High Milage SV650

My father was a highly respected engineer with nearly 50 yrs in the engineering / toolmaking business regularly working to fractions of a mil. I still have in my toolbox a micrometer that he manufactured out of a solid block of Aluminium - a work of art in itself. Of the literally thousands of tips he passed on to me over the years - the one that stands out head and shoulders above the rest was simply - Change oil and filters regularly and any engine will last for ever - and, used within its tolerances and shown a little respect - it will !!
Few weeks ago took my K1 to Motorcycle Mart Kidderminster for a "once over" prior to going to France with a long list of things to check. The old guy there - took one look at it and simply said "Just change the oil and filter - these bikes are bullet proof and just do not go wrong - save your money".

Im aware of all this; its tempting to ride my bike into uni, but its only a ten minute walk away, and its also tempting to ride the bike to the shops, but its only a 15 minute walk. So there's no point in me taking the bike, I'll only ruin it! Instead, its staying well tucked up until theres an oppertunity for a good blast or until i head back home to brighton.

Matt

Originally Posted by Banus

I still have in my toolbox a micrometer that he manufactured out of a solid block of Aluminium

How did he calibrate that?

Matt

It's all in the thread pitch, one revolution=25thou on mine.

When you machine the thread on the lathe you set it to this. How did he mark the incriment digits on it tho???

How did they calibrate the lathe, using the micrometer?

people would ask me at school why don't you ride your bike to class ( 200 yards away) i was like i don't want the wear and tear of starting my bike up just to shut it off.

Well then if when starting up to ride the 22 miles to work, I rev the nuts of it for about the first 15 seconds, that will warm up the engine in no time, so I will be saving the wear on my engine. No

you are crazy bigape

Originally Posted by Viney

Ah, this is where i think the myth ends. If you dont use the bike, then i am a great believer that this causes problems in the long term.

If you use the bike daily and look after it, then i am sure this is waht creates the longevity of any mechanical device.

I think this too; long rides at decent speeds / revs seem to be good for the engine. My engine certainly feels alot smoother after riding for 30 minutes, which cant be a bad thing...

Matt

Originally Posted by kcowgergmm

people would ask me at school why don't you ride your bike to class ( 200 yards away) i was like i don't want the wear and tear of starting my bike up just to shut it off.

Same reason I dont ride to university; its a 10min walk and a 2 minute ride. Plus it takes me longer if i take the bike due to the uncovering process and the UnLockathon of...unlocking my bike.

Matt