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Post by pilgrim on May 4, 2009 18:34:35 GMT
We all carry out a degree, some more than others.......  , of mainly preventative care on our bikes. Often when things do break, or cease to function correctly, we moan and groan about the inconvenience and ultimate cost of parts and repairs. So what don't we do that perhaps we ought to, or more often? When I go off on long journeys or for some stay-away somewhere I take a few tools 'incase' and ALWAYS spare clutch and throttle cables. Hang on, these are brand new and I ride around with used cables; I don't know the service history of my 12-y-o bike but rely on what i assume to be perfectly good equipment........still....  . Does anyone routinely replace their cables before they break? Putting it another way, wouldn't it be better to lubricate the spares and get them on the bike, feel much more assured and spend a bit of effort on the cables I take off and keep them as potential spares? I really don't want to cart around a garage full of 'might be needed' kit when I could get another jumper in the panniers. Thoughts on this subject and any other similar topic anyone? |
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Post by beeblemaster on May 4, 2009 19:23:19 GMT
I just carry puncture repair, gaffa tape and cable ties. I get recovery with my insurance and used them twice.
When out on the CX though, it's probably advisable to bungee another CX on the pillion seat just in case ;D
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Post by Pool Boy on May 4, 2009 22:09:18 GMT
I know a guy who's routed new cables alongside the old ones and leaves them in place but not connected, ready to just swop the ends over when the old cable finally breaks!
Maybe if you're commuting or couriering it would be worthwhile - but seems a bit OTT for my kind of pleasure riding - just call the RAC / wife / brother to come and save me if I get a breakdown.
Roger
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Post by CD on May 5, 2009 14:29:19 GMT
You could fit the new cable and put the serviceable old one under the seat, but where will it end. I have breakdown and recovery cover with my insurance so let that take the strain.
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Post by pilgrim on May 5, 2009 16:43:40 GMT
Beeble and CD. Surely the objective is to NOT breakdown in the first place and if you're unlucky to then a well thought out 'spare' was to hand, for simple things anyway.  Furthermore, I'd go for a little inconvenience at roadside and get going again than wait for help, like a damsel in distress, for aid or recovery and possibly not get where initially intended at all!  I know it's personal choice. I too have recovery and happy in the knowledge that either car or bike will get home or to a garage. |
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Post by CD on May 5, 2009 18:40:59 GMT
Agreed, which is why I suggested fitting the new cable.
Sods Law says that whatever tools you do have won't suit the task in hand.
So you end up with a moby and break down cover and keep the bike serviced so hopefully they won't be needed.
What can actually go wrong?
Puncture - goo in the tyre helps, but if its a bad one, a normal toolkit won't be much good.
Electrical - carry some fuses and bulbs, but if the gennie or ignition is blown a few tools won't help.
Engine - There's not much that's fixable by the roadside.
Brakes - Keep them serviced otherwise not much to go wrong. Ditto other stuff that might sieze / fall off.
Bike falls off the stand and busts something important. Read Sod's law.
I guess if you want to feel prepared, a set of allen keys. 8, 10, 13, 14mm ring spanners and some pointy nose mole grips is more than enough.
Edit:
Spare brake and clutch levers are handy but the front brake lever is quite a **** to fit with basic tools.
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Post by pilgrim on May 5, 2009 19:14:25 GMT
Couldn't agree more CD! Cheers, owe you one. ;D |
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Post by bobh on May 5, 2009 21:11:20 GMT
As far as cables are concerned, they almost always fail by fraying at one end or the other. Therefore if you inspect them regularly for signs of this you ought to be able to catch it before it fails completely. But when touring I always carry a HG spare nipple kit (stop tittering at the back there).
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Post by pilgrim on May 8, 2009 15:39:49 GMT
Got a good result today. I set about changing both Clutch and Throttle cables. My existing clutch cable had a broken outer sleeve and rust had formed in the cable itself. It's routing from handlebar to engine gave it a substantial sudden kink which didn't help with smooth operation. It also fouled the choke mechanism as it passed. I oiled the new one and found a better route for it. The difference was amazing, easy and very smooth action. The throttle cables weren't in such bad order but one of them also had a broken sleeve and rust was apparent inside. Mr Haynes omitted to incude taking off the air box as well as the fuel tank to get at the lower cables' ends. The biggest difficulty was fitting the lower cable nipple into the throtle pulley. It gave me a chance to lubricate the throttle grip which was a bit sticky too. Again, a very nice feel with the new cables installed. A further bonus from my efforts: I took the opportunity to route cables, wiring loom and brake hose between the instrument pods and the fork caps. Turned out not only to be a tidy job but also the handlebar movement was improved. I think the clutch cable was the culprit there. All seems to have adequate space and freedom of movement now. On my part a good topic. Thanks for your (always) helpful comments. ;D |
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Post by CD on May 9, 2009 9:30:45 GMT
After seeing this I'd better look at my cables. The routing is non standard, because I have bar risers but I suspect they are the original cables and the bike is 12 years old !!!
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Post by paprika on May 31, 2009 9:38:47 GMT
Interesting thread, going to check mine now too!
'He' fitted a new clutch cable to the K11 and left the old one in place as someone suggested earlier here; nice to have a back up.
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, of mainly preventative care on our bikes. Often when things do break, or cease to function correctly, we moan and groan about the inconvenience and ultimate cost of parts and repairs.
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