Hello all, my name is Matt and I recently purchased a 20-year-old motorcycle with 71,000 miles without inspecting it or doing any research on the model.
After the 50 mile ride home (yep), it was quite apparent that she needed some love, so I headed to the internet to do some homework. My studies, along with some very sound advice, led me to start with a Hydrolock Rod Test so I knew where I stood.
Here is my story.
First, I started by assembling the device.
Some grommets, a wooden dowel, and a washer. Simple, elegant, and cheap. However, after a couple of checks, I found that #1 and #4 were just too close to call. The minor inconsistencies in the rod-and-washer method were giving me mixed results, so I gathered some supplies and got serious.
In order of importance:
- "Parts Cleaner" and Coke (To stay warm.)
- Beans and Rice (To stay warm.)
- Rod Testing Rod (For testing rods.)
- Digital Calipers (I told you this was getting serious.)
- TI-86 (Really serious.)
I took 10 measurements on each cylinder and averaged my results. This helped to mitigate the small variances caused by the angle of the tool and the squish of the grommets. I found that #2 and #3 were .125mm off and that #4 was .679mm below #1. So #4 is bent, but not enough for me to spend the summer cracking the case instead of riding. I'll re-visit it when the snow starts flying.
And that was my first night with a Concours.
I finished-up around 2 am and retreated to the house for some sleep. I was told I smelled like gas, beans, "parts cleaner," and sweat.
Today I'm pulling the carbs and picking up some RTV for the busted airbox.
It is nice to meet you all and I'm sure we will be talking again soon. Cheers!
Special Thanks to Steve in Sunny Fla who donated a good chunk of his valuable time to giving a complete stranger free technical advice. I owe ya one.
After the 50 mile ride home (yep), it was quite apparent that she needed some love, so I headed to the internet to do some homework. My studies, along with some very sound advice, led me to start with a Hydrolock Rod Test so I knew where I stood.
Here is my story.
First, I started by assembling the device.
Some grommets, a wooden dowel, and a washer. Simple, elegant, and cheap. However, after a couple of checks, I found that #1 and #4 were just too close to call. The minor inconsistencies in the rod-and-washer method were giving me mixed results, so I gathered some supplies and got serious.
In order of importance:
- "Parts Cleaner" and Coke (To stay warm.)
- Beans and Rice (To stay warm.)
- Rod Testing Rod (For testing rods.)
- Digital Calipers (I told you this was getting serious.)
- TI-86 (Really serious.)
I took 10 measurements on each cylinder and averaged my results. This helped to mitigate the small variances caused by the angle of the tool and the squish of the grommets. I found that #2 and #3 were .125mm off and that #4 was .679mm below #1. So #4 is bent, but not enough for me to spend the summer cracking the case instead of riding. I'll re-visit it when the snow starts flying.
And that was my first night with a Concours.
I finished-up around 2 am and retreated to the house for some sleep. I was told I smelled like gas, beans, "parts cleaner," and sweat.
Today I'm pulling the carbs and picking up some RTV for the busted airbox.
It is nice to meet you all and I'm sure we will be talking again soon. Cheers!
Special Thanks to Steve in Sunny Fla who donated a good chunk of his valuable time to giving a complete stranger free technical advice. I owe ya one.
No, I mean it! Not sure where you are, other than NC area. Hope to see you at some event down the road. :motonoises:
