I've got a 98, and it's got the plug/cap oil leak.  I'm going to repair that later this week (more on that below), and I'm wondering what other repairs make sense at the same time?

Right now, I'm planning on the following

1. Cap/plug repair
2. Replace petcock with Raptor petcock (in another thread I mentioned a stalling issue and a petcock issue was one of the possible suggestions for a cause, and since I like the idea of the vacuum-free petcock, I figured I'd replace it whether or not the vacuum line was actually the problem).
3. Anti-numbass Seat lift
4. Replace sparkplug (because the tank will be off and it's so cheap, why not?)

Given that I'll have the seat and tank off, is there any other repair I should look into doing/stuff to check on?  My bike has 22,000 miles, and seems to have been well taken care of, but time humbles us all  Or, if not wear & tear issues, other useful mods to do? (sparkplug door?)

Also, are all of these within the realm of skill for someone who's fine with mechanical stuff, but hasn't specifically worked on a bike before?  I know what I'm doing in general, know the difference between the low temp and the ultra copper silicone, etc., but this is my first motorcycle, so I'll have no specific knowledge base upon which to rely.

Finally, should I drop the cash for a inch-lb. torque wrench?  I've got a 0-150 ft-lb. wrench, but is the finer scale useful enough to spend the money?

Thanks in advance.

at 22k miles, definitely check the cam chain, see the cam chain adjuster check in the tech section.

torque wrench, if you are confident in the acuracy of your tool then use it.  otherwise 1/4 is good to have.

where about the "city of angels" are you?

Unless you're an experienced mechanic, you better start pretty early if you want your hands clean & tools put up at sunset. With 22,000 on it, unless you know its had a cam chain, you might as well have one in your hand. Odds are, the adjuster is about to come apart.A few chains have lasted well, but generally, the adjuster is at max allowable extension by 22,000 & some have fallen apart sooner, I Think, correct me if Im wrong guys.

cool, not to far from bobbert.
I'm near azusa

As I'm collecting parts for a rebuild let me know if you need anything.
Also, check the marketplace for our own brand of cam chain and adjuster.

You've got to have some time on the bike before odd noises will set your hairs to twitchen.  The adjuster is by your right ankle.  An odd clack there is a big issue.  I'd reccomend to get a mechanic stethoscope and listen from time to time and get to know the usual sounds.

verslagen1 wrote on 08/18/09 at 09:21:57:


I'm definitely not hearing any clacking...of course, I could be missing it, or not recognizing it, but it sounds smooth to this musician's ears...  

Looking at the thread on the adjuster, can I just lean it over (as you suggested in the thread) take off the cover and check it, thus giving me an idea as to whether I need to order a new chain?

I'm planning an oil and filter change with the bulk of the repairs, so I don't need to do one now, and I'm not actually going to ride it again until I change out the petcock and fix the oil leak, so am I safe trying that in order to see if I should order a new chain and plan to install it?

King Kashue wrote on 08/19/09 at 13:04:21:

I've done it a few times when people come over and want to take a peek inside without having an issue.  However, if you have to ride it afterward having a spare gasket it mandatory as it can tear leaving you w/out means of holding oil.  Form-a-gasket works but there's cure time involved.  If you're at home, no problem, if you're at my house, hope you don't mind sleeping with the dog.  

Stretched tight by bungee cord

Phelonius

King Kashue wrote on 08/17/09 at 22:24:19:


I would not use a 0-150 ft-lb torque wrench for this job.  I'd use a 0-200 in-lb, or, if you can't find one, a 0-600 in-lb torque wrench (while not optimum) will be better than what you've got.

I like the beam-type torque wrenches.