madmagpul
Junior Member
Posts: 92
Likes: 31
Registered: Apr 9, 2018 9:27:47 GMT -7
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Post by madmagpul on Apr 11, 2020 8:45:17 GMT -7
Well after many mountain trips and tons of around town riding the time has come. I've looked over the checklist and forums and still have a few questions for those that have some time!
Brakes
When it comes to fluid what amount should I get? I can't seem to find any specification in the service manual on capacity and don't want to order too little.
Brand? From looking around on here I was looking at going with Motul but am open to suggestions!
Spark Plugs
I've looked around everywhere for the recommended NGK LMAR9E-J plugs but they are out of stock everywhere. Did NGK discontinue them or switch to a different plug? It just seems odd, but I guess it could be a result of the virus.
Valve Clearances
After poking around here it seems that a good many people here have their valves already out of spec. Thoughts on if I should go ahead and take it to the shop and have them checked out? May do it and have the throttle bodies synchronized at the same time. Would love to do it myself but I personally have never done any major power train work like this.
Thanks for all your help guys!
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chasx
New Member
Posts: 20
Likes: 10
Registered: Jan 12, 2019 17:56:59 GMT -7
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Post by chasx on Apr 12, 2020 18:04:15 GMT -7
Well after many mountain trips and tons of around town riding the time has come. I've looked over the checklist and forums and still have a few questions for those that have some time! Brakes
When it comes to fluid what amount should I get? I can't seem to find any specification in the service manual on capacity and don't want to order too little. Brand? From looking around on here I was looking at going with Motul but am open to suggestions! Spark Plugs
I've looked around everywhere for the recommended NGK LMAR9E-J plugs but they are out of stock everywhere. Did NGK discontinue them or switch to a different plug? It just seems odd, but I guess it could be a result of the virus. Valve Clearances
After poking around here it seems that a good many people here have their valves already out of spec. Thoughts on if I should go ahead and take it to the shop and have them checked out? May do it and have the throttle bodies synchronized at the same time. Would love to do it myself but I personally have never done any major power train work like this. Thanks for all your help guys!
1) As long as you're using DOT 4 brand doesn't matter. Motul is great stuff, and also pretty expensive. 1 bottle of fluid should get you through both front and rear. 2) The NGK USA distributor is having issues and many plugs are not in stock at this time. I don't know the exact reason (probably overseas distribution), but they are currently pretty difficult to find. Check some of the car shops (Autozone, Advance, Napa) and you might get lucky. 3) I have not yet done a valve check on my MT, but have on many singles, multiple V-4's, and several V-twins. If you are already to the point of replacing spark plugs, there isn't much more to go to check the valves. There's a factory service manual .pdf floating around somewhere on here that should get you going. Give it a read through and then decide if you'll be comfortable trying it. If you don't have a shim pack ready to go then expect the bike to be down for a bit since you'll have to order the right shims. You'll also need feeler gauges, a torque wrench, and I'd recommend a micrometer (or calipers) to verify shim height. |
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madmagpul
Junior Member
Posts: 92
Likes: 31
Registered: Apr 9, 2018 9:27:47 GMT -7
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Post by madmagpul on Apr 13, 2020 8:53:24 GMT -7
Awesome! Thanks for the info Chasx. Ill grab a bottle of fluid and give that a go. I got in contact with my local dealer after my Autozone order was cancelled and they claim to have some (for $20 a plug...). Also I have looked at the service manual to check the valves and feel like I could totally do it, the issue sadly comes into play when they most likely will need to be reshimmed and I have to pull out the cams. Not sure I have the little knowledge of all the basics on reinstalling the cams, like what sections should have assembly lube or the exact criss cross method to reinstall the cam caps. May just check them and then go from there on whether I want to trust my dealer to complete the service if they're out of spec. But thank you for the information!
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mattemike
Full Member
Posts: 110
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Registered: Mar 19, 2019 5:14:20 GMT -7
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Post by mattemike on Apr 14, 2020 4:19:22 GMT -7
Just wondering if you've considered a radiator flush/fluid change as part of this service?
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madmagpul
Junior Member
Posts: 92
Likes: 31
Registered: Apr 9, 2018 9:27:47 GMT -7
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Post by madmagpul on Apr 14, 2020 10:29:07 GMT -7
Just wondering if you've considered a radiator flush/fluid change as part of this service? I actually planned on doing one as I thought it would be suggested but per the service manual it recommends every three years. I'm just at two so I'm on the fence about going ahead and doing it. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Registered: Apr 25, 2024 13:04:47 GMT -7
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2020 16:49:09 GMT -7
I'd do the coolant and spark plug change when doing the valve check, for obvious reasons. Don't think it's needed before. Hey Madmagpul, how many miles on your bike? I've read many owners reporting out of spec valve clearances at the recommended 26K miles, so I might do it before that, just to be safe, and adjust them all to the maximum tolerance. Then I'd feel safe waiting for 26K miles... but doubt I'd ride that much. Ha ha.
Oh, forgot to say you need an 8-oz bottle of brake fluid for both ends; I did that recently with Prestone Synthetic DOT4. Having said that, recently had to do some research on brake fluid, since one of my vehicles calls for DOT4LV, and turns out it has a much lower viscosity when cold, which allows the ABS pump to work much better (as in quicker cycling) in cooler conditions. DOT5.1 is basically the same thing, and actually cheaper and much more widely available than DOT4LV, so I'll use DOT5.1 (DO NOT confuse it with DOT5, which is silicone) in the future. Both DOT4LV and DOT5.1 have significantly higher wet and dry boiling points than DOT4, and both are also significantly less viscous when cold that regular DOT4, so better in every respect. And fully compatible, of course. I'll also switch to the better stuff for my cars from now on. And don't forget to clean the reservoirs perfectly first. For cars, you need a 32-oz bottle, by the way. Hope this helps.
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