So I'm thinking I need to get off my duff and install a 14t front sprocket.

Anyone know what size the countershaft locknut is?  Before I start in I want to make sure it's not some crazy-impossible-to-find tool.

Also, tomorrow I plan to install dual tone horns and Kellermann BL1000 bar end turn signals.  So I hope to post some pix soon.

Missing Texas and the LSD,
NorDog

What's the weather like out there this time of year? Finally getting real nice here. It's about mid 50's at 8:30AM and the high today is supposed to be 82 I think. Sweet. Waited all summer for this stuff!! How are the classes going? What have you been working on/studying?

Quote from: NorDog on October 18, 2008, 11:37:38 PM
So I'm thinking I need to get off my duff and install a 14t front sprocket.

Anyone know what size the countershaft locknut is?  Before I start in I want to make sure it's not some crazy-impossible-to-find tool.

If only you knew someone who could work on bikes, maybe someone in a bike mechanic school or something...

Quote from: NorDog on October 18, 2008, 11:37:38 PM
So I'm thinking I need to get off my duff and install a 14t front sprocket.

but seriously folks... From everything I've read, & everyone I've talked to, it's actually much more better to go up in the back than down in the front. Yeah, it may cost a few bucks more.
Also, It's best to change both sprockets & chain at the same time. Never put on a new sprocket w/ old chain, & vice versa.
Add 3 teeth in the back- it's almost exactly the same ratio as 1 down in the front. That's what she said.

how much do bike mechanics make?  I need a new job...

Quote from: fastwin on October 19, 2008, 06:37:27 AM
What's the weather like out there this time of year? Finally getting real nice here. It's about mid 50's at 8:30AM and the high today is supposed to be 82 I think. Sweet. Waited all summer for this stuff!! How are the classes going? What have you been working on/studying?

The weather is perfect.  Last Sunday was a bit cold in the morning.  On the ride to Jerome, AZ, my friend complained about the cold (and he had an electric vest on).

School is great, though very slow at times.  I know so much of this already.  I endure hours of simple stuff trying not to miss the golden nugget of info I've been trying to nail down for years.  The exception was the 3 week Tires, Wheels, and Suspension class.  Never changed a tire beyond the Schwinn Stingray stage (3 speed Hurst shifter model of course!).

We changed ATV tires, dirt bike tires, tires with rim locks ("What's a RIM lock?" I asked), dual sport tires, ZR rated sport bike tires, and of course, Harley tires (can you say Dunlop?).  So, I got that down now.

Also, learned to disassemble, reassemble, and true wire spoked wheels.  THAT was something I've always wanted to learn.  I was able to attempt this 4 times, and was successful 2 and half times.  Given that these rims, spokes, and wheels have been handled by about a million Gieco Cave Men (GCM) over the past few years and have major dings and bends in them, I am quite confident that NEW components and properly used components will be far easier to work with.

Had 6 weeks of Theory (lot's of good info there), 3 weeks of Tires, Wheels, etc.  Tomorrow I'm starting week 2 of 3 in Precision Measurement.  We are disassembling and measuring the critical areas of different engines and transmissions.  Great stuff, but again, going very slow so the GCM can keep up.

"If only you knew someone who could work on bikes, maybe someone in a bike mechanic school or something... "

Very funny Mr. Smarty.      Not many Ducatis around here, and absolutely NO Ducati program or info here beyond a description of Desmodromic valve actuation.      So no one obvious to aks about a given socket size for a critical Ducati fastener.

Will definitely rethink the sprocket thing with any eye on the rear instead of the front.  Of course going the front sprocket only route instead of replacing both and the chain is advised, but given that I only have 2500 miles on Francesca, and a limited budget, was thinking I could get away with front sprocket only and shortening the chain as needed.

The Scottsdale BMW dealer had a demo day yesterday.  Rode the K1200S.  Nice bike, though I was reminded of why I like Twins better than four cylinder bikes.  The dealer also carries Ducati and the service department was breaking ina D16RR for a customer.  It's the first one I've seen actually running.  It smelled very good!  Sound was okay, the customer went with the quieter of the two included exhaust systems.  What's up with THAT?

Today I install my dual horns, and maybe the Kellermann bar end signals.

Later,
NorDog
LSD in exile

Quote from: NorDog on October 19, 2008, 11:47:55 AM
Of course going the front sprocket only route instead of replacing both and the chain is NOT advised, but given that I only have 2500 miles on Francesca, and a limited budget, was thinking I could get away with front sprocket only and shortening the chain as needed.

You'd prolly be OK short term. Don't sprockets/chains only last around 10k anyway?

Sounds like school is good! I bet lots of folks will be needin' your mad skillz as soon as you return

"Of course going the front sprocket only route instead of replacing both and the chain is NOT advised, but given that I only have 2500 miles on Francesca, and a limited budget, was thinking I could get away with front sprocket only and shortening the chain as needed."

Yes, of course, "NOT" advised.

Quote from: Sir L'Blur on October 19, 2008, 12:01:12 PM
Sounds like school is good! I bet lots of folks will be needin' your mad skillz as soon as you return

Oh, I hope so!  I NEED so!