Hello all - avid follower here and I'd like to thank all contributors for putting together such an awesome resource for TW owners. After muuuuch surfing, I've picked up some very good info and themes as to what I want to do with the bike (now at 800 miles and needing a service). This was going to be a wrench-on-it-myself type of affair as I'm an interested, but total noob, to bike DIY.
Unfortunately (and after issues with the float bowl -- even after having Yam dealer clean and reassemble after taking possession from my father in law a year ago), the bike has never really started well (too rich, it floods, etc etc) -- and with fuel now readily leaking from the carb (bad gasket / reassembly) I am in over my head and will be taking it down to a local tech for help.
While it's there, I'd planning to have him work on a few things and here's where I need the help. I have a general plan of what I want done, but I'd also take suggestions and comments:
1) fix the damn carb leak / float bowl / adjustments. LOTS of info on that here and if anyone wants to make a suggestion (jets, washers, etc) - I'm all ears, but FYI I live and ride at 572 ft elevation, my rides top out at 1600 feet and drop down to 0 and my riding temps range from 50 to 90F ambient -- so I'm pretty much a set-it-to-stock scenario, I'd think.
2) as I very predominately ride asphalt and some fire roads, I'll go to a 15T front sprocket and replace the rear with new (stock gearing). Also going to an o-ring chain. I would very much like suggestion as to where to order those sprockets and the chain. And please advise: is this still a 428 chain or does the additional front tooth require a different model?
3) oil service, check clutch adjustment
4) tires: as I mainly ride street I'll likely swap out the decade-old OEM rubber for shinko (428) or b-stone (203/204). A TOTAL NOOB question: there's a lot of talk about "catastrophic" tube failures and how tubeless tires are safer to run. Are the Shinko and b-stones tubeless? Or does going from tubes to tubeless require a whole different rim? Is time (say 11 years) a big concern when it comes to tube longevity/safety? Yeah, I know, bear with me - but I don't want a tube to let go while coming round a corner at 45 in the woods around here...
5) stainless braided front brake line (and fresh brake fluid). Universally recommended so I'll make it happen. Where?
6) fuel filter install -- I'm a believer. who recommends what -- and where to purchase?
Again, my thanks. I do realize that by continuing my research I can probably develop 30 different answers to each question above, but many of you have real (and up-to-date, regular) experience with ordering parts, wrenching on your bikes -- or you've already made these mods and have done the 'whoops, gotta go back and reorder to fit' exercise, so know that I sincerely appreciate the assist.
Also, I do have items like bars/grips, headlight bulb, horn and fender/fork brace mods on deck - but those are projects I'm comfortable tackling myself. Other recommendations would be appreciated!
Matt
Santa Cruz, CA
Unfortunately (and after issues with the float bowl -- even after having Yam dealer clean and reassemble after taking possession from my father in law a year ago), the bike has never really started well (too rich, it floods, etc etc) -- and with fuel now readily leaking from the carb (bad gasket / reassembly) I am in over my head and will be taking it down to a local tech for help.
While it's there, I'd planning to have him work on a few things and here's where I need the help. I have a general plan of what I want done, but I'd also take suggestions and comments:
1) fix the damn carb leak / float bowl / adjustments. LOTS of info on that here and if anyone wants to make a suggestion (jets, washers, etc) - I'm all ears, but FYI I live and ride at 572 ft elevation, my rides top out at 1600 feet and drop down to 0 and my riding temps range from 50 to 90F ambient -- so I'm pretty much a set-it-to-stock scenario, I'd think.
2) as I very predominately ride asphalt and some fire roads, I'll go to a 15T front sprocket and replace the rear with new (stock gearing). Also going to an o-ring chain. I would very much like suggestion as to where to order those sprockets and the chain. And please advise: is this still a 428 chain or does the additional front tooth require a different model?
3) oil service, check clutch adjustment
4) tires: as I mainly ride street I'll likely swap out the decade-old OEM rubber for shinko (428) or b-stone (203/204). A TOTAL NOOB question: there's a lot of talk about "catastrophic" tube failures and how tubeless tires are safer to run. Are the Shinko and b-stones tubeless? Or does going from tubes to tubeless require a whole different rim? Is time (say 11 years) a big concern when it comes to tube longevity/safety? Yeah, I know, bear with me - but I don't want a tube to let go while coming round a corner at 45 in the woods around here...
5) stainless braided front brake line (and fresh brake fluid). Universally recommended so I'll make it happen. Where?
6) fuel filter install -- I'm a believer. who recommends what -- and where to purchase?
Again, my thanks. I do realize that by continuing my research I can probably develop 30 different answers to each question above, but many of you have real (and up-to-date, regular) experience with ordering parts, wrenching on your bikes -- or you've already made these mods and have done the 'whoops, gotta go back and reorder to fit' exercise, so know that I sincerely appreciate the assist.
Also, I do have items like bars/grips, headlight bulb, horn and fender/fork brace mods on deck - but those are projects I'm comfortable tackling myself. Other recommendations would be appreciated!
Matt
Santa Cruz, CA