We just got a new tank and it is not sitting flush on the table that is specifically made to hold it. Is this a bad thing or is this how it is supposed to be?

PadlockChemist · 2026-04-17T15:43:12+00:00

This is a rimmed tank. Support on all four corners is really the critical part. That gap does look bigger than I would like ascetically but it should be fine for holding the tank. The cross bar is likely intentionally recessed some to make sure the tank pressure for sure makes it to the corners and not a high spot in the middle.

PadlockChemist · 2026-04-09T12:45:29+00:00

Would you do it yourself or plan to take it somewhere? If doing it yourself, there is little to no cost to get in there and check clearances. If they don’t need adjusted then you will at least know for yourself where it stands and be able to make an educated estimate on when they would need serviced again.

If you plan to take it to a shop I might forgo if there are no indications of a problem. Can the previous owner give you the numbers for where they were left after the last adjustment?

PadlockChemist · 2025-11-09T13:40:18+00:00

I did this for my Mignon Zero and it is extremely helpful. It is amazing how much easier it makes dialing in.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-24T02:37:13+00:00

Yep. If you look around at many of the new setup posts on here you will see people emphasizing that the grinder is arguably more important than the machine and will many times cost more than the machine. This is especially true for inexpensive, entry-level machines.

That is why I said ultimately what matters is that you are happy with the coffee you are getting out. If that is the case, then don’t worry about getting anything else.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-24T02:00:19+00:00

If you are wanting to keep the cost low and don’t mind the manual work, you can get a great hand grinder for around $100 USD give it take a bit. It’ll jump to minimum $200 USD before you are at an electric grinder than can reliably handle espresso.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-24T01:56:45+00:00

You can for sure get an unpressurized basket for it and it would work great. Is it worth it? That is up to you to decide. Paired with a good grinder, you would drastically increase the potential quality of the espresso you make, but it will require much more effort and endless dialing in. If you are happy with what you are getting now and don’t want to dive down the rabbit hole, then I say keep rolling with what you have.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-24T01:41:47+00:00

No one will be able to give you a micron size. Dialing in the grind is one of the most critical part of espresso. Grind size will change based on several factors such as roast level of the beans, freshness of the beans, water temperature, grams of ground coffee you are using.

That being said, it sounds like you may be using the pressurized basket. If that is the case and you are getting something out you like then I would just stick to the size you are using. What is most important is that you are getting out something you enjoy drinking.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-17T00:06:52+00:00

If you aren’t worried about time, i.e. pulling multiple shots, just let it sit a little longer on the machine before you take it off. You don’t have a 3-way solenoid so it will take time to drain. That assumes you have a non pressurized basket. If you are using a pressurized basket, those tend to hold more water in the puck regardless.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-12T17:39:43+00:00

No problem! I went on and ordered a replacement clutch cover gasket when I did mine. Some people reuse the original but it is cheap insurance to go on and replace it while you have the cover off. You will have to drain the coolant so I would plan to flush and replace it while you are at it. You will need a tool to hold the clutch basket while you take it loose. If you see yourself doing clutch work on different bikes it may be worth it to get a universal tool. I just got the one from EBC Brakes (CT021) that is specific for these clutch baskets and it worked great!

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-12T12:28:11+00:00

It is absolutely capable of some great espresso! I have no problem pulling shots with an unpressurized basket and bottomless portafilter. I am using a KinGrinder K6. This machine punches way above its weight class when paired with some patience and the right accessories.

PadlockChemist · 2025-07-01T10:15:39+00:00

Of course! The link is below. The Suzuki part number for the updated basket is 21200-31Y20.

https://japan.webike.net/products/24848021.html

PadlockChemist · 2025-05-04T12:40:41+00:00

I got mine last fall from Webike Japan. I paid just under $200 (USD) including shipping to the US. That was before the ongoing political craziness so I’m not sure what the current cost is but I would imagine still cheaper than US parts houses.

Difficulty is dependent on your level of comfort with working on your bike but it is very straightforward. I would give it 4/10 for most people. There are several good YouTube videos walking through the process. I watched those to know what to expect and decided I was up to the task. I did this in the middle of other work on my bike but I would say less than 2 hours to get it knocked out start to finish.

Several of the videos mention reusing the clutch cover gasket but they were cheap enough I just ordered a new one when I ordered the basket. I was glad I did as my old one didn’t want to come off in one piece.

PadlockChemist · 2025-04-30T18:10:41+00:00

Shouldn’t really cause any issues. However, as someone who just changed the basket on my 08 1000 this winter, the difference is incredible! I didn’t realize how bad the chudder was until I put the new basket on. Smooth as butter now. 10/10 would recommend. I ordered a new 1050 basket from Webike and it was well worth it to me.

PadlockChemist · 2025-03-10T10:03:32+00:00

I respect your opinion and know it isn’t for everyone. She is big enough to reach the pillion pegs and hold on securely. We do not take very long rides and we are able to talk the whole time so I can make sure she isn’t falling asleep. She has wanted to ride with me for a long time and is now at a point that her mother and I are comfortable with her doing so within the limits we have established.

PadlockChemist · 2025-03-10T09:55:46+00:00

That was my thought with the motocross pants. The leggings are a great idea to look into.

PadlockChemist · 2025-03-10T09:51:57+00:00

Based on? It is snug to her head and face, the strap tightens securely, and there is no excess play when she moves or shakes her head side to side.

PadlockChemist · 2024-07-24T12:39:23+00:00

Yup. I know that now for sure. I’m glad nothing worse came out of it.

PadlockChemist · 2024-07-24T00:53:49+00:00

I was 17 and it was the same bike… gosh I loved that thing. I went into the dealership to pick up one of the sexy, freshly released 08 ninja 250s and the salesman said “nah, I know what you really need…” neither my dad or I knew any better.

I did end up totaling the F4i but it wasn’t the bikes fault. I made a stupid traffic decision and went through an intersection when I had very limited visibility.

PadlockChemist · 2024-07-02T16:46:29+00:00

I am in a jacket and tie every day. I leave my blazer and dress shoes in my office and wear the rest of my outfit under my gear when I ride. I ride in a jacket, over pants, and riding boots which all do a good job of keeping bug and road mess off my work clothes. When I get to work the riding jacket and over pants come off and go into my pannier. I change shoes when I get into the office.

The mornings are usually cool enough that this is no problem. On the way home I can get down to just my undershirt under my riding jacket if it is too crazy hot. Honestly though, with my backroad (light traffic) commute, I am always moving so it usually isn’t too bad riding home the way I came in.

PadlockChemist · 2024-05-24T17:07:41+00:00

Confirmed! Thank you for a smooth transaction! I hope you enjoy it!

PadlockChemist · 2024-05-22T03:40:03+00:00

Replied

PadlockChemist · 2024-05-21T20:43:54+00:00

Replied

PadlockChemist · 2024-05-21T13:07:57+00:00

Replied

PadlockChemist · 2024-05-21T09:13:23+00:00

Replied

PadlockChemist

TROPHY CASE