Topher's EX250 build thread

[TheTopher]

I think your taking to the riding scene nicely. You know how to get a hold of me if you have questions or want some custom LED work done.

Still suck at the social aspect, but the riding part I was born for.

 

[jhammel85]

At least you can have a bike. My wifey no likey....I'm working on it!

And I don't know if anyone else has said it but your becoming macguyver. Just judging by your Snapple bottles and valve adjusting tools.......and theres nothing wrong with that

 

[TheTopher]

At least you can have a bike. My wifey no likey....I'm working on it! That's what chloroform is for

And I don't know if anyone else has said it but your becoming macguyver. Just judging by your Snapple bottles and valve adjusting tools.......and theres nothing wrong with that

Macguyver? Well I appreciate it but I don't think I'm quite that level. I'm just trying to take Gwaii's preaching to heart and use what I've got handy. Go check out his build threads if you wanna see some real Macguyver stuff.

 

[jhammel85]

I have...Definitely a legend around these parts, hah.

 

[TheTopher]

New tire is installed. Pics shall be posted after a test ride.

 

[TheTopher]

Well, it seems that when I went to remove the tire I got carried away with curse words and it was all just downhill from there, so this is the only picture on my phone. oops. I'll get more pics next time, I promise!

 

[Sunk]

How'd those clamps work? When doing the tires on my old Explorer I had to place the deflated tire under another truck with a jack next to the bead and jack it up to get the old tires off.

There's a lot less sidewall on these small tires!

 

[TheTopher]

How'd those clamps work? When doing the tires on my old Explorer I had to place the deflated tire under another truck with a jack next to the bead and jack it up to get the old tires off.

There's a lot less sidewall on these small tires!

Clamps worked great once I figured out how to place them. I've got a ball joint press I can use if I ever have to do a bigger tire, but I can't imagine having to do that any time soon.

Bike rode fine but it feels like the chain is a little louder than it used to be. I'm wondering if that's because I screwed up the rear wheel alignment or if it's just part of it being removed and reinstalled and it'll break back in and quiet down after a while.

 

[Sunk]

Right on. I need to replace my rear tire too, it's still got a plug in it from 2 years ago. It leaks, faster if it sits. Maybe that just the bike telling me to ride it more.

 

[TheTopher]

Welp, I decided to double check my alignment. I used a specialty tool the first time, this time I checked it with a good ol' tape measurer and from the swing arm bolt hole to the center of the rear axle bolt is within 1/16th of an inch on each side.

Did I mention I apparently left my can of chain lube under the garage door when I finished for the night and the door opened itself back up after hitting it? Good thing I went back down there!

 

[TheTopher]

Right on. I need to replace my rear tire too, it's still got a plug in it from 2 years ago. It leaks, faster if it sits. Maybe that just the bike telling me to ride it more.

I'm gonna go with the second explanation.

 

[TheTopher]

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of my redneck tire balancer, but I found a picture of somebody else doing the same thing

Just give 'er a 90 degree turn and let 'er spin on her own, then add a 1/4oz weight to the top when she stops. Repeat process until the wheel stays where you put it every time.

 

[TheTopher]

Update:

I went out and measured the alignment again now that I'm actually awake and it turns out one side was just over 1/16th difference from the other. I gave that side 1.25 turns (Looked like that's about how many threads made up the difference) and the chain is noticeably quieter now. I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow for a test ride but I'm fairly confident this was the issue.

 

[TheTopher]

Update: Came up with a better solution for the helmet lock.

While the chain thing worked, it wasn't too pretty and it wasn't exactly stylish or convenient to run a chain through your helmet every time you park your bike. So I came up with a better solution.

Notice the bolt I tapped into the frame.

I can just hook my helmet ring onto it like so.

Then pop the seat into place to lock it there.

Weird-random-line-in-my-last-picture not included.

Anyway, problem solved and looking much cooler!

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Cool!!
i like the tire balancer too.
i wonder if that would work with my tires? LOL