!!!
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: davipu on September 10, 2005, 11:01:15 PM
it still runs.  it's fine.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 12:05:42 AM
(http://www.roadstergal.info/9_10_05/9.jpg)
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: ajgs500 on September 11, 2005, 12:07:56 AM
Ahhhhhhh blinding white wheels
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Alphamazing on September 11, 2005, 12:23:08 AM
Aw come on AJ, you don't like the contrasting white wheels? I think they look great.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 12:27:25 AM
If only they were white.  Kinda grungy grey.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: ajgs500 on September 11, 2005, 12:27:36 AM
They looked great in circa 1990
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 12:29:31 AM
I think '90 was the last time they were actually white.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Alphamazing on September 11, 2005, 12:29:51 AM
Nope. I had 'em on my '92.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 12:30:51 AM
I meant this particular set.  Viz. the grime.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Alphamazing on September 11, 2005, 12:33:06 AM
OHHHHHH. I gotcha. Easy clean though. Just spray carb cleaner or a general purpose cleaner, wipe with a rag and poof! They look like new again.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 12:34:25 AM
I worked on it a bit with WD-40.  I got the side facing the camera cleanish.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Alphamazing on September 11, 2005, 12:37:02 AM
WD-40 is nice, but you run the risk of getting it on the tires, slicking them up. The other cleaners don't have the lubricants in them, and have more cleaners than WD-40. Just apply a liberal coating, let it sit, then wipe. Worked on my old wheel, at least.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 12:38:06 AM
It's what I had on hand.  I'm lazy.
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: nogs5yet on September 11, 2005, 01:09:35 AM
If you have waterless hand cleaner (like "GoJo"; the stuff you clean the grease off your hands with BEFORE you wash them in the sink), put some on a rag, and smear it all over the wheels. It chemically converts grease and oil to soap; let it sit for a while, then wipe it off with clean rags. I think you'll be amazed at how well it can remove the fling-off chain-lube and road grime from the paint.

Looks pretty good for a rat-bike...
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: ajgs500 on September 11, 2005, 01:32:04 AM
Um she knows this and if anyone hasn't it picked it up it seems that RG is pretty detail oriented!!
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Mk1inCali on September 11, 2005, 01:35:55 AM
Dibs on the filter if she's willing to sell...
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: dgyver on September 11, 2005, 05:29:06 AM
What are your plans for the bike....street or track?
Title: Screwed around with the rat bike...
Post by: Roadstergal on September 11, 2005, 10:14:02 AM
Quote from: dgyverWhat are your plans for the bike....street or track?

Street.  Fun weekend bike.