[doc_rage]

Perverts.

Hello all, once again. I met up with SDFour this Saturday and it was great. Got the keys squared away, as well as a host of documents, manual, and pics of the bike before it's mishap. The pics are what really got me in gear to do some work on Misery III (Emma), not to mention seeing SDFour's other '03 Speed Four intact.

So, here's what happened today:

The fairings have already been removed here, as a result of it falling over and cracking the left side one in half. I should have done that as soon as I brought it home, but I got distracted. Ah well. The snorkels have also been removed.

You can see the side casing has been removed, and has been this way for a few weeks. Also, the headlights have the.....well....headlights pulled, so just the housings are there. Still have to think up something for it.

It looks awful, huh? Underneath that oily mess of shop towels is the stator. I wrapped it in the towels to keep it from scratching up the inside of the alternator. Also, you can see that the bendix for the starter is missing. I just had to keep repeating to myself to make sure I installed it before I put the cover on. If anyone needs to replace the gasket on this side, just realize that the gear may come out with the case cover.

And that's the cover. The new one is on the Right :razz:

And here's a shot with the new cover on.

Man....she's pretty much naked at this point. Guess I work pretty fast

Tank removed to access harness connections, radiator and fan also removed.

Other than that, it was just minor work. I replaced the rear turn signal, replaced the spring for the starter button, mounted the front brake reservoir, removed the footrest brackets, and then just stared at what was left for a moment or couple.

I'm going to just tap and drill in a new bracket on the bottom of the radiator, instead of getting a shop to weld the tab back on. Also am going to a Triumph dealer tomorrow to buy the oil, radiator fluid, ask about ignition parts, and some other things that I seem to be forgetting all of the sudden. I'll keep updating this as time progresses.

[ This message was edited by: doc_rage on 2007-01-07 16:16 ]

 

[doodledog]

Good stuff just keep posting your progress, hope all the problems remain small ones, DD.

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Nice work! Looking much better. :wink: On the headlights, one option would be a set of Bates style headlights, which is what the S4 headlights are styled after. The mounts even look very close. Flyncycle.com has the 4.5" Bates headlights for about $35, and the 5.75" for $45. I've thought that the smaller 4.5" headlights would give a subtle appearance change to an S4. Keep working on, and by the looks of, you'll have it back on the road soon.

 

[doc_rage]

I hope the problems remain small too! I still have to figure out the ignition and see what relays/fuses are missing from the bike. The guys at the salvage yard just started swapping in and out relays and fuses until they could get everything to power. I know they blew some fuses, then just swapped in higher amp ones, but since they lost the cover in all the confusion, I don't know the maximums for each spot or what goes where. Maybe the manual that SDFour got me has it, will check tonight.

Joe- Thanks for the link! It seems to be a great site to get the lights from, especially with other options and brackets, etc. I think I will go with the 4.5" ones, but paint the housings black.

The only thing is that aren't the headlights on these S4's H4 bulbs and such? Do you think that I would be able to switch the internals out (and, drill out a small opening for the parking bulbs)?

 

[Joe-Dirt]

On 2007-01-07 18:30, doc_rage wrote:


Joe- Thanks for the link! It seems to be a great site to get the lights from, especially with other options and brackets, etc. I think I will go with the 4.5" ones, but paint the housings black.

The only thing is that aren't the headlights on these S4's H4 bulbs and such? Do you think that I would be able to switch the internals out (and, drill out a small opening for the parking bulbs)?

I hadn't even noticed that about those Bates lights on that site, but they probably wouldn't be very bright. Someone might sell just a Bates housing though, since they are pretty common headlights. 4.5" black lights would be very cool. I've never actually used the parking lights myself, so I'd just eliminate them.

[ This message was edited by: Joe-Dirt on 2007-01-07 19:29 ]

 

[doc_rage]

[/quote]
I hadn't even noticed that about those Bates lights on that site, but they probably wouldn't be very bright. Someone might sell just a Bates housing though, since they are pretty common headlights. 4.5" black lights would be very cool. I've never actually used the parking lights myself, so I'd just eliminate them.
[/quote]


Eliminate the parking lights? But.....think of the lost photo opportunities

You're right though. I might just go ahead and order them tonight, since the bike having two black eyes just depresses me......plus, the housings are starting to rust :-D

EDIT- Just got done ordering a pair of the lights. Will take pics and such, showing what I ended up doing with them. My best to you all!

