Independent Service? The Desert Desmo Thread

[Duck-Stew]

Hey Scott and Stu,

I am about to hit 600 mi. on the Scrambler. What are your suggestions beyond oil/filter/chain service/checking stuff? Do you guys have a favorite oil/filter combination for the 803? Are you interested in working on the Scrambler? Do you recommend PJ's while in warranty?

Thanks.

The first service is an oil change and they check over things like bolts still being tight and such.  If you ever needed an official dealership to do a warranty claim, they DO look at things like whether or not you've been in for any services or not.  So, maybe the first service (or two) should be done there to establish a service history.  But, outside of that:

A full synthetic motor oil is fine and I think that uses the 15w50 or 20w50 grade.  Chain service is a 2 minute affair with a can of lube.  As far as a brand of oil goes, the OE manual usually lists a manufacturer which would have to be at least considered.

YES!  We are interested in working on the Scrambled-Eggs!

[DarkMonster620]

The first service is an oil change and they check over things like bolts still being tight and such.  If you ever needed an official dealership to do a warranty claim, they DO look at things like whether or not you've been in for any services or not.  So, maybe the first service (or two) should be done there to establish a service history.  But, outside of that:

A full synthetic motor oil is fine and I think that uses the 15w50 or 20w50 grade.  Chain service is a 2 minute affair with a can of lube.  As far as a brand of oil goes, the OE manual usually lists a manufacturer which would have to be at least considered.

YES!  We are interested in working on the Scrambled-Eggs!

starting on the M696 onwards, the oil which is filled in the factory is 15W50 . . . 10W40 is still approved, specially for the "older" bikes . . .

[gfitzgi]

Scott or Stu,

There is a 748R listed on Craig's List.  Says it had service with you guys.  I was wondering the story on it. Looks like the plastics have been replaced.  Just curious.

Thanks.

Scott

[Cloner]

Scott or Stu,

There is a 748R listed on Craig's List.  Says it had service with you guys.  I was wondering the story on it. Looks like the plastics have been replaced.  Just curious.

Thanks.

Scott

Not too many of those around, Scott.  They're rare like chicken teeth.  Larry Zambello owned one for a while so you might ask him about it...it might be the same one as they're really uncommon.

I have notes of working on one (a yellow one) for Moto Authority that had a problem with an electrical connector (the fuel pump wouldn't run but it was because someone had "sealed" an electrical connector with grease and the grease had worked its way between the pins and sockets so no power got where it was supposed to go), and later installing a few miscellaneous parts (alarm, dash cover, swing arm cover, high-beam headlight repair via replacement of a Weatherpack connector) but not a complete service.

My recollection is that the bike is in excellent condition.  What's he asking?

[gratefulduc]

My 748r went to Oklahoma and only had 2k miles on it. I dont believe I ever had it serviced under my brief tenure. Great bike

[handensco]

Here I go. The bike is an 01 900 ssie. It has sat for the better part of 5 years. this year I changed the belts, oil, plugs and rebuilt the front end. I installed a shorai battery. I went to start it yesterday. When I turn the key the gauges do not sweep and the pump does not come on. I hear a faint click like a fuze is popping. All the fuzes are good. The headlight, tail light and the signals come on. The very faint click appears to be coming from the area of the ECU. Help!!!  I live up in SF so getting the bike anyplace is not easy. I really like to work on them myself.
Thanks
David

[Duck-Stew]

David,

On an '01 900SSi.e., the gauge needles won't sweep.  It's powered by the 1.5ECU and a non-immobilizer gauge set.  The 5.9ECU w/immobilizer does the needle sweep.

Anywho.  The right hand handle bar switch (OFF / ON / CRANK) has a 4-pin connector.  They occasionally corrode connections and cause people fits like what you're describing.  I'd start there.

Let us know...

[Cloner]

Also, Shorai batteries are a handful when they're cold.  Voltage drops and they just don't crank worth a damn when temps are cool.  Warm the battery up by leaving the switch on for a few minutes before starting and check the voltage to see you have at least 12V before cranking.

[handensco]

I have good voltage and the engine brands over good. I think it is either the relay or the pump. I will do a test on those to try and figure out which. The bike is in the sunroom so it is 42* outside but 70 in here at 8 in the morning. I am going though the connectors and spraying contact cleaner and then putting dialectic grease in them. I hop that is how you are supposed to do it. Waiting on a cable for my battery charger. Thanks guys!

[handensco]

I did a bunch of test on the relay and the pump. It all was good. I took another reading on the battery and it was down. I put the battery on the special Shorai charger and let it sit overnight. The fuel pump started running. I started the bike and it runs . I had bought a set of high mount GPR pipes and the bike sounds amazing. Now I just have to finish putting it together and I will have 2 Super Sports running.

[Cloner]

Need a third?  I have an 800 SS race bike with tons of spares (including a spare engine) I'll sell for $3k.  It's an AHRMA F3 #1 plate winner in 2014!

[handensco]

I have enough now. With 2 harley's one down to the frame and 2 SS's, the old beemer and the dirt bike I barely have enough time to ride. I am looking at an old BMW R100/GS bumblebee. Last year was over 1000 in tires. 

[DRKWNG]

Thanks for taking care of my SC over the last week.

[Duck-Stew]

Thanks for taking care of my SC over the last week.

Never a problem!  (Outside of the logistics...). Hope to see you soon amigo!

[DRKWNG]

Thursday night.  I'll be pee'ing in Mouse's toilet. 

Or back yard...