All about Steed

[ultimax]

Originally posted by testrider@Apr 22 2006, 01:14 PM

ghost, tink thats a 600cc steed right . we dun have it here in sg. or am i wrong to say that?

We apparently do, but it's sold as the Shadow VLX, as it is in the US. In fact, someone's selling his in this forum.

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/classifieds/...hp?siteid=28126

[cak]

Originally posted by Ghost_VLX@Apr 23 2006, 11:53 PM

Yes, thats step by step. Of course you hv to take the fork off first lol.

 

One way to make the sanding easier: buy a small paint roller and attach it to a drill bits, then install to your drill. Roll the sandpaper to the paint roller, following rotation direction. Secure with rubber band at the bottom. Now you have a sanding machine. See picture below.

The longer you spend on 1500 wet sand, the final result will be closer to mirror finish. When sanding on each step do it 2-3 times until all scratches frm the previous grit dissapear.

 

It took me 1 day to finish forks, rear brake drum housing, front sprocket cover, hand controls and master cylinder.

 

I got Mother's frm Ace hardware in Jakarta. Maybe Batam have? Definitely you can get it online frm US.

that is very the mirror finish. thanks.

[cak]

need help from you guys. i believe every bike should have a toolkit placed in their bike at the time of purchase. for a steed vlx 400, where do they normally placed the toolkit?

[Throttle]

cant recall where it was kept on my steed. but for most bikes, it's under the seat or hidden behind the sidebox

[Ghost_VLX]

Originally posted by cak@May 5 2006, 10:27 PM

need help from you guys. i believe every bike should have a toolkit placed in their bike at the time of purchase. for a steed vlx 400, where do they normally placed the toolkit?

Yes correct, behind the left side cover under seat. That bloody toolkit worth US$100. Just make sure it has the spanner wrech for adjusting rear shock preload and the spark plug tool.

[cak]

thanks guys.

[Kevs]

Hi all, long time since this thread was up.

 

Had jus acquire my 2A, overtook my dad's '89 VLX 400, really old I'd say.

Really need to see a trusty mech to check if there's any internal problems.

External wise, other than rust, some parts I need to replace but I dont know where to start, hopefully someone can help me here, here's the list:

 

- Mirrors(OEM preferably)

- Grips

- Rider & Pillion footpegs

- Aftermarket air filter(K&N, if any?)

- Air Filter cover screw(preferably OEM)

- Engine oil draining bolt + seal(preferably OEM)

- Oil Filter(preferably OEM, Japan type have?)

- Water wetter + flushing of coolant(where to get this & done with?)

- Hazard light kit(where to get this & done with?)

- VSE(or izzit?) version tubless rear wheel(hopefully can find this)

- New paintwork of Metallic Blue to match frame.

 

Hopefully someone read & can fill me in on some much needed infos...

[SpeedlimiT]

Originally posted by KeV1143@Jun 30 2006, 12:51 PM

Had jus acquire my 2A, overtook my dad's '89 VLX 400

Congrats!! i still lazy to go for my pra3.. sigh....

[Kevs]

Originally posted by SpeedlimiT@Jun 30 2006, 01:09 PM

Congrats!! i still lazy to go for my pra3.. sigh....

Thnx, u've fully recovered yet?

Shld clear it asap, cos reali time & $$ wasting....

Hopefully I can get my CL3 by this year too...

[Ghost_VLX]

Originally posted by KeV1143@Jun 30 2006, 12:51 PM

Hi all, long time since this thread was up.

 

Had jus acquire my 2A, overtook my dad's '89 VLX 400, really old I'd say.

Really need to see a trusty mech to check if there's any internal problems.

External wise, other than rust, some parts I need to replace but I dont know where to start, hopefully someone can help me here, here's the list:

 

- Mirrors(OEM preferably)

- Grips

- Rider & Pillion footpegs

- Aftermarket air filter(K&N, if any?)

- Air Filter cover screw(preferably OEM)

- Engine oil draining bolt + seal(preferably OEM)

- Oil Filter(preferably OEM, Japan type have?)

- Water wetter + flushing of coolant(where to get this & done with?)

- Hazard light kit(where to get this & done with?)

