2008-04-26 - VA - Sterling - Tech Day

[Blrfl]

Dale Coyner of Open Road Outfitters (http://www.openroadoutfitters.com) fame has graciously offered up his shop for the Washington, DC area's first-ever ST tech day. :woo

DATE: Saturday, April 26, 2008 following breakfast. Time and place of said breakfast to be announced. Dale says he'll probably have food left over from the ORO open house the previous weekend, so lunch might be in the picture, too.

WHAT:

Valve Checks and Adjustments - Make sure your tappets aren't going Click and Clack (See note below)
Starter Valve Synchronizations - Get rid of that lumpy idle.
Idle Adjustments - Set the right non-lumpy speed
Counterbalancer Adjustments - Make the whine sound just right.
Post-Work Test Loop - A short loop to make sure everyone's bike is okay.
Trailer Test Rides - Dale has a 2005 with a hitch on it that he's willing to let us try out.
Farklerama - Show us your farkles!
GMRS/FRS Radio Bake-Off - See how the commercial ones compare to the cheapies
Whatever other mischief we can get into - :D



WHERE: Open Road Outfitters (http://www.openroadoutfitters.com) in Sterling, Virginia. Directions here. (http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/editorial/contact.cfm)


NOTES:

If you intend to do a valve check, you will need to leave your bike at ORO overnight. There are a number of hotels close by and if enough people are interested, I can check into getting a block of rooms. I'll even be willing to lower myself to driving the thing with the extra wheels to shuttle people to and from the shop as needed.

Owners of 1100s should be advised that I don't have a service manual for that bike or any experience wrenching it. But even if your 1100 doesn't need work, come by and hang out!

I live close by and will supply a service manual, shim kit, CarbTune II and tools to augment whatever Dale has available. There are a couple of things needed, and if anyone can bring one, it would be a big help:

Metric Micrometer - Inches are a pain in the butt when your shims are metric.
Tachometer - We need one that can accurately show changes of 50 RPM.


If you plan to attend, please post in this thread (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34942). Discussion should be had there as well.

More info as it becomes available...

CONFIRMED ATTENDEES:

Blrfl (Me!)
gene
ezwryder (Dale, our host)
juddspaintballs
meyerweb
TGB Express - Zumo install


--Mark

[joesmoe3]

I'll plan on being there. I don't ride the STeed that much -- close to 9k miles since new. I don't think I'll need to do the valves, though I certainly would like to watch and learn as much as I can about everything. The whine has bothered me from day one, and so has the right-steer tendency. I would expect the weather to be decent, and, I'll be ready for a good breakfast, unless the group ends up at McDonalds or some such.

[jeffhallman]

Great idea, Mark! I won't need another valve check until about a year from now, but maybe I'll stop by and lend a bit of encouragement. I can bring my manual and some tools also, if needed.

I just did another oil and final drive oil change yesterday, and swapped out the spark plugs as well, which I see now I should have done back in September. Oh, well, they were still in pretty good shape, but the motor feels a bit stronger with the new plugs.

[Mean]

29 miles straight north on 28. Hmmm. By then I might just be back into my motorcycle. :p: I do plan on rebuilding the clutch slave cylinder before that. I have never checked this bike's valves or done a carb sync. I do have the manual for the ST1100. It is in the form of a PDF file however. Came with the bike so don't yell at me.

I have a commitment on Saturday mornings but it is not confirmed until that morning. Sorry, too complicated to explain. Anyway, we will see.

G

[WVUandVT2]

Count me in. I'll be there if I don't get kidnapped by someone. Now I need to go out and by some toys to put on my ST while I'm there :-)

[TGB Express]

Add one more to the list! Any chance of some electricial help? Got a Zumo o wire up...and looking to buy a few more goodies!

Tim

[Mean]

Now we are getting too many ST13s. Where are the ST11 crews? :)

G

[juddspaintballs]

herm...poihaps i'll attend to hang out.

[Mean]

Thank goodness. Two 91s beat all the ST13s. :) I may have to try your Stealth if you show up. That is if I can show up. Again, I won't know until that morning.

G

[gregj]

I'll burn some CDs with the manual on it and bring them too. Anyone wanting to change tires? I could truck it down and throw my tire changer in the back.

