FJ12Ryder

Ding, Ding, Ding, I think we have a winner. Unless that GPS tracker has its own battery that could very easily be the problem Especially if it's an aftermarket, and updates itself periodically. I could see it running down your battery in 9 days. The best kind is the one that has its own battery. I'd check the draw before I did anything else. Otherwise you could just end up draining another battery.

Yup, that's the Sargent backrest and luggage rack. I've got one just like it.

How do you get these exact numbers for F/A ratio?

Dunno, kind of leaning towards Douglas Adams' "Mostly Harmless". Bikes and cars run lots more miles than you would think likely if it was a really bad thing. And seems like diesel engines would grind to a halt with the direct injection in their engines. Not saying it doesn't happen, and not having it is good, but not sure whether the issue isn't mostly cosmetic.

I simply don't know about this "intake fuel washing effect" with misting/fogging injectors. Seems to me that the people talking about all the carbon buildup on the valves, are also the ones selling "stuff" to clean all that nasty buildup off.

It's always interesting to see the results of people experimenting. Wasn't trying to denigrate your work at all. But I just wondered if it wasn't more cosmetic than actually detrimental to engine performance. But it does seem like the engine would perform better with the valves clean, they sure look like they would.

I think this is one of those things that will just have to happen. Maybe if you compared dyno readings periodically so you could demonstrate that the carbon buildup is more than a superficial problem then I would be more interested. Until then it is just one of the side effects of owning an ICE, although it does make you wonder how those engines with 80,000 or 100,000 miles are even still running if it's a major problem.

Put the bike on the centerstand and see if you can put the bike in gear without it stalling. If it continues to stall, then you've got a sidestand cutout switch, and it's faulty. If it starts and runs, but you can't get the wheel to stop turning, even in gear with the clutch in then it's possible the clutch plates are stuck together. Not uncommon in bikes that have been sitting for a long time. But also check to make sure the clutch is actually working when you pull the clutch lever. The master cylinder could be shot, or the slave cylinder could be bad. Either way you need to check for actual motion of the clutch pushrod.

Ah yes, you need to lower the torque settings when using any kind of lube. Usually around 15-20%.

Considering they are steel bolts threaded into an aluminum housing, and only tightened to 23 lb.ft, I don't think we are looking at one-time use bolts. I believe they are bolts that have a special locktite-type compound applied at the factory. I've never replaced mine and have never had them be anything but tight when removed. To me it depends on how deep your pockets are. 🙂

It could be either. Some people believe in a little overkill when it comes to their wheels. I use anti-seize on my 4-wheeled vehicles, just to be sure I can get them off later. The bike may get a dab of anti-seize, I'm not a big fan of locktite on wheel lug nuts.

You shouldn't need locktite on the rear wheel nuts, I'm assuming you're referring to the wheel lugnuts. But you might make sure they are correct lugnuts, and the PO hasn't replaced them with nuts that don't fit correctly and loosen up, hence the need for locktite.

Diff'rent strokes...

Check the bearings for smooth operation while the wheel is off. Clean the axle, and I use a little anti-seize on mine before sliding it back in place. I don't use locktite. And it's a good idea while the calipers are off, to check/lube the caliper slider pins. The lube can get pretty solid over time, and not work like it should.

While you all have mentioned some pretty good spots, although I'd have take exception to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon over the North Rim, no comparison in my book, I cannot believe you've not mentioned...drum roll please...Worlds Largest Ball of Twine, or The Garden of Eden. A couple of often overlooked wonders that can cause serious gape-jaw.