Peder_y2k

'Cause I wouldn't have to change it every couple years. I could ignore it like my cars automatic transmission fluid that I will change at 150,000 miles, or 15 years whichever comes first. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I drove by a Holiday Inn once. Isn't that good enough? Even walked in the front door and asked for the password to the router so I could use my laptop (not for dancing). -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

It has been my impression that brake fluid will absorb water so that the water will not pool in the cylinder and cause corrosion. That's why the mfr. suggests a regimen of flushing every couple years, so as to remove the water before the fluid becomes saturated with water and pools. I'm beginning to think about switching fluids for the clutch, since I'm now repairing the system and have it open. The advantage of using hydraulic fluid (jack oil, ATF, etc.) is that one can use waterproof grease to help seal the dust covers etc. keeping water out. Brake fluid seem to be incompatible with grease. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. -Pete, in Tacoma Wa USA

For the clutch system, why brake fluid instead of hydraulic fluid? I know for brakes, the fluid can get very hot from the brake friction, but the clutch mechanism is not subject to high heat, so why not use hydraulic fluid? ('88VR clutch system) Does water absorption have something to do with it? Inquiring minds want to know.......... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I found it helped to move the shift rod by rotating the shifter. That freed the cylinder and came right out. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Wet spot reappeared under bike this morning. Now to get to work on it knowing the issue is not transitory. Thanx for all the input............ -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Let's hope the ashtray is full. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I believe in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" principle, but last week my '88VR (52,000miles) showed evidence of the clutch slave cylinder leaking with fluid dripping from the crankcase that was not oil or coolant. Refilled the master with a very small quantity of fluid to 'top-up' and went for a 100 mile ride with clutch functioning properly. Surprisingly, next morning I checked and there was no wetness or loss of fluid. All surfaces dry. Could this have been a transitory situation, or preliminary evidence that repairs are soon in my future? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Hey!!! I resemble that remark....... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

And buy gas regularly from stations selling fuel with a quality fuel system cleaner additive. In the western US, those stations include Union76, Chevron, Texaco, and Shell. Arco has a cleaner now, but of dubious quality. There is a station near me that sells fuel with no cleaner, and at the same price as their competitors with cleaner. If the station doesn't post the info, ask questions. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I think it looks great the way it is. For my '88VR, I chose to take the vent assembly off completely to aid engine cooling. In my region of the country, high temps are moderate, so I have no complaint of excessive heat. On colder days, the heat is welcome on my legs. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Hmm Do I have to let out the clutch for that to cut off the engine? Yes, under those circumstances, letting the clutch lever out will cause the engine shut-off function (safety interlock) for a system working properly . -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Well that's 4 of them so far. I guess they are not so rare afterall. That being said, I'm still looking for the common everyday fairing edge/corner chrome trims, the one that covers the outer corners under the mirrors. I'd swap my cover for the corner chrome trims. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I have one!!!! And only one, in perfect condition. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

BTW, how does one straighten a slightly kinked speedometer cable jacket? My '88VR speedo system works fine, but the outer sheath is visibly 'bent' and any separation of the windings of the sheath can let water in leading to......... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I'm hoping the daughter is not going to learn to ride on a beautifully restored GS550. All that money spent and then high potential for new pavement rash? I hope I'm wrong. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

My 88VR had a blinking "N" that was fixed by cleaning the contacts of the switch with steel wool. I removed the switch from the engine block and cleaned it with a carb cleaner to get the oil off, then used the steel wool to brighten the contact points. Worked well for my situation. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Never thought of that. Will need to check it out. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

'88VR The gear indicator switch continues to leak despite a new factory o-ring and proper installation. No cracks in unit. Shows wetness at the soldered wire-contact points. I'm suspecting oil is leaking right past some of the contact leads where they pass thru the plastic housing. This may be fixable by thoroughly cleaning the unit and then coating the outside with some sealer such as RTV. Thoughts? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Think CHROME!! Do the whole bike and trailer in chrome. Buy on e-bay. $ is no-so-bad. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Great idea!! I would add a velcro pulltab to the o-ring, and glue the tab material back-to-back leaving either the fuzzy side or the hooky side out for better grip. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Good question! I trimmed down some aluminum ball studs that were laying around in a shop drawer. No idea where they came from, but I had enough for my repairs. Now I'm on a lookout for same...just in case! BTW, there are ball studs at the ends of many small gas struts..... might even come close in size and configuration. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Yes, it will FIT, but is slightly bigger/different in the passenger seat area. It is also older, and the foam is more prone to collapsing under ones weight placing pressure points from the frame on the inner thighs/butt area. Unless, of course, you weigh under 150lbs. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Didja ever consider it could be the Canadian BEER you've been drinking? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Thanks.........just ordered one. Will mount it on my VR. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA