1250 maladies

First topic message reminder :

Thanks for all the help I got from just introducing myself on the "Newbie"  forum.

I just got this '07 1250S ("S", I think, because it came with the fairing ?)

The PO removed the PAIR with the TPO kit, but didn't install a resistor.
I still have to do that, where do you get the resistor ?

I had the bike 4 days and it wouldn't start, "No Spark". I bought it "NOT running". Since I don't play the lottery, this is my form of "Gambling"...

After I removed the PC3, the Fl light kept flashing. I jumped the wires and it said C-23 (Tip-Over sensor) so I finally found the TO Sensor, and the PO installed it upside down so I just set it upright on top of the battery and BAM, she fired-up !!

That was a relief to hear it run.

I have it running, although barely, the #1 and 2 cylinders are not firing.
I warmed it up a little to change the oil and filter and the two left pipes didn't get hot like the other 2 cylinders.
I will try new plugs first, it had the Iridium NGK's but I will replace them with a set CR7E
It won't run if you let go of the grip.
It will idle though down to 800 rpms, but when you let go of the grip it stalls.

The fuel pump is running even with the key OFF. I completely emptied the tank and added 2.2 US Gal. of fresh 93 octane fuel
Every time I shut the engine off I have to unplug the fuel pump.

So NEXT on the list:
Get cylinders 1 and 2 firing, and find out why the fuel pump keeps running.
Oh I need that resistor too.

Otherwise everything seems to be OK except the PO "Ratted-Out" the bike to make it look like it was in the movie "Mad Max"
He Hacked off the bottom of the Fairing (it looks like he us ed a hacksaw)and otherwise made it look like trash.
It does have almost NEW Bridgestone's on it.
I picked it up for less then $500, with a clear Florida title. I transferred the title today

I'm gonna resurrect it to it's former "Glory" !!
It only has 12k mi. on it too.

Thanks for your help SBA Forum !!

Ride Safe !!
captbruce

I used the link reddog included and downloaded a "Yoshi pipe-K&N filter MAP".
I'll see what I can do.

The bike is running GREAT !!
I still haven't run it WOT, though.
You just don't get a chance to, here on in Key West.

captbruce

I've had it wide open throttle I originally ran my bike in after the first service at the Collie Motorplex at a track day, it was heaps of fun even managed to scrape the hero blobs on the pegs.

Of late I've been trying to get a consistent wheelstand going. I am still too piss weak to get the big girl up to the balance point for fear of flipping it but it's still heaps of fun.

The old girl still pulls close to 11 flat over the quarter too, which isn't too bad for a cheap tourer

After the airbox re-install the idle was 1300-, now after a few days driving I think the ECM has settled at 1100 but still purring.
I'm waiting for my K&N, and still trying to figure out how to get the downloaded Yoshi-KN MAP from my computer into the PCIII.
I don't think my cameras USB-MiniB cable is the right one. The miniB connection is a bit loose when I slide it into the PCIII.
My Laptop won't recognize it.
I might have to talk with DynaJet and get one of theirs.
Love the bike.
My Ninja is covered in the garage, for now.

You're great guys,
Thanks,
captbruce

>>>>Click Me<<<<  

It should be a standard USB Mini cable - one of the most common type connectors for plug in devices availabe (that doesn't have an "i" in it's name).  



There are a few other style connectors for different phones and cameras but the USB Mini (sometimes refered to as Mini B or Mini C) on the PCIII is the most widely used.  

I found this photo in a post on the web - the last connector on the right is actually a "USB Mini AB" he states further in his post.  You can see in the photo that the AB is smaller than the Mini USB, I wouldn't think you could plug an AB into the PCIII but you did mention your cable seemed to be a bit loose, maybe you have an AB as well ?



Just make sure the connector is not damaged, going by your bikes history the PO may have tried using a set of jumper cables to program it....   

You should be able to pick up the proper cable almost anywhere for a couple of dollars - they even sell them here at the local grocery store (Woolworths),I've seen them on fleabay for $1 with free postage.

And before you ask about why isn't there a standard, there is an old tele-communications saying that states "the good thing about standards - everybody has one".   

barry_mcki wrote:

And before you ask about why isn't there a standard, there is an old tele-communications saying that states "the good thing about standards - everybody has one".   

Sounds a bit like something else everyone has!   

I have been riding this bike over a week now as a daily rider.
I am totally pleased !!
Not as much as a "Hiccup", Hot or Cold... Idle to WOT !!

It's a keeper.

