Recent content by KFunk740

OK, fixed. Also, I've learned that I'm stupid. The front brake (disc) was binding. I hadn't thought to just try spinning the front wheel with it off the ground before, and when I did I noticed that there was resistance. I made sure the caliper wasn't stuck, and also found that one of the...

front sprocket almost brand new, rear sprocket has no real wear at all. tires are at correct pressure according to manual (28 front, 29 rear i think). rear brakes were nowhere near rubbing at all (barely engaging at all until i tightened them this morning). no rust on chain and smooth and...

Any ideas on how to check that? Maybe spinning it and measuring the run-out somehow? If it is out of round, can it smooth out over time? I don't really want to spend money on another set of 2 tires right now unnecessarily. I'm still doubtful its them, as they did fine for 15 miles or so...

The bike is a mostly stock '81 XS400-SH with 7500 miles (had it since 1900 miles around 6 years ago. It's fairly beat-up, but been a solid bike for getting around for several years now. It runs just fine. I use it frequently now because getting parking on campus in the daytime is impossible...

OK guys, an update here. Most of these things you mentioned were in fine shape, and little tweaks to them aren't going to make the major difference that would be necessary. I decided to go the cheap and easy way, and followed the lead of someone else I saw posting on the forum (forget who). I...

Hah, yeah you're confusing us with OSU, or as they like to call themselves The Ohio State University Buckeyes. OU/Athens down in southeast doesn't give two shits about football for the most part. Far, far from undefeated. I think we won the famous idaho potato bowl last year, or something...

I've got State Farm, and my premium is $11 per year on the XS-400, with 100K person / 300K per accident. Yes, $11. I just checked. What the hell is wrong with your guys, or mine? I've got a second bike, an '83 RX50, and its $5/year. Liability of course, because really, why would it be worth...

I replaced the fork oil a couple years ago, so I presume it should be OK. The inner fork tubes were rusty/pitted and leaking lots of oil, so I replaced them with a decent set from ebay, and put the proper fork oil in it. I measured spring length to be within spec. I did whatever procedures...

any ideas for a good source/spec on those parts? My googling isn't helping much. I'm not that familiar with bike vendors, or the specs necessary for the xs400.

I've got ~9 mile commute on a fairly curvy 2-lane road (only one passing zone on whole road), and a 55mph limit. It's highly frequented by bikers on road trips because its challenging and very scenic. However, it is now very lumpy and potholed, and it won't be re-paved anytime soon. The...

I've got a couple thousand genetically engineered mice of all sorts, and they're used as models to study diabetes, aging, etc. I work at The Ridges (the old lunatic asylum on the hill). There's not much money in this kind of research, but it's rewarding and I love this area. I used to be in...

I just don't mind driving/riding (and living in) unfinished projects. :laugh: I'm working on a PhD in molecular and cellular biology. I work on research full-time at OU, and so they give me free tuition.

1974 BMW 2002 (weber sidedraft carbs, 9.5:1 pistons, 292 cam, race suspension, etc.). It's the beater autocross/track toy/commuter continual project. 1965 Datsun L320 truck. It's my classic hauler. It's mostly stock, and I need to get the interior back to stock next. Cub Cadet 1641 that I...

Ultra Copper works fine at the header pipe junction. I've been missing one entire header stud for years and the ultra copper keeps it solid (threads are mangled and it won't be fixed easily). You shouldn't use to fix a gaping hole, that won't work. But for sealing a gap between two metal...