2013 ec250r

[Neil E.]

Looking at your picture in the first post, the bike appears to have an aluminum subframe. Did you swap out the plastic subframe already?

[john r b]

My bet is she came w/ it all ready.

[adv rider]

Where is the sikaflex purchased? I have my subframe w/ me and was planning to buy some sealant today. Was planning to go to a home improvement store to find something.

[Jakobi]

Any hardware/marine/automotive store should have the sikaflex. I got it at Bunnings, which is just a big franchised home improvement warehouse. Was in the section with the rest of the sealants.

The aluminium subframe most definitely came stock in Australia for the 2013 Racing models only. I wouldn't have settled for the plastic after reading others issues.

[Simmo737]

The way the air filter seats in a recess makes it actually hard not to seal it, it's a good design, wear disposable rubber gloves and feel around the edge as wence says. BUT you need to check for burs etc so it doesn't cut the filter.....how do I know?

In australia Sikaflex is a brand name for silicone sealant, it has become like calling cola coke, or a vacuum cleaner a Hoover.

[Jakobi]

Mine has some poor moulding on the main seam at the top flat surface. I recall having to clean up my 2010 model a bit too. I agree the nature of the filter design (namely the way the filter wraps around the frame) makes it very hard to not get a seal. I used to worry on the old bike and now in comparison its so much easier to check. Haha! I'm sure with time and feel the skill will be in place.

Looking forward to riding this steed.

Ended up ordering Force rad guards again. I've had a good run from them on the old bike, but they haven't been tested too hard either. Most damage is from light tip overs and roost/trail trash thats impacted the front grill.

If the stock gg bashplate doesn't have access to the crank case drain and/or sump I'll drill these in before fitting it up, just to make life easy!

[pscook]

Originally Posted by adv rider

Where is the sikaflex purchased? I have my subframe w/ me and was planning to buy some sealant today. Was planning to go to a home improvement store to find something.

Sikaflex 241 is the best sealant out there, period, except for 3M 5200. West Marine is your best bet to find either of the sealants. I would use 5200 first, but it takes forever and a day to dry, unless you squirt some water on it. Magical stuff. Both sealants celan up with 3M Adhesive Remover (in the red and white can). I spent years (YEARS) applying both sealants, and cleaning up the resultant mess.

[Jakobi]

Not the best job out there I'm sure... but will hopefully do the trick! Thanks for the tips Nath. I first tried to use the tube to apply in a nice clean fashion but due to insufficient lighting and limited workspace that went up the creek. Found the best approach was to squeeze some out, wet the finger, wipe into the void. Wipe finger, wet again, and smooth it out. Repeat this process until you have enough and a finish you are happy enough with.

[Jakobi]

I also rebled the front brake on my 2010 as it was getting spongey last ride. Few bubbles came out for sure and its now nice and firm with good bite again. The 2013 model feels so soft and progressive in comparison. Both lock the front end, but they feel at the lever is so different. Both running the brake switch still too. Its almost like the difference between a Yamaha and a Honda. Have they changed master cylinders recently? Has anyone else noticed this? Tried bleeding the line?

[Simmo737]

I rebled using 5.1, the pads appear the same as the 2011s, indeed the lever never gets a better feel. The upside is that the brakes are really good after about two or three applications, they need heat, and are indeed more progressive.
The feel is a bit spongey riding around the car park horsing around but are good once going. All IMHO.