Got Me One

[grant81rs]

Gidday,

Was painted flat black, chipped here there and everywhere plus had received many quick coats over the last 36 years, is now cleaned, buffed and natural looking as the day it was made, well I'm guessing that!!

[grant81rs]

Gidday,

I just bled up the front ATE brakes on the 78RS today, after both calipers getting a good clean and rebuild with all new rubbers and pads etc, plus the previous owner had install new lines, I added a new cable to the under tank master cylinder and installed new bleed nipples on each side.

I done the reverse bleed technique on both sides, capped it off and then bled up each side as normal and within about 5 minutes of squeeze and release while bleeding the remaining bubbles out of the system, the lever became nice and firm, I then adjusted the pads to suit, the wheel spins nice and freely with only the slightest drag and the lever is so much firmer then before, a good road test will tell oneday..


Now the fuel tank is on the bench with the petcocks removed and a good overhaul is needed on them!!

[Mal S7]

GdaY Grant,
its good to see another clam-shell model getting a make over. I get a bit tempted sometimes to put the under tank M/C back on the bike ..... nahh, no I don't.
cheers
Mal

[dwerbil]

Lovely thread. Thanks, Grant.

[grant81rs]

Gidday,

Don't really know what to expect with the brakes Mal, I got this bike home, rolled it off the trailer and only gave it a quick squirt around the block before eagerly pulling it down and the brakes internals were worn and shot to bit anyways once I opened them up.
I have read many threads and forums that the original brakes are shit with the under the tank master cylinder, next option is to do the handlebar mount, etc, one day maybe
I'm a sucker for trying to keep things original, that side of car/bike ownership really appeals to me so I will give them a go as they are now and get the bikes condition back to being a clean, solid runner which will put a smile on my face and then I can sort out a few things as I go along in years to come.

Dwerbil, no problems mate!

[Mal S7]

Don't listen to em Grant. I've swapped bikes with SteveC and his twin ates and undertank m/c works fine. Don't go expect the world but they do the job. You just have to adapt your expectations.
Enjoying your updates on progress.

[grant81rs]

Gidday,

Mal, to true mate!! if I want to a stop on a dollar coin I'll take the "K" with it's big brakes and ABS If I'm up for a cruise then the RS will be fine as long as I ride to suit the bikes limitations if I want no brakes whatsoever then the old Chevy is just the answer Well thats the plan anyway!!...

[SteveD]

Don't listen to em Grant. I've swapped bikes with SteveC and his twin ates and undertank m/c works fine. Don't go expect the world but they do the job. You just have to adapt your expectations.
Enjoying your updates on progress.

I seem to remember SteveC had a technique that involved releasing the under tank setup and tilting it somehow. He swore it helped the system bleed better and the brakes worked better.

[Airbear]

Don't listen to em Grant. I've swapped bikes with SteveC and his twin ates and undertank m/c works fine. Don't go expect the world but they do the job. You just have to adapt your expectations.
Enjoying your updates on progress.

I seem to remember SteveC had a technique that involved releasing the under tank setup and tilting it somehow. He swore it helped the system bleed better and the brakes worked better.

Yep, you undo the big 'hose clamp' that holds it to the frame and prop up the aft end with a block of wood overnight. The last bubble of air then has the chance to find its way out of the system. Makes a difference.

[grant81rs]

Gidday,

Thanks for the info fellas but....

After raising the front master cylinder a little which is all good to do and leave it sit overnight, do I have to tape the brake lever back tight into position or anything else?? just asking!!