I still have to balance TB's, and double check the MAP in the PCIII, but this week I'm replacing "decking" on a rental property, when I'm not fishing.
But I will get around to tying up loose ends with the motor and the body work.
I have LED Mirrors coming along with K&N Air Filter, and some lowering links.
I lowered the seat 1", but I'd like it 1" lower.
I'm inseam "challenged" (29")

Love the Bandit !!
Thanks, guys for all your help.

captbruce

Installed the K&N and modded the cover.
EASY...
No so easy...
Installed lowering links, which lowered the frame 1-1/2" and it wound up, dropping the front of the seat, an inch.
I had to drain and move the radiator, loosen the header bolts and lower the pipe collector, and remove both foot pegs, just to get to the bolts at the Link.

It feels a lot better with having my heels on the ground when I'm stopped.

Do you guys  think I need to lower the trees 1" down the fork tubes now ?
I'm thinking I should to get the right "trim" back.
It definitely, feels different.
I'll give a couple days and wait for replies or I just lower the front 1" or so.
I don't see how it didn't mess-up, the balance.
I may never realize it with my around town driving, but on the track or at high speeds it may make a difference.

Lowering the frame also made my side stand a tad too long. (Even a 1/4" shorter would be better now)
Some times I have to look for a downhill slant, to get the bike to feel like it it's not too upright to leave it on the sidestand.
It also make it much harder (for me) to get the girl on the centerstand too.
Anybody ever see a shorter side stand "For Sale" ??

Bikes running GREAT.
Now to hook a laptop to my PCIII and finally balance the TB's.

Be Safe.
captbruce

You'll also find your centre stand will be nearly impossible to use, as it would also be too long.

What I'd do, buy a secondhand replacement of each. Then cut them down to suit.
That way if you want to go back up to full height later or when you sell it you can.

As for the front, I couldn't answer that sorry.

All sounding great !  Well done. You probably should lower the front at least an inch. Will help her handle . Careful with clearences though.  Do away with the centre stand completely. Heavy and ugly. Get a cheap paddock stand for the times you need to put the girl up.  Sounds like your having fun. That's what it's all about.

+1 on lowering the front through the clamps.
By lowering the rear you have changed the RAKE of the front end (the angle at which your forks stick out from the vertical) imagine a chopper.
By lowering your forks you will return to the original angle and steering characteristics. As Hammy said, be mindfull of clearance issues. ( make sure that nothing hits when you bottom out on a big bump)
Keep up the good work.

Someone on here lowed the font a couple years ago and their font guard hit the radiator. I can't remember who tho.
One of the motorcycle seat makers, Makes a lower seat. Not sure who tho Corbin or Sargent seats. 

It's Sargent, Here is Corbin to compare.

Hi Reardo. How ya been ?

Yes,   any upholsterer can trim some of the foam offa your seat or you can attack it yourself with an electric carving knife.   

Attack the seat not the suspension. It was @Dhula that found the back of the mudguard hits the radiator when lowered around 5mm.

The local upholstery shop says you can shape a foam seat with an angle grinder with a grinding disk. This is how he does it, so it must work.

I love you guys...
Thanks.

When you're right, you're right.

I'm gonna put the bike back to the stock height.
Luckily, I got the links with the three holes.
I can just remove the upper bolt and lower the tire and put the bolt in the upper hole in the link and be back at the stock height.

The bike was actually too low for me now, anyway. I just needed a little bit and maybe I can shave the seat a half inch. (If need be)
My heels would touch if I rocked forward a bit.

I am certainly NOT going to buy a $400 Corbin or Sargent saddle.
I've had dealings with Corbin before anyway. (Not Good) 
I had to re-upholster a Corbin seat because of their failure to stand behind their stuff.
The saddle was not even that old, and came apart.
They wanted $400 to re-upholster it and I told them I'd buy a new Sargent, if that was the case.
And they just lost a customer, for life. period...
I re-sewed it, and it's still in use today on my '93 Kawa KLR650 (great bike) 

I have no complaints with the comfort of this seat although, I have never had it on a "Road Trip" either.

I've done quite a few cycle saddle re-upholstery's and the hardest part is re-stapleing it.
I do, in fact, have my own sewing machine (I'm secure enough in my masculinity to admit that) and a supply of upholstery material, in a variety of colors.
I've made my own boat canvases, for many years now.

So... Back to the stock height. no biggie.

I just noticed the left fork seal is weeping now too.
So it looks like new fork seals and covers.
Anybody, ever feel the need for "Progressive Rate" springs, for the bandit, before I take the tubes apart ??
It'll be a couple days before I even can get around to that job, anyway.
What sayeth "The Forum" ??

I have to remember "IT'S a machine". We are the "HUMANS". We are supposed to be "Smarter" then it is. Right ??!!

Thanks, guys.
captbruce

How do you go with the height of the KLR?  

Go to Racetechs site and follow your nose. Grab the springs for your weight as well as their fork seals and you will be good to go

Thanks, for your help.

I went to racetech.
I don't really think the bike need new springs.
It only has 12K mi.

I ordered some fork seals and covers off eBay.

