New to ROV & Motorcycles

[67GTO]

I just picked up a 82 with 8.5k. It's red with a black full fairing from a 83, has the original front tire(all weather checked). As far as I can tell nothing has been updated on it (starter seal,clutch bolts,stator connector,etc..) A coworker spotted it in a garage where he was doing some remodeling. It had a plate from 94 so it's been sitting for a while. We put a fresh battery in it and it started right up! But as soon as we put it in gear it died (info from this site pointed me in the right direction-side stand switch, Thanks!)
    This spring I will take a motorcycle riding course at the Tech College.
Any other Vision owners in central WI?

[Lucky]

Welcome!  Man your gonna love this bike!

--Lucky

[Tiger]

Wecome to ROV.I have recently joined my-self,(see;Let me introduce my-self).Great bunch of people from around the globe to help you.The Vision IS a great bike,Enjoy. TigerJohn,Canada.

[Tdub]

I am originally from Beaver Dam area. Tdub

[Night Vision]

67GTO- I will mail the seal out on Wednesday.

I hope the side stand switch is your only "no show". As far as updates go....
your next stop should be Lucky's site.

http://www.xz550.com/

Lots of good stuff.. read through it... test on Friday? ;)

[67GTO]

Already been there,lots and lots of excellent info.

One question, is it ok to keep the battery tender on the battery while it is hooked up to the bikes electrical system. Or do I need to disconnect the black and red wires while it's on the charger?

[h2olawyer]

Hi 67GTO & welcome!

There is nothing wrong with keeping your battery hooked up to the electrical system while the battery tender is plugged in.  There should be a wiring harness that attaches to the terminals & screws down - for a semi-permanent mount.  This gets plugged into the battery tender & then plug the battery tender into the household current.  I've been doing this for 2 years with no problems.

Taking the MSF riding course is a great way to get your riding started.  I took the beginner's course last summer & I've been riding off & on for over 25 years.  Lots of good info in that class.  Planning to take the advanced course this spring & maybe a track based 'street strategies' course as well.

Was in Thorp, WI a couple years ago.  A good friend's grandmother lives there & we went out for a quick visit & to pick up a farm implement in Mondovi to bring back to Colorado.  Pretty country up there.  The riding in the hills along the Mississippi look like lots of fun.

H2O

[67GTO]

Last sat. I drained the oil, installed a new oil filter, changed drive shaft lube
replaced the plugs, and replaced the starter seal.

Next I want to do the starter clutch bolts, but I'm having trouble finding them in town.

I have a few questions about the cooling system
Should I replace the 180o thermostat with a 160o? Stant#13758

I understand that the fan switch does not turn on until the temp gauge is past mid position. Is it possible to replace the switch with one that closes at a cooler temp? What about a switch from another model or manufacture?

After I brought my bike up to operating temp I noticed a little coolant by the
small hole pointing down and forward below the radiator hoses. Would this mean I have a problem with the water pump?

[QBS]

Weep hole coolent leak means replace the water pump seal.  The stock cooling system is more than adequate.  Don't change anything but the coolent.  Don't take the beginners MSF on your V. Use the course provided 250cc bike.  Replacement starter clutch attachement bolts can be had from any hardware or home improvement center.  Take an oem one with with you and buy its replacement about three threads longer.  Install an inline fuel filter immediately!  Leave your Battery Tender hooked up at all times when not riding.  Always drain both carbs when you know the bike will be inactive for more than a week.  Welcome aboard.  You've got a great bike that with TLC will last you 20 years and at least 100,000 miles.  Cheers.

[vavision]

Anyone know a good location to find a new waterpump seal?

[67GTO]

The school provides the bikes.
Should I go with the Battery Tender or Batter Tender JR?
What size is the gas line (1/4"?)
Any particular type of gas filter?
I should probably replace all of the gas and vacume lines. Is there anything
better than just rubber lines?

Sorry for so many questions!

[QBS]

Jr. is all you need.  Don't know line size.  A simple conical shaped filter is available from auto parts stores, bike shops or lawn and garden equipment  repair depots.  Line that says "fuel line" is good enough.

Water pump seals are a dealer only item.  Availability is excellent.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE YOUR WATER PUMP SEAL WITHOUT CONSULTING THE HAYNES MANUAL FIRST.  REPLACEMENT ENTAILS INTERFACING WITH THE MOST CRITICAL OIL SEAL IN THE V ENGINE.  EASY TO MESS UP IF YOU DON'T PAY ATTENTION.  MESSING UP ...WILL....KILL THE ENGINE IN SHORT ORDER

Cheers.

[67GTO]

Thanks, I sent DGY an order today which included both water pump seals. I will use the Haynes manual along with the factory manual (thanks Lucky for the CD)

Just got done replacing the fuse box.

Need to wait on ordering the ss brake line for a while.

[Kenny]

 Welcome  67GTO,
    Neat Car!
    I have the  regular Battery tender (about 8 yrs old) I also have three small solar chargers & each one plugs into a two pin  SAE type connector  along with a fuse, this is wired right to the Battery terminals. You will get one of these with your Battery Tender.
     I use a tapered plastic 90 degree fuel filter that Dennis Kirk sells as it fits from the petcock to the catrbs with less bending of lines.
                           Have fun.
                                     Ken S.

[Night Vision]

67GTO,

PM me if you haven't found any starter clutch screws/bolts. ones I bought were a whopping $0.34 ea. you'll probably want to cut or grind them down a bit unless you are an extraordinarily good peener.

you're going to have to look pretty hard for a forkbrace.

sure glad I bought that $35 dolla fork brace for $130? >:( when I had the chance?

[Lucky]

I used to be a good peener, when i was a kid I could hit...oh wait, nevermind... :-[

I gotta stop posting late at night...

[67GTO]

I can find the bolts, but they are just standard bolts not hardened.
Don't I need Grade 12.9?

[Night Vision]

12.9 is recommended, that's why you have to be a good peener!