My first time working on my bike

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 08:35 AM

I wanted to share with everyone here that on saturday I officially for the FIRST time ever took apart my bike to clean the jets on the carb and i shimmed the needles.

First off, I want to thank TheDuck and Kkim on providing the DIY threads and video, without those there is absolutely no way in hell I would be able to do as much as I did.

Second, I have a complaint, why is it that you guys make it look so damn easy? It took me 4 freaking hours from the moment I took the fairings off to the moment I put them back on. My legs, arms and back are killing me. The carborator was HELL to take out and put back. I didn't want to take out the airbox so I wouldn't have more work on my plate, but man it was so difficult to do.

But all in all i did it, I feel accomplished, but I gotta tell you..i probably won't be doing that again. I have new found respect for the bike mechanics, no wonder they charge an arm and a leg...its not like a car where you can just lift the hood and start working on the bike, its all sorts of nuts and bolts you gotta get through.

My bike runs perfectly now and i'm happy, but yet still in pain. lol THANKS KKIM and TheDUCK!

00NissanNinja · June 13th, 2011, 08:44 AM

Sweet nice job

It gets quicker the more you do it. 4hours actually sounds pretty good for the first time. Cars and bikes, they are the same to me. Both can be a PITA depending on what has to be done.

backinthesaddleagain · June 13th, 2011, 08:48 AM

Great job! Be proud of what you did and don't worry about the hours (this coming from someone who recently did a 3 hour oil change and safety wiring of my oil filter).

rceezy · June 13th, 2011, 08:50 AM

I love this thread! You're better than me! It's on my bucket list to work on my own bike, lol. <3

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 08:53 AM

thanks guys, it really does give a sense of accomplishment, in between my ohh and ahhs cuz of my back pain, I couldn't help but smile at how awesome of a grease monkey I am. lol

I guess its nice to know whats under the fairings. The bike isn't as pretty with all her skin on. lol

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rceezy

I love this thread! You're better than me! It's on my bucket list to work on my own bike, lol. <3

lol I send patience and Ibprofine your way! lol

TXJ · June 13th, 2011, 09:01 AM

Good job on the DIY maint.

Just be glad these bikes are easy to learn on with riding and maint. Wait until you are faced with taking a 16 valve inline 4 apart to do a valve adjustments. It will be one of the more frustrating weekends in your life.

Francis · June 13th, 2011, 10:22 AM

I gotta do this soon. I need to do a general cosmetic clean up before it's really Summer (it still rains sometimes in Vancouver).

I also gotta change my throttle cable, and I heard I gotta take off the tank to do that.

I'm worried I won't put it back properly. But then again, I'm pretty good with putting things back together.

rockNroll · June 13th, 2011, 10:45 AM

widow... did you get any bike grime/grease on your face?

Liber · June 13th, 2011, 10:58 AM

She did a better job than me. Apparently I can't even change my oil without stripping the bolt head on my oil filter...

rockNroll · June 13th, 2011, 11:02 AM

Doh!

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francis

I gotta do this soon. I need to do a general cosmetic clean up before it's really Summer (it still rains sometimes in Vancouver).

I also gotta change my throttle cable, and I heard I gotta take off the tank to do that.

I'm worried I won't put it back properly. But then again, I'm pretty good with putting things back together.

The tank was easy...just make sure you follow the DIY, the one listed in the forum is using an older model, apparently from 2008 to the 2010 there are very minor differences, but you'll figure it out...if I did, you definately could.

some of the wires below the tank have colors marked on them so its easy to figure out what goes where

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockNroll

widow... did you get any bike grime/grease on your face?

not just on my face...it was all over me! i get down and dirty with my projects apparently, my hands, face, clothes were covered in grease.

rockNroll · June 13th, 2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

not just on my face...it was all over me! i get down and dirty with my projects apparently, my hands, face, clothes were covered in grease.

pictures?

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 11:10 AM

didn't take any pictures of me...but i did of the bike as i was pulling things apart. Sorry Rock...yet again I dissappoint you with lack of visuals. lol

rockNroll · June 13th, 2011, 11:15 AM

hmph

nattygirl · June 13th, 2011, 11:38 AM

I knew you could do it!

