Quote from: Motofun on Today at 06:16:23 AMI like the black with a white stripe....what did you call her, Pole cat? 

HEHE - wasnt planned...that's where the old black paint chipped or I should say blasted off by the pressure washer 

I like the black with a white stripe....what did you call her, Pole cat? 

Billions of years ago, there was a huge explosion and long story short, the Earth was formed...
Then some other shite happened, there were some really big Lizards knocking about, then some Nazis created some 'issues', and more recently there's been some strangely coloured politicians...
Sometime between the latter two events, I bought a lovely, totally original, Fj1200 (3CV).
Then, one day, something REALLY bad happened... I decided it would look better black.
Although, on balance, I regretted my choices, it looked okay, and they all lived happily...for 18 months after. Then divorce and poverty decided to come and stay with me for a wee awile...
That too did pass... but poor old Yammie lived outside, baking in the southern Spanish sun for 10 years.
And oh my... doesn't she look rough now...

But today marks the start of her metaphorical jog through Philadelphia's Italian market and eventual ascent to the top of the steps outside the Museum of Art.
Today her strip and restoration begins. And with the help of you, good people, I have every confidence in its ultimate success.
First, I'm gonna make sure the engine runs and is, in principle, still sound - sorta Joe-from-'2Vintage'-stylee, then strip her, have the frame blasted and powder-coated, and from then on I think you'll all be sick of hearing from me with all my questions.

Here we go...

The owners manual calls to check the chain while up on the center stand.
I disagree especially if you have your rear end raised up as many of us do.
When you take the bike off the center stand the chain tightens often resulting in over tightening of the chain.
I do my final check my chain while my bike is on the ground, always remembering....
A loose chain is a happy chain.

Let's go!

I'm sure you're aware of it but its goes without saying, check your chain slack. You definitely don't want to be outside the range on either side with the amount of torque these bikes have. I myself like to ride on the looser side of the spec.  Chain and sprocket alignment too, just in case you weren't aware

Ride safe brother 

Chain and sprockets replaced.... no more crackling sounds...yesssss...

yes == never run the engine --- I just remember cleaning from the end of the rear sprocket and can't remember any close calls --- moving it slowing and seemed to work fine.

----- PSA ------
  +1!
I'll buy that advice, certainly.  No need at all to run the engine when removing any excess chain lube.  Kick Neutral, shut down the engine, and turn the rear wheel by hand to remove any excess by using a paper towel.

Public Service Announcement!!! Keep body parts and clothing away from the chain and sprockets with bike in gear and running. Many years ago I help a chap get his FJ roiling again after he did this exact operation. The rag got caught, he did not react in time and the chain/sprocket did a through job of removing the end of a finger. The danger is real. It is not hard to roll the rear wheel to advance the chain manually. Plenty of gruesome photos on the web on this injury if you are nor sure.

Stay safe, more time to ride. 

I changed to synthetic oil in the FJ mainly due to it handles the heat better when traveling longer distances.  Yamalube syn was a good value.  10w40