u/MrMcBeth

It’s a 2005 Vstrom 650. I want to service the forks, check the brakes, and raise it in one afternoon. I’m wondering the best way to lift it from the center without damaging anything. Does anyone have experience using lifts like that?

Additionally, I’ve got brake dust and oil on the discs. Do you guys think this is normal or could it be brake fluid or fork oil? I think the forks are leaking. Just wondering.

The pics are to show the bottom of the bike and the oily brake dust.

Thanks for any input.

I made my first leather product (attached). I used ~2mm oil tanned leather. I definitely need more practice. However, it is functional. My plan for a 2.0 version is ~1 mm Herman Oak. I’ve never laid a hand on that stuff. I just wanted something thinner and stiffer. My specific questions are:

1. What spacing/tool can make the stitching look less coarse?

2. What thread will give me the neatest appearance?

3. I actually use these in a professional setting. What leather treatment would fit that genre? I’ve thought about dying it or just conditioning and let it patina on its own. I’m just not sure if that will look out of place, though.

Thanks to anyone who weighs in.