[Blue STreak]

I plan to be there with my 1100

[scottm89]

I am spankin' new to Northern VA. Relocated to Ashburn in Feb. Just road my ST in from St. Louis yesterday. Had to leave a great group of riders behind and I am looking to meet new ones. If on-lookers are welcome; I am in.... Unless wife and kids intercede in the meantime. :)

[juddspaintballs]

I still have about 3k miles on my front tire. I'll try to remember to bring my repair manual too.

I'm requesting off work tomorrow for this day. I have no work that needs done, unless I never get around to installing that Blue Sea that's been sitting on the stairs for 3 weeks. Maybe the dash shelf that's on it's way too. All of my work is minor. Perhaps it'll be time for an oil change by then...

Lauren's maid of honor is throwing her a surprise engagement shower that day, so I need an excuse to be busy that day so she won't try coming over to my house.

[Blrfl]

Anyone who plans to do work that day, please post up with what you're planning so I have some idea how to organize the work.

scottm89: Looky-Lous are absolutely welcome. I don't have anything to do on my bike, either.

--Mark

[Blue STreak]

I'll probably just be kickin' tires and kibitzing. My 1100, unlike all your 1300s, just keeps running, and running, and.... Don't need no stinkin' maintenance on 1100s. :p: :p: :p: :p:

[Blrfl]

Don't need no stinkin' maintenance on 1100s. :p: :p: :p: :p:

Nonsense. I saw yours at the Ferrari dealer last week.

--Mark

[gene]

Ok I'm in for a starter valve syn, Mark don't forget the carbtune and replacement bolts :D Thanks for setting this up Mark

[Blrfl]

I'll bring the screw extractors, too. :eek:

--Mark

[juddspaintballs]

Yeah...definitely wanna come. No maintenance for me besides maybe some simple wiring that only requires pulling some tupperware.

[teddyc51]

Mark< I am still heading that way for the tech. At 15K miles I consider myself a candidate for valve inspection. Is there anyway to tell performance or sound wise if it is necessary? I can come out to your shop the weekend prior (this weekend) to talk about leaving the bike and letting you take a ride if you think it's soemthing you can hear/feel (though I'm sure it''s probably not). I could scope drop area for leaving the bike overnight.

Since I just got this bike last December still getting used to it. Rode for the first warm day and detected heat issue that many write about (seems real enough to me). Already plan to drill lower cowls and purchased GEN II exhaust wrap so would be very happy to do those fixes at the STTech if vavle adjustment does not appear warranted.

Any advice welcome.
Thanks.
Ted Casey

[gregj]

Ted, I may get the header wrap to do as well. We can help each other put them on :D

Ted, where did you get your Gen II header wrap?

[Blrfl]

Is there anyway to tell performance or sound wise if it is necessary?

The only way it would be noticeable is if it were far enough out of spec that the valve train were being damaged. Under normal circumstances, you have to pull the fairing and valve covers. I don't recommend skipping the first or second inspections, because the information you get from both will tell you a lot about the future of the valve train.

I can come out to your shop the weekend prior...

I don't own the shop; it belongs to Dale, who's letting us take it over for a Saturday. If you're over there this weekend, you'll be in the middle of his trailer and trike conversion open house.

If you plan to do a valve check on Saturday, the bike needs to be cold, which means dropping it off Friday night.

--Mark

[teddyc51]

Mark, Of course no sooner did I post then I remeber you were the ring leader and Dale was the host. (thank you both again) I may check out the open house to get the lay of the land anyway and take my wife to look at the trailers since I keep telling her we need a truck to haul bike + pop up we currently have.

Greg, I got the Gen II from http://www.SpeedZone24-7.com
Took less then a week ran $35 with SH, cheaper then everywhere else I looked.

They offered some really fancy connectors at around $20 which I passed on.
Any one know why 2" hose clamps shouldn't do the trick ( I read they would on here somewhere)

Ted

[Mean]

So Dale is offering up tools as well? I would be willing to do a carb sync if anyone has those fancy gauges that folks tend to use. Otherwise I will just end up using my mercury tubes at home. I may also have my heated grips installed physically but not electrically by then. I could use a hand wiring them up. I know the old STs do not have an accessory wire (http://emile.itgo.com/hotgrips.html) and electrical work for me is not nearly as natural as mechanical work.

That is if I can make it. As I said, I have a 8-12 variable commitment on Saturday mornings that is not set in stone until I wake up at 6AM and call in.

G

[Blrfl]

I will be bringing at least enough tools to do valve checks and throttle body syncs (to include my Carbtune II).

