I started the engine for the first time in a while today. Starting a 2-stroke engine in Meguro Ward is quite the ordeal, I must say.
If I fire up the engine inside the apartment building, the fire alarm goes off. Even for a test ride, the roads are so congested that it would probably make the bike run worse. And all that white smoke would definitely draw complaints for various reasons.
But now that I’m out in the countryside of Chiba, I can rev it up and let out all the smoke and noise without any problems. Has the motorcycle become something you only ride in rural areas? It feels like it’s getting harder to ride in the city center each year.
It was so annoying that I disabled the “full-screen ads.”
I was going to change the coolant and gear oil, but I made a mistake ordering the gear oil. 400ml isn’t enough.
Let me get back on track and change the coolant.
When I removed the reservoir tank that was held with cable ties… It was forced on so hard that it got dented and developed a tiny hole.
I’ll replace it with a square-shaped reservoir tank instead of a cylindrical one. I also replaced the radiator cap.
I’ll change the front and rear brake fluid too
I’ll shake it a bit and put a float inside to prevent foaming.
I also changed the rear brake fluid. When I took a photo, I noticed the protruding bolt on the mount… I’ll replace it.
Finally, I’ve reached a point where I can attach some of the fairings.
Surprisingly, battery hold-down straps are often missing, aren’t they? It’s a hassle to order parts individually, and leaving it as is feels a bit risky.
That’s where something called a ban cord comes in—it’s a rubber that can be welded. It’s really useful when you want to secure electrical components, so give it a try.
My recommendation is 3φ. The thicker it gets, the less it stretches, making installation difficult.
I basically don’t reshape the welded parts. It’s because I want them to last as long as possible.
Welding is like melting both sides together with a soldering iron. It takes a bit of technique. Apply plenty of solder and hold it for 2 minutes while pressing. This should prevent most failures. By the way, lighters and such aren’t recommended because impurities stick to them.
Using push rivets on the cowl screen looks cool
Currently it’s fixed with bolts and nuts, has many parts, and the maintenance and appearance are both questionable.
If you fix screens and such with push rivets, it looks much cleaner. Cheap materials/lightweight/improved serviceability/looks cool—four benefits in one. Plus, cracks are less likely to develop, so give it a try.
I really wanted to take it for a test ride today
I don’t have all the materials yet, and it’s not good to go out half-finished. I’ve started the engine and revved it up, reaching a temporary completion.
ポチップ
