[sukiwa]

Sharing few updates on bike maintenance; some unscheduled, some corrective and some as proactive.

Front Brake:

While heading to nearby country roads for outdoor shoot of Ducati MultiStrada (From Faux to Fact | My Ducati Multistrada V2 | MY 2023), I noticed that front brake isn't that much effective and lever is going all the way in. Once I reached shoot location, I realised bottom bolt of front caliper has gone mostly due to numerous speed breakers on the way or something else. BHPian abhi_tjet joined shortly and he rightly opined to find a nearby mechanic before heading to photoshoot.



We could locate one quickly and I told him what needs to be done i.e. push back brake pistons and fix the caliper bolt. When he was fixing 2nd bolt, he noticed that threads on brake plate have gone away and that could be reason bolt was lost on the way. I asked him to tighten only top bolt and I decided to keep front brake as minimum as possible. All of this led to a delay of 20 minutes in photoshoot. We finished outdoor shoot as planned and on return journey back home used only rear brake. That ride was a revelation in some ways. Many muscle memory actions had to be changed. Be it applying front brake while getting onto bike to not using front brake at all or which foot to put down at a stop. Sat evening traffic meant I had to be slow even on NH48 bypass. Stopping the bike only on rear brake was a challenge, also showed difference of single piston caliper Vs 2-piston caliper. Switch over to next working day and visit to Suzuki service center. As always, brake plate wasn't in stock and it had to be ordered after checking parts catalog with spare parts person. After a gap of 2 weeks, I got the part, also picked up set of front brake pads. Amount paid, Brake plate/bracket(part: 59351-34J00-000) Rs. 329; brake pads(part:59140-34810-000): Rs. 584.


New Brake plate with new caliper bolts


Worn out threads of old brake plate due to oversized/untreated bolt

Knuckle guards:

After checking waspune's SX250, I realised that knuckle guards have been fitted upside down. Knuckle guards and mirrors are fitted at dealer level. When I started to remove mirror and knuckle guards, I realised it isn't a simple swap. 2 separate parts form a knuckle guard, one near mirror can't be swapped, guard can be swapped. I had to use 5 mm Allen key and 10mm spanner to separate out these 2 parts.


Before


After




Knuckle guards have L & R markings similar to mirrors, wonder why dealer person made this mistake. Luckily no such mistake on mirrors.




Air filter: Recommended change interval is 15,000 Kms, I thought it's better to change bit early. I had asked for air filter(part no. 13780-41K00-000) when I had visited Suzuki service center for Brake plate. Air filter is shared with Gixxer 250 and still it wasn't in stock (shocking for a wear & tear part) and had to be backordered. I picked up after couple of weeks for Rs. 165. Air filter is situated below rider seat, so both seats need to be removed and then left frame cover (refer page 3-13 of user manual). Air filter cover has 5 screws(refer page 3-25 of user manual), 3 inside tubular frame, 2 outside of tubular frame. Wiring harness blocks removal of air filter cover and needs to be lifted.



New and old air filter, odo at 10,951 Kms.

Drama post air filter change: After changing air filter, I switched on ignition for no reason, it worked as usual. Next day morning while going to office, bike was starting and switching off after slotting gear. I was bit clueless for couple of seconds, then I realised it's gear position sensor.

Wire passes behind left frame cover Allen bolt, I felt wire have got pinched while tightening Allen bolt. I removed all riding gear and switched to Innova to go to office. That evening opened left frame cover again and checked path of gear position sensor wire. It wasn't pinched at Allen bolt, good distance away from it. I went up the wire path and noticed this connector next to battery bit loose.


Here is photo that I clicked previous day while changing air filter.


Removed it and pressed it hoping this would do the trick. Surprisingly, this connector doesn't produce click sound. No luck, bike starts in neutral and switches off. Bit frustrated on myself and at another mess at DIY air filter change, facepalm moment. I decided to wrap things up and left frame cover Allen bolt started slipping, further addition to frustration. I was using Allen socket so no question of L shaped key not slotting correctly and making bolt head slip.
Next couple of evenings went into trying to remove Allen bolt, one of unsuccessful attempt was cutting a slot into bolt using hack saw.

