Who Rode Today?

[Zerks]

I rode yesterday to Palm Springs and back... 124 miles round trip. Saw 39 degrees a few times at elevation 4917 ft at Keen Camp Summit on SR 74. It was nice down low at 72 degrees in Palm Desert and when I got home it was 54. The Concours is good in cold temps and runs real good!

 

[sixpack577]

Me!
I started working on this
1998 Suzuki Intruder 800
For one of my best friends dad, months ago.
It had sat a long time, had a tank full of rust, needed both carbs rebuilt, and alot of little things.
I would fix one thing, then find two more, lol, typical.
Evaporust couldn't get all the rust out of the tank, and it had a pinhole in it.
My Dad made an electrolysis tank, got the rust out, and found and welded the hole!
I thought I was almost done weeks ago, but both carbs were pouring gas out of their overflows.
After taking them back apart, I found that both new seats had oversized holes(junk china parts I was brought). After new oem replacements, all good.
I finally got the last parts that I needed this week, and got it together today.
Last night we got our first snow of the year! A half inch, then sleet, and freezing rain, and then rain as the temperature crept up to 34 degrees.
So, as soon as I finished it, out I went!
I even passed a Goldwing...and a deputy, I was going 92 in 55(by the speedo), but given the weather, he didn't want to fool with me, lol.
I had to make sure it ran good, and it does!
My friend's dad was shocked to see it show up today too.
Most of the snow had washed away, but the roads were still fun to drift a little on...those 38 horses wanted to run! lmao
But the thing is really impressive for all it is, and I made his day, and had 20 miles of fun!
And...Big thanks to @Kiwi Rider !!
He got me the fuel screw settings and float heights for both carbs, from the Suzuki service manuals at work.
I couldn't find it Anywhere online.
So, the power of the org, the Suzuki Tech in New Zealand helps Me in Va in the U.S., bring an old bike back to life, so an old retired guy can enjoy creeping the countryside on it.
(Yes, that's a 10 year old state inspection sticker on the fork, lol).
Thanks Greg

 

[Bumblebee]

Me!
I started working on this
1998 Suzuki Intruder 800
For one of my best friends dad, months ago.
It had sat a long time, had a tank full of rust, needed both carbs rebuilt, and alot of little things.
I would fix one thing, then find two more, lol, typical.
Evaporust couldn't get all the rust out of the tank, and it had a pinhole in it.
My Dad made an electrolysis tank, got the rust out, and found and welded the hole!
I thought I was almost done weeks ago, but both carbs were pouring gas out of their overflows.
After taking them back apart, I found that both new seats had oversized holes(junk china parts I was brought). After new oem replacements, all good.
I finally got the last parts that I needed this week, and got it together today.
Last night we got our first snow of the year! A half inch, then sleet, and freezing rain, and then rain as the temperature crept up to 34 degrees.
So, as soon as I finished it, out I went!
I even passed a Goldwing...and a deputy, I was going 92 in 55(by the speedo), but given the weather, he didn't want to fool with me, lol.
I had to make sure it ran good, and it does!
My friend's dad was shocked to see it show up today too.
Most of the snow had washed away, but the roads were still fun to drift a little on...those 38 horses wanted to run! lmao
But the thing is really impressive for all it is, and I made his day, and had 20 miles of fun!
And...Big thanks to @Kiwi Rider !!
He got me the fuel screw settings and float heights for both carbs, from the Suzuki service manuals at work.
I couldn't find it Anywhere online.
So, the power of the org, the Suzuki Tech in New Zealand helps Me in Va in the U.S., bring an old bike back to life, so an old retired guy can enjoy creeping the countryside on it.
(Yes, that's a 10 year old state inspection sticker on the fork, lol).
Thanks Greg

View attachment 1663920

View attachment 1663921

A friend of mine's wife had one of those......he said he didn't know how she could ride it as it was just so bad in so many ways but she loved it and had it for years and years until she gave up riding...

Glad you got this one going...

 

[sixpack577]

A friend of mine's wife had one of those......he said he didn't know how she could ride it as it was just so bad in so many ways but she loved it and had it for years and years until she gave up riding...

Glad you got this one going...

