San Diego Tech Day (April 2011)

[Cuongism]

Hey SD'ers!

Wanted to see if we can agree on a time and place for a tech day in April. I personally have a weird weekend schedule this month, so the days I'm fully available are Sunday April 10th or Saturday April 30th. I'm also available after 3 pm on Saturdays April 16th and 23rd. Hopefully one of these can work, but definitely throw out the days you guys are available and I'll see if I can make it.

For the venue, I know Keven (Teamgreen) has offered his garage in Chula Vista. Let us know if the offer is still good or if anyone else has garage space as well.

Also, start listing on what you guys need to work on (general maintenance, mods, etc). I personally need an oil change, valve check, and I am planning on getting a rear shock mod and stainless steel brake lines.

I can do any kind of general maintenance (chain adjustment, oil changes, cable lubing, etc) and I've also done a valve check, fork oil change, and woodcraft clipons.

Once a venue is decided, we can talk about what tools we may need to bring in order to do the maintenance we're planning. Hopefully this can be educational for everyone and encourage everyone to work on their own bikes

Keven, I'll definitely walk you through the valve check if you still want the help. When I did mine at 7k miles, my valves were all still good and on the looser end so I actually haven't had to swap out any shims yet.

[CZroe]

Is the valve check really the kind of thing we can do at one of these? I mean, I thought the bike needs to be cooled overnight according to all the dealers I've talked to. I'd LOVE to get it done this way, but I am NOT mechanically inclined and would be mostly dead weight. I guess I'd need to buy a shim assortment in advance, but what else?

[Cuongism]

The valve check would be done last since the engine does need to be cooled. Once you strip down the bike, you can have a fan blowing on the engine. I did all the other maintenance (oil change, wheel bearings, cable lubing, etc) while the bike was stripped that when I was done, the engine was cold. Draining hot oil seems to definitely help quicken the process.

Technically, these items I'm gonna list can be reused, but I suggest changing them while you're in there: spark plugs, valve cover gasket, and coolant.

[TeamGreen]

What up Cuong? My garage is always open to you ninjetters, Lets lock down a saturday so I can get it off work since I normally work weekends. Not sure what project I want to take on but I'm sure I can find something if the valve check is too ambitious. I have a decent tool assortment and a rear spool stand but if theres something else we'll need someone can bring it or I guess i'll be forced to buy more tools.

As far as dates, i'm out of town sat the 16th.

[Cuongism]

Also, if we do a valve check at the tech day, I assumed it would be Keven's (or whoever's garage we're in) since their bike's engine would be coldest. Just as an fyi, checking valves on a non-stone cold engine would give you a tighter reading.

[Cazper]

I'm probably just going to do an oil change and some basic maintenance. I'd like to say I'll be adding a mod or 2, but thats probably not gonna happen. As for dates... I'm planning to go to the ticket to ride on Sat the 9th and Sun the 10th... but could work around that because I'm also signed up for Sat the 30th and Sun the 1st of April. I'm flexible... set it and I'll make it!

[CZroe]

I do work most Saturdays (one off per month) so I'll wait and see what you guys pick to see if I get it off.

[Cazper]

Change 1... my wife allowed me to order my clip ons!!! So depending on when this tech day goes down... I may have a set of clip ons that I wouldn't mind some help with!!

[Cuongism]

Sweet! You've already taken of your bar ends so no need for a torch. We gotta do shocks too though!

[CZroe]

New bar ends and grips (I do have a mini-torch)
Sportisi hugger
Sportisi undertail
Hexagonal mesh to bend/paint/install (I probably have extra)
Valve job
Spark plugs
Slow coolant leak to fix + needed coolant flush
Oil change (have extra K&N filters and extra Rotella T6)
Diagnose running condition (smelly exhaust; seems to be running rich)
And so on...

I feel like I'd be taking advantage of everyone if I showed up with all my needed stuff, especially considering how much help I'd need (wouldn't know what I was doing!).

[Havok]

I am in for oil change and lube all around for sure. I won't get my levers by then though. If anyone has a dremel I would like to do a fender chop as well.

I can't do the 1st though as I am moving this weekend.

