W.T.F. Were They Thinking? (Motorcycle Designers/Engineers)

[dr_bar]

Hey Wrider, that sounds like me...LOL

[Jason Hall]

Yesterday I went to check the oil level on my Connie and had one of those moments where you stop in your tracks and go W.T.F. were they (the designers/engineers) thinking!?!?!?!?!? Now I love my Connie, its a great bike, lots of usable power when she is running 100%, fairly nimble, very comfortable, all in all one of the best all round bikes I have ever had, apart from the lousy fuel mileage in the city. And I like the looks of it and having a couple of nice hard cases on the tail to store away things is a big plus. However, there is one thing I do not like and that is checking her oil levels. Now I am a fairly simple lad and love the simplisity of an oil dipstick. Unscrew the cap, wipe the stick clean, stick back down the hole, pull it out again and read the level. Below the line, add more oil, oil is dirty. change the oil. Very simple and quick. However Connie don't have no dipstick, instead you have to peek into a small window to check the oil level. Sounds simple enough, but let me run you thru the procedure. First get her up on the centre stand, no mean task given her weight especially if she has a full tank of fuel. Next, lay flat on the ground beside her on the left hand side. Peek in between the gear change linkage and then get up coz now you need to find a light source to illuminate the window, the silly thing is tucked inside a deep and dark recess behind the linkage. Get your cheap led flashlight (or lighter), lay back down and shine in the light. Get up and go get a rag to clean the glass, lay back down and play with the light till you can see inside. Get up, add a bit of oil, lay back down and see if you need more...repeat until oil level looks about right.

All this got me thinking, how many other minor design oddities have other found on their bikes? I am not talking about complete bikes designs such as the DN-01, but rather those little niggly things that make you shake your head in wonder in what is otherwise a perfectly wonderful machine.

Is it a good idea to use some led lights in my bike to make a impressive outlook ?
Plz give me your suggestion ...

[slimcolo]

The Suzi has one of those stupid site glasses that always looks over full even when empty. Also has battery under right glove compartment, yes battery inside fairing.

[Wrider]

Remember how I said the V-Star 1100 has the worst designed oil filter location ever?

Guess what I get to work on Tuesday... Yay...

[High_Side]

Remember how I said the V-Star 1100 has the worst designed oil filter location ever?

Guess what I get to work on Tuesday... Yay...

Job security no doubt many owners who would do this themselves on any other bike chose to take it to their mechanic. Like the 97 Ford with a 4.6 l engine that I used to have: the only vehicle that I have ever paid someone else to change the sparkplugs on. A nasty thing to work on!

[dr_bar]

Just about everyone I know that owns the 1100 also bought a relocation kit...

[Wrider]

Just about everyone I know that owns the 1100 also bought a relocation kit...

So he brought it to me with the complaint that it wouldn't go up a steep hill or do more than 90 MPH. I tore into it yesterday... So much oil in the airbox that I literally had to drain it. Checked the oil level. Even when the bike was leaned to the right (sight glass on the left and supposed to be level for oil level checking), the sight glass is completely full. Not to mention the spark plugs that came loose as soon as I put the wrench on there. No wonder!

Sadly, I've worked on 5 bikes now that all came from the same shop and all have the same complaint that the shop screwed them over.

Not to mention that shop charges $300 for an oil change, drive gear oil change, plug change, and a once over on the bike. No changing the air filter, no carb work, nothing but the basics.

[dr_bar]

We face that at a lot of stealerships. There are a few independents now that are offering a reduced hourly and decent parts prices...

[Wrider]

Got even better today...
The rear exhaust bolt was so overtightened it sheared off my 6mm Motion Pro hex wrench (allen).
The oil drain bolt is awkwardly placed anyway. It sure didn't help that the bolt was so tight I ended up having to break out the dead blow hammer to loosen it. Really really lucky it didn't strip on me...

[dr_bar]

My tool kit includes an old fashion impact driver... LOL