Glad to hear your bikes up and running again. You've actually done more than me. I didn't bother with taking the whole carburetor out. It looked like it would be a PITA to take out.

And I 100% feel you on the aches and pains afterwards. Usually my lower back kills me the next day and my upper thighs/butt from squatting to work on the bike.

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nattygirl

I knew you could do it!

Glad to hear your bikes up and running again. You've actually done more than me. I didn't bother with taking the whole carburetor out. It looked like it would be a PITA to take out.

And I 100% feel you on the aches and pains afterwards. Usually my lower back kills me the next day and my upper thighs/butt from squatting to work on the bike.

If you didn't take the entire carb out, how did you get the needles out? I had open the cover, and I had to be super super careful not to ruin the screws, so I had to press down hard..then I flipped the carb over to have the needle drop down so I can put the washers on.

I had no choice but to take the entire carb out, I had to clean my jets...and since I had the carb out, I used compressed air to get into every hole I could find.

nattygirl · June 13th, 2011, 12:02 PM

You can access all of the screws without taking the whole carburetor out. It was a bit of a challenge though and I knew going into it that I probably would strip some screws. I had bought some new ones with the intention of replacing the stock ones because of the nightmares I had read about on the forums about stripping them. I have some hex screws in there now. They are a lot easier to get out than the stock ones.

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 12:04 PM

good to know...if I need to adjust the needles I'll make sure not to take the whole thing out.

Thanks girly!

Cuongism · June 13th, 2011, 12:08 PM

Nice job Paulette! Where was the fiance through all this?

For just shimming, a pair of tweezers does the trick. Also, 2008-2010 tanks should be the same. You're just one of the cool ones

with a CA bike which has 2 extra hoses on the tank.

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 12:12 PM

Daniel was standing by making sure I don't blow up my bike or if I couldn't lift or move something, he gave me extra pair of hands, but for the most part he wanted me to do it and learn.

kkim · June 13th, 2011, 12:14 PM

Wow, Paulette. Props to you for removing the carbs and doing the work.

To clean the jets, though, the carbs do need to come out.

When doing any job for the first time, I always allow twice the amount of time that I think it will take cause of all the learning and baby steps that happens when doing something for the first time.

BTW, how does the bike run now? Back to it's original self?

And how about pics with all the dirty/greasy clothes off just to show us how clean you were under all that filth?

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 12:24 PM

LOL oh Kim....you get an A for effort!

The bike runs better in my opinion, even the sound is better..its not choppy it like a smooth rumble. I LOVE IT! when i roll the throttle its not jerky either. funny how two little washer make such an improvement! Makes me wonder why the manufacturer doesn't just do that to begin with.

kkim · June 13th, 2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

Makes me wonder why the manufacturer doesn't just do that to begin with.

to meet emissions levels at idle.

onetruevibe · June 13th, 2011, 12:44 PM

Interested in coming to PA to shim mine?

Seriously. I do this in heartbeat if I thought I could pull it off.

Blackwidow · June 13th, 2011, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onetruevibe

Interested in coming to PA to shim mine?

Seriously. I do this in heartbeat if I thought I could pull it off.

Sure, but now knowing what i shall be faced with...it will cost you an arm, a leg and maybe a few other parts.

Yasko · June 13th, 2011, 03:27 PM

Great job...

It's very inspiring...

alex.s · June 13th, 2011, 07:46 PM

good job, paulette. you get extra hot points for doing carb work. does this mean you're actually going to ride with us now? :-P

HypnoKhaos · June 13th, 2011, 08:07 PM

yeah, like Alex says, and you can come to the next tech day and do another project.

Blackwidow · June 14th, 2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

good job, paulette. you get extra hot points for doing carb work. does this mean you're actually going to ride with us now? :-P

thank you! i still have one more major obsticle...FREEWAYS!

