Just took delivery of another Blue RC26!

Thanks, guys.

Looks like I have it in this photo:


Would the bike still roll & ride OK without it? Guess what I'm asking is if there's a way to know I have it in without removing the wheel again?

I will do that if I have to - just trying to save some time and labor.

 

It does look like something is there. Seeing how the rest of the bike was assembled I would verify it is the correct piece. Only way to know is to take it apart. But if the rear wheel didn't seem to want to bind after torquing the axle, probably is ok.

You also seem to be WAY more trusting of a "new to you bike" than I would ever be. So your call...

 

OK thanks - appreciate your advice and input as always, Capt.......

 

Might as well fix that rear brake while I have the back tire off........






This is how I found it. No pads and pistons stuck in the caliper like they were welded!

 

Fate steps in and I have decided to go ahead and mount new Bridgestone BT-46's on a nice matching set of OEM (silver) rims I have here. It's such a nice bike it really deserves some new shoes and to get back to matching rims.

Will continue to do the rear brake for this one and also for the White bike.

 

Good afternoon.......quick update - after watching a YT video showing how to change your own motorcycle tires, I decided to try doing this myself instead of taking them to a local shop, as originally planned. Just ordered some tire levers and a kit (~$24) which will be delivered tomorrow. I do have some large screwdrivers but will wait for the kit and use today to work on the rear brake.

I know how to change bicycle tires so same thing except on a larger scale - right?

Balancing the tires though.....not sure about that one.....

 

Screwdrivers.... Um no.

You need real levers.

The key is getting the beads into the center well of the wheel for the first removal move and the final install one.

The first side of a new tire will almost fall on the rim. You need to keep your knees on the tire as you work around to keep it in the well or you will damage the bead and/or your rim.

I do ALL of my own tires.

The Bike Master truing and static balance stand is really good.

 

10-4 and thank you, Capt.

The YT vid I looked at showed the same things, so I should be OK.

I have the time to wait for the levers and kit. These rims are so nice I don't want to muck anything up. Also decided to do an oil and filter change.

Gotta say - on that short few block ride Monday - this bike is going to be so sweet! That Yoshi really sounds GREAT! And Joe's synched up carbs....heavenly!

 

Pretty good tutorial on that Bikemaster balance stand:

 

Looking at my rims...they're so pretty I hate the thought of sticking weights on them. I guess I don't have a choice if they are out of balance. Thoughts anyone?

 

You can paint up some stick on ones and put them next to the center rib.

Never used the balancing beads for or whatever the fuck they're called. I'm fairly old school on shit like this. Well, on most everything I suppose.

 

Finally got around to checking some of my spares for those two inner cowls that were cut up by the PO....and luckily found a couple in the proper Blue color in VGC, save a little cleanup work. Will use a soap and water cleaning to start off with followed by a polishing compound.

Nice to have these on the bike to cover up all the wires and hardware underneath!

 

I will do almost anything to not drill a hole in something. People just love butchering up panels to install the stupidist shit.

 

100%, Capt.

Once again it behooves me to state I have never applied a single sticker or decal on any of my bikes. And that includes HRC!

I'm not against them per se - I just can't justify it in my mind!

Now maybe the Michelin Man down...well...you know where.....

 

I think some Hello Kitty stickers will look great on your VFR Bazz


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The helmet I bought along with my first Interceptor back in '97 has three stickers on it......

 

Good afternoon and Happy Friday, everyone!

Today was the day to mount the new tires. It wasn't all that bad. Little bit of elbow grease and sweat equity (as we say in the trades!)

Luckily I didn't have to remove any tires first - I bet that's fun...lol.

Will put a ratchet strap on them later to get the bead set.

I did a static balance on the rims before mounting and these rimes really were very nicely balanced already!

 

Can't find my dang tire chuck....grrrr. Did manage to get the front tire popped into it's bead. Rear one is close but will have to run it over to my buddy's to use his tire chuck.

In the meantime diving into the rear brakes. Decided to go ahead and do as much work on my box of rear caliper spares while I had my tools out. Using Joe Nelson's technique with the wooden paint sticks got enough of the pistons out to proceed in getting two calipers ready for use.

The bottom photo is of a couple of rear brake assemblies that came to me still assembled. Well - one of them is actually off the Blue bike itself. Thus keeping the fluids intact. I think that made it easier for the pistons to pop out - got 3 of 4 very easily!

I spayed PB Blaster on the pistons before going to bed last night.

 

Lot of progress since last posting.

Got it's "new" rear wheel with it's new tire on. Somehow I buggered up the old axle last week and then had to wait for a replacement I bought from eBay. It arrived Saturday so today I got everything done using the replacement axle and the rear wheel went back on perfectly and is now nice and tight with the rear wheel spinning freely as it should!

I also rebuilt the rear brakes and they are now working. I did the same for the White bike and made the same mistake on both bikes. I forget to attach the small bracket that hold the brake light switch - duh - so had to attend to that little detail on both bikes after everything else was back together.

Tomorrow I will replace that front wheel and then she should be all set except for the plastics, which are waiting for me to do a few small repairs on.

I took her out for s short spin tonight and my goodness....this is going to be one SWEET machine when I am done!!!

This short video is the test for the function of the new rear wheel & tire. MUCH better than before!