Anybody who has feeler gauges, torque wrenches, etc., please bring them. The more bikes we do in parallel, the less time it will take.

--Mark

[gregj]

Mark, what time in the morning is this to kick off?

I have a tq wrench I'll bring, along with sheets of the common torque settings.

[juddspaintballs]

I can see if I can bring a pretty decent torque wrench and my basic craftsman tool set.

[gregj]

Mark, I just realized I will be chaparoning my son on a band trip that day. :doh1:

Some days I just cant win. :-?

[Blrfl]

That's okay, Greg, last time I got around you, my bike went ker-plop. :eek:

--Mark

[gregj]

Awwwwh, you're gonna give me a complex now.

[Blue STreak]

Nonsense. I saw yours at the Ferrari dealer last week.

--Mark

That was just to get it washed and waxed. Nothing's too good for a Ferarri, you know!

(Truth is, I got a tour of Ferrari of Washington last weekend, including the service area. Some nice hardware in there. They had a 275GTB/4 in the back they said was worth a cool 2 Mil. Sigh. Must be nice to be rich.)

[juddspaintballs]

I just requested off work this day. Ya'll will see me there!

[gene]

Ok we know where , but what about the grub !! Where and when ?

[Blue STreak]

Where is in the first post. When is "after breakfast." Any more precise time, Mark?

[Blrfl]

I'm going to swap a little email with Dale this week to find out when he'd like to get started since he's the host.

I was thinking maybe breakfast at 7:30 or 8:00 somewhere near the shop, which would be Mimi's in Dulles Town Center for a sit-down or McYucky's or Chick-Fil-A for quick eats.

I haven't heard much from anyone who's planning to do valves about whether they're going to park and stay close by so they can have cold bikes in the morning. I sort of figured I was going to end up shuttling people from hotel to restaurant to ORO.

--Mark

[teddyc51]

Mark and Dale I haven't quite worked out the logistics for Friday but I do intend to get my bike there on Friday. I think my wife will give me a ride to breakfast and join us long enough to have breakfast and drop me at Dale's shop.

Ted

[George]

Guys, looks like I'm gonna have to withdraw. Had a death in the family yesterday and I'll prolly be in Tennessee instead'a New Joisey this weekend.

Gonna do my maintenance chores today so before taking off south. More later.

[gene]

Sorry to hear that George,have a safe trip. And don't forget to let the guys in Jersey know :(

[Mellow]

Guys, looks like I'm gonna have to withdraw. Had a death in the family yesterday and I'll prolly be in Tennessee instead'a New Joisey this weekend.

Gonna do my maintenance chores today so before taking off south. More later.

VERY sorry George. Hope you have a safe trip and you and your family/friends are okay.

[George]

VERY sorry George. Hope you have a safe trip and you and your family/friends are okay.

Oops, wrong thread! I'll post to the Joisey guys, too. Hope y'all have a successful event.

[ydobon]

...

I was thinking maybe breakfast at 7:30 or 8:00 somewhere near the shop, which would be Mimi's in Dulles Town Center for a sit-down or McYucky's or Chick-Fil-A for quick eats.

...

--Mark
Has the eating part been decided yet?

[Blrfl]

No, but I think I'm going to solve that problem right now:

Saturday, 8:00 a.m.
MIMIS CAFE STERLING
21015 DULLES TOWN CIRCLE
STERLING VA 20166
(571) 434-0162

--Mark

[Blue STreak]

Works for me. See you there.

[George]

Jeez, wish I could do both. New Joisey for me, tho, as Maine is calling. I'll be back in youse guys neck-o-the-woods for CampSTOC in mid-May.

[gene]

Have a safe trip George and eat some lobster on the beach for us !!

[teddyc51]

I am there for breakfast. Ted

[TGB Express]

Save a spot at the table for me too. Tim

[treasst13]

I will be attending to hangout.

[scottm89]

Count me in as well... I love a good breakfast!!!

