I need a little DIY maintenance help.

[seanery]

I've been riding the Duc since I got home from my 2 1/2 year gig overseas a few weeks ago. Today I installed a new air filter, I'm in the process of flushing the coolant, then I'll change the oil and this weekend I'll go back to the factory spark plugs. I also got some Michelin Pilot Road 3s to go on as well.

I have a few questions:

First, the flush and fill seems to be quite the pain in the ass to do. It's very slow. I removed the drain plug at the pump drained the coolant then ran water through the system. Then I filled the overflow and ran the motor a bit, it didn't do anything so I removed the hose at the top of the radiator and filled the radiator, then buttoned it up and ran it again. This time I got the system to show a temp on the gauge. When it got over 175 I shut it down and I'm waiting for the bike to cool down and will add water to try to get it full. I'm shooting for a 70/30 mix. Am I going about this the right way? Is there a trick to make it faster?

Next, since I took the tank off to swap out the air filter I'm not happy with how it's remounted. Does anyone have photos or a very good verbal description of the front where the tank meets the frame. What I see doesn't seem 100% right but it was mounted solid before I took it off. I see a rubber disc mounted on the frame with a screw or bolt head sticking up about a centimeter. It looks like the whole thing should fit in the recess of the tank but the bolt keeps it propped up and the tank seems to be able to wobble a bit side to side. Ideas? Suggestions?

Last, I'm thinking some new grips would be nice. Does anyone have any recommendations on grips that will be comfortable and look correct on the bike?

Thanks for your help guys! If I can I may try to get an iPhone pic or two of the tank mount.

-Sean

[rhythminblues]

My .2$ would be; the only grips I have ever used are Renthal Road Race full diamond grips. They feel like your a part of the bike-hardwired...

[seanery]

Here are some pics, one is from the top the other is from below. I hope that helps a bit.

[giarcg]

The rubber disk should be there, I have no idea why you have a bolt and nut. The bolt head is obviously making hard contact with the tank (not good) based on the paint. This mount supports the tank, the side panels and rear bolts stabilize it. You can reference the Parts Catalogue available elsewhere on this website.

Regarding the cooling system the only thing I can add is the need to bleed air at the rear cylinder's water inlet (high point). There is a bolt that can be removed for that purpose.

It just occurred to me, I'e never lifted the rubber cup on my frame to see what is under it...could it be that yours is missing entirely?

[Mc tool]

I think you are missing the rubber bit and that someone has fitted a bolt to give correct space ( the post is threaded )


I also had to repair the tank where the tube mount thing is welded to the underside of the tank . I cut the tube right off , trimmed 2mm off the length , welded a ( about 100mm ) square bit of 2mm plate to the tank and refitted ( welded ) the tube mount back on , you can see the weld just under the front edge of the tank

[Jaffa]

If you havent fitted the top of the airbox correctly, this can also contact the tank and not allow it to seat properly.

But, i would suggest the bolt/mounting cushion is the main culprit. It if aint there, sloppy tank.

Cheers.

[Mc tool]

This supports not only the tank but pretty much all the fairing weight too

[seanery]

- Thanks for the photos, I'm definitely missing that rubber disk. I'll have to make or find a replacement for that.

[giarcg]

I think you are missing the rubber bit and that someone has fitted a bolt to give correct space ( the post is threaded )

Bingo!

[seanery]

Can anyone give me some dimensions are their rubber puck?

Thanks!
-sean

[Mc tool]

35mm dia , 18mm hi , hole is 15mm deep and 10mm in dia. recess around hole is 22mm in dia and 3-4mm deep
hope you can make sense of this

[streetsurfer]

might a shock absorber bushing work temporarily?

[seanery]

thanks for the info, shock rubber sounds like an interesting place to start!

[du907]

When I flush my 907 cooling system, I remove the hose coming out of the bottom of the thermostat and flush. There is a bleed screw on the hose connector that the rubber hose from the rear head to cylinder connects to. Remove the screw and fill up the system from the overflow tank until water/fluid comes out of the bleed screw hole. Crank the engine and let it warm until the fan comes on. Then top of the overflow tank with fluid. I usually ride my around the block wthout the fairings and watch the temp. gauge. I use water and "water wetter" additive.

[seanery]

I made my own tank washer. It's a bunch of rubber fender washers laminated together with a good rubber glue. I'll enlarge the inner hole tomorrow if I find it to be too small. Outer dimension is almost spot on, just slightly too big, but I can fix that easily tomorrow as well! =)