Here it is: hand job thread.Quote:
Originally Posted by soberpete
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Here it is: hand job thread.Quote:
Originally Posted by soberpete
Cheer's mate!
I heard the good news today: I will have my plates! Now I need to actually pay for the motorcycle Yamaha has put aside for me. I would have gone right now if they took foreign credit cards, but for a cash transaction, we have set up a time next week (darn daily limits on cash withdrawals at ATMs!) I will take the opportunity to get a top-case there (not their own brand). Anybody have any recommendations for security gear available in Shanghai (i.e. chain lock, disc lock). Alarm recommended? I will see what Yamaha carries, but I am also going to the motorcycle market tomorrow with a couple of friends to see what they have there (never been before). Any particular shop at the Yichuan motomarket which would be more trustworthy than others?
To be continued...
DipStick
Turns out the motorcycle market in Shanghai moved to a new location a couple of months ago. What remains of the market are just some of the streetfront shops on Jiaoji Lu. Most of them are closed. The shocking part is how the inside part of the market has been all gutted out. You can see it from a couple of spots and it's like a war zone. I've got the new address but it will have to be some other time. In the meantime, I couldn't resist buying a chainlock and a disc lock from one of the remaining stores. Talk about putting the cart before the horses! I am often an impulse buyer.
Anybody out there can tell me the thickness of the front disk on the YBR 250? I may need to go exchange the lock if it doesn't fit!
DipStick
After some research on the net, it seems the XENA disc locks all fit a thickness of disc of up to 7mm. What I should actually be concerned about is the diameter of the small holes in the disc where the lock's pin is supposed to go. 6mm or 10mm? Any YBR owner can tell me that? Thanks in advance.
DS
DipStick
Sorry if it seems we've been ignoring you.
I can tell you right now that the disc itself is 4mm thick and the little holes are 7mm in diameter.
If they thieves are determined then they can easily raise the front wheel off the ground and tow it away. The rear wheel lock/ chain is the most important thing.
One other thing: I have - on countless occasions - left the bike in a busy street without any kind of lock and on two occasions even left the key in the ignition (unintentionally) but nobody even glanced it's way. The only thing I haven't tried is asking someone to steal it.
In Zibo, at least for now, the thieves don't seem to be targeting motorcycles. Bikes and E-bikes are easier to sell off after stealing because they don't require certificates, plates or licenses.
I used to lock the front and rear wheel on my YBR all the time - during the first few months while I worshipped it as a sort of god - but now I only use the steering lock; I barely even use the alarm any more. The bike has so many little cuts and scratches over it I think it puts thieves off.
7mm? Darn, I need to go exchange that lock, the pin is 10mm! Thanks for the info, Pete.Quote:
Originally Posted by soberpete
DS
I think I'm still in the worship mode ;))) I also got the OnGuard "The Beast" heavy chain and padlock. Hopefully it will be enough to deter but the most determined thieves. I've found out that no local insurance company will insure against theft in any location other than my home. I've had a bicycle stolen once (not in China), and I hated that feeling. So I will worship a little while longer if that's OK with you ! LOL
DS
So what is the address of the JiaoJi Lu replacement market?Quote:
Originally Posted by DipStick
thanks!
One of the stores left at the old location gave me a card for their new store at the new market. If I understand correctly, it is in Putuo district, on Gu Lang Lu #1681.
One pleasant surprise, and a nice touch, from the staff at the Shanghai Yamaha dealer yesterday (see post #93 here ). They gave me as a present a Yamaha tank bag. Not too big, black nylon, attached with magnets, has a clear map pocket, and turns into a little backpack! I will post a picture soon.
They also threw in a generic made-in-China dust/rain cover, but I think it is a little too short for the YBR 250. Oh well, can't look a gift horse in the mouth. By the way, is there any danger of these things melting or catching on fire if you put them on while the engine is still hot?
DS
As long as it doesn't slip out of position and onto something hot then 'no worries'.Quote:
Originally Posted by DipStick
Waiting for a photo of the goodies!:popcorn:
Damn, I never get any freebies. I had to pay 30 rmb of my own hard earned currency to buy an el-cheapo cover, only to have it melt on the pipes of a warm (not hot) bike. 30 rmb and an hour of cleaning! Live & learn.Quote:
Originally Posted by DipStick
BTW, if you make the same mistake I did, it helps to let the bike get hot to soften the baked-on plastic. Do it outside, though, as the smell is kinda toxic.
Ask and Ye Shall Receive.Quote:
Originally Posted by soberpete
First things first: while this is not a freebie it is still a goodie. 350RMB for the topcase and the grab bar rack. The red matches the bike almost perfectly. You need to see it side by side and up close to notice a slight nuance in tone. Mind you, I would not be surprised if it got quickly discolored in the sun. The other option was black, but I think it would make me look to much like a delivery guy. It's bad enough that I might look like one of the motorbike taxis we have here in Shanghai.