Blackwidow · June 14th, 2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drsketch

was the carb gummed up at all??

good job on doing all that!

not really... from KKim's picture his was all dark inside, mine I could actually see light from the other end, but i still used the compressed air.

Blackwidow · June 14th, 2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HypnoKhaos

yeah, like Alex says, and you can come to the next tech day and do another project.

i'm looking forward to it.

I forgot to mention, I also added my brake light modulator

rockNroll · June 14th, 2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackwidow

i'm looking forward to it.

I forgot to mention, I also added my brake light modulator

You go!

Flashmonkey · June 14th, 2011, 10:31 AM

All of this becomes easier when you do your work in a bikini, and take pictures every 5-10 minutes. Just an FYI.....

rockNroll · June 14th, 2011, 10:32 AM

Video also works

June 13th, 2011, 08:35 AM	#1
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	My first time working on my bike I wanted to share with everyone here that on saturday I officially for the FIRST time ever took apart my bike to clean the jets on the carb and i shimmed the needles. First off, I want to thank TheDuck and Kkim on providing the DIY threads and video, without those there is absolutely no way in hell I would be able to do as much as I did. Second, I have a complaint, why is it that you guys make it look so damn easy? It took me 4 freaking hours from the moment I took the fairings off to the moment I put them back on. My legs, arms and back are killing me. The carborator was HELL to take out and put back. I didn't want to take out the airbox so I wouldn't have more work on my plate, but man it was so difficult to do. But all in all i did it, I feel accomplished, but I gotta tell you..i probably won't be doing that again. I have new found respect for the bike mechanics, no wonder they charge an arm and a leg...its not like a car where you can just lift the hood and start working on the bike, its all sorts of nuts and bolts you gotta get through. My bike runs perfectly now and i'm happy, but yet still in pain. lol THANKS KKIM and TheDUCK! __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

June 13th, 2011, 08:44 AM	#2
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	Sweet nice job It gets quicker the more you do it. 4hours actually sounds pretty good for the first time. Cars and bikes, they are the same to me. Both can be a PITA depending on what has to be done. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

June 13th, 2011, 08:53 AM	#5
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	thanks guys, it really does give a sense of accomplishment, in between my ohh and ahhs cuz of my back pain, I couldn't help but smile at how awesome of a grease monkey I am. lol I guess its nice to know whats under the fairings. The bike isn't as pretty with all her skin on. lol __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

June 13th, 2011, 10:45 AM	#9
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	widow... did you get any bike grime/grease on your face? __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

June 13th, 2011, 11:02 AM	#11
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	Doh! __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

June 13th, 2011, 08:48 AM	#3
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	Great job! Be proud of what you did and don't worry about the hours (this coming from someone who recently did a 3 hour oil change and safety wiring of my oil filter).

June 13th, 2011, 08:50 AM	#4
rceezy Lean Me Name: RC Location: America Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 Posts: 678 Blog Entries: 4	I love this thread! You're better than me! It's on my bucket list to work on my own bike, lol. <3

June 13th, 2011, 09:01 AM	#7
TXJ Cranky Old Fart Name: TXJ Location: TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 DRZ400SM Posts: 189	Good job on the DIY maint. Just be glad these bikes are easy to learn on with riding and maint. Wait until you are faced with taking a 16 valve inline 4 apart to do a valve adjustments. It will be one of the more frustrating weekends in your life.

June 13th, 2011, 10:22 AM	#8
Francis ninjette.org newbie 2,000 Name: Francis Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 160	I gotta do this soon. I need to do a general cosmetic clean up before it's really Summer (it still rains sometimes in Vancouver). I also gotta change my throttle cable, and I heard I gotta take off the tank to do that. I'm worried I won't put it back properly. But then again, I'm pretty good with putting things back together.

June 13th, 2011, 10:58 AM	#10
Liber ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Arkansas Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): EX250J Posts: 511	She did a better job than me. Apparently I can't even change my oil without stripping the bolt head on my oil filter...

