Things to get the bike running again

[Toolmaker Tim]

First question is about the engine oil. I have seen supposed wet clutch friendly synthetic oil for sale. Has anyone tried it. I seem to remember dino juice was the only way to go in these bikes. Has that changed? Next is going to be the clutch. It has been sitting held together by the springs for several years now and I know the plates are stuck together. Usually I was able to get the plates to seperate by dropping it into first while putting front wheel against the tire on my Jeep. I figure it may need a bit more help this time. Should I just suck it up and pull the engine cover and disassemble the clutch? Is there a better way?Finally, I have a King/Queen seat. The old joints don't like to be stuck in one position for any length of time. Who has seatcovers for a reasonable price (to be determined) to get back to a stock standard shaped seat.

[motoman]

First question is about the engine oil. I have seen supposed wet clutch friendly synthetic oil for sale. Has anyone tried it. I seem to remember dino juice was the only way to go in these bikes. Has that changed? Next is going to be the clutch. It has been sitting held together by the springs for several years now and I know the plates are stuck together. Usually I was able to get the plates to seperate by dropping it into first while putting front wheel against the tire on my Jeep. I figure it may need a bit more help this time. Should I just suck it up and pull the engine cover and disassemble the clutch? Is there a better way?Finally, I have a King/Queen seat. The old joints don't like to be stuck in one position for any length of time. Who has seatcovers for a reasonable price (to be determined) to get back to a stock standard shaped seat.

I suggest if oil level is down a bit from full, add a bit of Dextron II or III, run a few min. in neutral, then work lever a few times putting it in gear.......headed a safe direction of course. Just don't use F type auto tranny fluid. Once it's working correctly, drain oil/change filter, add new oil back to FULL level.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Clutch

Ok, I need to change the oil anyway. If I need to I can always suck some out with a siphon. How about the oil? Haven't looked, but I always used Castrol 20w50 before, but if the synthetic stuff is better I will use that. Thank you.

[BA80]

House brand (Super Tech I think) 20/50
from Wally World is all I ever use

[Radioguylogs]

Seat Covers

This place is not the cheapest for seat covers, but they make very good replicas:

https://www.motorcycleseatcovers.com/collections/all

[Toolmaker Tim]

Seat

Thank you for the link Mike. After looking at the interchangeable parts post by Crazy Steve, I have discovered I have a 80-81 seat on a 79SF bike. That explains the large gap in the back. Was looking for a replacement seat on fleabay last night and got sticker shock. This bring the bike back may be harder and more expensive than I realized

[MaximPhil]

Thank you for the link Mike. After looking at the interchangeable parts post by Crazy Steve, I have discovered I have a 80-81 seat on a 79SF bike. That explains the large gap in the back. Was looking for a replacement seat on fleabay last night and got sticker shock. This bring the bike back may be harder and more expensive than I realized

Hi Tim,
Shop around on here for a seat. Fleabay prices are always too high.
Recover a cosmetically poor seat as long as the pan is in good shape.
Phil

[DiverRay]

Tim,
I'll be back home later this week. I MAY have an older special seat in storage. If so, it's gonna be cheap. I'll PM once I know for sure.