- VSE(or izzit?) version tubless rear wheel(hopefully can find this)

- New paintwork of Metallic Blue to match frame.

 

Hopefully someone read & can fill me in on some much needed infos...

Hi there, congrats on your liscense and VLX, its a good reliable bike with very little maintenance ; )

 

Do you have the Service manual? It has all the info you need for maintenance & DIY.

 

I would suggest to check these things:

- Carbs balancing / synchronization. This is very important because you won't be able to tune it right with unbalanced carbs. It will vibrate a lot too ang produce much less power.

- If the bike has been sitting for long, you will need carbs total cleaning. If you have budget, a Dynojet jet kit would make the bike runs so much stronger and faster warm up time.

- Valve adjustment.

- Battery, check if it's fully charged (13V when disconnected).

- Lube all cables with silicone spray: clutch cables, speedo cables, both throttle cables. also clean and grease clutch & brake lever pivot point. It will make a huge difference.

 

As for where to get parts:

- Air filter cover screw: just buy a stainless steel 6mm bolt (allen will be better), about 10mm long.

 

- radiator coolant: Engine ice is said to be the best. It's pre mixed and available at Motoworld (cheaper) or Autobach. Never use the green tipe coolant because it will eat aluminium. The orange Prestone Extended life is OK.

 

- Air filter: K&N replacement air filter is available but a bit costly. Another cheap option is to find a bulk foam filter, then cut your stock paper filter and glue the foam into the filter housing. Must oil it first. I'm using UNI filter 5/8" thick. This foam tipe will let air flow as much as K&N, and with even better filtration.

 

-Engine oil: you can't go wrong with full synthetic motorcycle oil. I'm using Amsoil MCF 10W-40. It runs very smooth and will last up to 8000km, also it will give excelent protection. Other good oil is Red Line and Mobil 1 MX4T. If you decide to go for other brand make sure it's 10W-40 and has JASO MA written on it (motorcycle wet clutch compatible).

 

The rest of OEM parts usually I get it from FJT, 15 Rowell Road. So far they have good price and excelent service. They sell tire, OEM oil filter, grips etc..etc.

Oh yes, stay away from stock Dunlop tire. Bridgestone or even Kenda has better grip.

 

Hope it helps and enjoy the ride

 

[Kevs]

Hey Ghost_VLX

 

Thnx for those precious tips!

As è bike is a Recon bike, my dad(2nd owner) didnt hav those maunals(May I noe where can I get them? ), so Im blindly exploring myself...

 

K, tink I do nid to check my carbs, cos idle too low & will die repeatedly when starting.

As u suggested those tuning options, where can I get them done for this kinda cruiser?

Had jus changed the throttle lines, but still fill stiffy, wonder is the grips playin a part(confirm FJT has the grips & balancers?). It slightly longer then old ones, for later versions Steeds?

 

Will go to screw shops for the screw(s)

 

Had changed the radiator fan switch(izzit wat its called?) as fan wasnt moving, & doesnt seem to be workin this mornin again ley? How to verify? È mech check by neutral-ing to another point & I saw it turn, stated that part faulty & changed, but oni saw it turn once after riding it back frm shop last sat. Got problem again or am I jus tinking too much?? http://forums.ircspy.com/images/smilies/headscratch.gif

Saw the coolant water is green, so I guess I better change ya?

 

Had notice abt aftermarket air filters & DIY type, but decided to go for a less hassle of maintainence(i.e. changing) type. =D.

 

As for EOs, will be using Castrol R4 as its quite proven to me when I using it in mi Phantom.

 

Will be changing for new pairs of tires as old ones are wearing out fast(sit ard too long liao, rubber deteriorating fast...) + somemore rear tire was fix the wrong way!! -.-"

Roughly how much a new pair will set me back?

 

Sori for more queries... Really running ard blinded...

[Ghost_VLX]

VLX/Steed 600 manual:

http://www.jericon.net/VT600C_1997-2001.pdf

Or,

http://www.vt600.net/index.htm

 

If you want to buy parts and wants to see the price + exploded view, go to this site:

http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/login.asp

 

You need to login first (create an account, free) then select you bike. All the price are in US$ but seems like equivalent with Singapore$. e.g if stated US$20 will be around $20 in Singapore.

