Rear shock and other questions…

[The Doctor 46]

Pictures please Sir. 

[Addzz]

The caliper pistons are just about good enough for the scrap bin

[Addzz]

Had to cut the pad retaining pin as its seized into the the caliper but I’ve dealt with that before on SV650s’

[Addzz]

DL1000 shock, it’s a little longer than the standard 650 shock so I also bought some lowering dog bone to take it back down to standard height.
Genuine Suzuki panniers and rack.
No fault codes showing

[Addzz]

Started work on the first front caliper, was no easy task that’s for sure. The pad retaining pin was seized solid in the caliper, plenty of penetrating fluid and some vice grips eventually got it out.
The sliding bracket put up less of a fight and the pistons also gave a fair bit of resistance but I won!

There’s a lot of corrosion behind the piston dust seals and the dust seals themselves were a complete mess but surprisingly the fluid seals were OK

Just need to clean up the caliper body before reassembling with the new stainless steel pistons etc

[Addzz]

One caliper done two left to do.
Trk kit from wemoto includes stainless steel pistons and then chucked in some GoldFren pads

[pichulec]

I suggest to change calipers for something more decent. Those are not up for the job unfortunately. I upgraded mine to SV1000 Nissin calipers. Stainless steel pistons are must.

Edit:

I see you have DL650.. I would change them anyway.

[Addzz]

The problem there is that there aren’t any direct fit replacements which leaves using adapter plates and I’ve been down that route with SV650 and it’s just not cost effective.
Previous experience with these calipers is if they’re cleaned and maintained properly they’re fine

[pichulec]

Maybe they are fine with 650 but definitely not for 1000. I almost rear ended the car when motorway traffic suddenly stop, and no, I wasn't following to close. Bike was fully loaded with full topbox and panniers.Yes, they need adapters. Regarding costs, there is no cost issue when it comes to safety in my opinion.

[UK_Vstrom650]

I'd agree with Addzz re: the 650 brakes being fine if they're maintained, including regular servicing/fluid changes.

If I'm honest with myself, the only time they've cause brown-trouser time is when (on reflection) I probably wasn't leaving enough of a gap to the car in front for the conditions I was riding in. The brakes did stop me in time though, but reminded me to leave more space than I thought I needed.

(I'll also add, I thought the 2014 Veek I rode when it first came out had fantastic brakes compared to the 650's, so I could see the appeal of upgrading the 650's if I'd come from a bike which had better brakes to the 650)

[Addzz]

All calipers now rebuilt using the TRK kits from Wemoto.  One front the pistons were stuck in place but the dust seals, the other front the pad training pin was seized solid and the rear caliper was a doddle to do

[Addzz]

Well the jobs are slowly but surely getting done when the weather allows (downside of not having a garage to work in anymore)

The last jobs to do are swapping the rear shock and the chain, that’s should get it all ready for mot and riding.
After that it’s just cleaning  and tarting it up a bit really

[nigel s]

addzz, I am new to forum so have only recently seen your posts but got to say that is a solid piece of work you have done there, kudos.
My only comment is  as to lowering links .They change the ratio that the wheel movement acts on the shock,it's small but there,I would try without them as well as with, if you can live with the extra seat height.Costs nowt to try? Tipping the bike on its nose a bit will quicken the steering a bit,but it depends on your preference,you're the one riding it after all.
Good luck for the MOT fingers crossed

[Addzz]

Good point there Nigel, I will try with the original links but being a bit of a short arse who knows

Just remembered there is also one other small job that needs doing…

Fork rebuild including rechroming

[nigel s]

Also backing off the preload on the new shock may help? just rememder to take a measurement of where it is now.

[Addzz]

Few more jobs done, renthal bars fitted along with new renthal grips, new mirrors, a new mirror bracket.
then had to do a bit of surgery on the right side switch gear, the start button had been broken off. Couldn’t find any reasonably priced switchgear sets on eBay so bought a same style one for a bandit, stripped it down just to steal the start button and lower case from it

[The Doctor 46]

When it comes to brakes, surly if they will stop you quick enough for the ABS to activate, anything else is a waste?

[nigel s]

The Doctor 46,you are right.....but the abs activation point can be moved if you have more grip through better suspension and  tyres.In a crash stop you will stop quicker, but it's more about feel and confidence.
Practice helps, every time I go out I will do an emergency stop( when safe!!) so hopefully when I don't have time to think about it for real I know what to expect from the bike.Lots of touching wood here!And those who ride two up should be doing this too, just tell your pillion first!

Addzz
 donor parts off bandit switch gear, nice tip ,will file that away for the future

And Dr46 who are you calling surly,I'm all smiles me.
Ho Hum

[Addzz]

The final parts have been ordered, fork seals, bushes etc.
Ordered new stanchions from China, maybe a mistake? Only time will tell.

Went for the Chinese as they were cheaper than rechroming and delivery time is less than the turn around time for rechroming.

[nigel s]

fingers crossed