Finally, I decided to take help of professional tools at nearby known centers. My initial choice was Excel Auto couple of Kms away. Surja suggested to try MotoXcellence. I pushed bike 50% of distance and on inclines finally sought help of Mechanic for pushing the bike with leg. On reaching service outlet, got to see that it's run by son of late journalist Dilip Bam (The unassailable Dilip Bam! EDIT - Rest in peace!).

I explained the mechanic what has happened, he was sure of using Impact driver to remove Allen bolt. On gear position sensor, I told him that while taking out air filter cover, some wire has got pulled and hence connector isn't getting needed signal. I also asked him to remove front sprocket cover and get it cleaned. 4 hours later, Mechanic called to say that problem has got resolved. He even installed another Allen bolt and as suspected one of the wire had to be pushed back into connector to make things work. Service amount Rs. 300.

Sigh of relief in the end. Surja warned me to avoid attempting DIY alone henceforth. Mostly I have been applying more torque than needed and breaking things.

Next post on accessories update.

[sukiwa]

Winter Ride to Goa is always in consideration for reasons unknown to bikers. Surja wanted to have it during non-biking events (RE Rider Mania or IBW).

I decided dates mid-November post Diwali and shortlisted a couple of properties via AirBnb. From my past rides to Goa, I wanted to pickup northmost beaches in order to avoid riding in narrow lanes and searching destination in sweat. Our regular riding trio decided a bungalow having dedicated parking in Ashwem. Airbnb reservation was done almost a month in advance for Sat, Nov 18th to Tue, Nov 21st. Another biker got added a few weeks before the ride date, so 4 bikes, Triumph Tiger 800, RE Interceptor 650, KTM Duke 390 and Suzuki SX 250.

For luggage, I continued my regular backpack inside the top-box. However, on packing/dumping all essentials, it weighed close to 6kgs. I added a tank bag to split the luggage.

Sat, 18th: Our start got delayed a bit by half an hour at 6am. Traffic was sparse on NH48 and we managed to cross Khambataki ghat within an hour for a quick tea break. Crossing Karad wasn't much of a hassle. we stopped for a fuel fill en-route and photo break with the backdrop of a windmill.



We didn't search for a breakfast outlet till we crossed Malkapur. Surja spotted a relatively small eatery for breakfast near Maan.





Anuskura route was fun and as always Surja had the most fun among us. Another photo break at Anuskura viewpoint which has a beautiful valley view and a small temple. Someone had lit incense sticks just before we reached.





Bhajans sang by passengers would have added 10 bhp for this bus


Quite windy, my gloves and specs were blown away by wind


After descending down Anuskura ghat, we took a left turn as suggested by Gmaps. It was quite narrow for some distance and the road surface was bad as well.
By the time we hit NH66, it was past noon and sunshine was showing its effect. I was wearing a textile riding jacket and had to keep all vents open along with center zip half way. NH66 is quite similar to NH48, however straight roads aren't to everyone's liking except for the part it allows to maintain speed. In some distance, the heat was draining me. Surja spotted an eating joint, however we only drank Kokum juice and thought of having lunch a bit late in Ashwem. Juice break was sufficient enough to reach Ashwem. Inspite of phone maps, still managed to take a wrong lane once. We had an extended late lunch that day at 2nd outlet on beach as 1st one was lazy in service and felt more interested in serving Russians.



If one needs to feel like a foreigner in Goa, visit north-most beaches like Ashwem. Food menus are written in English and Russian. Even small item sellers on beaches speak Russian. We didn't eat food again that day except for ice-cream later in the night.

