Can I do these repairs?

[NoisyDante]

Hey guys, there was a little incident and I wound up doing some damage to my '07 Monster 695 which I believe to be fairly minimal.  I'm wondering if these particular repairs are something that a novice could tackle no problem, or should I just have the shop do the work for me.

I need to replace the bent handlebar, install a new throttle control, a new front brake lever and rear brake lever, and possibly a new brake fluid reservoir.  Do these things require a degree of technical knowledge or more tools than the average toolbox?

Thanks

[El Matador]

Hey guys, there was a little incident and I wound up doing some damage to my '07 Monster 695 which I believe to be fairly minimal.  I'm wondering if these particular repairs are something that a novice could tackle no problem, or should I just have the shop do the work for me.

I need to replace the bent handlebar, install a new throttle control, a new front brake lever and rear brake lever, and possibly a new brake fluid reservoir.  Do these things require a degree of technical knowledge or more tools than the average toolbox?

Thanks

Nope. The hardest thing will be bleeding the brakes. And anyone can do that. GL. Any questions post up.

[numbskull]

Nope. The hardest thing will be bleeding the brakes. And anyone can do that. GL. Any questions post up.

And bleeding the brakes is needed only if you need to replace the reservoir. Just make sure your toolbox is stocked with metric hex bits and sockets/wrenches, then you're good to go.

[Slide Panda]

All you should need is a basic set of metric allens, wrenches a Phillips head screw driver, and a set of needle nose pliers for that stuff.  You'll need a jar or bottle, some DOT 4 brake fluid and a clear hose to bleed the brakes if you replace the master/resevoir.

None of that stuff is hard - just don't rush especially when it comes to the brake bleeding.  It's a slow process, but vital

[Raux]

do you have to torque the handlebar mount a certain amount? might need a small torque wrench.

[El Matador]

do you have to torque the handlebar mount a certain amount? might need a small torque wrench.

Tight. How tight? TIGHT. Best bet is to use some threadlocker though

[Scotzman]

How tight? German torque -guedentight.

Harbor frieght sells a torque wrench though for about $15

[NoisyDante]

Thank you for the replies.  I'll be picking up some new tools soon, and good call on the threadlocker.

I've ordered OEM parts for the rear brake lever, throttle, and handlebars.  I'll probably pick up some Rizoma reservoirs and grips to complete the overhaul.

[Spidey]

You should be just fine with basic tools.  A few things you may not have in your tool kit that haven't been mentioned ---

Grease.  Lube up the lever pivots.

Eye covering.  Don't work with brake fluid without protective eyewear.

Jug/bottle of water.  Same thing re working with brake fluid.

If you can't find clear tubing/hosing at the hardware store, you can buy one of those brake bleeding kits (basically a small bottle and some lengths of hose) at an autoparts store.  They're like $5 or $10.  Here's an example:  http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200396094_200396094.  

[Spidey]

If you get new rubber grips, use a razor blade to cut off the old ones if they don't want to come off on their own.  They're a PITA otherwise.  For putting new rubber gips onto the bars, people suggest using hairspray and/or compressed air.  I've always found compressed air works fine.  There's stuff called Grip Glue or something (it's like $0.99 a tube) that you can pick up at any moto store.  It works pretty well too. 

[NoisyDante]

Thanks Spidey, and I'll probably pick up that bleeding kit you recommended.  I did see the compressed air trick in another thread, and luckily there are tons of how-to videos on YouTube various regarding bike repair.

[El Matador]

If you get new rubber grips, use a razor blade to cut off the old ones if they don't want to come off on their own.  They're a PITA otherwise.  For putting new rubber gips onto the bars, people suggest using hairspray and/or compressed air.  I've always found compressed air works fine.  There's stuff called Grip Glue or something (it's like $0.99 a tube) that you can pick up at any moto store.  It works pretty well too. 

I actually have another method that doesn't require destroying your old ones. Get a can of WD40 with the little straw attachment and work the straw between the grip and bar. After this it's just a question of spraying a little and rotating the rubber. It should come right off.

To put the new one in just do the same thing. The WD40 will evaporate overnight and the grip will be nice and snug on the bar.

Also remember that the throttle grip is not actually attached to the bar but to the  throttle assembly. So you don't have to remove it.

[ca122r]

cover gas tank with soft cloth and plastic trash bag brake fluid will etch painted parts.

[somegirl]

Some tutorials that may be helpful (in addition to the advice here):

How to stock a basic toolbox

How to replace the handlebars

How to install levers on a 696

I'm sure you'll be fine, good luck.

[Slide Panda]

I'll probably pick up some Rizoma reservoirs and grips to complete the overhaul.

Back that idea truck up.  Have you replaced the stock coffin masters with something that uses a remote resevoir?  If so, carry on.  If not, those Rizoma parts are going to look nice, sitting on your work bench and will have to stay there.  With the stock coffin masters for the front controls of a 695 you cannot use them