[juddspaintballs]

Coming down with Gene for breakfast

[Blrfl]

This is going to be the world's shortest RTE for me. About 2.5 miles! :D

--Mark

[teddyc51]

I'm going to call Dale today about leaving my bike Friday. Just need to make sure if I need anything for the valvle check ( hope it's not too late to ask this question.) Certainly will be happy to spring for pizzas for lunch. Assuming the tupperware comes off for that job will have the exhaust tape on hand in case there is time to wrap those puppies. Did anybody decide if I'm okay with thee two inch hose clmaps to fasten that stuff? Ted

[Blrfl]

I'll supply the one consumable (gasket sealant) for the valve check and most of the tools needed. Sounds like it's just you doing valves this time out, so I guess you'll have an audience. :)

--Mark

[Mean]

My ST, recently repaired of recent clutch slave cylinder woes, decided to start dripping on the ground last night. And it was clutch fluid. Actually, the level has been dropping very slowly. I just now noticed the dripping. The good news is that I got to ride my 99 ZX-6 to work. I forgot how much fun the old sport bike was. What a rush! The bad news is I will be working on the ST again this weekend.

G

[ezwryder]

Looking forward to seeing the group tomorrow. Ted dropped off his bike to let it cool for the valve work tomorrow. Gave me a chance to try getting the front wheel off the ground w/o learning on my bike. (kidding!)

We have plenty of burgers left from last week's open house, so lunch should be plentiful in both volume and calories.

[Blrfl]

So just to make sure I bring everything I need (I'm a couple of minutes from the shop if I forget something):

We have one valve job, at least one throttle body sync, some electrical farkling and much consumption of burgers.

--Mark

[juddspaintballs]

I couldn't find my 10gauge wire or connectors. I found the 4 gauge wire, but I think that's a bit large to use on anything on the ST. I won't be doing any electrical farkling tomorrow...just hanging out.


Weather widget shows chance of rain. Guess I should put my rain liners back in tonight.

[Blrfl]

I might have a short length of 10 ga. in the garage. If I run across it, I'll bring it. I also have a huge roll of 12 ga. marine wire.

--Mark

[WRA75i4]

If you have room for one more, I will be there.

Bob.

[ydobon]

I couldn't find my 10gauge wire or connectors. .

I have wire in several colors, some Hitachi (ST1300 style) connectors, and many Molex connectors in 2,4,6 pins. What do you need?

-Steve M.

[gene]

I talked to Jed this afternoon and it was a fuse box he was going to put in, not sure about now, but bring a length of wire and we will see what the young man wants to do.

[juddspaintballs]

I'll bring what I've got for the fuse block. I'm not concerned if I don't get this done...I have nothing to attach to it at the moment.

[juddspaintballs]

Amazing day!

Lots of ST's showed up. I'm sure someone will post up some pictures soon. We got one valve check done, a sync on Gene's bike, and a fuse block installed on mine. Mostly the day consisted of eating and hanging out. As far as I know, everything got buttoned up and we all got on our way. These very warm temperatures made me put my short honda windshield on when I got back home. I'm about to go back out and see how I like all of that wind. Great day.

Thanks Mark! Thanks Dale!

[Blrfl]

Thanks to everybody for coming by, and thanks especially to Dale for having us and for supplying the burgers and dogs.

We got Ted buttoned up and on his way by about 3:00.

Jed, one thing I forgot to ask and didn't notice: Is there a fuse in the positive line between the battery and the fuse block, preferably as close to the battery as possible? If there isn't, you run the risk of a fire of that line shorts out. You can get a 12 ga. or 10 ga. inline fuse holder at any auto parts store and connect one end to the battery and the other to the positive line.

Dale and I were discussing doing a mass installation of Audiovox cruise controls in late June or early July. Stay tuned for news on that.

--Mark

[juddspaintballs]

Yep, I'm fused.

[gene]

Home safe and sound, thanks Mark for setting this up and again thank Dale :D I think the bike is a little smoother after the sync so all is good.

[WRA75i4]

Thanks to Dale for hosting us and to Mark for getting us together. NIce to start the day with a bit of breakfast with new old friends.

See you out there.

One of the Bobs.

[Blrfl]

The few photos I took are up in my gallery: CLICKY (http://st-gallery.notonthe.net/main.php?g2_itemId=1172)

If anyone who took pictures would like to share them, dump them in a Zip file, upload them here (http://rathole.notonthe.net), drop me a PM and I'll put them up.

By the way, I found a camshaft in with my stuff. Does that belong to anyone? :D

--Mark

[scottm89]

Dual cams is for fault tolerance, right???? :-)

[WVUandVT2]

Thanks Dale and Mark for a great time. Even the weather held off for me until I got back home :-) I'll get my pictures up sometime this afternoon I hope. Count me in on that cruise control installation.

[Blrfl]

More pictures. (http://st-gallery.notonthe.net/main.php?g2_itemId=1172) This batch from WVUandVT2.

--Mark