New owner, couple questions

[Flathead]

Sounds like the perfect solution.  Is that documented?  I can't find that in the manual...

Nor can I find it documented but it works perfectly.

[ZG]

After enough beers, you should be having the women folk out washing the bikes.

2011 Full Tilt Riders Bikini Bike Wash

[gPink]

yessss

[Conrad]

Like I said, it is mostly a holdover from older bikes.  Hot engine means ignition area and such are all hot and less likely to "foul" with water.

I never wash my bike when it's hot. Hot metal and cold water don't always play well together.

[Conrad]

After enough beers, you should be having the women folk out washing the bikes.

That's true G but it wouldn't matter how many beers were involved, my wife would never wash my bike for me.

[gPink]

It sounds good but it never worked for me either. 

[lonekazoo]

OK, gotta add one more quick question to the thread, again--can't find anyone with a similar problem:

I'm hearing a squeaking noise from the front wheel, like rubber on metal, definitely timed with wheel rotation.  Doesn't sound like brakes dragging.  I've checked clearances around the tire and don't see any evidence of tire rubbing.  Also, after some rides I'm smelling what seems to be burning rubber as I shut down.  I'd really like to elimnate this.  I've already checked, and there's no bikini stuck in there from the last washing...

[VirginiaJim]

I think you should examine your front wheel very carefully.  That's my stand.

So are you saying that not only do you wash your bike (shudder), you wear a bikini whilst doing so?  If so, that's grounds for banishment.

[Conrad]

I think you should examine your front wheel very carefully.  That's my stand.

So are you saying that not only do you wash your bike (shudder), you wear a bikini whilst doing so?  If so, that's grounds for banishment.

Don't be so hasty there Jim! We don't know if Kazoo is a man or a woman, do we?

[VirginiaJim]

Right again, Conrad.  Here I go making assumptions....

[lonekazoo]

I think you should examine your front wheel very carefully.  That's my stand.

So are you saying that not only do you wash your bike (shudder), you wear a bikini whilst doing so?  If so, that's grounds for banishment.

Nope, no bikini...however, occasionally I'll don the speedo.    Funny, both of those articles of clothing sound like they're motorcycle-related.

[Conrad]

I think you should examine your front wheel very carefully.  That's my stand.

So are you saying that not only do you wash your bike (shudder), you wear a bikini speedo whilst doing so?  If so, that's grounds for banishment.

Nope, no bikini...however, occasionally I'll don the speedo.    Funny, both of those articles of clothing sound like they're motorcycle-related.

Speedo?      Carry on Jim!     

[lonekazoo]

I took apart the front end and examined the axle, bearings, seals, etc.  The axle was scored at one bearing, with dark looking grease that looked and smelt burned.  The spacers were missing most of the coating.

I'm going to go ahead and replace the bearings, seals, and spacers.  I didn't have the parts on hand, so I put high-temp grease on the axle and seals and put it all back together until I can order what I need.  Lo and behold, the squeaking is gone.  I also noticed that the axle nut had been tightened WAY too tight.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[PH14]

I took apart the front end and examined the axle, bearings, seals, etc.  The axle was scored at one bearing, with dark looking grease that looked and smelt burned.  The spacers were missing most of the coating.

I'm going to go ahead and replace the bearings, seals, and spacers.  I didn't have the parts on hand, so I put high-temp grease on the axle and seals and put it all back together until I can order what I need.  Lo and behold, the squeaking is gone.  I also noticed that the axle nut had been tightened WAY too tight.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Good to hear you got it sorted out!