June 13th, 2011, 11:10 AM	#15
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	didn't take any pictures of me...but i did of the bike as i was pulling things apart. Sorry Rock...yet again I dissappoint you with lack of visuals. lol __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

June 13th, 2011, 11:15 AM	#16
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	hmph __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

June 13th, 2011, 11:38 AM	#17
nattygirl ninjette.org guru Name: Natalie Location: La Puente, CA Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455	I knew you could do it! Glad to hear your bikes up and running again. You've actually done more than me. I didn't bother with taking the whole carburetor out. It looked like it would be a PITA to take out. And I 100% feel you on the aches and pains afterwards. Usually my lower back kills me the next day and my upper thighs/butt from squatting to work on the bike. __________________________________________________ '10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents

June 13th, 2011, 12:02 PM	#19
nattygirl ninjette.org guru Name: Natalie Location: La Puente, CA Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Special Edition Red/Black Posts: 455	You can access all of the screws without taking the whole carburetor out. It was a bit of a challenge though and I knew going into it that I probably would strip some screws. I had bought some new ones with the intention of replacing the stock ones because of the nightmares I had read about on the forums about stripping them. I have some hex screws in there now. They are a lot easier to get out than the stock ones. __________________________________________________ '10 Ninja 250R SE Red/Blk Mods: Projekt D FE, Protons, HB Blk Windscreen, HIDs, TBR Blk Series Slip-On, Shogun Sliders, Solo Cowl, Integrated Tail Light, Gls Blk Rear Fender, Red Accents

June 13th, 2011, 12:04 PM	#20
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	good to know...if I need to adjust the needles I'll make sure not to take the whole thing out. Thanks girly! __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

June 13th, 2011, 12:08 PM	#21
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	Nice job Paulette! Where was the fiance through all this? For just shimming, a pair of tweezers does the trick. Also, 2008-2010 tanks should be the same. You're just one of the cool ones with a CA bike which has 2 extra hoses on the tank.

June 13th, 2011, 12:12 PM	#22
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Daniel was standing by making sure I don't blow up my bike or if I couldn't lift or move something, he gave me extra pair of hands, but for the most part he wanted me to do it and learn. __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

June 13th, 2011, 12:14 PM	#23
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Wow, Paulette. Props to you for removing the carbs and doing the work. To clean the jets, though, the carbs do need to come out. When doing any job for the first time, I always allow twice the amount of time that I think it will take cause of all the learning and baby steps that happens when doing something for the first time. BTW, how does the bike run now? Back to it's original self? And how about pics with all the dirty/greasy clothes off just to show us how clean you were under all that filth?

June 13th, 2011, 12:24 PM	#24
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	LOL oh Kim....you get an A for effort! The bike runs better in my opinion, even the sound is better..its not choppy it like a smooth rumble. I LOVE IT! when i roll the throttle its not jerky either. funny how two little washer make such an improvement! Makes me wonder why the manufacturer doesn't just do that to begin with. __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

June 13th, 2011, 12:44 PM	#26
onetruevibe Love Rival Name: Brian Location: Western PA Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 449	Interested in coming to PA to shim mine? Seriously. I do this in heartbeat if I thought I could pull it off. __________________________________________________ “Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Dwight Edwards

June 13th, 2011, 03:27 PM	#28
Yasko Texas Newbie Name: John Location: D/FW Texas Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.	Great job... It's very inspiring...

June 13th, 2011, 07:46 PM	#29
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	good job, paulette. you get extra hot points for doing carb work. does this mean you're actually going to ride with us now? :-P __________________________________________________

June 13th, 2011, 08:07 PM	#30
HypnoKhaos Deep inside...your mind.. Name: Jeremy Location: Yucaipa Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja Zx6r 636 Posts: 110	yeah, like Alex says, and you can come to the next tech day and do another project. __________________________________________________ Nothing is true, everything is permitted.

June 14th, 2011, 10:31 AM	#35
Flashmonkey Professional belly dancer Name: James Location: Toronto Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.	All of this becomes easier when you do your work in a bikini, and take pictures every 5-10 minutes. Just an FYI.....

June 14th, 2011, 10:32 AM	#36
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	Video also works __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

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