About a week ago I got a call to say that my carby manifolds had turned up and to bring the bike in. So I dropped the bike in a couple of saturdays ago to Terry 'Doc R1' Sullivan so he could inspect the carbs.
Terry was recommended by a whole bunch of people on facebook, and with a business name like Doctor R1 then I was pretty sure my bike would be in good hands.
Terry works out of his garage, which is great because it keeps costs down. Meeting him was like meeting an old mate and talking about bikes. He knows his R1's backwards, he was an ex-Yamaha Australia mechanic and worked on their race bikes. There's nothing this guy doesn't know about R1's. Great I got the right guy on the job then. Terry races 2 x 2000 R1's on the drag strip.
I told him the whole history of the bike and he told me everything that goes wrong with them. It's a bit frightening actually. Touch wood I haven't had many issues with the bike to be honest.
He pulled down the carbies and number 3 and 4 jet were blocked, the o rings had also perished and number 1 needle was replaced as it wasn't seating properly and was letting more fuel in than it should.
The o rings have gone hard and cracked so got replaced and the manifolds are all hard. They haven't perished yet but wouldn't be far away from it, they are rock hard and will probably crack very soon.
Terry also did a compression test on found that number 4 cylinder was down to 160 while the others were at 170. About normal at this age he said and he has seen worse. He tested it hot and found number 4 was down to 120.
I'll get the valves checked on the next service I think and go from there and see what happens.
He synced the carbys and all was running well again.
I picked it up saturday as the boys were going for a ride up the Putty road. I eagerly picked up the bike and met the guys at the cafe in Windsor before departing and heading up on a glorious sunny morning. Temps were in the low 20's perfect riding weather.
On another note I still haven't decided on what type of bike I'm likely to get. I'm now shying away from naked bikes and either looking at a sports touring machine and also been looking at adventure bikes. Shocking I know. The wait continues........
Steve, isn't it a joy to find someone like Terry? National treasures! I was amazed at the range those carbed R1's deliver - that's seriously impressive for a balls-out sports bike. Very similar to my KTM on a 14 l tank although I'd have to be taking it pretty easy to squeeze 300 km.
ReplyDeleteEagerly awaiting your choice of new machine. Don't be in too much of a rush and try plenty out!
I was really surprised at the range I got at well. 280km with 4litres left to go. Like thats insane, the 15 R1 would have run out before then.
DeleteI'm not in any hurry to buy a new bike, I've got something I can use in the meantime until I choose.
I am an easy 320km on my '02. The fuel economy of modern sport bikes is appalling - even if they make a shiteload of power (that you can't use on the road).
DeleteNice one Steve. How many k's on the old girl now?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your new Adv bike...
Just ticked over 69K on this very ride. Still love this bike it brings a smile to the face every time I ride it.
DeleteCould be one on the cards mate stay tuned, might turn this blog upside down..
ADV bike might open up some new areas Steve? I was thinking I'd get a cheap small one if I got back there.
ReplyDeleteSure would and less policed areas too
DeletePlenty of miles in the old girl yet! I'd like him to take a look at mine - it seems to still frickin' fly after last weeks effort. How about an 09 or 10 R1? They are big bang, go like stink, aren't very expensive and are more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteWhy whats wrong with your old beast?
Delete09-14 dont handle like ours do, they understeer and the front end doesn't feel like its planted, like the orignal bikes.
cant wait to see your new harley !!
ReplyDeleteWhen I do I'll make sure my holeshot device blows your poormans ducati into the weeds pal
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