 

Adjust your iddle screw to around 1200 rpm. It's quite difficult without tach meter, but when the engine is hot, adjust the iddle so that when you turn on the head light (high beam) it will light up bright. This way you wont darin the battery while iddling. When warming up, give it a bit throttle (steady fast iddle) at least for 3 minutes.

 

Stock jetting make it warm up very slow so you need to use the choke, and a Dynojet jet kit will eliminate the problem. Your User Manual (the small blue book) should explain how to use the choke for a proper warming up.

 

It'sbetter to lube even a new cables. Yes the throttle portion also play a part. remove the white throttle sleeve and clean the inside plus your handle bar with WD 40. Then spray some Teflon or silicone lube (not grease) to the inside and install back. Also grease around the cable end where it mount to the throttle sleeve (inside switch housing). You will notice a big difference.

 

Carb balancer? the tool is around US$50-100. Take your bike to a good mechanic for balancing. If you want you can make a home made one very cheap, only $2-3. And with the manual you can do the balancing yourself, let me know if you are interested for DIY.

 

Fan, also explained in the manual very detail. I think the switch is Thermostatic switch. Let the bike iddle for 15 minutes, the fan should cycle on. It should not turned on very often because the engine use liquid and air colling system.

Yes better to change the coolant.

 

The manual says tock air filter will last up to 18000 km. I'm not sure I want to keep it that long hehe but for singapore super clean evirontment it's possible. Just make sure to clean it often with soft brush and blow compressed air frm behind. becareful not to tear the paper filter. Do not use water, solvent or other liquid cleaner.

 

Engine oil is up to you bro, use what you think is good. But it's best to consult with good mechanic who knows engine.

 

The last time I bought tires was january 2005 frm FJT, around $120 for rear and I think $60-80 for front, both Bridgestone.

 

Get the Service Manual bro, its priceless and will save you lost of $$$ from wrong diagnosis and un-necessary mechanic's fee.

[Kevs]

Hey Ghost_VLX:

Is it me, or is it something wrong with the webby?

Cos I cant find the 1st webby as stated "File Not Found";

2nd webby having problems dwnloading(is VLX 600 same as VLX 400??) ;

Cant register for PSP(3rd webby) cos it doesnt have listed country for S'pore & I taught USD exchange rate is more than SGD???.

http://forums.ircspy.com/images/smilies/headscratch.gif

 

Hmm, guess I have to look locally. Thanks anyway.

 

Think I'll go dwn to Rosli's(as recommended by most kruzers) for a carb diagnosting & tuning.

 

Will also have to totally change the grips & handlebar end balancers cos they look outa sorts. Will try to maintain the cables too.

 

Sorry, what's a carb balancer?

 

Hmm, had ask my dad regarding the fan, finally understood how it'll work. But still keeping a lookout to see if its faulty anyway...

 

Other than Bridgestone & Kenda tires, what abt other brands for recommendations(i.e. Pirelli, Metzeler)??

[Ghost_VLX]

Yes VLX 600 and 400 is the same. Only difference is cylinder size.

Try these sites:

 

VT600 C (1988)

 

http://www.vt600.net/manuals/manual_shop_6...988_67MR100.pdf

 

VT600 C (1993-1994) Supplement

 

http://www.vt600.net/manuals/manual_shop_6...op_67MR100V.pdf

 

VT600 C (1997-2001)

 

http://www.vt600.net/manuals/manual_shop_9...C_1997-2001.pdf

 

88-98 VLX is dual carbs, 99-up iss single carb.

 

If still not working, try to ask in this forum (Philipine) in cruiser section:

http://www.motorcycleasia.com/forums/showt...de=hybrid&t=892

 

At the third website just register anywhere in US. The rate is different but somehow sparepart price in Singapore are cheaper. I bought a rectifier which cost US$120-150 in USA but only $125 in singapore (yes, singapore dollars).

 

Carb balancer? Oh I see..., I got it wrong when you said getting balancer frm FJT .

The thing at the end of handlebar are not a balancer. It's only a chromed plastic cap.

