Hi Steve,

The transmission/primary oil was put in through the clutch adjustment inspection cover, as you mentioned, just short of a litre as we discussed when I saw you earlier this year.

The old transmission oil was drained with the bike on a paddock stand to start with, and then finished off on the side stand. It was left like that while I had a sandwich to make sure it was all out.

With the bike on the side-stand before the transmission oil change, you could take the clutch adjustment cover off and the oil level was well below the hole. Now, with the measured amount of new oil in there, the level is above the clutch adjustment hole when the bike is on the side-stand.

The engine oil drain plug magnet had nothing more than a grey film on it, wiped clean, thread-locked and torqued back in. The transmission magnet had a few steel whiskers and two small pieces a couple of mm long and less than a mm wide. I don’t think they’re anything to worry about, the magnet’s done its job. This drain plug has also been thread-locked and torqued back in.

The transmission is now quieter, and gear changes a bit easier. I think the bulk of the noise before was the primary chain, which I have yet to check the tension of, but it’s certainly better for having the right amount of clean oil in there. I’ll have another look at the transmission oil before I go away and change it again if it still looks bad.

I looked at the neutral switch again last night, the brass pin in the centre of the switch appears loose, and as said before, wobbling the connection to it makes the light go on and off. I think that if a cut down an old socket I may be able to get the switch out without disturbing the front belt pulley, did you say you have switches on stock Maz? On the internet I see there are similar HD switches with two screw terminals rather than simply earthing through the switch. Are these any more reliable?

What kind of sandwich did you use to drain the oil

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

It was a very nice cheese toasted one. Wensleydale, which you wouldn’t think would toast well, but is much better than boring Cheddar.

It was more about the transmission having some time to drain properly than the sandwich. Does the refilled oil level sound right, just above the clutch adjust hole when the bike is on the side-stand?

Have a look in the How To sections for changing the oil.

Download a manual in the Tech Section

Primary level is checked with the bike upright and NOT on a paddock stand. The manual tells you what to look for.

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08 Specialized Langster

Thanks for the hints in your "how To" guide Pash.

I didn't actually check the trtansmission oil level, just made sure it was empty and then put the specified 0.95 litres in. Much smother and quieter than it was, due to having the right amount of oil now, and the oil not being knackered.

I've already got a Workshop manual, which is pretty good but confusing in parts as you say.

Still frustrated with never knowing what size spanner to pick up, metric or AF. And not yet knowing without looking which fasteners are Torx, Metric or Imperial Allen. Makes it more interesting.

Think how dull life would be without the challenge...

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08 Specialized Langster

Yeah .........

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Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

Metric was only invented for people that couldn't count to more than ten

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

Use the tool that fits the best...

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08 Specialized Langster

That's sounds a good plan!

My bike came without the factory tool kit, so I've just bought one. Hopefully it's got all the bits in it that I might need to get to any potential problem under the bodywork while I'm away.

A friend had problems while we were in Norther Ireland a few weeks ago, bke tool kits actually prooved very useful. The problem I'll have this time though is that most of their (Japanese) tool kits will be no good for my bike.

Is there anything else I should be stashing under the seat in case of emergencies...?

Marmalade sandwiches...

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08 Specialized Langster

I'll keep it under my hat...

So what's in your factory toolkit then?

This was mine when i just got the xb

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The sound of a V-twin engine braking is music to my ears!!

Now slightly expanded the arsortiment.
only that piece of wood is somewhat difficult

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The sound of a V-twin engine braking is music to my ears!!

+ very small roll of tape and 1/2 dozen tie wraps. These can be used for things as varied as holding a punctured tyre onto a rim, to imobilising people that really piss you off; and in the case of DFS, self harming

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.