[Motorcycle Maintainence] Brake Pads

A month or two back, I purchased a set of brakes pad, one set for the front and one set for the back.

Fitting the pads at the back was a piece of cake, remove cover, remove split pins, pull out pins, remove pads, place new pad in the correct area, slide pins back in, replace spilt pin, replace cover, voila.. done...

I looked at the front pads, I looked from the top, from underneath... , poked them with a screwdriver, and promptly gave up.

Two months later, the pads are getting to the point where, if I don't change them they are going to do some damage.

OK, try again, I looked at the front pads, I looked from the top, from underneath... poked them with a screwdriver, called my son, who gave me a clue, "remove the caliper, and have a G-clamp ready", I thank him for his suggestion and start poking the pad with a screwdriver again.

Aaaah! The caliper is attached to the fork by two bolts, which I promptly remove, I find a small split pin, removed, and slide out a pin. The pads come out easily... I can see where the G Clamp comes in, I use the g-clamp to push back the pistons, initially I check to make sure that the brake fluid reservoir has sufficient space, then push them all the way in.

Put in the new pads, slide in the pin, replace the split pin, and mount the caliper on the front forks. Pump the front brake a few times.

Put my helmet on and go for a ride around the block, testing the front brake as I go.

Job well done, If I say so myself.

Long awaited maintenance for the GS500F

Just before the winter, this bike was in serious need of some TLC, and as I'm riding in this freezing cold weather, I think I need some sort of heated handlebars or gloves.

I read a few bits and pieces Motorcycle Gloves reviews Heated Grips reviews Chain and Sprocket replacement Front Brake lever Rear brake pads

But encouraged by my son, I'm gonna try to do the caring myself, but first I got to buy the parts.

Wemoto UK Motorcycle Parts - GS500 Brilliant - bought all the parts I wanted for £100 by Paypal and their customer care is very friendly and helpful.

I'll wait for the parts to arrive (hopefully before the weekend) then the preparation begins.

Sunday 29th January
.. well the weekend has come and gone, I suppose I was too expectant, believing that the parts would arrive before the weekend, they were been delivered to my work so, hopefully they will be there, when I arrive tomorrow!

Monday 30th January
..no sign of the parts, so I called Wemoto, they said "the order hadn't been dispatched and that the delivery will be received tomorrow!

Tuesday 31st January
hoorar!, The parts were on my desk when I arrived for work this morning, because of the timing, I've decided to drop the bike and the parts to The Motorcycle Store, they fitted the chain and sprockets and the heated grips. I've got reservations regarding the installation of the grips, as anyone would be able to press the switch whilst the bike is parked, and wear down the charge in the battery.

I've gonna ask them to change it so it operates on the ignition key.

Friday 3rd February
The heated grips now only work when the ignition key is in the on position, that should save the battery!

Twisted: You forgot to mention the Oil Changes...

Suzuki GS500F

I bought this bike in 2004, when after I moved back down to London, I found the DL1000, a little too quick for London roads, so elected to buy a bike with a little less fire under the pan. I've had one spill on this bike, and only the fairing was damaged. patched and painted it is a good as new.

Specifications and Model History