Sun, 19th: When I had made accommodation booking, I hadn't looked at ODI world cup dates and hadn't thought that BCCI team would reach finals. Our accommodation didn't have a TV, an item none of us noticed before booking. I had a call with the host couple of days before the trip, he had arranged a table at a nearby resort.
With the ODI final viewing sorted out, we had thought of a ride to either Vengurla or RE Garage cafe in Baga. Later was chosen as being short in distance. After morning chai and some fruits, we headed to RE cafe for a Brunch, photo-log to follow in a separate post.
Museum section was getting decorated/polished for the upcoming RE Rider Mania (Moto Verse) in another week's time, so we couldn't visit it. We spent almost 3 hours at the cafe enjoying different food items along with tea and coffee. We watched repeat telecast of Miami F1 race and then the initial flourishing shots of Rohit.

We moved back to Ashwem to watch rest of the match in the evening at the resort. However by evening, most of us had left interest in the match outcome and also subsequently dinner food choices. I had settled on dal tadka, rice after starters. After disappointment in cricket, it was time to move to motoGP. Pecco managed to maintain his lead and pushed the title decider to the last race. Little bit of solace to an otherwise damp evening!

How to tell you are in Goa


Couple of good looking cars spotted while walking back at night.





Mon, 20th: We woke up early to head to Chapora fort. Little did we know that it opens 2 hours later at 10am. We roamed around in the open hill.








Continuous rush of crowd, gates were finally opened. We roamed around on the fort plateau and soaked in some sea views.


Surja finally found the spot to re-create a still shot from 'Dil Chahta Hai' movie. We even tried to find the boat mentioned in the ending scene :-). I have visited this fort multiple times, never thought of recreating the shot as Surja did.





After Chapora, we decided to visit Vagator venue for upcoming RE Rider mania and IBW, photos shared in this post. We managed to find an open eating joint for breakfast, most other places were either shut or hadn't started their kitchen. After another elaborate breakfast/brunch, we headed to the Little Vagator/Ozran beach to get our feet wet. It took us some time to figure out the way down to the beach.

North Goa is not a morning place. We were back in Ashwem (base) by noon.

when you click a photo mid-way in breakfast



Sea in sight, not able to find approach road


Sunset at Ashwem beach


For dinner, Surja had decided on a couple of eating joints in Morjim. We settled on Rainbow restaurant.

Grilled King fish and Calamari


Ice-cream truck on beach




Tue, 21st: Heading back to Pune. Started around 7am from Ashwem after fuel fill on the way.


Parting shot from Bungalow where we stayed.


Pace was good on NH66, leaving aside a few uneven patches plus dogs parade and monkeys crossing roads. We found this breakfast joint next to fuel station on NH66 after riding around 110 odd Kms.

Surja showing breakfast joint


Me showing fuel bunk


Well steamed Poha


Rode on NH66 till Oni and continued on Anuskura route for another pleasantly paced ride. I stopped multiple times for odo clicks and some for the route.

for the 12 in MH12


Had water and soft drink break after Kokrud. Had a late lunch on the outskirts of Satara, reaching around 5/5:30pm in Pune. Had a numb bottom in last 2 hours of ride, bit surprising as it didn't occur on onward ride to Goa.

[sukiwa]

Location

RE web page

It's a Royal Enfield(RE) showroom and service center coupled with a Cafe. Cafe has food menu that will appeal to everyone. Hot beverages, cold drinks and alcoholic drinks are offered. Place has both open seating area as well as closed AC area. Open seating area also has some RE bikes interspersed for biking vibe along with a bike hanged onto ceiling to showcase world war usage. Bike museum was closed for decoration/upkeep when we visited. All cafe tables, chairs were well polished for upcoming RE Moto Verse /Rider Mania.





We ordered couple of Egg dishes named after current RE bike line-up.





Cutlery has nice tools touch, mayn't serve actual tool purpose, but still.



Nice looking and equally tasty Smoothie. This one dish itself was quite filling.


Burgers with fries


We also ordered a pizza after this however forgot to click a photo.

Nicely crafted cups, however these aren't for sale. Someone at RE should make these available.


Perfectly brewed coffee


On a wall between Cafe and showroom


RE Mofa in closed seating area


Area beneath the staircase is well utilized storage for biking gear, our helmets seen there.


