A couple of weeks ago I traded a cranky old British bike for Claudia.
Since then I have been lurking on this forum picking up all the information I needed to refresh this 30k mi former German beauty queen.
So time to introduce myself: I am a motorcycle hoarder. This is my first Sport Tourer, everything else I own goes from uncomfortable to "chiropractor needed". On the plus side I enjoy doing all my own wrenching and this has given me the opportunity the refresh my L-Jetronic knowledge. So far:
Changed all the fluids, including the forks that got a Belray 7wt oil. (It now glides without sinking every time I hit the brakes). This bike ranks just above my Guzzi in oil filter removal pleasure as it requires 7 less bolts to reach the filter.
Tightened the head bearings to remove some very slight head shake.
New fuel filter and proper submersible lines.All new external fuel & vacuum lines (how many SAE standards do you really need? And CARB too?!?). These were 30 years old and only showing minimal signs of cracking!
Replaced the rusted out center stand with a very nice used one of slightly different design. Question: excellent quality everywhere except here, was this a very early attempt at sourcing from China?
Removed mouse nest from under the air box, along with 1/2 lbs of gravel bits. This took longer than changing the fuel lines. Does all the gravel end up here every time you go off roading?
New air filter replaced something that shriveled solid from age.
Checked valves, two need adjusting and the removal tool is on the way.
Rear splines were done by the previous owner less than 1000mi ago and I plan to check them soon when I get a chance. Once I have the valves adjusted, I will dial in the throttle bodies for balance at idle.
I put in a 400mi day Saturday on sometimes winding roads.. we are talking SE Minnesota here.
The bike is a silky smooth ride. Handling is brisk in a 1980's sort of way, breaking more than adequate and overall experience a pleasure. I have started to think that travel on a larger scale in quite possible....it came with very nice gen 3 hard cases.
If nothing else....I have kept Claudia from becoming an old cafe racer or even worse... a scrambler!
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