Winter Motorcycle Plans?

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mimico_polak

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I know I know it's early still, and lots of riding left. I've got the big ride planned this Sunday with a fellow GTAMer or two, and then MAYBE my wife will be cool with a ride through Algonquin for the fall leaf colour change. But after that...pretty sure I'm done.

The Scrambler has shown it's true chops last week and it was a blast, so now while it's still technically for 'sale'...I'm quite sure I'm going to keep it. Got it on a nice front paddock stand where I can park upright after each trip.

But it got me thinking...what will need to be done this winter to it?

Bike is coming up on 24k (after Sunday) so it'll be time for some heavy maintenance. I'm still debating doing the DESMO myself. I'm confident in doing the belts...not so confident in the valves so a trailer out to Ducati Ken may be in order if he accepts bikes in Oct/Nov. Main benefit would be if I sell the bike I can show a receipt and show that 'hey see...DESMO was done! Not lying I swear!'.

Besides that some items for consideration to be done by me...

- Chain + sprocket replacement
- Front brake pad replacement (lots of life left but want to try EBC for better bite)
- Brake fluid system full flush and replacement
- Oil change
- Spark plugs

I have an air filter laying around, but when I checked a few months ago the one in there is super clean so not a priority.

Maybe play around with the windshield or buy a new one...maybe.

And if I feel REALLY adventurous...I want to replace the current handlebars with the lower bars from RENTHAL I got from previous owner...but this one seems very daunting for me.

Anyone else planning some works? Or too early?
 
Sell my bike. Have given up on riding on the street for the time being. Too many horrible drivers, not enough good roads nearby on which to avoid them. Having to ride through Toronto or into the US for anything with a corner worth travelling to has pretty much killed it for me. I'm keeping the Burgman as a backup set of wheels and to keep the insurance streak alive (FU insurance company scammers), and picking up a folding trailer in the spring to start trackdays in earnest. Aiming for at least one a month from May to September.

2018 Tuono RR with just over 7,000 kms and full K-Tech front and rear is up for less than average. Would happily do a deal for a fellow GTAM'er, though have had plenty of interest (going away tomorrow until Sunday, have a few lined up to look next week.)
 
Priller said:
Sell my bike. Have given up on riding on the street for the time being. Too many horrible drivers, not enough good roads nearby on which to avoid them. Having to ride through Toronto or into the US for anything with a corner worth travelling to has pretty much killed it for me. I'm keeping the Burgman as a backup set of wheels and to keep the insurance streak alive (FU insurance company scammers), and picking up a folding trailer in the spring to start trackdays in earnest. Aiming for at least one a month from May to September.

2018 Tuono RR with just over 7,000 kms and full K-Tech front and rear is up for less than average. Would happily do a deal for a fellow GTAM'er, though have had plenty of interest (going away tomorrow until Sunday, have a few lined up to look next week.)
Click to expand...
That's awesome, and I fully understand that. I've always wanted to try track, but then I guess I would need a different bike than the Scrambler...and a truck...or something to tow said trailer with.

Isn't there like a 'hey newbies, come over and do a few laps for $X dollars during the day' where I could take the Scrambler?
 
Wind Shear said:
Belts and Desmo for first time on a 4v.

Peruse FBM and Kijiji for decent 30 year old sport bikes and never pull the trigger.
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Maybe I'll bring my bike over and you can walk me through the Desmo service...I'm sure it'll cost me dearly.
 
mimico_polak said:
That's awesome, and I fully understand that. I've always wanted to try track, but then I guess I would need a different bike than the Scrambler...and a truck...or something to tow said trailer with.

Isn't there like a 'hey newbies, come over and do a few laps for $X dollars during the day' where I could take the Scrambler?
Click to expand...
Start with track school like racer 5. Small bikes, big learning.
 
My bike has approx 25-26K on it. There are some recommended service items to be done based on the kms. i.e. replacing fluids, valve check etc.
I may want to have the valve clearance checked but I don't know if I want to do that myself. However, from my research they typically do not need any adjusting till the 100K and higher km mark. Fluids I can do myself.

I got new brakes pads today so I will inspect my brakes and see if they need replacing. For sure I will do the season oil change. Maybe rear tire swap too.

I don't think think I will be adding any accessories this year, especially ones that require power.