Attachment 7231Attachment 7232Attachment 7233
Later, they brought out this from their backstore, and I wasn't sure what it was:
Attachment 7230
Recognized for what it was. A magnetized tank bag. I was a little curious as to why it said Yamaha but did not have the 3 tuning forks logo on it. Could it be a fake? But this is the official dealership... Who knows. Here it is sitting on top of the case.
Attachment 7234
Clear map pocket:
Attachment 7235
Main compartment and one of the 2 side pockets:
Attachment 7236Attachment 7237
What's this thing coming out of the front pocket? Oh, an integrated pull-out rain cover. Clever.
Attachment 7238
Here's the rubberized underside. Note the hole for the gas tank cap. I hope it fits...
Attachment 7239
Little carry handle at the top
Attachment 7240
Turn it around and presto! a mini backpack. Neato! Can put it away in the topcase too.
Attachment 7241
Oups, I almost forgot: my very own el cheapo cover :mwink:
Attachment 7242
Trust me, it's in there, tucked inside its own carry pouch. I just didn't feel like unfolding it tonight for a picture.
Bonus shots of bedding courtesy of IKEA. Tell them I sent you...:thumbsup:
Good photos.
Now I want one of those tank bags :sad:.
I believe the Yamaha dealership closest to you is in Weifang. Here is the link. It might be worthwhile to go check it out if you haven't been there already, they might have accessories you would be interested in. On the map, it looks like it's 100-120km from Zibo.
DS
That is indeed a good looking dealership but I needn't go that far. I will simply return to the one here in Zibo (4kms away) and demand one. Zibo's dealerships are small and kind of pathetic (no R1s or R6s on display) but I'm sure they'll have something I can scrounge.
hi DipStick,
will be in shanghai for the rest of the week. since it is not possible to get ybr250 spares in lhasa - could you provide your shanghai dealers address please? btw about 160.000km on my (11) ybr's by now. no (major) problems.
tx
heiri
www.asiabiketours.com
Hi Heiri,
I have read your threads when I first came on to MCM and wanted to find out more about the YBR250. Quite an impressive trekking !
The only official Yamaha dealership according to Yamaha China is at 555 Zhongshan Nan Er Lu. That's one of the ring roads, so it's in the south part of it, close to the intersection with FengLin Lu. Chinese address is 上海市中山南二路555号. The phone number is 021-64046812.
There is an English speaking sales lady, very nice, by the name of Nancy. Chinese name is Chen Ying.
The place is easy to spot: aside from the big red Yamaha Plaza sign above the store, you will also see a line of Yamaha police motorcycles on the sidewalk awaiting/coming out of repair!
I hope you find the parts you need. Good luck!
DIpStick
*** Bike update ***
Firstly, Dipstick, the blue sticker on the dash began to blister sometime after 10K km so I picked at it and it peeled away smoothly to reveal the metal surface beneath. No more dash clashing! Good news right?
Since the last accident claimed my original guages I now have 3500km on the clock. Add that to the 9500km I had on there and I will have covered over 13K by now. Since I crossed to 10K line a few things have happened that I'd like to list for posterity.
I don't know when it happened by my fwd starboard fork seal has kicked the bucket. I only discovered the problem when the fork had just about leaked the last drip of oil so I'm expecting to find a mean glob of sludge in there when we crack it open today to replace it. Fred had a fork seal leak sometime around 10K too. It's something a YBR owner can probably count on so if you do plan to get a YBR in China then buy a spare seal early and keep an eye out for leaking oil from around 9K or even earlier if you fancy. At least the oil didn't leak onto my front disc brake.
I ordered a couple of new ones from taobao (because the dealership takes too long) for about 40 each. In the picture it shows two of them but I found out that 40rmb only gets you one. I only need one right now but I have a spare for the future. I have bought a bunch of other YBR stuff from this shop and it's all been satisfactory, including:
- New guages... destroyed when I hit that car.
- New handlebar... replacing the old one today. I could never get it perfectly straight after the last accident.
- Several oil filters... a tad expensive at 80rmb but they are genuine and do a necessary job.
- Spare Clutch and brake levers... the first thing to get damaged when the bike gets dropped.
- New rear tire... very bald looking after 10K of riding back a forth down terribly straight roads.
- Spare air filter... I am still rocking the old one, cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol (C3H80) every once in a while.
- Spare battery... the old one is still good after 18 months despite the dealer quick charging it to begin with.
- New brake pads... completely bald and a bit squeeky before 10K. TIC.
- Spare disc brake... I thought the old one was bent after the last accident but it turns out it's actually fine so I haven't changed it.
Besides the fork there have been some minor issues.
-
The engine sounds nice but develops a slightly metallic sound based on where i go for petrol.
-
The horn began dieing after 10K. Fred had the same problem. I swapped it for another one costing 8rmb. It's a bit louder and so far so good. You can't ride around without a horn in China. It's the only thing that 85% of the people respond to because they dont' know how to use there eyes.
-
I might replace the ignition key someday.
I noticed, only recently, that the retractable flap that covers the key slot has become stuck, leaving the key slot open 24/7. I don't know how this happened but it may be the reason for the dirt getting into the slot and interfering with the key connection issue. I spray a bit of WD40 in there weekly and have since had no problem with that.
