So I finally took some time yesterday to finish cleaning-up after my previous motorcycle adventure, which I just realized I haven't even blogged about yet, and then turned my attention to my used-up KTM. All the fluids were due for a change and the air filter could have grown some nice vegetables given the amount of Medocino National Forest dirt that was covering it. The grips used to have some rubber on them, but I'm down to the hard plastic in all the critical places on those.
So yesterday I cleaned the air filter and set it aside to dry overnight. I also changed the coolant and brake fluid, but that was all I had the energy to do yesterday.
Today it's time to check the valve clearances. I had the dealer do the first check since there was some other dealer-y stuff I needed done at the same time, but I ordered the Hot Cams shim kit this time so that I could do it myself. The dealer who serviced my bike the last time did a great job, but I just feel better doing the work myself. I know that it's been done, and done right, and I can record what the clearances had tightened up to. Or, at least I know what I've screwed up and what may be marginal.
The bike did a wonderful job, as usual, during my trip so I thought I should reward it with a nice set of handlebar risers and a Scotts steering damper. Underground Machine make very nice risers, to your custom specifications if you wish, but I went with the standard 2" set. Without the risers I always felt too hunched-over when standing on the pegs and got tired pretty quickly. My hope is that a 2" rise will get me into a sweet spot while standing, yet not ruin the great street performance the bike normally enjoys.
I hope to get the valves squared-away today, then re-oil the air filter and get it back on, and then run the bike long enough to burp the coolant system. Don't know if I'll have the time to tackle the risers and damper, as it requires a little Dremel work to fit, and I know I won't get to the new grips today as I plan to add heating elements under the new ones, but I currently lack the relay to do the job right. Oh well, something to look forward to for next weekend in the garage.
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