The Aspy Project

[Track T 2411]

Here we go again!

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I bought this bike last fall after selling 'Grumpy,' my 1100I. 1986 Aspencade, 36k miles on the clock, and quite well maintained. From what I can tell, most of the known 1200 'problems' are already addressed by previous owners, such as the stator wire connector fix, the main fuse upgrade, and the ignition bypass harness. It's only had occasional use in the last ten years or so, however, so it will undergo my usual 'new 2 me' R&R's regimen.

Tires and timing belts were last done in 2014, so replacements are on order. Brake pads, brake and clutch lines will be replaced (with stainless reinforced) as well, and converted to DOT 5 fluid. Nothing looks crusty or is leaking, so I'm anticipating (fingers crossed) the components just getting a disassembly and thorough cleaning. I don't think I'll delve into the suspension at this point, depending on how everything looks upon disassembly.

I did notice the signs of a fuel leak near the electric pump, but it looks as though the fuel lines have been replaced recently, so I'll play that by ear. Engine oil and coolant flush, spark plugs and air filter should round out the project!

[wingrider]

Very nice! From your picture, it looks quite clean!

[Whiskerfish]

Looks like a great project!

[Track T 2411]

Thanks. It's in great shape overall. Not my first choice color- wise, but the low miles, maintenence, and the fact that it was still being ridden, even sparingly, contributed to choice. Other than the aforementioned work, I plan to upgrade the lighting with LED and driving lights, then ride!

The best part is that with this bike as our touring machine, I'll be able to take 'Layla' back to NAKED!

[Track T 2411]

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Digging into the hydraulics. While everything looks pretty good, new kits and pads will be going in...

[Whiskerfish]

Nice! So many folks try to take short cuts with the brakes and it is just not worth the risk!

[Track T 2411]

Yeah, cheap insurance, I say. The pads have all been replaced by EBC's at some point, but I'm going to upgrade to the semi-scintered pads and just tuck this set away for spares. Hopefully I won't be revisiting this job for a few years!

[heraldhamster]

nice looking 1200A ya found!


mine on the driveway.

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[Track T 2411]

nice looking 1200A ya found!


mine on the driveway.

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Sisters!

[Track T 2411]

Chipping away...

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Mostly done with the cleanup. Nothing was terribly crusty, but it all still needed attention. There's no way just a flush would have cleaned out the grit to my satisfaction.
Now I'm just waiting on a few parts, and the time to put them all together.

[Track T 2411]

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This is as deep as I'm going, I swear!

[Track T 2411]

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New shoes! Shinko 777's. The front tire was a beast to mount, and I still haven't gotten the bead to seat. I'm plum tuckered out!
The Dunlop E3's looked nearly new, but 10 and 12 year old tires are a no-go for me. I liked the Shinkos on my 1100I so we'll see how these do.

[Track T 2411]

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Finally got all the brake and clutch components cleaned up, assembled, and ready to install. I realized after posting above about not going any 'deeper' that I still have the timing belts to install. I've always had the radiator removed when doing them on my other bikes. I'm not sure I can do it with the radiator hanging in the way, lol. Maybe I will do the thermostat and hoses right away...

[Track T 2411]

Some weekend progress: new timing belts installed.

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The radiator hoses had already been replaced, so one less worry. The water pump is nice and tight, no wiggles, so now it's just a matter of buttoning everything up and bleeding the brakes....

[Track T 2411]

Such a foolish optimist am I! Yes, I knew that there were hard lines between the brake flexible lines, but I didn't think they would be so BURIED under everything! I also found that the clutch flex lines are permanently fitted to the hard line at both ends. Frustration!