Honda Hornet 1998

[iBiker]

[Renzo]

a respray in matt black with polished bits and twin headlamps for the win!

[iBiker]

Added so far:

New plugs
Oil and filter
Air filter
sub airbox filter
Various carb bits
Fuel hose
Indicator lens


Waiting to go on:
Brake pads front and rear + full brake check/service.

Need:

Front and rear tyres
Streetfighter headlights
New clocks
Belly pan
Rear hugger
Mirrors
Various other parts I can't remember.

M.O.T!!

[Renzo]

its a good project u got there... make sure to post more pics of your progress!

[iBiker]

It was damn hot working over the weekend but managed to replace front brake pads.
Rear pads are ok, plenty of meat on those bones.
Also cleaned the filth off the calipers but gonna need a few little screws and bolts from Honda, shouldn't cost much.

Must also replace the brake fluid as it is looking a big murky.

Here's a tip: Undo the brake pad retaining pin covering nut and pin before you take the caliper off (you dont have to take the caliper off but it helps if you want to inspect it properly).
Once you have the pads out, use some giant pliers to squeeze the pistons back in. Make sure you put an old pad in front of them so you dont cause any damage. If the pistons are playing hard ball you may want to let a little fluid out to ease the pressure.

[iBiker]

Been a while since last update but I now have a pair of Michelin Pilot tyres to get put on this weekend hopefully.

A while back I noticed the brake fluid was a horrible coca cola brown colour when it should be nice and clear so today I changed the fluid and bled both front calipers using the Mityvac brake bleed kit http://www.thefastone.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=533338.

This can often be a two man job but with this little tool it's a doddle. I hooked up the pump as per instructions and placed clear tubing over bleed nipple. Once the bleed valve nut was opened the old fluid comes out into a container and you can top up as the resevoir empties out.
Makes the whole thing a 10 minute job. Will do rear brakes later.

Right, now to get the wheels off and get those tyres sorted. Then it's MOT time!!

This project is taking so damn long!

[iBiker]

--Latest update--

First off I got the tyres sorted and the bike passed it's MOT.

Only just though. The main reason it nearly failed was because of worn tyre valves. When I took my wheels in to get the new tyres put on the lazy tightwads didn't change the damn valves. I know I should have checked but at a glance they looked ok.
It's hard to believe that so called motorcycle mechanics will risk the lives of bikers by holding back on a 50 pence valve, especially when they are charging £15 a wheel (or more) to put the rubber on. If you ever take your wheels or bike in for a tyre change, mark the valves and make damn sure they are changed every time.

To the garage concerned, I'll be in touch!

If you fancy doing your own tyres, check out this demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anyY0UO5gqk

I have also found an expert to sort out the carbs and generally give the bike a going over to make sure it's safe and in tip top condition. Sure, I could probably do many of the checks myself but this guy knows his Honda's inside out and hopefully won't charge me a fortune.

Give it another few days and this Hornet will be ready to hit the road!

[iBiker]

...and if fancy building your own motorcycle tyre changing station check out this page http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing-doc.html

It won't cost you much.