Tech session logistics [Archive]

toXic

04-01-2005, 02:17 PM

ok here is what we need to do to pull this off effectively.

1) those with parts that they can not carry on their bike - will need to drop them off Friday 4/22 between 5PM and 8PM.

2) We need to agree on a start time - 9 may be a bit early for my neighbors so 10-noon work well.

Now we need to understand what the scope of work will be. So those of you who are coming - please reply and let us know what you would like to learn or have done to your bike.

Thanks.

VTXHOGG

04-01-2005, 02:28 PM

I've got a set of Progressive springs to put in for the forks, a spare set of shocks to cut down if we have time. :wink:

Thats if everything comes in on time. :?

vtxraider

04-01-2005, 02:41 PM

I would like to put on my Cobra angled slashcuts and HPP unit. (Not much with wiring. :oops: ) Currently waiting on HPP to ship bung. I ordered 8 days ago and when I called yesterday, they said it would ship out today. :shock: Once I get that, I am going to trial fit the pipes for bung location and then get it welded and tapped. If I get that done before KC trip, I might go ahead and install pipes and then I would just have the HPP unit to do on tech day.

I also have a set of front progressives that I would like to install if we have time.

Other than that, I would just like to check out everyone else's bikes and mods.

toXic

04-01-2005, 04:07 PM

Shocks take about 1 hour and would need to be done serially do to expertise and tools

pester

04-01-2005, 04:11 PM

I had intended on installing a hypercharger and jet kit.... but being the impatient type that I am.... i have the bike at the shop today having it installed. I have several other parts on order that should be in next week and I don't think I will need any help with them.... So, if no one has a problem with it, I think I will just shop up and lend a hand where I can.....

toXic

04-01-2005, 04:17 PM

that would be great - This really is a learning session more that a servicing session. We want to pass on some expertise to you to help you have a few $'s and give you more confidence in your bike and abilities to fix it on the road.

RobDogg

04-01-2005, 05:08 PM

Currently waiting on HPP to ship bung.
You don't have to wait on one from HPP. It's a standard 18mm bung, any local muffler shop will have one for probably 5 bucks plus install. Just an option!

RobDogg

04-01-2005, 05:49 PM

I had intended on installing a hypercharger and jet kit.... but being the impatient type that I am.... i have the bike at the shop today having it installed
That's probably a good thing. I don't think we would have time for a jet kit. That takes some custom tuning to get the needle clips in the right place and the carbs syncronized.

I think I will just shop up and lend a hand where I can.....

Definitely join us, it's also a time to meet people.

frosty

04-01-2005, 11:17 PM

I did not catch the time & date & location of the tec day please post.
I would like to be there if time will allow 8)

toXic

04-01-2005, 11:33 PM

Sat April 23rd, start between 10AM and noon.
Location17019 Cinnamon Circle Omaha - Mission Park SID. near 168th between Q and Harrison.

Directions on a previous link

Uncleford

04-05-2005, 02:18 AM

I need to get my valves done. (about 2200 miles overdue) Not really sure how long it would take and I don't want to take time from everyone else. Just a thought let me know what you guys think. All the other stuff I have (V&H, prog springs ect ) I can do myself.

Great weather this pass weekend. I hope it stays with us.

toXic

04-05-2005, 09:42 AM

I have never done a valve job - Rob may know I will leave it to him to decide if we have time or not.

RobDogg

04-05-2005, 10:23 AM

A valve job is a biggie. About 4 hours. But, based on what we've seen as to what people want to do, I don't think it's totally unreasonable to do one. What we will need to do though is try to work some of these tasks together so that everyone can watch. (like all the fork springs at the same time, etc.)

Once I'm confident on what we'll be doing I can do a schedule. I expected some desmogs (GP Plates) but I didn't find any posted?

Right now here's the roster please post if you're not on the list.

* VTXHOGG - Progressive fork springs, cut rear shocks (Not sure if Andy has a vise)

* vtxraider - Progressive fork springs, Cobra exhaust, HPP

* Uncleford - Progressive fork springs, valve job, V&H Exhaust, Barnett Clutch springs. (we may not get to all your stuff :wink: )

* Psyclefreak - valve job

RobDogg

04-05-2005, 11:07 AM

Also - I will be bringing my jack, and we'll have Andy's. It would be nice (but not imperative) to have one or two more if someone has one and is taking stuff over ahead of time.

