Major service step by step.

[VABird]

I thought (briefly) about replacing my 2006 955i with an late model 800XR, but after some consideration, there's so many things that I like better about the 955i, that I just decided to take all the time I need through the winter and go through it from stem to stern. I have other bikes to ride, so it's no big deal to lay her up for a month or two  and take my time. It'll be all the sweeter when it's done.
So, I'll document as much as is practical. I won't go through the entire agenda now, but no stone will be left unturned.
Today I had a half day, so I started at the front. I already had the front tire. Remove forks to replace oil, check fork seals. NOTHING goes back together unless thoroughly cleaned, so likely as much time cleaning as other work. 

[Tiger-G]

Looking forward to this one 

[Chris Canning]

One of the best things i've Done to mine was when putting TuneECU on it saw that although the bike had been running Ok'ish the plug/coils where not equal when eventually changing all the 3 at 40 odd thousand the difference was remarkable.

[VABird]

So, the lower fork tubes are a bit scuffed up and I was considering powder coating them, but SM calls for a special tool to disassemble. Is it strictly necessary?

[VABird]

One of the best things i've Done to mine was when putting TuneECU on it saw that although the bike had been running Ok'ish the plug/coils where not equal when eventually changing all the 3 at 40 odd thousand the difference was remarkable.

Changing the plugs or the coils?

[Timbox2]

So, the lower fork tubes are a bit scuffed up and I was considering powder coating them, but SM calls for a special tool to disassemble. Is it strictly necessary?

You'll probably get them apart without it, its when re-assembling. It holds the piston while you tighten up the bottom screw. I have heard of people using broom handles and such like though and some have made their own, its basically a big hex but I cant remember the size, might be on here somewhere with a search, look here:

  Oh, its 30mm hex

[VABird]

Thanks, but I found out it'd be a month before the shop would be doing my color again, so I just decided to strip and paint them, along with repainting a few other scuffed up parts. Today, I redid the front brakes; replaced pads, cleaned and lubed pins. I'll flush brake fluid when it's all reassembled.

BTW, I'm not after a concours restoration; it's my errand running everyday bike.

I'm waiting on my fork oil (supposed to arrive tomorrow) so I can get the front end back together.
Pics to follow.

[Chris Canning]

 

Changing the plugs or the coils?

Coils,not a great deal of difference in the readings on Tune ECU but a major difference after changing them.

[Ossian]

On your forks. Can I suggest that you buff them with a coarse Scotchbrite drill buff and then clear varnish with a high quality satin floor varnish. Looks more like the original finish than painting or powder coating.

[VABird]

On your forks. Can I suggest that you buff them with a coarse Scotchbrite drill buff and then clear varnish with a high quality satin floor varnish. Looks more like the original finish than painting or powder coating.

That would look good, but I'm not really concerned with originality. There's already a lot of other parts already painted blue. Also, the forks are already painted!

[VABird]

Coils,not a great deal of difference in the readings on Tune ECU but a major difference after changing them.

The bike runs great, so I'll likely wait until a coil craps out to replace them.
I had Nology coils on my Legend TT and really liked them.

[VABird]

Phase 1: Forward of the tank.
New tire, brake pads, flush front brake fluid, LED headlight bulbs, add another LED driving light.
Inspect bearings & seals, clean & lube brake calipers, check head stock bearings, clean & lube speedo drive.
Check rotors for wear (Minimum 5 MM; they're both @ 5.5 MM.)
Paint forks, flush & replace fork oil, and repaint other scratched parts.
Clean, clean, clean.
Clean, clean, clean.

[VABird]

Phase 2 underway.
Remove rear wheel, replace tire. (If you're mounting your own, be sure to align the dot with the valve stem and ensure directional arrow is correct.) I used 2 oz. of lead shot for balance beads. Inspect bearings, seals & cush drive.
Removed rear fender to clean and to access shock better for removal.
Clean, clean, clean some more!

[Tiger-G]

Those wheels look in great condition. The powder coating started lifting on mine 3 seconds after the warranty ended, it's been getting steadily worse ever since. Same with the swing arm. Have you had them refurbed ??

[VABird]

Those wheels look in great condition. The powder coating started lifting on mine 3 seconds after the warranty ended, it's been getting steadily worse ever since. Same with the swing arm. Have you had them refurbed ??

Nope, all original.