What have you tinkered with today?

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Nutsinatin

What one did you go for, I got the 70W one for about £15 on some offer but I've found it's not quite got the juice to shift old blobs of solder off contacts so I've been eyeing the 120W for myself at Christmas?

This one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3218097147...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT



Didn't use it today, just crimped the new bullet connectors on tonight.

Still a terrible faff, but new LED numberplate light working and installed for Monday's MOT

[Toooldtodie]

I got the smaller one (70W), but they are pretty adjustable for output, just turn up the gas. Would think the bigger one is more versatile, but the small one is good for general use and they all have an attachment for heat shrink which is very useful. I've used it outdoors in windy conditions and it's still performed well. Recommended.

Adding to the list

Changed my first ever tyre using nothing but YouTube, tyre levers, an ice cream tub and washing up liquid. I was so smug listening to the beads pop on, until I counted the home made rim protectors and was one short. My second tyre removal and refit was much quicker than the first. Lesson learnt!

[Red Herring]

My XR650. Hadn't been started since last winter but usually goes within a few kicks. Jumped up and down on it for what seemed like an age yesterday before it finally ran like a pig, so pulled the carb off and cleaned it all out, new fuel, started first time and is back to being the arm wrenching beast I love......

[Red Herring]

Originally Posted by JonSV

Changed my first ever tyre using nothing but YouTube, tyre levers, an ice cream tub and washing up liquid. I was so smug listening to the beads pop on, until I counted the home made rim protectors and was one short. My second tyre removal and refit was much quicker than the first. Lesson learnt!

You're not the only one who has done that......

Just a tip but if you're going to be doing it regularly get some proper tyre soap. It's dead cheap on Ebay and washing up liquid has a habit of staying slippery, especially when wet, and that can lead to the tyre moving on the rim (although maybe not with just SV power...)

Yeah, I was planning to get some soap but had a couple of hours spare so just did it with what I had to hand. It's the rear on the blade that I've done so I'll have to keep an eye out for any sign of it slipping.

Took the front callipers off and inspected them for grubbiness and seizure, all good after 21k (18 months), was quite surprised. I changed the pads, greased the retaining pins and put it back together, flushed through some new dot 4 too

Got some braided lines to pop on but couldnt be bothered yesterday, will do them eventually.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by Red Herring

... and that can lead to the tyre moving on the rim (although maybe not with just SV power...)

but still perhaps on the brakes, even on an SV

[Red Herring]

Originally Posted by ophic

but still perhaps on the brakes, even on an SV

Technically I'm sure that is true, but I've never had it happen to me or heard anyone else experience it. I wonder if the way the force is applied to the tyre makes a difference, i.e: braking tends to be a steady increase of a fairly smooth load where, especially on a big single or twin, the rear is subject to a pulsing load?

The only bike I've had it happen to me on was my XR650 and that only makes 50bhp. It ripped the valve right out of the rear inner tube!