Andy and I will have all the tools we'll need so if you want to bring your own you can but it's not required.

vtxraider

04-05-2005, 11:13 AM

I will bring my jack over the night before.

VTXHOGG

04-05-2005, 11:21 AM

I'll drop-off my jack as well.

toXic

04-05-2005, 12:46 PM

RobDogg

04-05-2005, 01:15 PM

We can definately do two things at once on Unclefords bike. You do the Springs while I do the clutch. We will need to drain his oil if it is on a stand because the clutch side will have oil in it.

Once done we can do his exhaust.

Doing two Spring jobs at the same time should be no problem
Yep, I think we can get everything done that's listed. It will be a busy day. But with 3-4 jacks we'll have no problem. We can do all of the progressive spring jobs at the same time (3 at the moment). And we can start on a valve job at the same time. Everything should work out ok.

danX

04-05-2005, 04:33 PM

Here's what I'd like to accomplish with my bike on Tech Day. I'd previously submitted a list to Andy, via PM, but here's the list again.

Check Valves for Adjustment and Adjust as needed--I'll be at about 4500 miles on the bike by then--Andy had said in response to my earlier post that he didn't think we'd have time to do any valve adjustments. If we have any time, I'd like to do this with my bike. If we don't, we don't.

Troubleshoot the front end "clunk"

Install Stebel Air Horn--139 decibels--
http://adventurersworkshop.com/Merchant ... _Air_Horns (http://adventurersworkshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Stebel_Air_Horns&Category_Code=Stebel_Air_Horns)

Install Cruise Control--this will be a bit complicated because of the Kuryakyn grips that are presently on the bike--
http://www.madcorider.com/cam-lock_honda_cruisers.html

Install Kury Battery Gauge--I need help with the electrical aspect of installation
http://www.kuryakyn.com/products.asp?bn=metric&ci=2695

I'm no wrench, but I'm motivated to learn and I'm glad to help with my own work and with the grunt work on other bikes.

RobDogg

04-05-2005, 04:58 PM

Check Valves for Adjustment ... I'll be at about 4500 miles
As long as we do this in parallel as the other Adjustments I think we can HOWEVER, I think it's pretty premature. If you'd like to wait I'd be happy to help you out when you get closer to 8k. If it were me, I'd hold off, but it's your call.

Troubleshoot the front end "clunk"
No problem

Install Stebel Air Horn
Be sure to bring any brackets we might need (or material to fasion brackets) Also, be sure that this came with an inline fuse. If it didn't then either pick one up from a parts store or get one of these:
http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/vtx/p ... =697925562 (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/vtx/product.asp?pid=572&ID=697925562)

Install Cruise Control
If you already have the Kury's installed with the Kury glue, this will be near impossible. I don't know of a way to get the grip off the throttle sleeve without destroying the rubber or the sleeve or both.

Install Kury Battery Gauge
edited - no problem (I said this needs a fuse but it doesn't)

danX

04-06-2005, 12:15 AM

Robdogg ...

I yield to your expertise ... if you think that it's premature to adjust the valves, then I'm sure it is, so let's drop that task off the list. I'll watch the valve work on the other bikes so that I have an idea about how it works.

The manufacturer of the Cam-Lock said that it could be retro-fitted to the Kury grips, and he sent a detailed protocol for doing so, but let's take this off the table for Tech Day. I've not yet purchased it, and maybe I'll hold off purchasing a cruise control for a few months.

Ok on the deletion of the inline fuse for the Kury Battery Gauge.

I've got a quick technical question. I purchased a Honda Light Bar from Rod's Power Sports in Lincoln, and I'm going to have Rod's install it. Is there a problem wiring up the Light Bar so that it turns on when I start the bike (I don't want to have to remember to switch it on), and is there a problem wiring it so that I can use my high-beam when the light bar is on? One of the service techs at Rod's (not Ryan ... he wasn't in when I called) says he doesn't think this works, but I'm not convinced that he knows what he's talking about. I'm sure I've seen a post on VTXOA that shows that both features can be wired without any trouble.

Thanks, Robdogg!

danX

04-06-2005, 01:14 AM

RobbDogg

Here's the VTXOA link discussing hookup of the Light Bar.

