Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

Hello Guys

It feels great to see so many people interested, thanks a lot for all the recommendations, & I really am grateful for all those who are offering help.

I know for the fact that to make it perfect (until the bike chooses to endure it for some time), I'll need RTR's wiring kit (as my bike runs an rtr's stator as well as rtr's starter motor), A new 9 amp battery, I would definitely need a new cylinder head (that too of an RTR) and get the exhaust manifold rebuild again to match the new head, not to mention the RTR's bore kit and to sum things up, RTR's switchgear too. Although my current wiring has all loose ends (extra slots) sealed with a rubber jacket to help avoid water issues, so I can believe that it might not be a problem, however I'll still need a new wiring to match original switchgear against the p135's currently.

Anything done below this would never be enough, tried a lot of things, but wasn't fruitful. I do need a splendor classic's handlebar too (looks great, should feel great too), just my personal preference as I'm hell bent on a cafe racer look.
I'll again end up spending a lot of money, which currently I don't have.
If I could source a used RTR's cylinder head, a lot of things would be easier but I am not able to find one as of yet.
Not to mention I would also need to get the entire machine repainted to add more life to the remaining stuff.

I do need this bike, because I cannot take the Ninja everywhere, not only coz its expensive & difficult in traffic, but also parking in public places is a major issue. I've spend a fortune on the Fiero before & maybe that's why I am delaying things a bit, also I am at cross minds, I could have bought a new RTR for the money I've shelled out already.
I was advised to let this bike go, and buy a new steed for everyday purposes, and guess what, having tried a few bikes around, I was still keen on rather keeping my own machine. The funny thing is, I went for an RTR's test ride the other day, and the way they've horribly designed the new iteration of the RTR made me like the TVS XL Super 50 instead. I did take the XL 50's test ride (probably the only person in the world walking into a showroom on a Ninja and asking for an XL Super 50 test ride). But in a nutshell, I haven't felt the way Fiero feels. so ended up buying nothing at all. I want fun & reliability with the machine, the Power requirements are been taken care of by the green machine.

I also thought of an engine replacement by the RTR's (a used one of course) but the asking price was too high to settle with the same, after that never had time to hunt stuff.
Any ideas as how much would it cost to do all the stuff mentioned above, so that I could seriously think over it?
@prd8r
Surely would like to meet someday, maybe the future of my machine is in your mechanic's hands.

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

@ All


So, Nano got in touch and to summarize the conversation - it's decided that it's better that he adds a rtr head (160/180) to his set-up as well as take a look at this crank and conrod because the bottom half has not been touched. As the existing bore is also given up, then rebore or old bore (again 160/180) can be sourced. OR a used complete 180 engine could also solve his problems. IF it is available in the junkyard. That will eliminate all issues. The junkers ask a high price because of legality issues and are afraid to sell. Also, once they see the urgency - they ask for more. Getting a whole block is really difficult because even a used 180 head is very tough to find. But, hopefully it should happen. And then nano can take care of his electrical issues which I cannot help him with




@ Nano - All the best for your exams and once you're free to focus on the fiero, then one more try at this project and hopefully you can enjoy the bike again You said your cycle parts are fine, so the motor parts can be fixed first. And then step by step you can look at the electricals and other things. Experts here can help with info.

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Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

Hi all

Hope you all are doing well. I have been busy & will be for some more time due to hectic work & lots of travelling.

Bike has finished close to 2k after conversion but haven't been able to take her out on open roads to enjoy its fullest.

Coming to nano. Dude I suggest you go for used Rtr head of 160 or 180 instead of stock fiero head. I was told that with stock fiero head the compression would be too much.

regarding bore. A decent lathe guy with little experience cam do this job. I am sure you can find one in Mumbai. Take one thing at a time so it gives you both time & money. That's what I do

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

[MENTION=47846]prd8r[/MENTION]: Great inputs there.
I would like to ask a question about valve lapping. We need to go into some history here, please bear with me.
My bike's head was opened up at about 50K kms. for camchain replacement. We also replaced the tensioner and guide as a set.
While we were at it, the mechanic suggested we do some 'valve lapping'. I didn't know what it meant at that time and I didn't object either.
Finally, the lathe machine guy wasn't available and he plugged in a new set of valves.
The bike never felt the same after that. The original smoothness was gone, and the bike was straining to accelerate, due to the tight camchain.
Over the next few years, the bike started to severely overheat, mileage and pickup dropped, but oil level was unimpacted and the bike wasn't smoking either. [MENTION=13389]gixxer_junkie_m[/MENTION] rightly pointed out that it was a result of not tuning the carb.
Finally, I changed the mechanic recently. The jammed carb screw had to be drilled out, rethreaded and tuned. I posted earlier about this.
Now the bike runs cool, starts, idles, all fine, mileage around 45 as earlier.
But the engine gets strained above 60kmph and runs pretty rough.
Do you think the valves should have been ground and the clearance set after replacing?
I'm pretty sure it wasn't done earlier.
The bike is due for the 70K service now.
Present mechanic says roughness has nothing to do with valves. It should have got settled by now. And lapping is only an option if we get new valves.
As for clearance, he doesn't want to touch it.
I'm getting a bad feeling about this valve clearance. It has never been checked/adjusted in its lifetime. I hope it doesn't end up like the carb tune screw!

