It warmed up into the 50's today here in Kentucky, and I got to go for a ride for the first time in months!!! Before I set off, I checked the air pressure in the tires, and they were remarkably correct. I cleaned and lubed the chain, and checked the oil level. The only discrepancies were that when I first tried to start the bike, it didn't run, and then the display and the computer turned off. I turned the key off and then back on, and the bike started right up, except that my trip meter and my clock had been reset. Also, it seems as if the rear brake went out over the past couple of months. I checked the sight glass and didn't see any brake fluid, so at some point I must have lost it.
I don't usually use my rear brake heavily, so I got geared up and went for a ride anyways... I just made sure to increase my following distance to make up for the lack of braking ability. I rode up to Indiana and back, putting in about 70 miles. I would have ridden further, but the wind chill was starting to get to me, the forecast was calling for possible rain, and my girlfriend was about to get off of work.
It felt great riding again, although my girlfriend was upset because she didn't get to ride, and I refused take her out with the brakes not working properly. I don't mind a little risk with just me, but riding two up changes the dynamics so much, especially with braking, that I don't feel comfortable with the associated risk with her involved. On the upside, I've got her hooked on riding!!! :)
As far as the brake thing goes... Any ideas??? I'm pretty mechanically disinclined, and just figured on getting it checked out in the spring, or if we get a long break from the cold. If there's something simple I can do in the meantime that I'm not aware of, I'll take any advice.
It's amazing how much an hour or so of riding can improve my disposition... [Dolph]
You blamed the brakes? Funny because I usually blame the lack of passenger pegs.....
I feel like I lose my rears every year as well. Not sure where they are at right now, since if I am hitting the rear, I'm also on the front... might need to check it out. Wonder why they go like that... curious to see what people say to you.
-Jim
Quote from: Skybarney on February 01, 2014, 09:29:15 PM
You blamed the brakes? Funny because I usually blame the lack of passenger pegs.....
Funny, mine just rides her own monster. ;D
Are you saying there was no fluid in the reservoir?
I just bought a Mityvac ($35) and changed all my fluids. Best 35 I've spent in a while and fluid changes are easy as can be now.
Quote from: DexterMorgan on February 02, 2014, 11:23:43 AM
Funny, mine just rides her own monster. ;D
Bragger.
>:(
[cheeky]
Quote from: lazylightnin717 on February 02, 2014, 02:11:51 PM
Are you saying there was no fluid in the reservoir?
The reservoir on the left hand side of the handlebars looked empty. I didn't open it up to check, as I only had a short window to ride. There's about three inches of snow outside that just started dropping this afternoon, so I can't check now, but I will when I get a chance. The front brakes were fine, but the rear brakes weren't grabbing at all.
Quote from: Adamm0621 on February 02, 2014, 10:31:04 PM
The reservoir on the left hand side of the handlebars looked empty. I didn't open it up to check, as I only had a short window to ride. There's about three inches of snow outside that just started dropping this afternoon, so I can't check now, but I will when I get a chance. The front brakes were fine, but the rear brakes weren't grabbing at all.
So your clutch resevoir was empty along with no rear brake?
Definitely need to check those fluids.
Left handlebar reservoir is for the clutch. Your rear brake should have a reservoir around the rearset on the RH side of the bike. Chances are you just need a flush and new fluid.
Having no fluid is not a good thing.
I didn't check my rear reservoir for a while and learned the hard way how important it is. With lack of fluid your caliper will heat up and not function properly. Mine ended up cracking and splashed the remaining fluid all over my swing arm and wheel and ruined the powder coat :(
Let alone the risk of locking up the brake and having it be dangerous
Looks like this is turning into a tech thread.
You want to move it Adam, or should I?
Gonna be 35 Celsius again tomorrow.
Chilly here in Nor-Cal this morning. Actually had ice on the truck windows. Hopefully the burners keep the passengers warm this morning.
I admire the attempt to keep the thread on track, but this is a thread about unusually warm winter weather...
and riding.
Otherwise it has no moto content or is a tech thread.
If you want to talk about weather we already have a thread... http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2856.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2856.0)
Give it another go kids. [evil]
Just in case this becomes a Tech thread….
You DO NOT want to let the clutch reservoir (or any other reservoir, for that matter), run so low that air bubbles get into the line. You'll be stuck in whatever gear the bike is in at the time until you add fluid and get the bubble(s) out. Results might include riding for long distances in 1st or 2nd gear (overheat the engine unless you keep the speed down); stop and go traffic in 4th/5th gear (can you say stall and unable to restart); or neutral (dead in the water)?
I <3 the Mityvac and it's Harbor Freight equivalent.
That is all.
It's supposed to warm up again on Monday... I'll check it out and post an update.