I'm sure this one is as bad too, lmao
But, it was really stable on wet and icey roads, even in turns, and I ripped and drifted it like a dirtbike, lol
Again...all things considered.
At 5'10" with a 32"-33" inseam, it does feel a little small, and for a heavy bike, it pushes, steers, and turns really well for an old cruiser.
And I'm glad I Finally got it going too.
Fix this, find something else, wait on more parts, it's been in way for a Long time!
I was happy to see it go home!

 

[Kiwi Rider]

I'm sure this one is as bad too, lmao
But, it was really stable on wet and icey roads, even in turns, and I ripped and drifted it like a dirtbike, lol
Again...all things considered.
At 5'10" with a 32"-33" inseam, it does feel a little small, and for a heavy bike, it pushes, steers, and turns really well for an old cruiser.
And I'm glad I Finally got it going too.
Fix this, find something else, wait on more parts, it's been in way for a Long time!
I was happy to see it go home!

Marty, so glad to hear the restoration of the mechanical and carbs etc was a success!
I'm glad my input got you over the line, anytime I can help, just ask, I'm more than happy to help.
It must have been awesome to see the guy's face light up when you delivered it back to him . . . there ain't too many people around that will take on a project like that, I get jobs like that constantly but only because word gets around that I'm able and willing to resurrect their beloved old bikes, and old guys are so happy to get back on their old pride and joy they've had in the shed for years and years.
You're a credit to the biker community mate!

 

[sixpack577]

Marty, so glad to hear the restoration of the mechanical and carbs etc was a success!
I'm glad my input got you over the line, anytime I can help, just ask, I'm more than happy to help.
It must have been awesome to see the guy's face light up when you delivered it back to him . . . there ain't too many people around that will take on a project like that, I get jobs like that constantly but only because word gets around that I'm able and willing to resurrect their beloved old bikes, and old guys are so happy to get back on their old pride and joy they've had in the shed for years and years.
You're a credit to the biker community mate!

Thanks Greg
I pulled in my friend's yard revving the engine, and he came out laughing.
He then followed me in his truck to his Dad's house. I pulled in there revving the engine, and he came out about a minute later.
The look on his face was priceless, lol.
Somewhere between shock and disbelife, that his bike was running...and showed up in the rain and sleet with snow on the ground.
He was very grateful, and after he asked several times what he owed me, and I told him nothing, just enjoy it, he didn't know what to say.
After a fun ride, and his reaction, all my frustrations with this thing disapeared, and it was all worth it, and I remembered why I work on projects like this sometimes.
Given the weather, we didn't stay long, and left him standing on his porch shaking his head...he was going to go in and change and take it up the road, lol.
When I talk to him again, he'll get all the details, that a Kiwi from New Zealand helped get his bike going...and that'll get a good reaction too, lol.
Thanks again man.

 

[Bumblebee]

With the amount of snow we got overnight and are still getting, only the guys on snowmobiles will be out riding today....

 

[Kiwi Rider]

With the amount of snow we got overnight and are still getting, only the guys on snowmobiles will be out riding today....

Gosh, isn't it almost summer for you northern guys?
It's just started autumn here and we are having temps between 20 and 25 daily, overnight low was 8degC here today, but still rode to work anyway.

 

[Kiwi Rider]

Thanks Greg
I pulled in my friend's yard revving the engine, and he came out laughing.
He then followed me in his truck to his Dad's house. I pulled in there revving the engine, and he came out about a minute later.
The look on his face was priceless, lol.
Somewhere between shock and disbelife, that his bike was running...and showed up in the rain and sleet with snow on the ground.
He was very grateful, and after he asked several times what he owed me, and I told him nothing, just enjoy it, he didn't know what to say.
After a fun ride, and his reaction, all my frustrations with this thing disapeared, and it was all worth it, and I remembered why I work on projects like this sometimes.
Given the weather, we didn't stay long, and left him standing on his porch shaking his head...he was going to go in and change and take it up the road, lol.
When I talk to him again, he'll get all the details, that a Kiwi from New Zealand helped get his bike going...and that'll get a good reaction too, lol.
Thanks again man.

Fantastic story mate.
That is love in action, giving your time and effort and receiving joy in return.
Soooooo.... what's next?

 

[Bumblebee]

Gosh, isn't it almost summer for you northern guys?
It's just started autumn here and we are having temps between 20 and 25 daily, overnight low was 8degC here today, but still rode to work anyway.

