Maintenance Videos for Airbag Models

[dB-wingin]

Has anyone come across videos like Cruiseman's that discuss maintenance on Airbag GL1800's? I'd like to try to save some $$ and do some more maintenance myself but would like to learn more about the nuances of working around the airbag system? I'm thinking like the air filter maintenance and others that might be close to sensors. I don't yet own the service manual for my 2012 but plan to purchase one, it's just that being able to see then do is really helpful.

[Cruiseman]

I get this question ever so often. First, "most" of the items covered on my videos will also apply to an airbag model, with a few exceptions. Most notably, replacing the air filter, as you mentioned. Second, the reason we do not have videos for airbag models is mainly because there just aren't that many of them. A few months ago I had a vendor who wanted me to show the installation of some gadget on an airbag model. I tried for 2 months to find one locally at a dealer, and nobody had one in stock. I was told they only special order them. I finally had to turn down the video project because it was getting so difficult to find one.

A service manual is a must-have.

[dB-wingin]

I've watched your videos on YouTube and seeing a couple of still shots of your setup am very impressed ( I work for an AV company ). I understand that there aren't that many as a percentage. Have you ever considered a video outlining what things to be careful about when working on one ? I wish I were closer I'd donate my bike for "the cause". My biggest fear is somehow triggering the sensor and having it deploy when working on my bike.

[RaConnol]

DB pick up a shop manual and disconnect the battery before you start, and the DVDs.
These links should also help even though your is a 2012

Remove Shelter of Air Bag great Pictures.
http://s34.beta.photobucket.com/user...ters%20Removal

Remove Airbag after shelter has been removed.
http://s34.beta.photobucket.com/user...ilter%20Change

[dB-wingin]

These look great, will check them out. Much appreciated RaConnol!

[RaConnol]

Small steps, mark your fasteners so you know where they came from. I use a ton of paper bowls from Wallmart and write on the bottom where the fasteners go. I hit I got from Cruiseman's video on installing a trunk spoiler couple of years ago. I have gone from the rear spoiler, to rear rack to LED Fogs to new triple tree, PMTs and all Balls Bearings, Windbender, Centramatics, Air filter and new rear shock and progressive spring, brakes, fluids, Speed Bleeders, and now I get to replace the sub harness wire loom in the truck.

Several times I though I was going to take the bike to the dealer and for the first service I did. We have a good shop here in town, but I just started doing all my own stuff on the air bag, with the front shocks and air filter feeling the most scary, but when I took out the gas tank to replace the rear shock, I was feeling I was able to do just about anything other then a major engine repair.

Do pick up a set if JIS screwdrivers or JIS bits or you will strip the Phillips screws.

Rick

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-tools/jis-screwdrivers/

[dB-wingin]

Thanks for the tips and I do need to pick up a set of those bits.

[tblink]

Agree with what RaConnol stated, get a manual and disconnect the battery before you disconnect anything else.

I have a 2008 Titanium Airbag and was a little intimidated at first in working on mine, but after a year I have broken into the shelter and other components numerous times. I recently completed a front fork upgrade and between all of the yellow sensors and brake tubing all over the front fork legs, I almost back out of doing this job. Just getting to the air filter was no short task either. I had to completely get under the bag and all the other electronics there.

My approach and thinking (at the first time) was if I separated and disconnected any power source to the airbag, then the likelihood of it blowing up while working on it was minimized. Now granted, when I plugged the power source back in after working on it. I donned the helmet just in case, but all was good.

Just read and follow the manual and also those "how-to videos" help in getting the basic steps and concepts better understood, but a manual addresses other precautions that need to be followed with an airbag model.