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Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx


Actually, if valve lapping is not done - the engine runs poorly. All is not lost, you said you're 70k service is coming up right? I recommend you do it then. Anyway, the head will be opened, so you can perform decarbonisation at that time too. For lapping, buy a new set of original valves. You'll have peace of mind. If you want to know the process - it's kinda simple. Take the head and both the valves to a machinist. Ask him to do lapping/grinding by HAND, not by DRILL. By hand, he will give it a back and forth motion which makes for a better seat. No gases will escape that way. By drill, he will rotate the valve only in one direction. Gases escape sometimes that way. Compression may be less. He will put a gritty compound (greyish color) on the valve heads while lapping them. Process costs very less here in Bombay suburbs. After that, wash head and valves with diesel/kerosene/solvent and blow dry air from washing centre or puncture guy. Reinstall with new valve oil seals and 3 bond gasket sealant.

Check in rtr 180 thread, a guy has put a DIY with pix about setting valve gaps. It's EXACTLY the same for our fieros only the gap limits are different. That is kinda simple too. You can do it yourself. A good mech will help you out. I change mechs regularly. Better to not stick with just one.

I'm confused about your carb history. How did you rethread after drilling? Brass was filled? Or another soft metal? I don't know much about this process. Tell us more.


Experts like Gixxer and PSR and others who have more experience can clarify.

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@ Sarvajit. Adding a pic of lapped valves for your reference.

The exhaust valve is smaller and will ALWAYS be more abused because it deals with hot gases.
Note the valve seat - it's a dull colored band in the metal. Rough texture when touched. Matte finish. That's what grinding does.

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

Thanks a lot for the info.
I will try to convince my mechanic to do it.
But he's a bit hesitant coz we sealed the head with Anabond paste to stop minor leakage.
One golden question: Do you think this will bring back the smoothness?
If yes, I'm more than ready for it.
I think he doesn't know valve gap adjustment properly or lacks the tools/patience too.

About my carb screw rethreading, I didn't see the lathe guy doing it, but I don't think he filled anything.
But I remember him mentioning, anyone else would have given you back a useless carb!

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Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

@ Sarvajit

From all the previous experiences i have, coarseness can be because of the valve/cam/tappets etc, coz maybe oil isn't reaching the head. I've never replaced the valves, but having changed the cam 4 times, I can feel the immediate difference.
Check if your bike is running low on oil.

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

@ Sarvajit

Try a diff new mech and new boring/machinist shop. Anabond/M seal 55/3 bond - all silicone gasket sealants cost less and the labor for this job is also not too high.
You'll need to install a new black rubber circular cover too when you open the head and tappet cover.
Smoothness will, of course, return because you will be setting it to stock factory conditions (like a new bike).
Perform 1) decarb, 2) valve lapping, 3) valve gap setting with feeler gauges, 4) adjust the auto chain tensioner and 5) dump oil and oil filter - bike will def feel like new. And new plug if you like.
In fact, all this is mentioned in the manual and is part of scheduled maintenance at given time intervals for optimal performance of vehicle. ASC doesn't do it on time.
Keep run-in conditions for first 300-500 kms to be on safe side till all new changes set in.
If your carb, bore-piston and timing chain and guides are undamaged - then this work will make your bike run better.

I don't know about your carb, so for that you may post a pic or ask the experts. If he rethreaded it - did he put a bigger screw in place? If he used the same screw - how did threads match?

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

Thanks.
I've already spoken with my mechanic to open up the head coming weekend. He seems to be cooperative.
As [MENTION=13389]gixxer_junkie_m[/MENTION] mentioned, I'm doubting the rocker arms are gone too.
I'm sure the carb is fine. Cam and guides should be fine too, since they are relatively new (camchain, tensioner and guides were replaced as a set).
Bore-piston I'm assuming is well, coz it doesn't drink oil or smoke. I will check the drained quantity this time as I've crossed 3K kms. since the last service.

About the carb, I had bought the same screw.
Absolutely no idea how he got it in. I wasn't present there.

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Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

[QUOTE=Sarvajit;1147363]Thanks.
I've already spoken with my mechanic to open up the head coming weekend. He seems to be cooperative.


@ Sarvajit. Hope the mech finished the work. How does the bike feel now?

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

I'm not taking the bike this weekend for service.
Mostly next weekend, coz I have some other things to attend to.
The Fork T and cup have arrived. I'm eager to see whether the front suspension becomes normal again.
Have purchased a dome and kept already.
Have also ordered for fuel gauge and RHS TPFC panel.
Rockers, valves, etc. will be readily available if needed.
Even if the fuel gauge and panel don't come in, I will proceed with the service next weekend.
It's already been 3K+ kms. since the last service Though it was 10w30 TVS semi synthetic oil, I've purchased 20w40 Yamalube oil and will keep changing every 1500 kms. henceforth.

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Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

Read this thread after a very long time. Nice to see that the old timers are still active and the bikes are doing well.

I just gave the bike for service after a long time. I mostly use it for shopping near home. It is my first bike and it is exactly 15 years since I got it.

I mostly use Honda CBR 250 for office and long rides.

Wishing everyone many more happy miles.

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

I am also using the bike in the same way.
Tell us more about your bike...

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Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

...It is my first bike and it is exactly 15 years since I got it...


Congrats on finishing a decade and a half with the Fiero.

Re: Fiero/FieroF2/FieroFx

My first 'bike' too! I had a used Kinetic before that.
I was crazy about the CBZ Classic, but my purchase happened in the gap between the Classic and Star.
F2 was released just a few months before.
In hindsight, I'm glad I went for the Fiero!

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