Traffic signal in a cafe? Yes, that's what one sees in the restroom along with some subtle messages and plenty of photos.




Surja's glowing bike parked at entrance

[surjaonwheelz]

We're turning out to be very lazy uncle riders!

We try to plan at least one ride to the beach (Konkan) annually but Goa was long pending! Glad we did this. I kept pestering about taking the Anuskura Ghat both ways for Goa. It breaks the Highway monotony at the right interval and recharges you before you hit NH-66, Goa highway. Though on the return leg I was bored in the morning stretch on NH-66 itself. No one can be happy leaving Goa

I didn't bother much for luggage this time, just stuffed a duffel bag and strapped it on the pillion seat. Unfortunately, I had to carry a laptop hence the backpack!

Few photos from my side. We're lazy on this aspect too.


Rustic homestay welcomes Uncle Riders!


Vocal for local

Ozran beach





Very clean, infact I saw workers picking up garbage! Sadly we uncles visited only this beach.


Anuskura vantage point, waiting for others!


Uphill is more fun than downhill.


One has to be very careful as there were some oil spills on the ghat. Being a weekday we were lucky not to have any car convoy but there were some silly car groups whose ego were hurt when bikers overtook them.


Roundtrip. All in all a super enjoyable road trip with like minded folks. Only if India could have won the World Cup then this trip would have been historic for us!


Odo reading. In addition, I had the chance to ride to Dabolim from Baga via Zuari bridge! I put bike mode on G-maps but still it took me up the bridge. Thanks to the World Cup final, traffic & cops were missing. I didn't stop for any photo.


Rituals, post ride wash.


It should make you turn around and look at it.



Happy road tripping,
surjaonwheelz

[ramubwoyy]

Could you kindly share the product link for the top-box that's seen on the Interceptor 650 in the photos? It seems to be from ADV Tribe, but I can't seem to find it on their website.

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by ramubwoyy

Could you kindly share the product link for the top-box that's seen on the Interceptor 650 in the photos? It seems to be from ADV Tribe, but I can't seem to find it on their website.

It's from Epicase, now known as 'Case-N-Foam'.

More information can be seen documented in Interceptor 650 thread.

[sukiwa]

Madhe Ghat ride:
This image (source) showed up on laptop one day and was pleasantly surprised to see a local image.



Plan was made to ride to a Brown Madhe ghat rather than Monsoon green. Being winter, we could ride all the way till waterfall viewing point. Roads are surrounded by mountains and well paved curvy roads till top of mountains.


Gathering point was Shell, Varve on NH48, also an usual spot for most Superbike riders. As I stopped and taking out the helmet, a gentleman greeted me, turned out to be BHPian QuickFox11. He recognised me by my helmet, hats off to his visual memory. We had met way back in 2018, he had moved on from Yamaha R3 to Triumph Tiger 800 XRx. We chatted briefly before our ride partners arrived. For Madhe ghat ride, we had 2 interceptors (surjaonwheelz & jomson13) along with Tiger 800 (Aditya).

We headed straight to Madhe ghat, didn't stop enroute except once for a photo opportunity.


Dried up water fall


Rocks in water path before the fall


Panorama


Our parked bikes, plateau on left side is waterfall viewing point


Brown Madhe ghat


Cliff selfie


Visiting this place in off-season meant no nearby eating joint, we had to get down to Velhe for breakfast for usual Misal Pav. This meant 2 stops and tentative return by 11/11:30am turned to be 1/1:30pm.

Chai cup with a handle, not so common


Konkan lunch ride

I had missed out on a Konkan ride in 2022 and recently had been hearing about amazing food at couple of resorts in Harihareshwar that Surja and Aditya had visited. I asked if we can do a one-day ride although I was apprehensive about my riding in heat. On my office commutes, I have had couple of dozing instances, on straight stretches I had lost concentration for couple of seconds. I had been riding without pulling down helmet sun visor along with a cooling neck band.