-
The headlight began cutting out a while ago and I forgot to report it. I'd be riding along at night and whenever I yank back the accelaration handle the headlight would just cut out. Sometimes it would and sometimes it wouldn't. Papa Smurf examined the whole headlight inside and out using his amp measuring device to test the current but eventually discovered the problem inside the... this thing:
Attachment 8018
Anyway, the problem was solved, it only took a minute and it was free. I didn't see him replace anything and he doesn't charge for labour. All I can say is that the inside of it was very dirty but when I asked him if that was the problem he said it wasn't. I watched him take it apart and put it back together but didn't see what he actually did. He described the problem to me several times over but I couln't work out what he was saying. My android's dictionary can only work with 'ou tong hua' and I think that Papa Smurf only knew how to say it with 'fang yan'.
-
Last thing; It was coming up on the time I wanted to change the rear tire and before I lost the chance to do so, I wanted to have a go at burning up the old tire like you see them doing 'on the TV'. Just slam on the front brake and 'jia you' right? It was a disaster but at least nobody was around to see me do it. Here's what happened:
The front brake was locked as tight as it could go, the revs were around 7-8K and the rear wheel was spinning a little but the front tire lost grip and began sliding. So there I was, going forward at about 10kph with the front wheel locked and the rear wheel half-spinning and half-gripping. The rear tire looked almost bald but it still had too much grip! I didn't want to wear down the front tire so I gave up. I was just getting ready to go back when, at that time, I suddenly found that although I was in gear I wasn't able to move the bike. I put it in and out of gear and tried to go again but nothing. The engine was running fine but I'd done something to the clutch. I panicked, not knowing what harm I'd done to the poor bike but in the end the problem was fixed by adjusting the cable at the point right next to the clutch lever. I wasn't sure how that had happened but that's how it went down.
If I were to try that again, I'd probably position the front wheel against a wall then apply the front brake and try again. I'd probably end up riding up the wall and landing on the ground with the bike on top of my head though. It's too much effort, sod it.
I love this bike but I'm still saving up for something bigger. There are more and more roads around here that are a little too big for a 250.
Soberpete, once again, how old are you? C'mon... to burn up old tire... :lol8:
Nice write up Pete! Next time dump the clutch quicker on the burnout and take more weight off the rear of the bike! Question is Benelli CFmoto or other bigger bike?
Dear Zorge,
Even when I reach 60 I still intend to be childish. I'll be the motorbike riding grandad who is always doing things one wouldn't appove of.
P.s. Call me Pete
*** Bike update *** ...because I forgot to mention two things.
1st thing: 90% of the time now the bike won't start unless I hold the clutch in. It's in neutral, yes, and after I let go of the clutch the bike doesn't lurch so it isn't false neutral either. This has only begun to happen in the past month or so. No big deal but it's all for posterity.
2nd thing: I can squeeze the front brake lever at about 95% and the rear light still won't come on. The dirt get's in there too easily and blocks the connection. I've had it cleaned out before but it was only a month or so before the issue comes back. I don't mind this though because I always apply both front and rear brake when slowing and the rear brake pedal brings the light up without any problem. On the plus side, I can hold the front brake on while at the traffic lights and I know it won't use up any extra battery power.
The Benelli seems reliable but no real review so far. CFmoto gives the choice of a naked bike or the touring bike (650TR) with a really clear rundown from Shanghaifingers.Quote:
Originally Posted by ZMC888
I like them both but I've never had anything that big before so they all seem nice. I have time to think while I'm saving money (that all seems to be siphoning away from my bank and toward my baby boy right now) and who knows there may be some other options by the time I have enough money... or before you do! :icon10:
Dear Pete,Quote:
Originally Posted by soberpete
You've got a great bike for now, so no need to rush to replace the YBR. Keep an eye on CFMoto: They've already signaled that they're developing a dual sport using the same 650 twin that's used in the NK and TR. Might just be worth the wait!
Also, regarding your 13k maintainance update, a couple of observations:
Very glad you are doing this. All that bending of your bars only weakens them with metal fatigue.Quote:
- New handlebar... replacing the old one today. I could never get it perfectly straight after the last accident.
Consider installing some metal-spined handguards. These not only protect your levers in a drop, they keep direct wind off your gloved hands in very cold weather, and can keep branches and other foreign bodies from snagging on your bars when you are in tight urban traffic or offroading. Because of the built-in metal spine, I think these guards also help protect your bar from bending in a getoff.Quote:
- Spare Clutch and brake levers... the first thing to get damaged when the bike gets dropped.
This might have something to do with the kill circuit on your side stand. These get corroded and dirty, and eventually fail. Lots of riders consider it an unnecessary feature -- a bit of nannyism to protect you from starting with the transmission engaged -- and simply circumvent it by snipping the wire and closing the circuit on itself.Quote:
1st thing: 90% of the time now the bike won't start unless I hold the clutch in. It's in neutral, yes, and after I let go of the clutch the bike doesn't lurch so it isn't false neutral either. This has only begun to happen in the past month or so. No big deal but it's all for posterity.
Cheers!