Posted by Max on March 10, 2002 at 03:37:57:
Fianlly I've got a set of large size hard bags mounted on the back of my 96. Also replaced the pillion seat with the package rack off a Honda trial 90. Bags came from a recycler with no directions and the company appears to be out of business. Was able to use the orginal brackets with some cutting and bending for the front supports and then made up rear brackets. Had an extra set of chrome fender braces and sissy bar, had a bushing made and pressed in where the turnlights used to be mounted for the rear support and used the upper front through bolt on the fender brace with a larger diameter bolt and bushings for the front bracket. Cutt off the sissy bar and used it for the rear package rack support, makde a front support and used the orginal rectangular rubber pads off the pillion pad. Have a LED stop light to hang between the WA plate and expired Alaska '40CUIN' plate I ran when I lived there. Put a new rear tire on as tire changes will be a bit more complicated now.
Started on the fork seal replacement and decided I really needed ti have them opened up for inspection, local dealer dooesn't have the special tool so I ordered one (I was willing to pay them to dissassemble the inner works), How they plan to operate I'll never know, if they have to order the special tools after the job comes in the door. Used to the car business where the special tools come direct to the parts department (and billed to them) when the new models are sent to the dealer. Can't understand why they allow a franchise holder to not have all required special tools as a condition of keeping (or getting) a franchise. Will change the brake pads (14K miles), hose to braided stainless and flush the fluid while the front is in pieces. With the full coverage HD type front fender is looks like no other. Snowed Thursday and Friday morning so can't ride yet anyway. Will try to send pictures when I can access a digital camera. Max