Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

Wait until you get the bike before deciding to keep the jackets. At least for me sitting on it changes the fit a lot.

 

It’s not the picture that makes me look that way

 

I had my little Ninja out on Sunday, but noticed smoke coming from the header pipe when I came to a stop (picture with yellow arrow). There appeared to be oil dripping onto the pipe which was causing the smoke, but I also noticed that it stopped dripping if I wasn't moving, even with the engine running/revving. My assumption is that the leak only occurs when the engine and/or gearbox are under a load, otherwise it doesn't drip whatsoever even with the engine idling in neutral.

So last night, I had a chance to remove the sprocket cover on that side of the engine to try and find the source. There was a ton of goop in there (years' worth of old chain lube and dirt), but I couldn't pinpoint the source of the leak. I stumbled onto a YT video where a guy claims that these engines tend to develop leaks at the shifter seal (pictures with red arrows), but it looks like a bear to replace and I hope that's not it. It doesn't look "wet" enough to be the source anyway.

I cleaned out all the goop and wiped everything dry, and will take the bike for a run tonight to see if I can pinpoint the source of the leak.

Any thoughts?

 

That explains why the leak only happens when the fuel lever is set to reserve. If the float valve is stuck, you can try lightly hitting/ tapping the carb bowl with a rubber mallet and that may loosen it. If that doesn't work, the float probably needs to be re-leveled. That requires removing the entire carb, taking the bowl off, holding the carb upside down and then adjusting the metal tab on the float until it is in spec. A factory service manual will show you how to do it.

Two possibilities: 1) all of the grease and gunk that has built up over the years heats up when the engine is warm and then it starts to drip or 2) the countershaft seal needs to be replaced. Most likely it is #2, which is a pretty easy/ inexpensive fix. You just have to loosen the chain enough so that you can remove the countershaft sprocket. The seal sits right behind it.

 

Got it, thanks much.
I will run it again tonight and see if the countershaft seal is the source. It struck me as odd that this bike has never leaked anything since I bought it in October, then suddenly it's leaking on Sunday. I did lube the chain after my previous ride, so I was thinking some of the lube had flung off the chain, but I wiped off all the excess with a rag before putting it away. Wishful thinking, I guess.

 

Im going to pick up my new bike tomorrow morning. 2 hour drive to get it. Too bad @uhplifted did have his yet

 

At least my new bike will run as soon as I get it.

 

hopefully..

 

I would absolutely lose my shit if it didn’t

 

I'm real intrigued at what state of completion it'll be in when you get it. At a glance it looks fairly complete but the longer I looked at it the more I realized was missing. Like all of the wiring, lights, and electronics.

Stoked for the pictures tomorrow

 

Damn. Was only going to be paying about $30 for insurance. But I had to add collision insurance which jacks the price up to $78/month. Dropping collision as soon I pay off the damn bike...

 

To me, it looks like it needs a seat, headlight, and maybe a kick start arm. It will probably need the engine gone over. Or hopefully they will tell me that I can just add gas and go. Does a WR450 have 1 or 2 exhausts? Probably will need the carbs gone through too. Im excited! (minus this cold that is starting)

My neighbor just told me he is going to buy a tire mounting machine for motorcycles. So I just went to Amazon to see how much Continental TKC80s are. $170 shipped for a 180/55/17, so not horrible. But first thing is to get it running, then I can mess with the aesthetics.

If Im able to register it as an antique, I wont need to add a speedo or signals, etc.

 

You don't need those anyways! #CHOPCULT

 

Usually the lower rate doesnt cover theft

Single exit exhaust and single catb (its a thumper). Tire mounting machine? Lol. Dont need one of those and ive never used one. Do all my bike tires by hand

 

Ill probably make a build page for it. And throw in some inspiration like this:
https://thebikeshed.cc/tux-customs-cafe-cross/

 

Ill let him spend his $. Maybe it was for balancing or maybe he was just buying some irons

 

Looks like it needs a chain, hopefully the sprockets are aligned. Possibly a rear brake line too but that gixxer front end will handle all the stopping power.

Definitely a fun project cant wait to see pics !

 

Well decided against the Grom. Need something with more speed. Just wish that Yamaha still made the wr250x.

 

WR450

 

How is the maintenance schedule on the wr450? That’s what draws me to the 250. I want the reliability and low maintenance the Wr250r provides. Been looking at the 690 and 701 as well but I don’t have that kind of money.