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Post by Thud300 on Jul 6, 2014 16:50:47 GMT -6
Hi, I'm also a new first time owner of an '89 454 LTD. Very excited about it. Mine is in need of a clutch cable adjustment. The bike felt like it was trying to start in gear when it wasn't fully warmed up and the friction zone was when the lever was almost pulled all the way to the grip. Also, the lever effort is high compared to the bike I trained on but that may be normal, owing to the performance nature of the engine... or a cable in need of lube?
I was also curious about the best oil to use for its oil change, the previous owner had changed the oil last year. My understanding is that the correct oil weight and additive package can have an effect on clutch operation.
My bike is going to be kept as clean and as stock as possible, maybe adding some safety accessories; its a gorgeous machine just the way it was made. Fell in love with it instantly.
Thanks in advance for any replies.... looking forward to participating and riding!
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Post by Blaine on Jul 6, 2014 18:37:16 GMT -6
Hi, I'm also a new first time owner of an '89 454 LTD. Very excited about it. Mine is in need of a clutch cable adjustment. The bike felt like it was trying to start in gear when it wasn't fully warmed up and the friction zone was when the lever was almost pulled all the way to the grip. Also, the lever effort is high compared to the bike I trained on but that may be normal, owing to the performance nature of the engine... or a cable in need of lube? I was also curious about the best oil to use for its oil change, the previous owner had changed the oil last year. My understanding is that the correct oil weight and additive package can have an effect on clutch operation. My bike is going to be kept as clean and as stock as possible, maybe adding some safety accessories; its a gorgeous machine just the way it was made. Fell in love with it instantly. Thanks in advance for any replies.... looking forward to participating and riding! Welcome.You are correct.Do not use any oil that is marked "Energy Conserving". A good oil that is reasonable priced & offers good protection is Rotella-T 15-40 or Rotella-T T6 synthetic.   |
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Post by Thud300 on Jul 13, 2014 0:02:02 GMT -6
Done, and this board is supplying valuable assistance!
Today I replaced a broken and corroded left front signal that was preventing the left signal from flashing; changed the oil and filter using the aforementioned Rotella-T 15W40; checked and set the tire pressures; lubed the clutch cable and adjusted the free play; adjusted the rear brake pedal position and free play; adjusted the throttle cable free play and choke cable free play; tightened a loose ferrule nut on the tach cable; lubed as many pivot points as I could find using tri-flo; added some seafoam to the fuel; verified the coolant level and protection; lubed all the lock cylinders; fixed the broken storage box hinge; and finally some aluminum polishing with Mothers and polished the tank using Liquid Glass. I did find the clutch cable had been in contact with an exhaust pipe, rusting the casing, so a new clutch cable is coming up.
It's a start...
Anyway, a few observations and some questions after the maiden ride.
The bike has a kickstand switch but depressing the plunger fully has no effect on the ability to start the engine... It does appear to be hooked up.
On the indicator panel there is a white lamp marked "headlamp" that never lights...a lamp failure indicator?
The drive belt appears to be in good condition, but if the rear wheel is turned slowly in either direction while on the centerstand it makes a toothy squeaky noise. Would belt dressing cure that, or is it saying the belt is too tight or in need of replacement?
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Post by dave65 on Jul 24, 2014 5:12:15 GMT -6
If I remember correctly. The kickstand switch cuts the engine when the bike is in gear only. No effect when in neutral.
Welcome and congrats on the bike!
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Post by Thud300 on Jul 24, 2014 11:16:14 GMT -6
Thanks, and you are correct on the kickstand switch, it will kill the engine if the bike is in gear with the kickstand down. Also, I found the white headlamp indicator lights when the headlamp is disconnected or burned out.
Had it out for its first rides the last two nights and it's sweet! 
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Post by blacksmith on Oct 3, 2014 19:44:20 GMT -6
Am I reading this correctly? The same oil that goes in my diesel truck can be used in my motorcycle? That's awesome. Wasn't planning on doing an oil change until the bike was buttoned up for winter. Thanks for that tid bit.
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Post by Blaine on Oct 4, 2014 5:34:51 GMT -6
Am I reading this correctly? The same oil that goes in my diesel truck can be used in my motorcycle? That's awesome. Wasn't planning on doing an oil change until the bike was buttoned up for winter. Thanks for that tid bit. Yep One of the best oils for the money.I've been using it for years. |
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Post by Thud300 on Oct 5, 2014 18:21:28 GMT -6
Just make sure it has the JASO classification on the back label where all the classifications are listed, not all Rotella oils have it. I used Rotella-T 15w40.
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Post by Thud300 on Oct 20, 2014 19:01:49 GMT -6
Changed the oil from Rotella 15w40 to the Rotella T6 5w-40, made quite a difference in clutching and shifting! Feels smoother but engagement is still good. Both oils have JASO-MA classification. Have seen on other forums where many riders will run only the Rotella T6 oil.
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Post by 454rider on Oct 23, 2014 8:56:10 GMT -6
I have run the same 10W40 in my bike since new in 89. Shifts like butter, but I live in the south. I have 4 bikes now and the 454 has always shifed smoother than any other bike I have owned. No click from 1st to 2nd like most.
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