The Zephyr Zone

Clutch still seizing on so removed and stripped down the leaver and master cylinder., got a repair kit and new braided hose.

Lately it seemed like it was getting harder and harder to start my Zephyr. I’d hit the starter button and I could hear a faint click, but nothing happened. I thought maybe it was a low battery, so I charged it, but still nothing. So today I decided to chase down the problem. I started at the switch itself, opened up the handlebar control unit, and disassembled almost the whole thing. Inside I first found a dead spider, and then shortly after found a live one! So maybe that was the problem, or part of it. But I also noticed that the little copper upside-down-bowl-disc thing that pushes up into the starter switch had a little black spot. So I grabbed some 2000 grit sandpaper and rubbed it clean. Reassembled everything and it worked! Felt pretty good to fix the problem using just my ingenuity, and experience. They don’t cover that in the FSM.

Stereordinary wrote:Lately it seemed like it was getting harder and harder to start my Zephyr. I’d hit the starter button and I could hear a faint click, but nothing happened. I thought maybe it was a low battery, so I charged it, but still nothing. So today I decided to chase down the problem. I started at the switch itself, opened up the handlebar control unit, and disassembled almost the whole thing. Inside I first found a dead spider, and then shortly after found a live one! So maybe that was the problem, or part of it. But I also noticed that the little copper upside-down-bowl-disc thing that pushes up into the starter switch had a little black spot. So I grabbed some 2000 grit sandpaper and rubbed it clean. Reassembled everything and it worked! Felt pretty good to fix the problem using just my ingenuity, and experience. They don’t cover that in the FSM.

Hi Stereordinary, isn't it a great feeling when you fix something when you aren't sure what you are doing? I feel great just about every single day

Today I purchased a few things for my Zephyr, mainly a new front tire, as the one that’s on it isn’t particularly worn, but it’s over five years old. But I also grabbed a few OEM components, including handlebars, right front side reflector, and key blanks.

I had my 750 C4 MOT’d (this was actually yesterday). I bought this Zephyr on 6th July 2019. Since the previous MOT, in May 2019, the bike has only covered 217 miles. I hope to use it much more over the next 12 months, but may not start until the spring unless we get some nice dry days. Stay safe everybody.

First day out on my Zephyr 550
Fantastic day out in Wales