Trial and Error

       Not advancing as quickly as I'd like to on the project, but moving steadily. I finally figured out how the engine comes apart.  I thought it was seized together, turns out I had missed a bolt in the sludge!  Go figure.  Next time, clean it thoroughly! And when I think I'm done, clean it again.








        Ren once again came to the rescue and helped me tear the motor into pieces and spill out its innards. Man is she ever sexy inside! Clean as a whistle.  The only pitfall the motor has that I can find is a weak center bearing on the crank. It unfortunately clicks as you rotate it.

Research is key. Since I didn't know how to take a triple crank apart, I set to trolling the internet for resources.  I had come across a great site, Suzuki2strokes.com that specializes in Suzuki street bikes, specifically Suzuki triples. With a few write ups that are on the site, I think I have a fairly good idea of what I need to do.

Tonight I finally got around to taking the original swingarm off the bike and semi mocking up the single sided swingarm to it. Does it ever look like what I envisioned!  She's a beaut!

Now all that's left is to machine either the chassis or the swingarm or a combination of both, down to accept the width the RFV400 swingarm has.  I think it's looking great so far. 

A 2003 R6 front rim arrives Tuesday, which I'm really looking forward to.  On order is a set of Micheline Pilot Pure's 3 rubbers to wrap around the 17" front and 18" rear rim.

Leaps and Bounds

Just before I left on my honeymoon, I had ordered and got delivered the front steering head bearings for the bike.  If you have never heard of them, or haven't checked out their site, go to Allballsracing.com (No I'm not getting paid for this advertisement!).  They have an awesome directory that allows you to match the bike you have with the front end you want to mate to it and get the proper bearing sizes!  No steering stem or neck modifications necessary.   Ecstatic with my purchase I set to installing the bearings on the bike.

Installation was super simple and straight forward. The real pain was not buying the special nuts and washers that hold the triple tree to the chassis when I purchased the front end.  Live and learn. Do remember that steering head bearings need to be packed with grease prior to installation.  If not, it can lead to premature head wear and can be dangerous.

 

Clip-ons and folding, adjustable levers went on pretty quick with excitement to see some progress on the bike.