With those concerns mitigated, we decided the ride on day after republic day to avoid long-weekend traffic. Plan started with 3 of us and expanded to 7 with some BHPians and some friends.

Lineup at gathering point, I was late


Tiger 800, Dominar 400, Monster 821(Nilesh5417), RE Interceptor(surjaonwheelz), Scrambler 400x

Waspune was filling up fuel in his V-strom SX 250.

We started around 7:15, had a brief tea break at QuickBite, Mulshi. I happened to meet photographer & cinematographer of Turbocharged magazine. Myself and Surja had met him with Shumi when Shumi had just joined Powerdrift in 2019.

Riding through Tamhini was quite pleasant, not too chilly for winters. With pace set at front by Ducati Monster and Triumph Tiger, we cut through distance quite quickly to reach Mhasala by 10am and Harihareshwar by 11am.

Solkadhi at Alive beach resort


Walkway towards cottages


a cottage


Cottages and playing area


Trees in backyard


entry to beach


Harihareshwar beach


Our food choices for thali were informed in advance, so lunch was getting prepared although bit long for some of us.

Veg thali


Fish thali


Modaks served at the end


and me & Nilesh5417 also ate Shrikhand


We took rest for an hour before heading back to Pune around 2:30pm. As at many places in Konkan, mobile network connectivity is limited to Jio and BSNL. We had more casual talks than checking content on phones.

Dog playing while we were relaxing


beautiful capture by Nilesh5417


Quick photo stop in Tamhini, Nilesh5417 was missed as he waiting at QuickBite.



Prior to this photo stop, I exchanged my bike with Scrambler 400x for around ~50Kms. Size wise it still felt small like Speed 400 when compared to V-strom SX. Chassis is wonderful in corners although I wasn't using maintenance throttle that well. It would have been more fun otherwise.

We had a tea break at QuickBite and finally dispersed near Pirangut to different parts of Pune city around 6:30pm. Total distance for me 356Kms.

Riding in heat didn't bother me much as it was much cooler in Tamhini and I was using a full mesh riding jacket. I noticed little numbness in right foot after reaching home, don't know reasons for it.

Fall at parking speed: I was doing grocery shopping(courtesy top-box) within Kothrud suburb unfortunately in an area which had road dug up and resurfaced shabbily. Surface was uneven with some rubble. I stopped before it and then thought I can go ahead a bit. I didn't accelerate enough and before I know it was falling on right side. I just let bike fall.
Right bar-end weight and knuckle guard took hit and front brake lever got bent. I was standing still with bike beneath me, didn't have any bruises. Couple of guys came running to pick up the bike while I was moving away to one side. Front brake was working as usual, still better to replace it.

[surjaonwheelz]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

Next post on accessories update.

You seemed to miss this update! From what I've observed, all the accessories are add-ons. The bike is pretty stock at the core.

Couple of questions (for fellow SX250 owners)
- How's the brake-pad's life? Has it settled to a reasonable or constant usage pattern now?
- Your usage seems to be steadily progressing. Any other consumable parts showing any signs of wear and tear, that needs attention?

February passed in a flash! Looking forward to more weekend rides

Happy riding,
surjaonwheelz

[sukiwa]

Couple of service updates, both services carried out at Dream Suzuki, Pune. It's a relatively small service outlet however most appropriate one for Suzuki bikes. Have to take a prior appointment for obvious reasons.

4th Service done at odo 14,722Kms, cost Rs. 2025. I overstretched(still within service limit) servicing beyond 5000Kms, I had tried to check how Motul 7100 performs and wasn't disappointed.
Changed Spark plug, I had already changed air filter, so wasn't included in 15k Kms service. Other tasks were chain adjustment, changing front brake lever (not in stock).



After I crossed 1,500 Kms from 4th service, I got to know via another V-strom owner from Pune that some bikes have been filled with 1300 ml oil rather than 1200 ml oil. I hadn't checked bill that minutely for this additional 100ml oil. I checked oil level after 3 minutes of idling and cooling and didn't find it to be overfilled. Either service technician didn't fill 1.3L, I was only billed for 1.3L or Engine burned up that additional 100ml in 1500 Kms (can't be true in my opinion). I left things as is.