[ This message was edited by: doc_rage on 2007-01-07 22:51 ]

 

[SDFOUR]

Deep, OMG...it's looking good, you are really getting things done!!

Thats great...I am so glad we could help you out, if theres anything else don't hesitate to ask!!

Can't wait to come ride with you after shes all done!!!

I really am so gald that she didn't end up as s***** metal.... I hope all goes well from here on out! :-D

 

[doc_rage]

Ordered a new ignition for it today, as well as footpegs for a Buell XB Lightning.

The 1" drop in the pegs should help me out a bit, as the biggest issue I've had finding a bike is that I have long legs (before anyone asks, "no", I will not shave my legs and put on a short skirt) and they were only $26, versus the price of billet ones.

Got the oil (yikities...bad expensive synthetic! Go sit in the corner!), and some radiator fluid called "Blue Ice" or something along those lines. It's blue, and cost $20 for each bottle.

Rode over to the bike shop and it was WINDY. Won't be doing that anytime soon. Because of the wind, I didn't get a chance to fill the crankcase and flush the old coolant out of the motor. That will be for later in the week.

For now, I've been polishing and waxing the tank and the other bodywork (even the cracked fairing....it's so ugly looking. I should have bought the one from your dealer, SDFour) just so it'll all be ready to put back on. Once the ignition gets here, have to go through the relays to ensure the right ones are where they should be, replace the fuses that were haphazardly placed, and then take a pic of me grinning like and idiot. I'll even post it on the board!
:razz:

 

[SDFOUR]

Deep, the new ignition will come with a new key? So you'll need 2, one for the ignition and one for the gas tank??

I am sure my dealer still has that fairing, if you need it sometime.

Sounds like it coming along!!

I think I'm as excited as you!!! :wink:

 

[doc_rage]

SDFour!

Actually, the new ignition should come with a key.
The key you gave me will work great for the gas tank and the seat release (the salvage guys just pryed off the fairings as I stood in quiet sadness to pop off the seat). I'll just end up having two keys on my keychain, so no worries. It's just that I don't want to jump the ignition wires and risk messing up the ECM or other sensors on the bike. It was anxious enough when the others were doing it and I just heard random relays clicking around.

The next costly expense will be the footpeg brackets and shifter. I'm waiting until the last moment to order those, in case anything comes up.

But, it's like my friend said; getting the bike started is already half the battle. So, just have to wait and do it right

[ This message was edited by: doc_rage on 2007-01-08 22:28 ]

 

[dynagroove]

i feel your pain man. you've got things coming along and it won't be much longer...

just to give you a little inspiration, here's a couple of pics of my current S4. a before and after. the bike was a theft recovery and was that beautiful deep metallic blue before i got a hold of it - all i can say is i hate the guys who stole it. although if they hadn't stolen and destroyed it, the bike would still be happy with the previous owner. hang in there man, things will be better soon!
jeff h

 

[doc_rage]

I see we have the same taste in shop towels

Nice tailpiece on yours! Where'd you find that? It looks great though.

Did the guys that stole it repaint it to hide it? Any engine issues from them messing around on it?

 

[SDFOUR]

Jeff, nice fix up!! I assume that is a track bike, being no plate, mirrors or lights...does it have other fender work for the street?

 

[dynagroove]

On 2007-01-09 09:02, doc_rage wrote:
I see we have the same taste in shop towels

Nice tailpiece on yours! Where'd you find that? It looks great though.

