Well today was a fairly productive day. The sun was shining, so after an early morning visit to the gym I knuckled down to setting the 1098 up for its winter hibernation. This was pretty much a full panel off cleaning job which as is always the way, was easier said than done. I chose to clean the bike with the panels on to start with, then dried the outside and took the side panels off to clean the engine. I had a few problems with some stuck fasteners which added to the problems. It really is amazing how something so little can add so much time to a simple job. Anyway, once everything was cleaned, I ran it up to temp and them treated the engine to a coating of ACF50 to tide it over for the winter months. I had originally planned to give the panels a coat of wax as well, but that will have to wait until later in the week, when I'll add some fuel stabiliser when I top up the tank. The other job that I didn't get around to, was setting up the muscle stand, bought a year ago, which is still in the box. So, although I didn't do everything I wanted, I did enough. After a run to the petrol station, I parked up the bike and popped the cover on.
Whilst out there, I also gave my new Monster a little clean down as well. Not that it really needed it. Again, I ran it up to temp and gave the front and sides of the engine a coating of the ACF50 to help protect it on the daily ride into and out and London. As the sun was shining I took the Monster out as soon as the 1098 was home. I have noticed some issues. For example, when cold, the engine really struggles in the low revs. I talking misfire here, not just struggling to make power. Once up to temperature the bike feels and sounds great. I originally thought I'd be able to use my magnetic tank bag with the Monster, but alas, I can't. Bugger. Anyway, I'll be ordering up some new Kreiga straps to use my tailback on, but in the meantime, I'll keep using my rucksack. I think I'm really going to enjoy learning to live with the Monster. Here are a few pics of the bikes together, plus the most important part to any bike cleaning session. A nice cup of tea
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