5th Service done at odo 19,523 Kms, Rs. cost 2029. This time serviced well before I reached 5000Kms from previous service. No issues to be looked into other than chain adjustment. This time technician agreed to fill 1200ml oil only, I continued with Ecstar R9000 oil.



Somehow, service amount for both is quite close to each other. Something or other gets added up. While getting back bike, I was told by technician to apply less lube on chain as most of it is getting stuck in front sprocket cover. He showed video of it getting cleaned.

Intermediate Service tasks:-

Brake pads: Previous set had lasted 9k Kms for me. So, I had a check at ~17,600 Kms, it looked to last another 1k Kms. I checked for caliper grease at nearby Aru Traders, they didn't stock it. BHPian Surjaonwheelz came to the rescue and gave me multiple sachets of Magsol via a RE parts outlet.


Worn out pads


Pushed back pistons


Caliper pin cleaned



Caliper pin greased, couldn't apply it that evenly with surgical gloves

Pushing back brake assembly took couple of tries and I noticed that aligning bottom bolt first was easier than top bolt.



Torque wrench set to 26Nm for tightening brake bolts


Brake pads changed at 18,474 Kms


Note to self: Keep handlebar straight and not angled so as to avoid brake fluid spill. I need to move out car from parking to have more space. I had a cloth around brake fluid reservoir and luckily no brake fluid spill however it was close.

Chain adjustment:

Tools - 24mm socket, 19mm open spanner, 12mm spanner for chain adjuster nuts




Rear axle, 19mm on one side 24mm on other

Adjuster nut should be tightened by quarter turn and checked for chain slack. I had done half a turn once by mistake and had to redo entire drill.


Torque wrench set to 65Nm for tightening Rear axle bolt


Rear axle pushed closer to limit, it's quite close for change of Chain, Sprocket set.

Disclaimer: No nuts and bolts have been harmed or broken in these DIYs.



Goodies ordered from Rolon. I may change chain soon at 20k Kms or 20.5k Kms.

[sukiwa]

Completed 20,000 Kms in 20 months of trouble-free ownership.

Next few months will see lowered usage with no office commutes and only rainy weekend rides.


have fascination with more digits showing 9s


20k on odo


on the Suzuki Ride connect app

Sharing health or change interval of parts for me, other owners might have different change interval pattern.



Not mentioning other parts like oil filter, engine oil, spark plug as these follow regular service or change interval.


Front tyre


Rear tyre

I will keep these MRF tyres for upcoming Monsoon season and may change to road-biased tyres towards beginning of winter.

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

Goodies ordered from Rolon. I may change chain soon at 20k Kms or 20.5k Kms.

Well, didn't wait too long to change Chain and Sprockets.

TL;DR


Chain installation carried out at Revvsters. Installation charges Rs. 700, Rolon kit Rs. 2,770.

Reached early in the day after taking an appointment a day earlier. Mechanic was already busy in fixing knuckle guards on a KTM ADV 390, he attended me shortly. He opened the kit to check chain and it was continuous chain without a master link/rivet. That meant two things, it's similar to stock chain and will require opening swingarm. Additional swingarm labour at Rs. 100 extra, fitting charges Rs. 700.

Front sprocket with chain


Rear sprocket in separate open packing


Bike was put on paddock stand and rear wheel removed first. Mechanic also showed that chain has uneven tension.

Stock rear sprocket, teeth still good


Next task was to remove chain. Front sprocket cover was removed and with help of electrical cutter, chain was cut.



In the meanwhile, I inspected rear brake pads. As rear brake usage is less, pads have good life left.


Now, to remove swingarm, many other parts need to removed. Tyre hugger, Rear monoshock bolt and swingarm bolt itself.


Swingarm bolt


after removing it, long screwdriver was inserted to keep everything in place


Swingarm bolt being greased. This doesn't get removed that frequently, used this opportunity to apply grease.


