I just got a 96 and I'm doing some maintenance before I really start riding her. I am replacing the rad cap and thermostat and also see a part on the fiche called a thermo unit. What does this do? Should I replace it while I'm in there? On another note....On decel at about 40 or so if I take my hand off the bar the bike gives a little head shake....it tracks straight....thoughts comments on that? FYI-PO also dropped the triple about 7mm, I am going to raise it back up to stock because i believe it is also hindering movement of clutch and throttle cables if that might have something to do with stablity. Thanks in advance!
Not sure about the thermo unit. Most folks drop the front a max of 5 mm for the street, starting from stock is a good idea. Is the front tire cupped? that gave mine a slight wobble. How many miles?, It may need the sterring head bearings replaced.
Well I was going to show a pic of the tire but haven't figured hat out yet, and not sure what cupping is, but it appears round and smooth with no odd wear patterns. I'll go back to stock and see what happens. It's has 34600 on the odo.
And I guess the thermo unit is what senses the temperature for the gauge cluster, may as well replace that as well since I'm having the "running too cool" issue.
Cupping usually occurs when the tire pressures aren't kept close to what the manufacturer specs are. It also depends on the tire brand, some cup more than others. If you can tell no discernible variations in the tread, then the steering head bearings may be worn as stated above. Most people usually swap out the old ball style to tapered roller bearings.
You can sit on it and hold the front brake and push up and down on the front suspension to see if you feel any play. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't. You can also raise the front end and turn the bars and see if you feel any notchiness. I think it's best to change them anyway.
Yep, put the bike up on the centerstand and weight the back end so the front wheel is off the ground. Move the handlebars from lock to lock and see if there is a slight notchy feeling at the center point. Also grab the front wheel and see if you can feel any movement in the front forks. Any movement in the head bearings is too much. The handlebars should move easily but not so loose that they drop onto the steering stops.
Head bearings are worn out and races dented by about 20-25,000 miles on almost all these bikes. :disturbed: Your initial maintenance should also include cooling system flush, brake and clutch lines flush, inspect air and fuel filters. Inspect chain and sprockets for wear. Going WAY. WAY back in VFRW history.......... there were many discussions concerning headshake on gen 4 bikes.........ONLY if someone unnecessarily removed both hands from the bars and had worn tires, never a good idea.
Yes I was doing all those and then some....anyone know of the part number for a thermostat? Not the oem but one I can get at the auto store. I see lots of talk about people doing it but no part number to the civic and I can't match one up?
