Greetings to everyone from Blacksburg.. I just acquired a low-mileage '03 in silver, soon to be a few shades darker with some metal flake. It hadn't been on the road for a few years and needed a little attention. I was trying to get ready for a road trip the second day after bringing it home. Didn't quite make it. I'd like to ask two questions... I removed the front wheel and had a tire mounted. Putting it back on everything seemed easy and familiar at first, but when checking torque settings in the manual I ran across the instructions for checking left side disc clearance with a feeler gage (.7mm). I'm not exactly sure where to check this clearance- there is limited access to the area pictured in the manual. Is it sufficient to just assume it's ok if the wheel spins easily enough w/ normal drag or do I need to carefully manage this tolerance spec? Secondly, it needed a battery and nobody had the Yuasa 12s, although the nice dealer offered to order me one for $213. I said thanks, but no thanks, and ended up buying an Autocraft brand from Advance Auto. It's called a 9BS and is the exact size, probably less amperage. Is this critical to anything other than ability to start in cold weather and general performance or might I be risking secondary electrical issues by using it. Yuasa has about 200 cca, Wiseco has about 175 and who knows about this one as they are careful not to mention it on the package. I think this local Honda dealer might be second-cousin to the BMW stealer that I've been trying to stay away from. Although he did sell me an OEM BMW battery for about $85 a few years ago. I laughed at the parts guy today and said, no no, not a battery of batteries, just one. A bit of advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'd say you're good to go on the front wheel if it spins freely..... Since I don't know what the battery you purchased has to offer I'd suggest finding out ..... VFR's don't need to have problem batteries, they have enough electrical issues .... get the best...... I Know $$$$$$ ........ Welcome to the forum ..... I live in Danville,VA....
Thanks Monk69. I didn't think I needed to sweat the clearance. I'll try and get by on this battery for awhile and then order a 'real one' when the times comes... but not a $213 dollar one. I'm off on my first VFR ride to the mountains of North Carolina
Congrats on your VFR and welcome to the forum! Can't help you on the wheel question, but +1 on Monk's post about the battery. I replaced mine with a Yuasa last summer. There are cheaper options for the right battery online when you're ready to buy. Can't remember the details but I think my Yuasa 14S was ~$160 with or plus shipping.
