I'm about to go for one, but I'm wondering what are some things I should definitely look for and do before taking it in? I really don't wanna get given a list of changes, I need for it to go through first time. As far as problems go, -the oil tank has a tiny leak at one of the bolts holding the tank together (degreaser shl do) -one of front shocks has some sort of fluid leak -back brake squeaks -bottom of fairings, (where fairings are just above the ground right at the front of bike, before the space between fairings and front tyre) theres suppose to be a hole that runs through both fairing sides (as in left and right) horizontally with an accompanying screw as though it holds the two fairings together, that hole part on my bike kinda had a little bit of plastic snap off it, I imagine that that also will be a problem
Ok, whilst i'm all for making things easy for people there's some times that you should really be questioning if this bike really is safe to ride or not. - 'Oil tank leak near bolt' means your oil sump is leaking and thats not something that will fix itself. It's also something that i would not ride the bike until it's fixed... seriously. If there's oil dropping from the bottom of the bike at any moderate frequency then it means it could allow a drip to fall onto the path of your rear tyre slicking it up. Having had my rear tyre slicked with oil once i can honestly say it's one of the more terrifying things that can happen on two wheels. - 'Front shock leaks oil' means you've probably blown a fork seal. It's not hard to change them and really is one of those urgent things to do. If there's oil leaking down the outside of the fork then it WILL end up on your brake rotors as well as possibly your front tyre. Same situation as with the oil sump leaking... get it done or it could result in you being seriously hurt. - 'Back brake squeaks' could mean a number of things. Assuming you've checked your pad thickness and there's meat on them we can move onto other possibilities. First thing id do would be blast out the caliper with compressed air; it'll get rid of any brake dust that may be contributing. Ok, in the overall scale of things a squeaking back brake probably isnt as serious as the first two... and for RWC in Victoria they won't be able to detect it as the bike remains stationary during the test. - Unsecured fairings will definitely get you a fail on a RWC. See if there's a way that you can secure the fairing using an oversized washer on the back of the fairing where the plastic tab has snapped off. If you can't secure it then you might have to do a little plastic welding to make a new tab for the fairing to secure to. My honest advice would be to fix the things that you can see and then take it along to get the RWC with the understanding that there may be additional things that you've not noticed. Whilst RWC's tend to be flawed by allowing some fairly serious things through, they are meant to make sure that any vehicle on the road is safe to be there. If i was riding with you and noticed you had oil dripping from the bottom of your bike i'd let you know... and then promptly tell you to go home and fix it! It may not harm you but a well placed drop of oil in the twisties could bring any number of fellow riders unstuck. Sorry about the slight rant, just if it's not safe to be ridden then it really shouldn't be on the road.
As far as the oil tank situation goes, its leaking, but not dripping. And a ridiculously small leak at that. As for the fairing, I had something like this in mind, or perhaps run a small metal strip horizontally along where the two fairings meet, drill it and screw it in place, but I'm worried this will be a 'modification', and I was under the impression that this could only be done by someone who can issue an RWC. Also, if u know a link to the fork seal thingy I'd really appreciate it. PS. Any general tips for preparing bike for an RWC would also be good.
Don't worry about the plastic tab bit. Mine was broken off by a reputable bike mechanic who pink slipped the bike before handing it back. He also conveniently replaced my mushroom hex fairing bolts with some that would fit his pneumatic tools it would seem or he lost the originals. Lucky my bike is a 15 year old piece of **** grey import that nobody maintains or does up for shows unlike an RGV or TZR per se. <!-- s:argue: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_evil.gif" alt=":argue:" title="Argue" /><!-- s:argue: --> I use cable ties if I want to avoid that noisy buzz when riding the bike well over the speed limit. As for the leaky bits, I know in NSW you can ride your bike in for blue slip purposes, but trailer it in instead and take a rag with you before presenting it. You might also help this by dumping some of your oil (within spec of course) Good luck.
Ok, can anyone tell me A - What I need to get from the shop b4 doing the fork seal replacement B - If the above mentioned possibilty with the loose fairing would be a 'modification' and therefore illegal C - What fixing the oil leak would involve and how realistic it is to fix, and how much a mechanic would charge ?
Hi kufungster, I suspect you will be knocked back for something you haven't even listed as being suspect so don't panic. A bit of courtesy and passing the personality test at the AUVIS (blue slip station) might help too. If the answers to your questions aren't answered as quickly as you would like, then make use of the search facility. Good luck getting the bike passed.
these are the things they'll check clean and lube chain and slack rotors 3.5 mm min for front and 4mm for rear rubbers on foot pegs must not be worn tyres loose or ill fitting fairings steering head bearings broken steering stops loose or bent levers leaking fuel battery hose loose battery lights, indicators and lenses there must be no cracks ignition key ,if it can be pulled out while in the on position anything that makes the bike unsafe if your in melb i know a bike shop that is a bit forgeving if you are only trying to get it in your name
yeah i forgot leaking/pitted forks of which you'll need to get them smoothed and re chromed lube everything and make sure they work smoothly