Spring is around the corner....hopefully we'll get our riding season in a month or so...

Although it sure seems a long way off when I'm looking out the window and can't see past the end of the yard because of the falling snow...

 

[sixpack577]

Fantastic story mate.
That is love in action, giving your time and effort and receiving joy in return.
Soooooo.... what's next?

Well, this little nightmare is still haunting me.
2006 Polaris Predator 50cc 2-stroke cvt.
A good friend built a ramp for my shed last summer, for the cost of materials, and to get this running again.
It sat outside a couple years.
The kicker was stuck, starter wouldn't turn, no spark, carb Full of crud, and several other suprises.
The belt box was Full of talc like dirt that had seized the starter and starter clutch.
I rebuilt both of those, and the kicker and carburetor.
I now have fuel, fire, compression...and it still won't run.
It turns over fast for about 15 seconds, then starts to turn really slow, as if the brand new battery is dieing.
I tried a bigger battery, the engine spins faster, but same thing, even with the belt off(to clarify no starter clutch drag).
The plastic on the end of the choke cable where it enters the carb is broken(ordering a new one), and that would cause issues, but I can't even get it to hit on starting fluid, only smell it from the muffler.
This is the most current problem with it, as I have traced and found several issues, mainly corrosion in multiple connectors, but all resolved as I finally have good spark.
This one currently has me stumped, but I'll get it eventually.
From there, back to good stuff.
My friend's(mine, lol) '18 gsxr1000R has lots of good new parts to go on.
Then a few minor things on my DRZ, to probably sell or trade.
Then my 03 gsxr1k will get lots of new maintenance parts.
Meanwhile...I Hate Polaris

 

[Bumblebee]

Well, this little nightmare is still haunting me.
2006 Polaris Predator 50cc 2-stroke cvt.
A good friend built a ramp for my shed last summer, for the cost of materials, and to get this running again.
It sat outside a couple years.
The kicker was stuck, starter wouldn't turn, no spark, carb Full of crud, and several other suprises.
The belt box was Full of talc like dirt that had seized the starter and starter clutch.
I rebuilt both of those, and the kicker and carburetor.
I now have fuel, fire, compression...and it still won't run.
It turns over fast for about 15 seconds, then starts to turn really slow, as if the brand new battery is dieing.
I tried a bigger battery, the engine spins faster, but same thing, even with the belt off(to clarify no starter clutch drag).
The plastic on the end of the choke cable where it enters the carb is broken(ordering a new one), and that would cause issues, but I can't even get it to hit on starting fluid, only smell it from the muffler.
This is the most current problem with it, as I have traced and found several issues, mainly corrosion in multiple connectors, but all resolved as I finally have good spark.
This one currently has me stumped, but I'll get it eventually.
From there, back to good stuff.
My friend's(mine, lol) '18 gsxr1000R has lots of good new parts to go on.
Then a few minor things on my DRZ, to probably sell or trade.
Then my 03 gsxr1k will get lots of new maintenance parts.
Meanwhile...I Hate Polaris

View attachment 1663983

How is the timing?

As you know, they need fuel, air and spark to run but if the timing is out they won't...

 

[sixpack577]

How is the timing?

As you know, they need fuel, air and spark to run but if the timing is out they won't...

It's a 2-stroke...a weedeater with wheels.
So the timing is electronically set.

 

[Bumblebee]

It's a 2-stroke...a weedeater with wheels.
So the timing is electronically set.

Odd that it's not starting....normally if smokers have what they need, they run...

 

[Kiwi Rider]

Well, this little nightmare is still haunting me.
2006 Polaris Predator 50cc 2-stroke cvt.
A good friend built a ramp for my shed last summer, for the cost of materials, and to get this running again.
It sat outside a couple years.
The kicker was stuck, starter wouldn't turn, no spark, carb Full of crud, and several other suprises.
The belt box was Full of talc like dirt that had seized the starter and starter clutch.
I rebuilt both of those, and the kicker and carburetor.
I now have fuel, fire, compression...and it still won't run.
It turns over fast for about 15 seconds, then starts to turn really slow, as if the brand new battery is dieing.
I tried a bigger battery, the engine spins faster, but same thing, even with the belt off(to clarify no starter clutch drag).
The plastic on the end of the choke cable where it enters the carb is broken(ordering a new one), and that would cause issues, but I can't even get it to hit on starting fluid, only smell it from the muffler.
This is the most current problem with it, as I have traced and found several issues, mainly corrosion in multiple connectors, but all resolved as I finally have good spark.
This one currently has me stumped, but I'll get it eventually.