After removing all of this, new chain was passed through one side of swingarm. As facility is yet to have ceiling mounted hoist, we used a small stool and wooden plank to hold bike in place on floor. Fixing front sprocket was straight forward and all things at front was put back in reverse order.

Rear wheel cushion rubbers, no play in any of these.


New rear sprocket


Old chain, had picked up good amount of dust


Rolling on Rolon


After the change, obviously transmission was very smooth. No jerks felt, older chain was past its prime. Chain wax from factory is expected to wear out in 500 Kms. I need to clean the chain and lube it, I have Rolon cans for both.

[kaizengadi]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

In the meanwhile, I inspected rear brake pads. As rear brake usage is less, pads have good life left.
Attachment 2622994

Good to know rolon has rivet links.
The rear pads appear to be unevenly worn out. Is this normal or effect of the previous chain wearing and uneven tension on the rear wheel?

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by kaizengadi

The rear pads appear to be unevenly worn out.

Yes, even I noticed it later. Will inspect it in few days. Rain rides are due, so depends on my energy levels post weekend ride.

Is this normal or effect of the previous chain wearing and uneven tension on the rear wheel?

This shouldn't be normal and can't be due to uneven chain tension. I have seen similar uneven wear recently on nephew's front left brake pads on Triumph Tiger 800, so can't figure out the reason. Also need to inspect both sides of brake disc.

[John P Daniel]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

This shouldn't be normal and can't be due to uneven chain tension. I have seen similar uneven wear recently on nephew's front left brake pads on Triumph Tiger 800, so can't figure out the reason. Also need to inspect both sides of brake disc.

Generally, the brake pad on the brake piston side will wear out little more compared to the other side. Cleaning the brake caliper pins and greasing them regularly can reduce this uneven wear.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by kaizengadi

Good to know rolon has rivet links.
The rear pads appear to be unevenly worn out. Is this normal or effect of the previous chain wearing and uneven tension on the rear wheel?

Rolon provides M-linkless chains to many OEMs in India, and both their aftermarket is to the same spec. Regarding uneven pad wear, this is pretty common on most floating calipers, reason being, one side of the caliper piston(s) leverages the entire caliper for effective braking, meaning as you brake, the caliper slides in, is pulled in to provide uniform braking.

Your question is perfect segue to Sukiwa's answer on pad wear on the T800 too. All these bikes have similar brake setup, where in they leverage one side to provide braking. The side that is used mostly wears out the most, and this is exceptionally common for all the bikes using floating calipers.

Again the slider pins are to be greased for this exact same reason. If the pins aren't greased, the calipers lose their "slidability" and will get jammed in a certain position which will 100% aggravate one-sided pad wear. The brakes will work but the calipers "returnability" "slidability" is reduced and the onus is borne by the pads.

Originally Posted by sukiwa

Couple of service updates, both services carried out at Dream Suzuki, Pune. It's a relatively small service outlet however most appropriate one for Suzuki bikes.

Disclaimer: No nuts and bolts have been harmed or broken in these DIYs.

Goodies ordered from Rolon. I may change chain soon at 20k Kms or 20.5k Kms.

This shouldn't be normal and can't be due to uneven chain tension. I have seen similar uneven wear recently on nephew's front left brake pads on Triumph Tiger 800, so can't figure out the reason. Also need to inspect both sides of brake disc.

Good one Sukiwa san. The best part, no nuts and bolts were harmed in this video -- that's a mirthful one. A small suggestion though, please avoid using excessive caliper slider/pin grease. A pea drop of grease applied over a thin coat is simply best.

I've indulged in over-abusing grease just because I can countless times only to end up accumulating more road muck and grit which eventually freezes the sliders which in turn means less slidability of the calipers, which negatively affects pad life -- especially one sided pad wear.

That's some great life on the stock chain san. Mine, she's inching close to 10k now, shall be interesting to see how long I can extend.

Cheers!
VJ