Aussie John wrote:
I used some wire trace from the fishing box that would never see a fish near it and the crimps and when done it looks like this, makes it easy to remove the seat if the key won't

That's awesome. Thanks for taking the time to post the pics.

jd750ace wrote:
[quote]If it's a Dunlop 404 it's junk./quote]

Amen to that. Can't believe the difference the Michelin Commander II's made. No more wild tracking over road tar, uneven surfaces or construction.

If your bike is 2001 or earlier, CHECK THE OIL PUMP GEAR. If it isn't the upgraded gear with the thicker shaft, replace it.

Do NOT assume if the tranny recall was done that the oil pump gear was replaced. The recall was done on my bike prior to my purchase (I purchased it used), but they did NOT upgrade the oil pump gear.

When the oil pump gear broke, my motor burnt out.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Also, if it hasn't been mentioned already - if your bike is 2003 or earlier, do the Starter Spin fix in the tech section. Don't wait for it to fail when you're on a long road trip on a long weekend. Don't ask me how I know.

Cheers

George

Cut backside of enricher knob so it shuts off completely.drove me nuts for three months till I found the thread on here, thanks guys

If your bike seems to bottom out to easily especially when riding two up, check the preload on the shock/spring. The stock Roadie springs are weak, and it leads to premature damper failure. Check the mounts where the shock connects to the frame. if the get beat enough because of a bad damper, or insufficient preload, the mount will break at the frame. It can be welded.

If the fuel pump fails, you can run the bike with a piece of 5/16 fuel line from the petcock to the carb. It will work just fine, until you can get home. It will run, without the pump. If your keeping the pump, carry the fuel line and whatever to remove the clamps, on the bike, just in case.

Do yourselves a favor. Run something like Seafoam, Techron, MMO, etc., in your fuel. The pilot circuit is small, and this ounce or two of prevention every other tank, is worth a pound of cure. Never put your bike away for the winter, without adding a good stabilizer to the fuel, and circulating it through the carb.

The Roadies have two oil drain plugs. One by the kickstand, and the other on the bottom of the oil tank. When doing a proper oil change including filter, just put 4 quarts back. Put two in, and replace the dipstick and screw it in. Start the bike, and let it run for about 10 seconds or so. Shut the bike off, and add the other two quarts. Button it up and forget about it. If you want to check your oil, there is a particular method, that involves the bike being upright, the motor warm, and a little time to let the oil settle. There is a vid on here somewhere that shows how. Unless the bike is leaking, or noticeably using oil, it should be fine, until the next oil change.
If the bike is new to you, and your unsure of the maintenance, then change your fluids first thing. The Roadies require the proper levels of ZDDP in the engine oil, and a wet clutch type of oil. Amzoil and Mobil 1, both have the proper ZDDP levels. Many here use Mobil 1 20/50. If you run in cooler climes, and or colder weather, the 10/40 will be a better choice, for cold starts when the temps fall into the 30's.

Aussie John wrote:
I used some wire trace from the fishing box that would never see a fish near it and the crimps and when done it looks like this, makes it easy to remove the seat if the key won't

Did the same, but used a rubber coated copper romex wire (the kind for wiring up your house).

The Roadie will not stay upright when you get off if you dont put kicksatnd down Here is a link you can save for bolt size if you lose one or one falls out on the road . http://weislake.com/sig/mucker/randysgym/torqspec.pdf

Thank you for all the great info. I had not seen the bolt information page yet. That will come in really handy. I am printing that out as we speak.




Thanks again
Tim

Thanks guys this is some very helpful information. I appreciate the time you took to put it together.

404's are junk!!!! Bought my r* with 3000 miles on the 404s on it and back tire was bald ....what junk!!!