Roxy: Rings

Just wanted to test out the $5 Lisle piston ring pliers I got awhile back.  Work like a charm...

Roxy: Lazy or Brilliant?

If I had the time, I'd really want to figure out why the fork bridge is stuck on the bike.  But I was getting so tired of looking at the rusty bridge, that I figured I should just paint it while on the bike, at least as a temporary measure to stop the corrosion.

So I taped everything off, and used a large sheet of cardboard as a "backstop".  Went pretty smoothly and while not a perfect paint job by any means, it looks a hundred times better than the rusty plate that was there before.

Roxy: Quick Fix

It's been a couple months since doing any serious work in the garage; took some time off since doing all the work to fix Roxy's carb issue.

But today I had nice weather and all the time in the world to work.  The clutch cable replacement took all of five minutes, given that the new cable I'd bought awhile back for Viola was a perfect match to the one that broke.  Slipped right into place.  I tested the shift into first and neutral, and it felt the same.  Will need to do a quick road test to check all the gears.

 

Roxy: You Always Remember Your First

First breakdown!  On the way home after a nice afternoon ride, and I felt something snap when I pulled the clutch in.  Next thing I know, the lever is moving freely.  Clutch cable snapped right at the lever.

Luckily she broke down on 40th and Clement, and it was all downhill to get home.  So I ended up pushing her all the way back, sometimes riding her like a bike on the particularly steep sections.

Roxy: Slime

Thrilled that the new Slime inflator worked as expected.  Was expecting some kind of kink, but the machine itself seems solid (given I've only used it once).  And the Toppeak connector did the trick.  I was able to remove the valve without losing any air.

The Slime works fast on these small tires, too.  It added 8 lbs of air in 10 seconds, which is much more than I'll usually need.  It's a good thing it only takes a few seconds, though, as it's certainly loud when it's on.  Not to where you need ear plugs, but it's definitely not quiet.

The best thing is that both the power cord and air hose stow away neatly for storage.

Great addition to the garage!

Roxy: The Smallest Things...

Did the simplest thing first to check the racing idle, and found the throttle screw was very loose.  Removed it and found the spring was missing!  Obvious...  Re-adjusted and got back to a gentle idle speed.

Will need to test it on another long ride...


For reference, the throttle screw is backed out 5/8th of a turn.  The air screw is 7/8th out.

Roxy: Odometer Log - 17,637

Rode to the end of Great Highway and back (45 mins).  Nice ride but noticed she was idling very fast about 20 minutes into the ride, and when I got back, the fins would sizzle water.  Overheating...?