'01 Curvy intermittend speedo issue and front wheel removal options.

[Vindaloo]

Hi,

I've a 2001 curvy SV and after a recent trip (in some very wet weather if that's relevant), the speedo's decided to stop working ... though it did briefly spring back into life the other day.

Looking through the forums it looks like it's a common issue and the most likely scenario is that the 'rotor' in the front axle is at fault, although I'm also looking loose loose wiring connections.

Anyway, if I'm to change the rotor, I've obviously to remove the front wheel, but with very limited space and equipment - no paddock stand, etc. it's kinda difficult. I wondered (and am anticipating gasps of horror here) if there would be anything wrong (mechanically) with the idea of simply laying the bike down flat - on a patch of soft grass, or something equally welcoming. The first thing that springs to mind is if any fluids could leak, but otherwise can't think of any major problems with the idea. Only thing is with it being such an obvious thing, I'd imagine someone'd have thought of it before and have a very good reason to not do it?

Of course, as a follow-up, if anyone has one of these rotors lying around, you want a few quid for it?

Adrian

[flymo]

Welcome to the org.

I wouldnt go for the laying it down approach Adrian for the reasons you mentioned. Potential to leak water, oil, fuel etc etc

I would loosen off the front brake caliper bolts, front axle and front axle pinch bolts. Put the bike on its sidestand and prop the front of the bike slightly off the ground with a sturdy implement (peice of wood, stale french loaf etc). Might be best to have a helping pair of steadying hands handy to hold things steady. Strop it to a garage beam or something if you can.

Then remove the wheel etc.

The speedo sensors are pretty fragile, I noticed on the newer models from about 08 onwards the replacement ones from Suzuki now have a more robust design. Not sure if they are the same shape as the curvy though. If they are it might be worth buying a new one, although you may not have a choice with this part.

[Nicky S]

hey m8 welcome to the .org and u have a curvy lovley :P

i woudnt lay it down to many things could go wrong and just seems more trouble then it is worth.

seeing as i didnt have a paddock stad i made this out of wood




also if you cant get hold of the roto dont worrie becuase suski do sell them i think they are £17

good luck

[Vindaloo]

Cheers guys ... only kinda new to the forum actually ... been kinda lurking every now and again for years...

Having read your comments and seeing those images, I took the risk of propping the bike against the car and actually using the car jack to raise the bike (have seen it suggested in another thread somewhere). No, it's not particularly stable, but stable enough to get to the rotor housing ... which sure enough revealed it's smashed into a million pieces. Got a new one on order, so fingers crossed ...

Only thing I worry about now is getting the torque on the front wheel adjusted correctly. I take it there's no option available other than investing in a torque wrench? To be fair, the bike's getting the front disks replaced next week, so I imagine they'll re-fit the front wheel at that point anyway?

Cheers again,

Adrian

[flymo]

Originally Posted by Vindaloo

Only thing I worry about now is getting the torque on the front wheel adjusted correctly. I take it there's no option available other than investing in a torque wrench? To be fair, the bike's getting the front disks replaced next week, so I imagine they'll re-fit the front wheel at that point anyway?

Its not really that critical to be honest, just do it up nice and tight by hand and you'll be right.

[Nicky S]

Originally Posted by Vindaloo

Cheers guys ... only kinda new to the forum actually ... been kinda lurking every now and again for years...

Having read your comments and seeing those images, I took the risk of propping the bike against the car and actually using the car jack to raise the bike (have seen it suggested in another thread somewhere). No, it's not particularly stable, but stable enough to get to the rotor housing ... which sure enough revealed it's smashed into a million pieces. Got a new one on order, so fingers crossed ...

Only thing I worry about now is getting the torque on the front wheel adjusted correctly. I take it there's no option available other than investing in a torque wrench? To be fair, the bike's getting the front disks replaced next week, so I imagine they'll re-fit the front wheel at that point anyway?

Cheers again,

Adrian

why didnt i ever think of using a car jack iv got a massive one in the garage oh well my wooden stand did well.

it wont matter that much seeing as your have new disc ect fitted and they will take it all apart and redo it all. bet then the torque settings on the bike dont ever seem enought anyway so just do it up as tight as you can but not stupiedly like jumping up and down on a braker bar or something lol

[Vindaloo]

Just a follow up to say cheers. It all now seems to work just fine.

thanks again,

Adrian