Did the guys that stole it repaint it to hide it? Any engine issues from them messing around on it?

haha - yea, i go through those blue towels like nobody's business.

yes, the "repaint" was the thieves effort to disguise the bike. no front fender, no tail section and the hair dryer nozzles were missing as well. on the engine, i had the same issue as yours - left side casing was cracked and had to be replaced. by far the craziest surprise was when i went to drain the oil for the first time. i couldn't find the drain plug. got up under there with a flashlight and get this - the thieves had crammed a wine cork all the way into the fitting on the pan. i used a drill bit by hand to drain the oil and at least 4 quarts were in there. the pan had some deep gouges across the seating surface for the drain plug, but the threads were just fine. all i can guess is that they hit something with our without the drain plug in. i had to pull the pan and have the seating area resurfaced. the bike had about 1500 miles on it when it was taken and 3K when it was returned, so i'm assuming it has 1500 hard miles on the motor. the motor runs as well as any S4 i've ever been around and did very well on the one track day she's been on.

the tail is the TT600 tail from Shark Skinz. it belonged to a friend of mine who used to race a S4. i pretty much pieced everything together used except for the hair dryer nozzles which were new and the front fender and rear hugger which are D600 bits from Airtech. i finally got to learn all about semi-professional painting which is fun, but a real PITA in the garage.

jeff h

 

[dynagroove]

On 2007-01-09 10:34, SDFOUR wrote:
Jeff, nice fix up!! I assume that is a track bike, being no plate, mirrors or lights...does it have other fender work for the street?

thanks! that pic was taken at about 95% done. the bike does have all lights and turnsignals. i managed to fab up a portion of an old 2nd gen SV650 tail light and fit that and a used R6 fender eliminator on the tail. i've got a cheapie CRC bar mirror on the left side, but will probably go back to stock mirrors for any extended street riding. i've also changed to a standard aluminum Micron sleeve instead of the blue. i'll snap some pics of the fully finished bike before she goes in for the D650 surgery . oh, just thought of a nice upgrade to post in the swap list up top - the 2nd gen SV650 front master cylinder is a 5/8" cylinder which is popular upgrade for more brake feel. the bike is a lot of fun and the price was right!

jeff h

 

[doc_rage]

I appreciate the info! I may look at one of those tail sections....much later in time

Update on the ignition: Blah.

I ordered one, originally from bikebandit, and they said that it doesn't come with a key.....so I cancelled the order. Called the Triumph dealer and they said it SHOULD come with a key....but he wasn't sure.....***? Why would I buy a new ignition from the dealer if it didn't come with a key? Any thoughts?

 

[dynagroove]

i was in the same boat and ended up buying a used ignition set and gas cap off ebay for just under $100. it's very easy to change out the ignition even with those tamper proof bolts. also, i know for certain that most Aprilia lock sets & gas caps are the exact same, so keep your eyes peeled for those on ebay as well.

jeff h

 

[doc_rage]

Hello all!

Just thought I would update on my bike work...or lack thereof.

Not too much change with Emma I did manage to lose the only key that exists for it. I know, I know......I'm still so angry at myself about that. It was most likely due to all the moving around I did with the key (going to the dealer, trying to see if they could cut a copy, then with the gas tank off the bike, etc). Hopefully, I have some locksmith friends that will be able to make an impression and cut me one. Still stupid of me though. I should have just left it with the bike. Ah well.

I got a bunch of parts for the bike. I just need the one rider footrest bracket for the left side and that completes the parts quest. I bought a set of forks from rockhopper that I will hopefully install this week (the weather is brutal, as you mentioned). After that, it's just a matter of squaring away all the electrical issues. By that, I mean making sure the proper relays are in their homes, tucking in wiring, and completing the splicing of the different headlights (they are the "Bates" style, but need to have some quick-connects installed).

Actually, I'm hoping that there are not too many electrical distractions. My friend's father (the one who has been helping me on the bike) was a locksmith. He picked the ignition to the "on" position and after I installed a new lower section (bought from dynagroove) there was still no power to the ignition. I kept using the jumper wires to get the bike powered up and then the remote start, but it was a no-go. When I hit the "start" button, nothing happened but a buzzing. When I used a remote start off the starter solenoid, sloooooow cranking. I don't get it. I guess there's a anti-theft system built into these bikes that prevents starting without the key. Will have to keep looking into that.

I also need to redo the alternator cover gasket. It's been dripping ever so slightly, but I know that once that oil gets warmer, it'll drain out quickly. So, ordering that as well to have another go. I may not have sealed the bottom of it properly. Blah.

Other than all that.....S.O.S.D.D. (Same Old S... Different Day)

Other than all that, my friends, it's been too cold and inclimate to pull out the bikes to get work done on the bike. Hopefully soon!!!!

 

[ditchrat]

keep us posted doc...anxious to see your finished bike