Safety Wire?

[konichd]

Since I plan on hitting the tracks a little more this upcoming year I was wondering what people have done to safety wire their bikes? I can buy a bolt kit, wire and tools to do it myself for @170. Or should I buy the wire and tools, then drill the bolts myself according to the MRA website? Any clue on what a shop would charge to do this?

I figure this is something I don't need to do at most tracks, but I feel its my obligation to both the track, and most importantly, other riders to make my bike as safe as possible. Thanks for the help!

[rforsythe]

Just get the 12-pack of bits from Harbor Freight for $3 and drill it yourself. With a little patience, a steady hand, and a couple of beers, it doesn't take that long and will save you some bucks.

[Canuck]

Word.

[Mel]

DK, I *might* be needing to do the same thing myself in the near future...I was gonna use the daddys drill press for the endeavor. If you haven't done yours by then, we can make it a date.

[konichd]

DK, I *might* be needing to do the same thing myself in the near future...I was gonna use the daddys drill press for the endeavor. If you haven't done yours by then, we can make it a date.

That would be a great date! If you decide to do it let me know, I'll pick up the safety wire and tool then.

[rforsythe]

I have a drill press, I never used it for this. It really isn't that hard to do it with a hand drill. What I found extremely helpful though was a spring-loaded center punch to nick the screw head where I wanted the hole to start (wow that sentence sounds dirty), especially with the tiny bits you'll be using it makes starting the holes much easier.

[Bueller]

"Rapid Tap" cutting oil

[TFOGGuys]

We Have wire by the pound (about a quarter mile) for $16.99, cobalt drill bits ($1.25 each or 5 for $5) and safety wire pliers ($25 for good ones, well worth the difference in price from the Harbor freight ones). We generally get 1 hour of shop labor ($62) to wire a bike to MRA specs, plus shop supplies.

[konichd]

So if I were to just take it to TFOG, whats the ballpark estimate to safety wire my bike to MRA specs? Also does this include drilling, wiring, etc?

$62 + $MISC = $$$

[TFOGGuys]

Figure about $75, and usually done in 1 day. You should probably pick up pliers and wire, though, if you are planning on doing your own maintenance (brakes, tires, and oil changes), so you can rewire those items when you are done.

[konichd]

So I drop my POS Kawi off, you drill and safety wire it for @ 75 bucks. I spend another 25 for the tool and 15 for more wire. If this is the scenario I will be calling for an appointment soon.

[TFOGGuys]

So I drop my POS Kawi off, you drill and safety wire it for @ 75 bucks. I spend another 25 for the tool and 15 for more wire. If this is the scenario I will be calling for an appointment soon.

Gimme a call and we'll get it scheduled. Gummy carb season is right around the corner!

[konichd]

Thanks for taking the time to talk to me Jim. The Kawi will be seeing you March 3rd!

[BlueDevil]

If you R going to do it your self... go to Homedepot and get BLU-MOL bits.....
BLU-MOL
No. 6625, 1/16 In. Straight Shank, 2 Pack Black Oxide Drill Bit, Aggressor
Model 4516625
Price: $2.18/ea


Ive tried dozens of brands and these are the cheepest ones that work well. Buy a dozen of them. Saftey wire is available every where.... Most of the local shops have it.

Takes about 2-3 hours to drill and wire and entire bike. Get a buddy to help and reduce the time it takes drmatically (depending on how many beers you toss back in the process) The MRA book is a good place to get what you want to have done. Mostly anything where fluid may come out if a bolt comes off if the 1st on the list. Then brakes. Calipers, pins, banjos, etc. Then Axels and pinch bolts. Some go further adn do shift rods, front sprocket nuts, etc..... Radiator cap, Oil filter, Oil fill cap, Oil drain plug. U will brake bits. The rule of thumb is slow and steady on your pushing on the drill and U will break less.

Good luck...

Should cost you less than 40-50 bucks to buy it all and do it your self. If you have a drill press or access to 1 your time will go way down on doing this project. Just make sure you are wiring to hold the bolt on tight and not let it loosen. If you dont have saftey wire pliers... Again every shop has them avail or Harbor Freight it... They are 15 bucks to 60bucks depending on wher eyou get them and who makes them......

[konichd]

DK has money, not patience...so TFOG will be completeing this task for me.

[BlueDevil]

Well then there is always that option.... haha

[konichd]

Thanks for all the input though! I'm sure other people reading this will find the advise very helpful if they want to do it themselves.

[livinlife2themax]

Glad somebody asked, because i have been wondering the same thing. When i get around to it i will be takin it to tfogg...."easy quick" projects never turn out very easy or quick...i tend to break stuff and screw things up in which i will end up spendin more money than i would of just havin someone else doing it. Except oil changes i cna do those little thing pretty easy and decently fast....lol

Thanks for all the input though! I'm sure other people reading this will find the advise very helpful if they want to do it themselves.