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... 488#497488 (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=497488#497488)

toXic

04-06-2005, 10:01 AM

Danx - I just added a light bar and the install is not that bad. i have it wired so that it goes off at ignition - like the headlight but then remains on all the time - including when brights are on. No problem thus far.

toXic

04-06-2005, 10:02 AM

And I agree with Rob - 4500 miles is way too early for a valve adjustment. These engines are very well made - ride and maintain to the manual and you will have no problems.

toXic

04-06-2005, 10:04 AM

I do not have a heavy duty vice but I have one of those craftsman work benches that can vice something - all depends on how much grip you will be needing.

RobDogg

04-06-2005, 11:29 AM

I'm going to have Rod's install it.
You should bring this to the tech day

Is there a problem wiring up the Light Bar so that it turns on when I start the bike (I don't want to have to remember to switch it on
That's the way is should be wired IMHO, as long as it turns off when you push the start button (like the headlight)

Is there a problem wiring it so that I can use my high-beam when the light bar is on?
You can wire it to work however you want. If you only want it on with the High beam, or only on with the Low beam or always on, or whatever. You should make sure (if you don't bring it to the tech session) that he uses a relay to drive the lightbar off of the battery and doesn't just tap into the blue/white headlight wire. Otherwise you could eventually melt your starter switch. (He may not know how common this is)

danX

04-06-2005, 04:38 PM

RobDogg ...

If you think we can work the installation of the Light Bar into Tech Day, I'll be glad to bring it. I could learn how to do it, and I'd at least have confidence that it was installed the way I want it. I'm glad to hear that there aren't any difficult technical barriers to installing it so that it switches on automatically after I start the bike and so that I can use it with high and low beam. Thanks for the feedback.

RobDogg

04-06-2005, 04:39 PM

If you think we can work the installation of the Light Bar into Tech Day
Bring it, we'll get'er done

JLMEMT

04-09-2005, 01:56 PM

I would still recommend a switch. Mine is wired to come on with the ignition, but there is still a switch if I want to turn it off for whatever reason. It's just a good option to have and not hard at all to do.

Just my opinion

I would like to come, but not sure it will happen, about a 3 hour ride for me.

toXic

04-10-2005, 09:46 AM

I have a Kuryakyn wiring harness that you can use if you want it. It has a built in switch

danX

04-10-2005, 10:37 AM

fjvanwet

04-10-2005, 01:49 PM

I have not done much to my VTX... except ride! Standard stuff, even, was a long time coming. I will show up to observe and meet other X owners, however. About the only thing that I might want to do sometime in the future is put a PowerCommander on the bike, now that I have aftermarket pipes... but that shouldn't be TOO difficult, I imagine.

See you all on April 23!

Heavy

04-11-2005, 07:38 PM

Since I can't make the big tech session (wish I could), I had my own today at Star City. We were slow with the rain, and there were absolutely no set-ups to do. So, I brought my bike back after lunch, and tore her apart.
I did my first valve job (about time with 7400 miles...), I changed out the spark plugs, fully recharged the battery, cleaned and re-oiled my K&N filter, and changed the oil.
It took about 4.5 hours. I had one intake and one exhaust valve a tad loose. They were just barely out of spec, but I tightened them up. PITA. My paws are a little big, and I would have preferred a smaller set of feeler gauges as opposed to the Craftsman offset ones I was using.
BTW, if any of you are running K&N filters, make sure to routinely clean and re-oil them. I've put mine off for a couple thousand miles, and it was horribly filthy.
I think I'll be doing the pair valve mod soon. We'll see.

JLMEMT

04-14-2005, 06:48 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, JLMEMT. I'm stupid about all things electronic, so I don't understand the implication, in terms of the amount of work necessary and the skill necessary, of your suggestion, but I agree that being able to manually switch the lightbar on and off is a useful/important feature. I'm hoping to learn a bit about the bike's electronics at Tech Day. I hope you can join us.

As for using the Kury wiring harness, Andy, thanks for the offer. If you think we need it, I'll be glad to pay you for it.

No problem, it realy isn't hard once you get started. I'm sure any of these guys can help you throw in a switch. Up to you, but I ended up changing the Kury harness so much that it would have been cheaper and easier to start from scratch. It does give you a starting point. Up to you and depends on who is able to help you. Once you have done a few things like this, you can do any simple wiring. I've done a lot of automotive wiring, but am by no means an electronic expert. Pretty much just self taught, so you can do it too.

