supersonik808

Hi all, I'm new to this forum having just picked up my 2000 VTR SH on a trade from an Aprilia Tuono R. The bike has high miles but is still a strong runner (40K) and I don't have to worry about wear and tear like I did on my Aprilia.

The bike has the coolant leak issue which leaves small drops of coolant on the garage floor. I'm going to do a thorough check this week end to make sure that it isn't hose related. After reading the manual regarding replacement of the mechanical seal (which is what says causes the non hose related leak) I came to the section that said in order to change said seal, I would need a hydraulic press and about a half dozen special tools. Needless to say I was not pleased to read this information. I have rebuilt/restored many bikes and cars over the years so the mechanical aspect isn't so much the issue as is the need for extraneous tools that I will only use once (hopefully). My question to you all is can i just get away with rudimentary garage tools i.e. a hammer, vice, screwdriver, etc. or is this job really that much of a pain in the ***?

Any and all insight it appreciated. Peace.

8541Hawk

It's one of those jobs where if you do not have the correct tools it is just easier and cost effective (as there is a good chance you will destroy a seal or two if you try to rig something) to take the cover, with the pump installed to a dealer and let them install the new seal.

Tweety

Either get the tools or hire out the work... There are a lot of things you can DIY, this isn't one of the better ones...

E.Marquez

As others have noted, this is a job that is not for your average home mech.. BUT.. an average home wrench can save them self a bunch pm money by doing 2/3 of the job.. That being removal and replacement of the cover/water pump itself.

The last 1/3 should cost a minimal amount at your local shop.. parts plus 1/2~ 1hour of labor.

supersonik808

Great advice! It didn't look or sound like an easy job.

On another note, since I live on an island and there is only one Honda dealer who charges a premium for parts, are there any sites that anyone can recommend? I bought all of my Aprilia parts from AF1 in Texas so am no stranger to having to 'import' parts.

Aloha.

8541Hawk

Some of the best prices around......

http://www.hondapartsline.com/fiche_...1998&fveh=4077

E.Marquez

Them or Ronayers.com.... I tend to purchase from ronayers weekly or so due to ordering parts for more then just Hondas.

r80gsman

i have a friend that i grew up riding with that works for Ron. i get parts form hims as well when i need them, haven't owned a honda/jap bike for sum time till now.

supersonik808

Thank you for the links!

I don't know how long that I'll keep this bike; though it's starting to grow on me. I'm certainly going to fix it up and see what happens.

Strangely, my insurance is higher for this bike than my Aprilia because they said that "This bike is a very high performance motorcycle". I personally think that they just lump the F in with the RC51 to get a higher rate. I dunno. I had my Tuono moderately tuned: pipe, chip and airbox mods. I reckon it had about 120hp at the rear wheel on a good day and was like night and day to the VTR. It wanted to wheelie off the throttle in 1-2 sometimes third. It would power wheelie all the time which kinda sucked after a while.

I like the fact that the VTR has carbs instead of FI, doesn't protest around town and that I can ride it sensibly (er...). My old bike was like a wild animal and had a throttle like a light switch.

Aloha.