Before heading back out on the bike I figured I would just replace all the fluids. I drained the transmission and final drive oils and replaced them. Although my odometer reads around 24,000 miles, you can't really be sure with an old K-bike unless you have a well documented title and detailed maintenance logs with receipts. Most K-bikes have had their odometer replaced. But based on the color of the fluids and the condition of the engine internals I have seen so far, this bike has at least been well cared-for. And for a K-bike, mileage is less important than the quality of maintenance since the design is so robust.
There were no signs of prior fluid leaks, and at the same time no signs that the engine externals had been mechanically cleaned with brushes, walnut shell blasting or chemical cleansers.
After a 100 mile test ride on the highway it looked like everything was coming together. Smooth acceleration, lots of power and no issues while zipping along around 70-80 mph. Could it be this simple -that all I needed to do was replace the radiator fan and coolant sensor and suddenly I had a nearly new K-bike? All seemed great until I exited the highway, stopped at a light and the engine bogged down. I was barely able to limp thru the intersection and coughed and sputtered to the other side of the road where suddenly the engine regained power and I was able to make it the rest of the way home.
Oh well, more troubleshooting ahead.
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