Good luck.

vtxraider

04-19-2005, 08:41 PM

Ok, got some more parts in. Got the bung welded today and am going to go ahead and put pipes on tonight. (I am not going to try to put that darn stock beast back on!!! :x ) I got a new part and was wondering if Rob would bring his brake bleeder on Saturday for this.

http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/vtx/product.asp?pid=4466&ID=352217587

I don't have speed bleeders yet. :oops: I decided to spend that money elsewhere. I will eventually get them. I know that will make it harder, but is this something that is doable for Saturday?

RobDogg

04-19-2005, 09:28 PM

Andy and I both have vacuum pumps so that's not a problem, but you won't need to bleed the brakes to install the No-Hose reservior. (thank goodness :lol: )

Be sure to use new exhaust gaskets when putting the pipes on, yes there are gaskets in there, feel inside the port and you'll find them.

RobDogg

04-19-2005, 09:31 PM

If anyone has a 1300 manual it would be handy to have, please bring it if you do (DanX?)

vtxraider

04-19-2005, 10:36 PM

Well, got the pipes on, or at least torqued to 17 ft/lbs at the headers. That gasket was a pain to keep in there while trying to get the pipe aligned, especially since the wife was the only one to help. :shock: She was as happy about it as I was. :wink: Didn't get the bracket end tightened down and aligned since she wanted me to leave the garage for the night since it is becoming my favorite place. :lol:

It appears that according to the instructions that came with the No-Hose res., they did say to bleed the brakes at the end, but I will defer to your knowledge Rob. I may have misread.

danX

04-19-2005, 11:22 PM

If anyone has a 1300 manual it would be handy to have, please bring it if you do (DanX?)

I have a manual and I'll bring it, Robdogg. I used it today to top up my coolant and to change the oil and oil filter (I converted to Amsoil today). My Harbor Freight jack worked great. I purchased a torque wrench from Leon at Rod's and will bring it to Tech Day.

I know that it seems like a minor thing to change one's oil and oil filter, but I've had absolutely no mechanical training or background, so it felt very good to put the bike on the jack (I had to assemble the jack), fasten the handlebars, raise the bike, change the oil and oil filter, and start her up. I'm looking forward to working hard on Tech Day so that I can learn as much as I can and be as helpful as I can.

VTXHOGG

04-20-2005, 10:11 PM

I was talking to Dave L and meeting up with him at HWY 6 and Hwy 63 arround 8:30 and heading over to Gretna for Breakfast. Nothing really set at this time.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

LIVEWIRE

04-21-2005, 08:49 AM

i don't know if i will be able to make it. have to work on saturday. should get off by noon so i may be able to make it up later. i don't need to do anything with mine but i figured i could learn a thing or two. and meet everyone. any idea how late you will go?

toXic

04-21-2005, 10:49 AM

If we start at 10 - I think we can get done by 3 depending on how many folks show up. I would like to go for a run after that time and weather allowing.

RobDogg

04-21-2005, 11:25 AM

I think 3 is a bit optimistic :wink: I tend to think we'll go till about 5. Still plenty of time to go for a spin after though.

Andy, I'll try to be there by 9 so I can get tools and stuff set up (if that's ok). That way when people start showing up we can get right to it. I expect to have at least 4 bikes on lifts at a time.

I'll be bringing my stuff over Friday night, what time is good?

Uncleford

04-21-2005, 07:00 PM

If I could drop my pipes and such off Friday that would be great. What IS a good time for me to swing by? If not I guess i could make two trips Saturday. Whatever is good for you. I get off about 1630. Thanks

Uncleford.....

vtxraider

04-22-2005, 11:16 AM

Since my wife will be at her sister's on Saturday (172 and Q), I will have her drop off my jack and stuff Saturday morning instead of coming out on Friday night. She will be at her sister's by 8:00 am, so I will just have her stop by at 10:00 to drop of the jack and a few parts. That will save me a trip out tonight.

Got my Cobra pipes on and started it up last night. :D

It was suggested to me to use the V&H Quiet Baffles in my Cobras to make a deeper exhaust note with more back pressure. The only issue is that the V&H baffles are slighter smaller in diameter, so they have to be wrapped with extra fiberglass. Went to a couple of auto parts stores last night to find some fiberglass batting. Couldn't find anyone who carried it. Any suggestions?

Still having a HELL of a time getting my seat! :evil: :evil: :evil: After two weeks, I have 2 (yes 2) wrong seats sitting in my garage. :shock: Both times, they have sent me studded seats. Hopefully, the 3rd time is the charm.