I may check on that steering head bearing and replace it.
 
mimico_polak said:
That's awesome, and I fully understand that. I've always wanted to try track, but then I guess I would need a different bike than the Scrambler...and a truck...or something to tow said trailer with.

Isn't there like a 'hey newbies, come over and do a few laps for $X dollars during the day' where I could take the Scrambler?
Click to expand...
Plenty of options for that.

But, my advice would be to register for a proper track day/intro to race event. It would be at least 2 days, but the family could come out and watch for most of it likely.

Myself, @bigpoppa @Soulcatcher668 and someone else? Did Racer 5 in the last year, I believe we would all recommend it to anyone.
 
I have to pull the rear tire off my new ride and give the whole back end some TLC. On the ride up the JBR in June my drive belt ingested a rock big enough to pull the belt off the rear pulley, and the belt wound up between the tire and the suspension arm. We got it out, massaged it back on, and I've been riding the bike untouched since, but I really need to both inspect things, possibly replace the belt (it suffered a tiny bit of carnage, but surprisingly little...and belts are tough), and replace part of my rear pulley which was bent all to hell - we straightened it out on the side of the JBR 100km either side of nowhere using a 3 foot long 1x2 signpost stick we found in the ditch.

I bought the stick home and it's now hanging in my cabana in the backyard. Stick has history now. Stick saved our *****.
 
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mimico_polak said:
I know I know it's early still, and lots of riding left. I've got the big ride planned this Sunday with a fellow GTAMer or two, and then MAYBE my wife will be cool with a ride through Algonquin for the fall leaf colour change. But after that...pretty sure I'm done.

The Scrambler has shown it's true chops last week and it was a blast, so now while it's still technically for 'sale'...I'm quite sure I'm going to keep it. Got it on a nice front paddock stand where I can park upright after each trip.

But it got me thinking...what will need to be done this winter to it?

Bike is coming up on 24k (after Sunday) so it'll be time for some heavy maintenance. I'm still debating doing the DESMO myself. I'm confident in doing the belts...not so confident in the valves so a trailer out to Ducati Ken may be in order if he accepts bikes in Oct/Nov. Main benefit would be if I sell the bike I can show a receipt and show that 'hey see...DESMO was done! Not lying I swear!'.

Besides that some items for consideration to be done by me...

- Chain + sprocket replacement
- Front brake pad replacement (lots of life left but want to try EBC for better bite)
- Brake fluid system full flush and replacement
- Oil change
- Spark plugs

I have an air filter laying around, but when I checked a few months ago the one in there is super clean so not a priority.

Maybe play around with the windshield or buy a new one...maybe.

And if I feel REALLY adventurous...I want to replace the current handlebars with the lower bars from RENTHAL I got from previous owner...but this one seems very daunting for me.

Anyone else planning some works? Or too early?
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Handlebar change is a piece of cake.

If I owned a Ducati, I’d probably try it myself.

I’m going to tackle a refresh on my 69 Triumph TR25. Needs paint, new wiring harness and a mikuni carb conversion.

Next will be a weeping fork seals on my Vstrom.

That’s enough ambition for one winter.
 
@Mad Mike
How many clicks on that VStrom?
 
mimico_polak said:
That's awesome, and I fully understand that. I've always wanted to try track, but then I guess I would need a different bike than the Scrambler...and a truck...or something to tow said trailer with.

Isn't there like a 'hey newbies, come over and do a few laps for $X dollars during the day' where I could take the Scrambler?
Click to expand...
A track school is a good idea, but Shannonville has a handful of "novice only" days throughout the season if you just want to dip your toe in: Motorcycle Lapping Days – Shannonville Motorsport Park They also run evening sessions on some Tuesdays: Two-Wheel Tuesday – Shannonville Motorsport Park
 
Ash said:
A track school is a good idea, but Shannonville has a handful of "novice only" days throughout the season if you just want to dip your toe in: Motorcycle Lapping Days – Shannonville Motorsport Park They also run evening sessions on some Tuesdays: Two-Wheel Tuesday – Shannonville Motorsport Park
Click to expand...

Can guys on giant highway couches run these? I can ride hard and can get my lean on right to the very bleeding edge of my couches abilities lol. But it's still a couch.
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