SteveG wrote:Replaced the speedo cable and put it up for the winter. Washed it, changed oil/filter, rode it a good 25 miles to heat it up and dry it out, topped off tank with ethanol free gas (and added Stabil fuel stabilizer), drained carbs, removed battery, and said good night.
It is going to be a long 5 months.
Steve
I have something for you to consider given my own recent issues with sagged out spring behind the alternator that was a contributor to frying the alternator clutch plates and given the bike will not be used for those debillitating five long, cold months.
I suggest backing out the 3x long bolts out of the alternator as far as possible, thereby completely easing compression pressure on the spring and allowing it to spend all Winter in the 'relaxed' position instead of fully compressed for no good reason. A good spring measures around 29-20 mm in length.
Better yet, remove the alternator completely, after all, it's only a 15 min job to re-sinstall when riding weather returns. I would also coat the alternator clutch plates in your favourite lubricant and store away. Also, before coming out of hibernation, would be the ideal time to replace the alternator brushes too, regardless of whether they need it or not and also check both bearings, cheap and easy to replace. I will be checking my alternator every 5,000 kms from now on until I spring for the Kawa' conversion. Regular checking and servicing may just save major alternator woes later on and avoid being stranded out in the sticks.