What I mean with carb balancer is manometer. What year is your bike? if yours is dual carbs, you must synchronize/balance them at least once a year. Unbalanced carbs will cause excessive vibration, much less power, higher fuel consumption, and impossible to get the jetting equal / right. Even after changing pipe intake/jetting you must re-synchronize again.

 

If I have a good budget for tire I would go for Metzeller. Better than bridgestone but more pricey. But, if only for street use in my opinion Bridgestone is more than enough. For front look for 110/90-19 Bridgestone Spitfire, not sure if available in Singapore (let me know please I also wanna buy hehe...) but lots of riders in US recommended this.

 

http://www.cbxman.com/tech_tire.aspx

Excellent grips and when you have a flat tire, even if the tube is totaly flat you can still ride the bike slowly. The tire wall is more rigid.

 

Better option for rear is 170/80-15 Shinko YSR230 (formely known as Yokohama). According to my friend in other Forum (he is a race mechanic), it has the best price, provides great wet and dry traction, awesome strait line traction, very long wear and a good ride/control does not wander or follow road lines. Shinko's providing just as good or better grip then brand name tires like Bridgstone, Pirelli, Michelin, Dunflop, and Metz and at much better price.

Also let please me know if you can find it, will ya?

 

Hope it helps bro.

[Kevs]

Hmm, still got problem opening the thread, but I'll keep trying anyway, Thanks!

 

My Steed's born in '89, double carbs. Think its due time for a tuning.

 

As for the bar end chrome caps, am I able to purchase it with the grips @ FJT?

Or do I have to source for aftermarkets?

 

Will keep a lookout for the tires for you, cos Im changing them also, recce-ing for a casted wheel to replace those rear spokes too, so shld be changing them altogether when opportunity arises.

 

Really thanks very much for the infos & guidiances.

[Ghost_VLX]

Just now I can open the website for 88 VLX. maybe try again later.

 

Yes you can buy the OEM grips from FJT. For right side they come in complete set containing the white throttle sleeve, black rubber grip and chrome end cap. I replaced mine few moths back.

Aftermarket grip also available depend on your taste. Maybe you can have a look at Chong Aik shop. They have two shops, visit the one selling accessories (look for Steven). I got my solid rear wheel frm there as well.

 

No problem at all man, anything just holler ok. I'll be happy to share any info I have.

 

Ride safe,

Herbert

[Kevs]

Hmm, will be visiting these shops as soon as I've got my mula for this month.

 

how much the grips cost? + installations(to DIY or bring to Mah motor shop nearby?)? What abt the castor wheel cost? Installations provided too?

 

Thnx again...

[frazki]

Bump this link for steed fans:cheer:

[Kevs]

Anyone has any idea whether our grips can be changed?

i.e. From the OEM size change to something smaller, maybe Phantom's?

Having hand strains from gripping whilst twisting the throttle...

[frenzs]

Excuse me, but wat differences between VSE, VLS and VLX? Thank you.

[frenzs]

Originally posted by frenzs@January 20, 2007 07:03 pm

Excuse me, but wat differences between VSE, VLS and VLX? Thank you.

Found it! Fyi

 

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/index....showtopic=90607

[vitaminz]

hi there!

i from Johor,Malaysia. Just want to share with u all some photos of my Honda Shadow 600 , year 1995.

 

with ape-hanger handlebar:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r53/solomonsan/shadow11resizezf8.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r53/solomonsan/shadow07resizevv2.jpg

 

with dragbar:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r53/solomonsan/Image.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r53/solomonsan/104678607fa2cf168ca7up.jpg

[Demon]

Originally posted by vitaminz@January 22, 2007 09:43 am

hi there!

i from Johor,Malaysia. Just want to share with u all some photos of my Honda Shadow 600 , year 1995.

 

with ape-hanger handlebar:

=http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r53/solomonsan/shadow07resizevv2.jpg

=

 

Nice works

 

 

On the ape-bar, did you simply get a longer speedo cable, or did modify the stock cable ?

 

[dreamwalk]

wow.. PCK..

 

are u phua chu kang in disguise?

[frazki]

Hi Vitaminz

 

Gear & bake pedals local or import?

If local, are it from JB shop?