Here’s a tip Marty, check that the crankcase isn’t full of fuel, and check the crank seals for compression leakage,
Remember 2 strokes need crankcase compression to push the fuel up the transfer ports then into the combustion chamber to be compressed and burnt.
These are common issues when a two stroke has been sitting a long time.
I’d say this is most likely causing the no go situation….. or perhaps broken rings or blown head gasket?
A few things to think about…
Good luck mate!

 

[sixpack577]

Here’s a tip Marty, check that the crankcase isn’t full of fuel, and check the crank seals for compression leakage,
Remember 2 strokes need crankcase compression to push the fuel up the transfer ports then into the combustion chamber to be compressed and burnt.
These are common issues when a two stroke has been sitting a long time.
I’d say this is most likely causing the no go situation….. or perhaps broken rings or blown head gasket?
A few things to think about…
Good luck mate!

Yeah, I've seen bad crank seals burn a hole in the top of a piston on a 2-stroke before...and I got a great bike for next to nothing because of it, lol.
I need to do a leak down test on this thing.
I just need to find a good plug for the exhaust, as nothing in my set is that small.
I'll keep you posted.

 

[sixpack577]

Here’s a tip Marty, check that the crankcase isn’t full of fuel, and check the crank seals for compression leakage,
Remember 2 strokes need crankcase compression to push the fuel up the transfer ports then into the combustion chamber to be compressed and burnt.
These are common issues when a two stroke has been sitting a long time.
I’d say this is most likely causing the no go situation….. or perhaps broken rings or blown head gasket?
A few things to think about…
Good luck mate!

It had about 92 psi of of compression when I checked it recently.
90 psi is about as low as you want to go on most 2-strokes, and is close to the end of their life.
It was running when he parked it, but hard to start.
After checking again tonight...I got 70 psi, so there's the problem.
A slow death vs a more common broken ring.
The spec is 110 low to 135 high for this engine.
The cheap china cylinders and pistons are always a gamble too.
It took 3 bad ones and finally a good 4th to make compression, on a very similiar kfx 50cc 2-stroke I did a few years ago.
As also like this one, factory parts cost more than the whole thing is worth.
He'll probably want to try one, and it's a quick and easy job, so we'll see.
But, the broken plastic choke fitting is a much bigger concern right now, as the couple places I search it in oem parts...both show it as discontinued...
It'll never run without it....

 

[Kiwi Rider]

It had about 92 psi of of compression when I checked it recently.
90 psi is about as low as you want to go on most 2-strokes, and is close to the end of their life.
It was running when he parked it, but hard to start.
After checking again tonight...I got 70 psi, so there's the problem.
A slow death vs a more common broken ring.
The spec is 110 low to 135 high for this engine.
The cheap china cylinders and pistons are always a gamble too.
It took 3 bad ones and finally a good 4th to make compression, on a very similiar kfx 50cc 2-stroke I did a few years ago.
As also like this one, factory parts cost more than the whole thing is worth.
He'll probably want to try one, and it's a quick and easy job, so we'll see.
But, the broken plastic choke fitting is a much bigger concern right now, as the couple places I search it in oem parts...both show it as discontinued...
It'll never run without it....

View attachment 1664003

View attachment 1664004

Marty, have you considered cleaning up the broken surfaces and using a 2 pack epoxy adhesive, like araldite for instance to fix this choke?

 

[sixpack577]

Marty, have you considered cleaning up the broken surfaces and using a 2 pack epoxy adhesive, like araldite for instance to fix this choke?

Yes, I think that's going to my only option at this point.
I checked another site, and it's listed as discontinued there as well, no suprise.

 

[Kiwi Rider]

Yes, I think that's going to my only option at this point.
I checked another site, and it's listed as discontinued there as well, no suprise.

Us Kiwis always go to the 'repair rather than replace' option first.
But at work, in a commercial setting, we always try to replace with new parts to eliminate come-backs on customers' bikes.
We have a 'number 8 wire' mentality here, if you have seen 'the World's Fastest Indian' movie, you'll see what I'm talkin' about lol.