Hi all, A couple of weeks ago I joined the MC22 family, picking up a 1991 version. Prior to purchasing the bike I took it to my mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection: the compression was good and the mechanic said it was in generally good condition for its age. There are some smaller issues with the bike, however being 30-year-old bikes that have been bought and ridden with the sole intention of thrashing them, I did expect this. The overall mechanical condition of the bike is good, and better than many others I had seen. As far as I’m concerned, these bikes are a engineering masterpieces and fast becoming properly collectible, in the sense that they are desirable and increasingly rare. That is not to say that I think they will be worth huge money, but they are unique, desirable and scarce. I would like to keep the bike as a weekend rider, having an XSR700 for general duties. My intention for the bike is to keep it aesthetically pretty original, while ensuring it’s well maintained, undertaking preventative and general maintenance, as well as freshening up parts that remain functional, but are worn. Issues There are a few items that require attention such as: a. fuel tap stays "on", turning it to reserve or off does not do anything. I've had a look and the petcock doesn't look original; and b. the exhaust requires some love - its a bit loose where the second pipe between the headers and muffler and one of the flanges is cracked; c. a fan bypass was installed to turn on the fan before the thermostat kicked in, due to concerns about getting hot. Subsequent to my owning and riding the bike a bit more (I live in the CBD), its become apparent that the fan does not turn on at all of its own accord: there must be an issue with the thermostat, or this "bypass" was not installed correctly; d. speedo wobbles a little bit; and e. some of the dash bulbs are out. Immediate Preventative Maintenance The previous owner had it for 8 years where the bike did about 4,000k's. He was not sure whether the valve clearances had ever been done, so this is first up on my list of major items to be checked. As checking the valve clearances involves removing the fuel tank and radiator, I'll also be getting my mechanic to: a. install a genuine petcock with a new fuel strainer; b. replace the radiator hoses, coolant o-rings and clamps (all LiteTek) and fix the fan issue; c. install a new valve cover gasket, rubber mounts and carb insulators; and d. install a new thermostat switch, while they’ve got the bike apart. After taking the bike for a few rides now, I've noticed that there are a couple of flat spots in the power delivery below 10k RPM and a bit of sputtering. I’ll also be getting my mechanic to dyno the bike and see whether it needs any tuning. Other Plans I do want to do some of the cleaning up and work on the bike myself, where it’s within my skillset to do so. There is a ton of chain lube on the rear mudguard and swingarm, so I’ll be giving that area and the underneath a gentle clean. I’ve also bought a bunch of other parts which I will either install, or are spares for now, such as: - Steering head bearings - New foot pegs - New LHS and RHS switchblocks - Left and right crankcase gasket covers - Rear brake reservoir - New stand spring and rubber sleeve - New RHS inspection bolts - Various o-rings, springs and bolts - Dash light bulbs - New Honda blank keys The triple tree brackets, stand, exhaust hanger and clip on’s are all looking pretty tired, as are some other smaller painted steel parts of the bike. As such, I think thing to do is get them all vapour blasted and then repainted. There is some light rust in the tank and eventually I will get it cleaned, coated and repainted, along with a new set of fairings. The wheels also have some chips in them and it would be good to eventually get them stripped and resprayed. I would also like to re-install original looking indicators, with the orange lens covers. Feel free to give me your opinion on the above! I am looking for a brand new thermostat and coolant reservoir, if anyone has tips on either of those two items.
Sounds like you have all the major problems covered. If you find the engine still runs hot after replacing the coolant bits, new radiators are available from Aliexpress in China for reasonable money. They can be cleaned but remember they are 30+ year old components. Good riding and enjoy your bike.
Thanks, I've already ordered some parts off Omar! Thanks Gert, I had seen that thread but wasn't sure whether anyone actually had any first hand experience: I've just posted asking such.
. Bike look's very nice. Love this statement ''have been bought and ridden with the sole intention of thrashing them " , it's about right too . Via the picture's , the lower triple tree is rusted , the front brake master cylinder must have sprung a leak in the past ?. Brake fluid and paint don't play nice with each other .
Thanks mate Ahh, I had wondered what might have caused it to rust. I didn't turn my mind to it being the brake fluid, but makes a lot of sense! I've got a spare triple tree that I'm going wet blast then paint up and swap out. Will have to pull of the brake fluid reservoir and give it some love too, it's looking very ordinary.
No problem. No doubt the fork tube's will need a bit of a polish , just another job for you to do. Not saying it was the brake fluid leak that made the mess , but at'least your aware to have a good look over the master cylinder / plunger for leak's. Everyone has there own opinion on what brand's / fluid's to use in there bike's .I use a different grade of brake fluid , have done for way over twenty year's. My old BM mechanic informed me of this product , used it since then.
