Recent content by KeithB

Actually, I've done so many of the mechanical repairs & maintenance jobs, that I'm way ahead in the game. I've learned in life that you can accomplish a lot more in life by trying things others tell you that you can't do. I don't believe in limiting myself, it just takes a little longer for...

In my case, we're talking the Concours14 and the gxxr1000, and they need the higher octane than regular, I just got it via the 10% ethanol before. I don't bother with the cars since they don't need it. You're right, using higher octane than the bike's designed for is just a waste of money. In...

I finally stopped riding "Ruby" long enough to start work on the FJR. The dealer fixed the valves back in December, but I decided to put it back together. Things are looking good, except I can't get the plastic radiator shroud to stay in place long enough to put the radiator back on. It's the...

I sent a letter there addressed to AbNormally, ILL. It got there. :rolleyes:

I have them both. They each have their pluses & minuses, but it's all in the small details. Either of them are very competent. Heat issues, vibration, MPG high 30s to low 40s, short-lived tires, and seat comfort varies only a small amount from bike to bike. Both of them need a better seat...

My thanks to all of you for your advice. The head is now in the hands of the Yamaha mechanic. I'll probably go ahead and let them put it all together (except the bodywork) so it can be warranteed. It will also go up for sale once it's back together because I'm picking up a 2009 Concours14...

Well, things were going very well. I zip-tied the cams to the cam chain, removed the intake cam and switched the shims as needed. I had numbered each cam cap with perm marker to make sure I put everything back together the same. Got it all back together, cut off the zip ties and rotated the...

The head is off. It wasn't too bad and went pretty much just as the manual said. The head comes out to the front and took about 2 hours. Just as I thought, you can see the 6 intake valves very bent. For only 24,000 miles, the pistons look like they are a little gunked up. So much for...

I just spent the past couple of weeks looking for the adaptor. I never could get it separately, but it comes as part of the compression kit from Sears.Sears Compression Kit

Thanks, guys. It looks like I have my winter project. :lol: I've already lined up a mechanic to benchfix the head at a reasonable cost. I won't take it to the nearest dealer (where I bought the bike) because the head mechanic has an attitude about do-it-yourselfers and I don't care to...

What an experience, Ion! I suspect the bottom end is fine because I never got the motor into a bind using the starter or while it was actually running. It either bent while I was turning the crank by hand, or by partially tightening the cam bolts while the cam was not lined up proper. I...

Here's the latest scoop. zero compression in cyls 1, 2, 4. 50 lbs in #3. I take off the valve cover and the cams are still perfect. I then notice that some of the valves don't close all the way. It seems that both intake valves in 1, 2, & 4 are likely bent and don't close. Are the valves...

Already got one... The grandkids love it! :lol:

It's actually a large clothespin type of thing to dry my laundry on long trips. It really attracts attention when it's underwear washing day... :D

Have you seen Ferris Bueller's day off? :blink: