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Now well into its second year and just over 9000 miles, it’s been time to go right through my Classic 350 to get it ready for my forthcoming tour from Spain up though France to Normandy.
New chain and sprockets. I could have gotten away with it, but the chain was definitely looking ropey after this last winter. The rear sprocket could have gone at least as far again, but the front sprocket was well worn. Getting the front one off was a pain, and that’s with a 450lbft windy hammer. The Honda system of two small screws is much better in my opinion. I would highly recommend not using the gearbox to stop the output shaft moving. I asked a friend to stand on the brake pedal. It’s only the old chain that’ll suffer, I hope.
I used a JTS chain and had to use the clip link as the rivet link was too hard and just fractured without spreading. I’m confident I’ve done enough of these and I have really good quality tools for the job. I’ll definitely get a DID chain next time.
Changing the air filter was a doddle, I use the standard one.
Changing the oil filter was equally straightforward. Filling up with oil is a bit fiddly as I did a full drain, I find it easier to put 2l in then run it, stop, leave it for 10 minutes for a brew then add all or part of the last 200ml to bring it up to the right level in the sight glass.
Getting in and checking the valves is a faff, although my petrol tank connector released easily, which I know they don’t always. Once I was in there, the valves themselves were fine after the last 6000 miles and needed no adjustment. With a new cam cover gasket and seals for the retaining screws, it went back together pretty easily.
I have always done my own maintenance, on all my bikes. This is one of the fiddly ones, although doing the shims on my CRF250 rally at 10,000 miles was more difficult to get in and out to do it, the shims on that bike were easy to do compared to some others.
Roll on 26th of May.
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