79 special update

[beechfront]

i posted on here late last summer with a couple questions and just thought i'd check back in. bought my 79 special from a friend last summer for $500. He paid $800 for it the year before from the original owner and it appears to have been very well taken care of and garaged. This was my first bike and so far I have loved it. Have put on 2000+ miles and other than changing the engine, middle & final drive oils i have done nothing to it. Drove it to work this morning --- 36 degrees out and it popped right off. Doesn't seem to be lacking in power at all though I don't really have anything to compare it to. Other than a missing right blinker, cosmetically it is in excellent shape.

Unfortunately I live in an apartment and thus have nowhere to do any extensive work, and it usually sits outside Monday I'm taking it in to the local shop for a new front tire -- the tire on there now isn't too bad, but is showing significant cupping.

Was also thinking about changing the intake manifolds - haven't tried the ether test listed on this site, but they look to be in pretty bad shape. I don't think they're leaking now, but I don't know how long until they do.

How important is it to change the fork oil? I have no idea when this was done last. I thought if it wasn't too expensive I'd have it done when I get the tire changed. Anything else I should have them do while I have it in the shop? I'm pretty tight on cash so I don't want to spend money on anything that isn't absolutely necessary.

thanks for the advice.


Cory

[Bill__Woods]

Hello Cory,
Change the fork oil yourself, it is easy to do. It is also important to change it, just assume no one ever has changed it before. Refer to the owners manual, service manual or Rob Mills XSIVE CD for detailed intructions.
If only the outer layer is cracked on the carb boots, fill the cracks with black RTV. After litting sit overnight, coat with rubber spray coating (NAPA auto stores). They should look pretty good when done. Wash them thoughly before filling & coating them.
If you are taking it to the shop have them Synchonize you Carbs, with the money you save from changing you own fork oil!

[beechfront]

how do you know if your carbs need to be synchronized? the bike seems to be running great.