VTXHOGG

04-22-2005, 11:22 AM

I'll be stopping at Alvo @ 8:10, Robdogg and I will then go up Hwy 63, and meet Dave L at the Hwy 6 Intersection @ 8:30. Take Hwy 6 to Gretna and should be at D & K cafe by 9:00.
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/3231/1092D_Ks_cafe.JPG We will be about 10 minuets from Andy's

vtxraider

04-22-2005, 11:22 AM

Got a friend from work who will be stopping by on Saturday. He owns an 03 1800. Wants to meet and greet and see what everyone has done to their bikes. He is still stock and hasn't made up his mind which direction he wants to take his bike. He won't be on his bike Saturday, but I told him no problem, stop by anyway.

Sounds like we may have quite a few people at your house Andy. :D Hopefully your neighbors are understanding. :wink:

Thanks again for volunteering your garage for this get together. :pepper1:

vtxraider

04-22-2005, 11:25 AM

I will try to make breakfast at 9:00 in Gretna. :D

RobDogg

04-22-2005, 12:09 PM

Andy, since I'm going to stop for breakfast, I won't be there right at nine. I think we'll only need about 15 minutes to set up. If you would still like me there early let me know and I'll skip the cafe and come on over.

toXic

04-22-2005, 03:45 PM

No need - I can set it up

danX

04-22-2005, 04:04 PM

RobDogg

04-22-2005, 04:20 PM

VTX Hogg, Rogdogg, Dave L, et al.

I'll catch you along 63/6 or will meet you at the Gretna Cafe. VTXHogg--if you're going along 2 and then taking 63 north to Alvo, let me know what time you'll be at the 2/63 intersection and I'll try to meet you there. If you're going back-country from Eagle to Alvo, then I'll see you at the cafe in Gretna. I'll see all of you tomorrow!
I would suggest you either meet Chriss (VTXHogg) @ 8:05 at the Cenex on hwy 2 in Eagle or just come on up to my place in Alvo before 8:10. From the south, my driveway is the first one to the left past the grain elevator on 63. It's loose gravel near the road so take care entering/exiting.

RobDogg

04-22-2005, 04:21 PM

ANDY - is any time a good time to bring stuff over tonight? I dought I can get there before 8pm cause I haven't organized my tools yet.

vtxraider

04-22-2005, 04:58 PM

RobDogg

04-22-2005, 05:16 PM

For the installation of my parts, HPP, front springs, and No-Hose brake res, is there anything I need to bring other than parts and jack? Going to bring brake fluid, just in case we need to bleed the brakes.
No extra stuff needed except for possibly brake fluid and maybe a box of shop towels to clean up any brake fluid drips.

toXic

04-22-2005, 08:44 PM

Guys we have plenty of Jacks - we can only work in like 3 bikes at a time so 3 jacks is all that is needed. Bring it if you want but more than 3 will be overkill. Rob and i have 1 each - just need a 3rd.

If you are coming over - before 9 would be good. I have little kids that need to bed down.

Looking forward to seeing all the hot X's tomorrow.

Uncleford

04-22-2005, 08:54 PM

Andy if I drop by in about an hour will that be okay? I would like to announce myself before I go but I don't have your phone number. If would like call me at 934-6562 (Michael) I am going to take the kids to get something to eat so I could be there sooner. Let me know! Thanks

Uncleford

vtxraider

04-22-2005, 11:05 PM

My jack is already in the wifes SUV. She will drop it by at 10:00.

VTXHOGG

04-22-2005, 11:05 PM

Dan,

Coming up from Beatrice turn right (east) on to Saltillo Rd. (Rods Power Sports), if you go through Lincoln take 70th to "O"st not 84th its's tore-up.
(Lincoln would give you a chance to warm up a little.) The fastest way is Saltillo to 120th, north to Hwy 2 east (if you get to the Bennet turn off you have Just gone to far on Hwy 2) > North on 148th Street west on O st. (Hwy 34).

Robdogg wrote:
I would suggest you either meet Chris (VTXHogg) @ 8:05 at the Cenex on hwy 2 in Eagle or just come on up to my place in Alvo before 8:10. From the south, my driveway is the first one to the left past the grain elevator on 63. It's loose gravel near the road so take care entering/exiting.

As Robdogg said But Eagle is on Hwy 34 not on Hwy 2 :wink:

Dress warm!!!