I know many of you do this already, but I still hear some say "Why should I clean my own bike when I can have it done for a few baht?"
Yesterday, Davidfl and I decided do to a quick blast to Samoeng and back in the late afternoon. David was delivering some donated clothes from his girlfriend.
I hadn't ridden my 650 since returning from Laos in early April. Figuring it would be a little difficult to start, I tried some choke but found the cable or something to be stuck. No big deal it started anyway.
We traveled the 1096 round trip to Samoeng at our usual pace; let's just say we didn't worry about anyone overtaking us.
Today I decided to fix the choke and popped off the tank and seat. While trying to find the problem I also decided to blow out and clean some of the red dust and dirt that clung to the nooks and crannies from the Laos excursions.
What's this? That doesn't look right! :shock: My upper shock bolt was protruding from the mount and only remained attached by about 3 threads at the most. Now, no matter how one looks at it, having your shock absorber fall off is not going to net a good result.
So, even though I DO let the 50 baht bike wash do the really tough jobs (especially since I found the "All Lady Care Care" across from Mae Jo University) :lol: I take the time myself to do some cleaning, detailing and the repairs/maintenance that are within my limited ability. Plus I just like a clean shiny bike.
The car wash is not going to find those loose nuts and bolts and other problems waiting to happen. Today was another reminder that it is worth the time and effort.
P.S. I still didn't get the choke to work. :wink:
Yesterday, Davidfl and I decided do to a quick blast to Samoeng and back in the late afternoon. David was delivering some donated clothes from his girlfriend.
I hadn't ridden my 650 since returning from Laos in early April. Figuring it would be a little difficult to start, I tried some choke but found the cable or something to be stuck. No big deal it started anyway.
We traveled the 1096 round trip to Samoeng at our usual pace; let's just say we didn't worry about anyone overtaking us.
Today I decided to fix the choke and popped off the tank and seat. While trying to find the problem I also decided to blow out and clean some of the red dust and dirt that clung to the nooks and crannies from the Laos excursions.
What's this? That doesn't look right! :shock: My upper shock bolt was protruding from the mount and only remained attached by about 3 threads at the most. Now, no matter how one looks at it, having your shock absorber fall off is not going to net a good result.
So, even though I DO let the 50 baht bike wash do the really tough jobs (especially since I found the "All Lady Care Care" across from Mae Jo University) :lol: I take the time myself to do some cleaning, detailing and the repairs/maintenance that are within my limited ability. Plus I just like a clean shiny bike.
The car wash is not going to find those loose nuts and bolts and other problems waiting to happen. Today was another reminder that it is worth the time and effort.
P.S. I still didn't get the choke to work. :wink: