Well, after a wonderful thanksgiving weekend for riding (800 miles), this past weekend it was time to start tearing down my bike... or "The Pig" as it has become affectionately known by those who ride with me due to it's width, weight, and overall muscling around it requires. Been a looooong time since I did this, but it is amazing how quick it all comes back to you, and the factory shop manual is a big help of course.

I am storing the bike for the winter in a friend's heated garage - which also makes it a breeze to work on The first night I had all the plastic off, tank, airbox, plugs, and the 2nd night I started de-greasing it. While the previous owner did keep it clean overall and took good care of the bike - I can tell it has never been degreased. The chain cover had so much sludge and old wax in there - it was like a cake. I got just about everything cleaned up on the frame... I have to do the left side of the swingarm yet, as well as the chain, and a little bit underneath in the fender area, etc.

Then it is time to change all fluids... am also thinking about changing the fork oil, but I might wait a year. Gonna change the plugs as well, and considering changing the ignition sticks... anyone have any recommendations? After that - start scrubbing all the plastic and getting that cleaned up as well as polished. By then - I hope it is time to start putting it back together... cause I miss riding already!

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i do that once a year man. keeps it looking good where noone can see. if i have the time ill pull the motor out and detail it up too. nothing but fun !

 

I am doing that as best as I can without pulling it for now... not very much grease and grime on it actually - was very impressed.

 

Right on sro, you plan on safety wiring while you are into it?

 

Looks good Srobak. Wanna do my bike next? LOL

 

hahaha, wait your turn!

 

Can you clarify as to what you mean by this?

 

you know, running safty wire through the bolts so they cant spin loose ???? i was wondering the same too.

 

Stupid Question since I have not torn a bike down before but would this require drilling a small hole through the threads of the bolts? Like a cotter pin type lock.

 

As i understand it, yes it does. The only downside I can think of is that it is one of the signs a buyer would look for to see if its been raced and could drop your resale a little bit. But thats only a problem if you can bear the thought of selling your sled.