Without getting side tracked...
My KLR is a 1993 that I bought in 1996.
It had 10K mi when I got it and has 28K mi. now.
It is one of the most unique and versatile bikes I've ever owned and I have owned well over 50 or so.
The KLR wins my "Longevity Trophy" !!
I've never owned a bike that long. I will probably never sell it.
I do all the work on it myself. One Big cyclinder, One Carb, E-A-S-Y !!
I think I could keep it running even after "Armageddon".
My tip-toes barely reached the ground  when stock.
I lowered it 1-1/2" and put the Corbin "Deep-Dish" seat on it for another 1" lowering.
The stock seat's design was poor anyway.
The KLR's "Achilles Heel", was the Cam Chain "Tension Adjuster" (doohickey) They would distort and fail, and take out the whole Engine Block.
Reluctantly, KAWA finally addressed the issue and re-designed it around 2008.
Every earlier KLR should have it replaced, even if they think it's OK. It's $125 and 1 hour labor
The used KLR I bought in 1996, was making a horrible noise, and the owner thought it was going to blow.
I took a gamble and picked that bike up really cheap also.

I bought an 2007 Kawa Ninja 650R that way also.
The PO (a woman), bought the bike new, and the local dealer here in Key West, screwed her on it, (He even screwed me ONCE) and when it started making noise at 9K miles she thought it was the crank coming out and sold it to me for $1200.
All it needed was a new chain !!  ALL the racket was coming from the Primary drive sprocket. I sprayed the chain with silkolene and the noise went away. I put a new DID O-ring chain on it. Still running like a champ.

But this Bandit seems to me to be TWICE the bike as that '07 Ninja 650R.

So the Ninja will probably be sold here soon.

I still have to smile about the deal I got on the BANDIT !!

It's starting to look really good. (except for the stupid botched cowling)
I will take another pix and post it.

I didn't mean to get side tracked.
I'm Lov'in LIFE !!

Gotta go fish'in !!
 captbruce

Glad it's all coming along nicely for you luck can sometimes be on your side can't it.......................( LOL you might want to be a little selective how you use the word screwed around an Aussie, ......... the sight of the dealer screwing the PO on your bike , & then doing it to you  can conjure up an all together different sight to what you meant     )

paul wrote:Glad it's all coming along nicely for you luck can sometimes be on your side can't it.......................( LOL you might want to be a little selective how you use the word screwed around an Aussie, ......... the sight of the dealer screwing the PO on your bike , & then doing it to you  can conjure up an all together different sight to what you meant     )

Lol. Nice one Paul.
I often giggle at the different ways that words and phrases are used in different places.
I like the way that, when upset, Americans say that "they're pissed". I get this mental image of them stumbling around with the wobbly boot on. Where as we say pissed off, or used to. I hear the Americanisation more frequently over here than ever.
It really makes me pissed off. Lol

paul wrote:Glad it's all coming along nicely for you luck can sometimes be on your side can't it.......................( LOL you might want to be a little selective how you use the word screwed around an Aussie, ......... the sight of the dealer screwing the PO on your bike , & then doing it to you  can conjure up an all together different sight to what you meant     )

I was thinking the same thing, and had that very image   

Your right.
On a previous replies, one of you guys told me to take my torch, to find the Tip-Over Sensor, and I thought he was suggesting,
I set the bike on fire !!
Then I figured he meant what we call a flashlight.

That dealer is finally out of business after mis-dealing with almost everyone in town.
He had the Honda-Kawa shop for probably 50 years.

captbruce

I finally got some time and dropped the wheel, back to the stock position on the links.
Maybe I'll think about taking I/2" off the seat. Maybe.
Maybe if I wore some boots instead of riding around with sandals, my heels would touch the ground ??
At least some shoes... "Island Life" may be too laid back

I got some NEW mirrors, with front turn signals built-in and installed them.
The PO "hacked" off the lower part of the front fairing and there were no front turn signals, when I got the bike.
I also moved the mirrors off the fairing about 1" with a set of those spacers, (the box of stuff had two sets in it) to see past my shoulders.
It's nice to have a good view behind me again.
The bar-end mirrors were lacking, IMHO.

Bike is still running well.
I'm going to be able to check my fuel mileage now that I filled the tank.

captbruce

Please do wear boots, I'd hate to See photos of your smashed foot if you come off in sandals. 

Search the net if you want some foot photos.

Your absolutely right...
But, I'd rather not look at any photo's of mangled anything.

Most of the time I do wear shoes, but my Marina where I keep my boat is 300m down a dead-end rode from my front door and it's
tempting just to jump on and buzz to the boat.
That still doesn't make it right.

You are still right.

If I go off the island where I live and go 1 mile, to Key West, (the next island west), I do wear my helmet and foot covering.

I appreciate your concern.

captbruce