Ok, we all know the importance of regular maintenance and checking of these bikes, especially as they are getting older and the oxide / corrosion / rust is creeping in at an ever increasing rate.
Whilst I had considered myself a devot'e to the preservation of these ageing icons, I must admit I have run foul of my own ignorance!
In the past couple of weeks I have found the front brake lever "sticking" on first application after some K's of not touching it. After a coupe of grabs, feels normal. Immediately I presumed that the fault must be in the master cylinder and as most of you would agree, I cringed at the thought of having to stop and re-build ( brake fluid everywhere, Ahhh. And th bleeding, double Ahhh ).
Then, I thought to ones self.
- It's been almost 2 years since the full re-build.
- let's check the pivot bolt in case it needs needs Lube.
Well, I am ashamed at the state I found the working in!
All joints were dry.
There was obvious wear.
The build up of residue would make any joint / pivot point stick.
So, 10 mins of cleaning away the residue,greasing the joints and checki Ng the action was very productive. The feel and action from a firm grip was encouraging.
In short, recommend checking / cleaning / and lubing all pivot points on regular basis.
It may sound like I'm stating the obvious, but on review of the original Kat service manual I did find some definate gaps. And considering these were written for new bikes off the showroom, we should consider the added requirements for these senior citizen class of equipment.
Well I'm going to address the clutch lever tomorrow as it has same # of K's under the seat strap.
Maybe it's time the collective SKA forum put together a chart of scheduled maintenance recommendations? As am sure that new member would welcome any advise, suggesting.
As a local bik service center commented to me," your bike is older than all of my mechanics, they have no idea of how to servic or work on them!"
Side note, have asked for a bike lifter platform for this years full present requests from family!
Cheers
Stuart
Whilst I had considered myself a devot'e to the preservation of these ageing icons, I must admit I have run foul of my own ignorance!
In the past couple of weeks I have found the front brake lever "sticking" on first application after some K's of not touching it. After a coupe of grabs, feels normal. Immediately I presumed that the fault must be in the master cylinder and as most of you would agree, I cringed at the thought of having to stop and re-build ( brake fluid everywhere, Ahhh. And th bleeding, double Ahhh ).
Then, I thought to ones self.
- It's been almost 2 years since the full re-build.
- let's check the pivot bolt in case it needs needs Lube.
Well, I am ashamed at the state I found the working in!
All joints were dry.
There was obvious wear.
The build up of residue would make any joint / pivot point stick.
So, 10 mins of cleaning away the residue,greasing the joints and checki Ng the action was very productive. The feel and action from a firm grip was encouraging.
In short, recommend checking / cleaning / and lubing all pivot points on regular basis.
It may sound like I'm stating the obvious, but on review of the original Kat service manual I did find some definate gaps. And considering these were written for new bikes off the showroom, we should consider the added requirements for these senior citizen class of equipment.
Well I'm going to address the clutch lever tomorrow as it has same # of K's under the seat strap.
Maybe it's time the collective SKA forum put together a chart of scheduled maintenance recommendations? As am sure that new member would welcome any advise, suggesting.
As a local bik service center commented to me," your bike is older than all of my mechanics, they have no idea of how to servic or work on them!"
Side note, have asked for a bike lifter platform for this years full present requests from family!
Cheers
Stuart