[Cuongism]

I have a dremel that I can bring. Anyone have tools for a carb sync? If not, hope you guys like wine

[Cazper]

Originally Posted by Cuongism

...Anyone have tools for a carb sync?...

What would that include exactly? Also, what do I need to get for my bar ends to work with the woodcrafts? Also, you mentioned rejetting... do I actually have to buy a kit for that or is it just washers?

[Cuongism]

For the bar ends, I still have extra parts if you need (5/16 fuel hose, screw and nut). I have a couple extra jets (94, 96, 98, and maybe 100) by dynojet if you want to try it out. Jetting really isn't a one day thing though to get right.

For carb syncing, just curious if anyone has an electronic syncer. If not, two bottles, cork, and tubing can be used.

[Cazper]

So I don't need anything for my bar ends then? I'll do some research on the exhaust I have and see if I can find out what others might have used for rejetting... you are the man bro!!!

[CZroe]

I think I need to replace my chain but I can only find 110 links in the color I want. Is it possible to just remove extra links? anyone have the equipment for that?

[Havok]

If we have a torch I may get new grips and bar ends as well. Time to get some mods other then decals on this thing lol

[Cuongism]

Originally Posted by Havok

If we have a torch I may get new grips and bar ends as well. Time to get some mods other then decals on this thing lol

Jeff, I can bring a butane torch. If we have the venue at Chula Vista, will you be attending that one or should we look for a place more in between?

[CZroe]

Updated my list:
New bar ends and grips; perhaps heated (I do have a mini "pencil torch")
Sportisi hugger
Sportisi undertail
Hexagonal mesh to bend/paint/install (I probably have extra)
Valve job
Spark plugs
Slow coolant leak to fix + needed coolant flush
Oil change (have extra K&N filters and extra Rotella T6)
Diagnose running condition (smelly exhaust; seems to be running rich)
Tag relocator and wiring
Chain replacement (once again: can I cut a 110 link to 106 link?)
Tire change (I can bring rim protectors and spoons but I have never had much success with them)

I may also have an integrated tail light. by then.

I won't be able to order anything until April 1st. If I have enough money, I plan to order extra supplies... wellnuts, signal bulbs, etc. Where is the cheapest place to order wellnuts if I'm ordering enough for everyone?

Of course, all this is assuming that we pick a day I can actually attend.

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Jeff, I can bring a butane torch. If we have the venue at Chula Vista, will you be attending that one or should we look for a place more in between?

Should I bother bringing my mini pencil torch?

I have a feeling that it makes it a lot easier to heat only the screw (doesn't matter to me because my bar ends are already discolored, which is why I want to replace them).

Also, what about dropping the bike off the night before so that it will be cool enough for a valve service? Is anyone coming who actually has the expertise for this (I need a lot more than just tools!) or should I just pay a pro and do everything else I can there?

[Havok]

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Jeff, I can bring a butane torch. If we have the venue at Chula Vista, will you be attending that one or should we look for a place more in between?

Nope chula vista is fine I'll ride anywhere and it seems that one is the best option for more people. Thanks for the consideration on the location though.

[TeamGreen]

Hey guys, was out of town the last couple days getting my last snow trip in.

As far as tools figure out what you need and i'll let you know what i've got on your list. I have a pencil torch but we should probably have a couple.

If someone would really like to leave their bike the day before I can arrange for it to be garaged there. I'll keep checking for a date but the sooner I know the better.

[Cazper]

I actually will have 2 mods to do (that is if I don't end up doing them before this...lol) After nearly 8 months (when group buy started as a feeler) I am finally getting my Sportisi rear hugger on Thursday!!! Also, my woodcraft clipons will be here on Friday (which took plenty of convincing but only 5 days since I ordered...lol). I'm super stoked... just not sure when this tech day is going down as to whether or not I wait to install or just go it solo...lol. LETS DO IT!!!

[phr3ek]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I think I need to replace my chain but I can only find 110 links in the color I want. Is it possible to just remove extra links? anyone have the equipment for that?

yes, you need a chain breaker/riveting tool ~$100

motion pro has 'em
RK (the chain co.) also has them

what do you need the torch for?

