Maintenance

I checked the lights on the bike before leaving for work and was rather diappointed to find that the brake was hard on. Well that was that. Put the bike away and used the car.

I've never really delved into anything on the bike fearing I may go to far and be stuck with a bike in pieces that I can't put back together.

I rang BM Motorcycles and explained the problem and received some advice on what to check.

I poked around and was able to prove that it wasn't the foot brake. That was reasonably easy as I was able to unplug the microswitch at a plug and socket connection under the right removeable panel. I checked the switch with an ohmmeter and everything checked out. Must be the front brake switch!

I took some time off work and tackled the front brake assembly. I'd always been mystified at how it comes apart, but after a lot of pokeing around I managed to get it apart. Being the first time, I just pulled it completely apart. Next time I'll know exactly how to do it and it's only three screws and not that much work. I spotted the microswitch and noticed that it wasn't clicking on the way back. With a tiny push I could get that click. I half reassembled it again and checked. Damn, no click. Pulled it apart again and decided the throw arm needed a bit more help, so I altered its shape with a pair of plyers. Not much, just a touch and all was well. Assembled it all and it still works. Success.

Not being the most dexterous chappy, I managed to drop one of the tiny screws onto the concrete. I always manage to lose at least one thing every job I try to do. After a few minutes search I found the screw under the car and completed the job.

Gee it's good to be riding the bike again, that car just doesn't do much in the feel good stakes.