Done....for now

I found some NORMA style hose clamps at Auto Zone today, better than regular drum style hose clamps (even pressure on all sides of hose).

Used them to reconnect fuel lines to pump, tank, filter, and throttle housing. The small hose on the lower left of the throttle housing was off, causing bike to "stutter". Motto for next time - double and triple-check all plugs,hoses, etc. that they are properly seated/connected.

The new fuel filter has a built-in pressure regulator, so it was rather expensive (about $110 - yikes). But it should last for a good 60,000 miles, and bonus is that the bike started right up from cold start and continued running without so much of a hiccup. Yes!

After a few miles of riding though, noticed oil residue on the motor and hoses. Crap. Turns out, another hose from the bottom of oil tank had worked itself loose. Back on and tighten the clamp tighter, presto its running just fine now.

So i took a pic of the bike in the front yard. You'll notice that i also took the time to paint the black plastic panels/trim with plastic enamel. Looking good again.

Almost back together....

Been working a lot, thus the bike's been sitting while i took care of other projects. Had to take the left side cover off again, turns out the clutch cover bolts were too loose. Then after putting things back together, it should start, run a few seconds, then shut off. Went through the f650.com FAQ list of causes, but all checked good and still no go. So I took care off the crappy saddle, used rubber coated pipe insulation to boost the saddle height a bit and make it more comfy. Turned out well, and a cheap modification to boot (about $15 for materials) :

Hardest part was stapling the cover back on, but a marked difference in comfort. I boosted the middle portion to where i would not slide towards the front of the bike.

Then I found the motor culprit: the vacuum hose on the intake was still off (Doh). So its a running again, tomorrow new fuel filter on and take it out for a spin. Yes!