[Cuongism]

How's april 10th for everyone? We can do the ticket to ride in the am and then ride to Keven's place?

[CZroe]

I get Saturday the 16th off. I may be able to swap with someone at work to get Saturday the 23rd or 30th off. If we do this on a Sunday, I probably won't be able to attend this time, but I wasn't counting on it anyway so don't plan around me.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by phr3ek

yes, you need a chain breaker/riveting tool ~$100

motion pro has 'em
RK (the chain co.) also has them

Thanks. And, yeah, I know how much the tool costs even though I didn't know it could remove links. That's why I'm wondering if someone who's going has one already.

Originally Posted by phr3ek

what do you need the torch for?

Bar ends.

[Cazper]

The 10th works for me... and I might actually be able to wait until then to install my parts... maybe...lol.
Posted via Mobile Device

[phr3ek]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Thanks. And, yeah, I know how much the tool costs even though I didn't know it could remove links. That's why I'm wondering if someone who's going has one already.


Bar ends.

do a tri-color chain!

bar ends?
idk how that works but i was able to take the oem ones off with a big ass phillips

[TeamGreen]

Just throwing this out there...

I'm currently scheduled to work the 10th but if that's the best day then i'll try to get it covered.

[Cazper]

lol... might have been important to clear it through you first

[TeamGreen]

Originally Posted by Cazper

lol... might have been important to clear it through you first

I can probably swing it, just need to know pretty soon.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by phr3ek

do a tri-color chain!

bar ends?
idk how that works but i was able to take the oem ones off with a big ass phillips

Are you sure someone didn't take them off before you? They're usually on there pretty good thanks to the permanent thread locker that Kawi uses on 'em. Getting it really hot breaks it down.

[Cuongism]

I was hoping to see more people respond as well. I wanted this day to be more for people who have been reluctant to do their own maintenance and to involve them in the process. There must be more SD'ers out there who'd like to learn how to do a $15 oil change and save on dealer costs, or learn how to shim for pennies and get a better responding bike.

PS where's alex? I want to see his R1 shock

[alex.s]

i really need to check the forums more often. i need to change my fluids and lubes and the ticket2ride sounds like a great idea. if you want to do a shock install p.m. me and we'll talk about how you want to do it so you can order parts (theres 3 popular ways to do it, a few not so popular)... if you have everything it's a quick change.
does anyone have any spare carb jets? i want to drop my airbox and go to pods but i don't have my leftover needles from the kit i had... and i'm not sure i want to buy a new one hah

[Cuongism]

Yes alex, definitely pm the parts I need and how to get them.

What sizes do you need? I have extra dynojet main jets, sizes 94-98 (I think they're keihin equivalents to 96-100). I might have larger sizes, but gotta dig them up. I haven't jetted since last June.

[phr3ek]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Are you sure someone didn't take them off before you? They're usually on there pretty good thanks to the permanent thread locker that Kawi uses on 'em. Getting it really hot breaks it down.

i bought mine new, so no, i was the only one to touch them
they used red loctite, and quite a bit too

i used a fat phillips head/bit attached to a socket wrench
you're prolly thinking i just used a regular phillips driver

[Cazper]

If you can bring whatever jets you have that would be great as I would like to try to smooth out my bike as well... I'll try to do as much research as I can because I know you said it isn't necessarily a one shot thing.

I think we actually got quite a bit of interest... and I for one even if I do my mods already would definitely like guidance on engine work as I know basically nothing about that. Hopefully we pin down when we are going to do this as I think it'll be an awesome event!!!

FYI... I also didn't need to use a torch on my bar ends and mine was a new bike as well that within the first couple months I had switched out the bar ends... just sayin

[Cuongism]

Hey Keven,
Let us know if you can pull off the 10th. If not, let's start throwing up some other possible dates.

[alex.s]

sounds like we've got one gsxr shock install planned now as well... someone aught to bring a camera and document the upgrades

[TeamGreen]

I'll start working on getting the 10th off then.

Someone help me pick a project. Carb shimming? I'd like to do the valve check as long as it's a one day project. I want to ride home. Did an oil change recently so got that covered..