New Bike Pics

Thought id share some pictures of my new bike. Hopefully its






straight lol.

Bought some bike stands, oil and filter and new wing mirror however this weather is really putting me off...

I don't know what to say Adam, I think you've been had and should just drop it off round mine and walk off hanging your head in shame.

Just kidding, looks in good nick, just make sure to keep on top of maintenance and youll enjoy her immensely. They really are cracking bikes and totally underestimated in their use and capabilities.

Thanks matey.

Unfortunately it came with no service history, however being my first bike i just wanted something to get some experience with, but was a bargain with 12 month MOT.

Its done 49K but starts easily with no smoke, knocks or rattles. The chain was really dry and rusted and ive now cleaned and lubed it so much its got about 2 inches of play, so needs tightening before the next ride.

i was thinking about fitting some braided break lines just to get rid of that ever slight spongy feeling, will braided hoses and fresh oil and pads make a big difference??

Thanks.

Very nice. Red is the best colour if a blue one isn't available. Looks pretty good & im sure you will love it.

Braided hoses & new brake fluid does make a difference, especially if it's got the original rubber hoses on. As for pads only if they are won out or old & cracking up.

Paul.

The spongy feeling is probably down to old fluid and will need a change. Check your calipers are working how they should and no pistons are getting stuck. They could need an overhaul.

I might disagree on the sponginess.  Old fluid is still fluid and is still (effectively) incompressible.  The danger is that it may have water absorbed which can boil under hard use, at which point the lever goes to the bar and you have no brakes at all.  A generally sponginess is down to something 'giving' under pressure, which is most likely the rubber hoses 'ballooning'.  I can feel it a bit on mine (OEM lines still fitted ) although I have a set of braided lines ready to go on it.

You can also get sponginess if there is a little bit of air in the lines, which may suggest a leaking banjo or seal somewhere or a bodged bleeding job.

I am embaressed to admit mine still has the original lines too. I have changed the fluid a few times in my deefence

Hey, for all I'm aware, mine still has the original brake fluid and coolant in it, let alone the brake lines.

My god i really am overkill on my bike maintenance, i replace the front,rear brake fluid every spring & coolant every 2 years, not to mention oil & filter every spring & oil drain & fresh oil just to sit over winter. Ive done this since it was 2 years old.

Oh i replaced the front lines to braided goodridge at 4 years old & finally replaced the rear with an earls line at i think 8 years.

paul

Red looks good! Not as good as the blue/silver though

I changed my front lines to braided and it made a huge difference (I also changed the dot4 and put on R6 calipers). New pads will help but unless they are almost worn out you won't notice too much of a difference.

You're not the only 1 that over does maintenance, I change my brake fluid every few months as I tend to ride in crappy weather (wet/cold/ice/etc), change the oil and filter every 6 months xD

Lovely jubbley.

Enjoy.

Cheers
Rosco