05-26-2023, 02:18 PM
I've just got home after a 1700 mile trip around the top of Northern Ireland and half way down the West coast of The Republic on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The bike has been great and turned over 41,000 miles (nearly all rural, twisty roads) on the trip.
One issue, the rear master cylinder started leaking milky brake fluid. It was a small leak and wasn't an issue. I ordered a 2nd hand one in good condition and fitted it on my return. I think that water had got into the bottom of the old one as it was very corroded underneath the rubber boot, a real rusty mess. There are no repair kits for these. It's a replacement only job.
Having lubricated the rear drive shaft splines a good time and mileage ago I decided to take the shaft out to check the universal joints and lubricate the splines at both ends.
While browsing eBay I spotted what looked like a mint 2nd hand shaft for a reasonable price (less than half what some people are asking). I made an offer, it was accepted and a totally mint, like new shaft arrived the day after I got back.
It turns out my U/J's are fine. I still fitted the new shaft and mine will be a spare. I needed a new rear gaiter as the for'd end was perished and loose and also there was considerable corrosion on the rear of the shaft housing where the gaiter sits. So, corrosion removed and a couple of coats of black enamel all was good to go when the gaiter arrived late this afternoon.
I took the bike out for a ride to check out the shaft and the brakes. All are good. An unexpected bonus, the character of the bike has changed hugely. It's now much, much smoother than before. The new shaft is obviously balanced much better than the original. It's like having a new bike.
Peter
The bike has been great and turned over 41,000 miles (nearly all rural, twisty roads) on the trip.
One issue, the rear master cylinder started leaking milky brake fluid. It was a small leak and wasn't an issue. I ordered a 2nd hand one in good condition and fitted it on my return. I think that water had got into the bottom of the old one as it was very corroded underneath the rubber boot, a real rusty mess. There are no repair kits for these. It's a replacement only job.
Having lubricated the rear drive shaft splines a good time and mileage ago I decided to take the shaft out to check the universal joints and lubricate the splines at both ends.
While browsing eBay I spotted what looked like a mint 2nd hand shaft for a reasonable price (less than half what some people are asking). I made an offer, it was accepted and a totally mint, like new shaft arrived the day after I got back.
It turns out my U/J's are fine. I still fitted the new shaft and mine will be a spare. I needed a new rear gaiter as the for'd end was perished and loose and also there was considerable corrosion on the rear of the shaft housing where the gaiter sits. So, corrosion removed and a couple of coats of black enamel all was good to go when the gaiter arrived late this afternoon.
I took the bike out for a ride to check out the shaft and the brakes. All are good. An unexpected bonus, the character of the bike has changed hugely. It's now much, much smoother than before. The new shaft is obviously balanced much better than the original. It's like having a new bike.
Peter
