After a day of rest, the plastic was stripped and the 250F thoroughly washed. The valves were again adjusted-this time the exhaust stayed put and the intakes tightened slightly-and we replaced two worn-out cam tower bolts that had been stretched due to excessive torque at the previous valve adjust. The oil, filter, tires, spark plug, brake fluid and fork seal were changed. The next ride proved to be a learning experience; the CR8EIX plug we installed made the bike stumble and sputter with frightening consistency. Since no bike shops could find record of a stock CR8EIA plug even existing (and with everyone at Suzuki on vacation), we just tossed the old plug back in and the problems disappeared.
With the 2008 250F Suzuki just around the corner, the white flag is almost in sight for our Long Haul RM-Z. Up next on the maintenance list is a much-needed top end kit, along with a new (straight) Sunline handlebar. We also plan on splitting the cases just to see how the transmission is wearing-that whole popping out of gear thing can be more than a little startling. We'll definitely let you know what we find!
Running Tally
Hours on the bike: 47.0
(37.0 since last update)
Modifications: $1391.25
Elka Suspension modifications: $569.85 ($195 revalve and labor fork; $139.95 springs; $19.95 oil; $195 shock revalve; $19.95 oil)
One Industries Technoflex graphics and seat cover, number plate backgrounds, front and rear fender decals and numbers: $200.71 ($134.90 graphics and seat cover; $18.95 rear fender graphics; $12.95 front fender graphics; $26.96 backgrounds; 3 sets of numbers at $6.95 ea.)
Boyesen Supercooler: $219.95
Boyesen Power Wing: $129.95
2 Sunline Double Diamond medium-compound grip kits: $33.90 ($16.95 ea.)
Sunline Moto Ray hand guards: $69.95
Maintenance and Repairs: $1166.59 (not including tires)
Hose clamp for carburetor manifold: $3.44
Suzuki fork seal: $16.15
Suzuki dust seal: $14.49
Replacement cam tower bolts: $2.98
1 bottle Maxima Maxum4 oil: $12.95
1 bottle Amsoil Shock Therapy suspension fluid: $10.25
8 bottles Amsoil 10W-40 oil: $71.60 ($8.95 ea.)
5 Michelin rear tires (2 S12 and 3 M12): $484 ($95 ea. S12; $98 ea. M12)
4 Michelin front tires (2 S12 and 2 M12): $352 ($88 ea.)
4 rear tire tubes: $14.95 ea.
2 front tire tubes: $9.95 ea.
8 Ready Racing air filters: $9.95 ea.
1 Ready Racing stainless oil filter: $49.95
AP Brakes high-temp PRF fluid: $29
AP Brakes ORR front pads: $35.99
AP Brakes ORR rear pads: $35.99