the Ferret
Road warrior
Thread starter
Wow, you got lucky on both counts. Broken key, not good. Be sure and keep an eye on it unlocking the gas cap cause it doesn't go in deep.Jim21680_imp said:I did the 600-mile service today, and as expected, no real problems. Filter wasn't absurdly tight, but the drain bolt was unbelievably loose.
Despite my best efforts, I still got some oil on the garage floor, and my clothes. (It's impossible not to!!!)
Lastly, I must admit that I had two very close calls, and lessons learned.
1. Never put the bike on it's center stand when you have the key in the side seat lock. Unknowingly, my leg was placed against the protruding key, and as I levered the bike back, I felt an unfamiliar pressure on the left knee. Looking down, i noticed I had just bent the key about 20 degrees! I couldn't believe it....Luckily, it bent back exactly how it was, and no issues thereafter.
2. Be aware of your surroundings! As I was unscrewing the old filter, for whatever reason, I'm trying to read some of the lettering on the filter. Why? I have no idea. But as my eyes wander upward, I realize my forehead is about 2 inches from a raging-hot header pipe; the bike had been running only a few minutes earlier. It wouldn't have taken much effort to lean forward a little, and that would have completely, thoroughly, absolutely, and positively ruined my day.
Anyway, thanks for the write-up folks, it was a big help![]()
Burnt forehead...dayum that would hurt!
I wasn't as fortunate, though. I bent the key back and it seemed to work OK in the helmet lock, but when I tried it in the ignition, it not only didn't turn, but it got stuck. I was able to get it out with pliers.
It took me longer than I expected because of the many trips trying to find all the tools and parts I needed. As mentioned before, the filter put up a good fight and the drain bolt took no effort to unscrew. The tires needed some air, and the chain tensioning. To my surprise the axel nut was just as loose as the oil drain bolt
It was definitely not tight to spec. I am fortunate the wheel did not fly off while riding. Whoever assembled this bike did not do a good job. A closer inspection reveals that the plastic surrounding one of the mirrors is half way in, WTF!. The mirrors are getting replaced anyways, but still this kind of thing shouldn't be. And what's with the tool bag? Really! My 1984 Magna has a much better tool bag than this, and it includes the rear suspension adjustment tool. Way to go Honda! 
I couldn't have said it better.