Hi from Nottingham

[Gammakeith]

Hi Guys,

I've just bought a '98 AR this weekend. Its in a well-used but unmolested original condition (apart from a battered DEP system) and just needs a service and a bit of tidying prior to the MOT. I've not ridden off-road since I first started riding so thats pretty much 30 years ago :-) The bike will be used mainly on-road but looking forward to trying a few green lanes (if there are any in Notts that is). I'm a 2-stroke fan and the CRM will complement my RG500 quite nicely!

I'm still wading through the FAQs but rest assured I'll be asking a stupid question before too long!

Keith

[knackeredMk1]

You're very welcome .

[fallenmikethebike]

Hi Guys,

I've just bought a '98 AR this weekend. Its in a well-used but unmolested original condition (apart from a battered DEP system) and just needs a service and a bit of tidying prior to the MOT. I've not ridden off-road since I first started riding so thats pretty much 30 years ago The bike will be used mainly on-road but looking forward to trying a few green lanes (if there are any in Notts that is). I'm a 2-stroke fan and the CRM will complement my RG500 quite nicely!

I'm still wading through the FAQs but rest assured I'll be asking a stupid question before too long!

Keith

Hi Keith, welcome to the site, and the fact that you've made the effort to e quaint yourself to the MK before diving straight in with well worn questions will earn you Browny points .
The ARs, are a good bike, slightly let down by the load imposed on the PGM box, which it seems is their Achilles heel.
Mike

[Gammakeith]

I've still to check the power valve is working correctly as I've been concentrating on the MOT. The bike starts and runs OK statically, is charging OK and all the electrics work. There are no sign of mashed screws around engine and power valve etc so I'm keeping my fingers crossed the PGM is OK. The AR is complex but fascinating at the same time so I'm going to enjoy the techical challenge of owning one. At least there is only one of everything so after my RG everything seems quite cheap :-)

Keith

[SkidMark]

I've still to check the power valve is working correctly as I've been concentrating on the MOT. The bike starts and runs OK statically, is charging OK and all the electrics work. There are no sign of mashed screws around engine and power valve etc so I'm keeping my fingers crossed the PGM is OK. The AR is complex but fascinating at the same time so I'm going to enjoy the techical challenge of owning one. At least there is only one of everything so after my RG everything seems quite cheap

Keith

Welcome to the site - the quickest way of checking the PV is to take off the cover (approx 3" x 3") on the left front side of the engine (4 screws) and watch for movement when you rev the engine.

Was just wondering what is charging ok?...you know theres no battery right...!

Regards
SkidMark

[Gammakeith]

Yep, I managed to figure that one out :-) By charging I meant that the lights brightened up when reving but didn't carry out getting brighter and brighter so it looks like the regulator is doing its stuff. Thanks for the advise re PV. I assumed that there would be some reaction to revs. I'll also check that it moves freely so not putting to much load on the motor/controller.

Thanks,

Keith

[SkidMark]

sounds like you have the right idea...I would:
1. check that the valve turns when you rev (don't worry too much about when it moves exactly and by how much)
2. disconnect the cables from the valve, rotate by hand to to check for free rotation (personally I wouldn't recommend 'forcing' the valve to rotate with it hooked up to the servomoter - one of those things that I can't explain in words but I dont think it does the system any good)
3. hook up the cables again and check for correct adjustment (search scubb's post on PV trouble shooting)

Have fun - AR's rock!!!

Regards
SkidMark

[knackeredMk1]

AR's rock - I could say something here but it's all been said before................

[SkidMark]

AR's rock - I could say something here but it's all been said before................

I knew you'd have something to say Steve....what if I added 'when the PV works...

[Gammakeith]

I can see there is a certain amount of p*ss taking between the advocates of the different models. Given I have not actually ridden the thing yet I think I'd better stay out of that particular argument for at least the time being :-)

What I can say is that the PV turns freely and moves in what appears to be an appropriate manner when the engine is revved. The engine was revving quite crisply with its new plug when I could bang the choke off and it was also making a reasonable stab at ticking over. Thus, this particular AR does seem to be working in the manner that Mr Honda intended. The antifreeze came out clean though the gearbox oil and air filter certainly needed looking at! As I was on a roll I had a look at how badly stuck the swinging arm spindle was (I noted that this was an issue from the FAQs). The answer was 'quite tight' but with a bit of gradual working I managed to drive the shaft in and out a few times by a few cm. Thus, I definately got it worried so it should come out without too much trouble when I get around to attacking the chassis at a later date. All in all, still looking good for an MOT at the weekend.

Keith

[CR Mmmmm]

Hi Keith, It,s good to know the mudguard is going to someone on the site, it should be with you tomorrow. If you have a search you should see it fitted to my bike. Welcome to the site.

[Gammakeith]

Your mudguard was posted at just the right time as when I got the bike home it was clear that the one on the bike was too far gone for repair. It was the only thing really letting the bike down so I went on eBay and there was yours finishing almost immediately. Very convenient! I also managed to score a set of indicators as the original ones were clearly wiped out in the same crash.

Cheers,

Keith