Peder_y2k

RULE #1 DO NOT ROTATE THE CAMSHAFT WITHOUT SHIMS IN BUCKET. Don't ask me how I know........... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

From a design aspect, I can't agree with the new battery location position. Needs to be all the way down to the bottom of the side case for adequate load bearing. Where you have it now MAY result in a shock load failure of the support system/sidecase. At the bottom, stress will be carried by the sidecase support steel frame. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

It's not that hard to hook up the synch tool again to confirm. You will know one way or the other, and no longer be concerned. On my '88VR, if I have the least suspicion, I quickly remove the side covers exposing the carbs and hook up my equipment. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

The normal exhaust pollutants are merely catching up with you! Next time, don't have a friend do the work, hire a professional. BTW, check the cold start enrichment system (choke). -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

X - Experimental V - V configuration of cylinders Z - rhyms with V -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA - been to Japan, so I know how they think. They achieved their goal - you bought one!

Thanks for all the input............ I'm on the right track. I may glue the plate to the ABS trunk wall, and rather than pop rivet, use sheet metal screws into the aluminum trim. Got my generic aluminum plate 4"x10"x1/8" at local ACE Hdwe $5.00. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Cracks have appeared in the ABS trunk at the backrest mounting location. I've planned to repair/reinforce with a 6"x8" aircraft aluminum plate pop riveted externaly to both the metal trim piece and ABS trunk wall, then remount the backrest thru the plate. Stress forces are now focused on the reinforcing plate, and difused before transfer to the ABS. This plate will be concealed by the passanger backrest, and only the pop rivets will be visible inside the trunk. Maybe I should use thru bolts with fender washers in the ABS instead of pop rivets........ ideas/input/critique? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Buy polyurethane hose in either clear or black. No substitute. About $1.50/ft (US) -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Adjust the valves (26K/52K/78K miles), Redo carbs. Steering head bearings. etc. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Not knowing, I hesitate to answer, but I suspect the clutch. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Wild guess, but could be water in the fuel from the last fill-up. Been raining there lately? If there is a way to drain the contents of each carb, then one can look for water in the catch container, as it will sink to the bottom of the fuel. If water is confirmed, add a water dispersant to the fuel tank, such as Heet or similar that absorbs the water and burns it up with the engine running.... or, drain the whole fuel tank and separate the water out by pouring the gas off leaving the water behind. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA ''88VR

Sounds like you've made good choices so far. Don't neglect the condition of the slide bores, and slides and diphragms. Also confirm the diaphragm slide spring free lengths, as they should all be identical, or within 2mm. Be precise in adjusting the floats because fluid level inside the carb is critical for CV carbs. When everything is near perfect, best fuel economy AND performance can be excpected. -Pete, in Tacoma Wa USA '88VR

I suspect your flushing procedure resulted in an air bubble deep in the engine. Bleeding bubbles out of the cooling system is required on these machines. The air expands with steam forming inside it that pushes coolant up into, and out of the overflow tank, and piddles on the floor via the drain tube. The system is probably air free now on its own. Just check that the overflow tank is at proper fluid level. One can double check the system by removing the radiator cap (cold) and confirming the radiator is completely full to the top. This check causes fluid to run out of the overflow tank via the tank-radiator hose, so be prepared, or pinch it closed with a clamp. Then refill the overflow tank -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Last tankful riding 2-up country 2 lane hwy, some stop-n-go, and some freeway 70mph driving 'gently' in fair cool weather flatland adventures netted 49mpg. Think I can do better. 'Gently' means slower roll-ons, shifting up sooner without lugging, and not exceeding posted speed limits. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR 52,000miles

I'm no egotist, so I don't care to be remembered. Just like those who went before me are not remembered save for a temporary marker, and so there I shall go as well, with no misgivings. I just know in my heart and mind that the gift of my life has been a true and special gift from the one who made me, and I have lived that life as well as I could under the circumstances that befell me. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Keep in mind that the designers built the seat with the average American rider in mind. 180lbs. If you weigh more, then you crush the foam down to the seat pan. Time also causes breakdown of the foam making it less springy. I recommend having the seat redone with high density closed cell foam, then a mid layer of open cell foam, topped with a layer of memory foam, all designed for your weight, not the average guy. Bottom line.....get a new custom seat. Your butt will thank you. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

US Hwy 97 going north to the Columbia River, then west along the WA side on 2 lane State Hwy 14. Then cross back into OR on I-205 to Portland. Or do the reverse. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Yes, body damage has a way of interfereing with home maintenance for sure. Not to worry, there's always another riding season. I recall a summer in the 1990's that was cancelled due to rain. I had planned several outings, but all were rained out. So, I did those tours the next summer. The window of opportunity remains open for a short time here in the PNW, then slams shut before one knows it. Not once did I consider trashing the idea of mc riding. Keep the faith Brian......... -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Does anyone know if there is a listing of thermal energy content for gasoline sold across the USA? It strikes me that if the thermal energy content of gasoline is low, then fuel economy will also be low, and conversely for the high. Octane is posted at the pump, but what about BTU, or some such? Back in the olden days (1960's) a gallon of gasoline produced some 120,000 BTU, diesel 130,000 BTU, and propane 110,000 BTU, and hydrogen around 95,000BTU (AFAIR) -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

Didja replace the crush washer on the bottom bolt of the middle gear cover? -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

QUESTION: My '88VR has no in-battery sensor (removed), and the battery related warning flasher does not blink, remains on steady. Is this non-blinking normal? The others blink accordingly. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I only know what I read on the internet and in the Wall Street Journal, and BMW motorcycles enjoy the highest rate of shop repairs of any brand. I thought Harley D's would enjoy #1 position, but no, they are #2 behind BMW. If you get the bike, be sure to keep a full bank account. Yamaha was near the bottom of the list for shop repair frequency. Sorry, I don't have a link for the articles. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA '88VR

I'd first look up what vehicles (European) the Fram filter fits, then look up what Bosch filter fits that vehicle. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I just use a weather stone: http://www.littlemillrocks.com/images/Sun%20weather%20rock.JPG Works every time -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

I use google maps online. I first set my location on my regional map, then secondly select a destination, then click 'get directions' and a blue route line appears overlayed on the map, along with a sidebar giving route directions (not so useful to me) but also gives distance and driving time. More importantly, one can adjust the destination point, plus set intermediate points, and even manually re-route anywhere between the origin and destination by dragging the blue route line, and the blue route recalculates giving updated distance and times. I use this free system as my first 'go to' planning device. Rarely do I use anything else. I just haven't figured out how to perform a complete round trip, but can get close enough, maybe couple miles from my origin. -Pete, in Tacoma WA USA