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What have you done to your bird lately?

678K views 6K replies 418 participants last post by  smokeyfish 
#1 · (Edited)
I've seen these threads on other sites and have decided to blatantly rip them off.

I will start:

Tore the rear shock out to take to my local suspension guru to use as a baseline in the rebuild of my 'blade shock. Pulled all the plastics to find a spot for the shock reservoir, change the R/R to a mosfet unit, and do a bunch of stuff up front. Changed the upper fairing stay as the old one had a slight tweak (anyone who wants the old one can have it for shipping $), fabbed up a bracket and installed my Stebel Nautilus (thanks Twisted Throttle for the on-line install guide, it saved me a bunch of noodling to find an appropriate mounting point), tidied up the gaggle of wiring, relays and circuit breakers I have stuffed behind the gauge cluster, and (finally) installed my indiglo XX tach face. Forks are coming off and new springs and gold valves will go in when they arrive.

Thoughts:

The stock horn is anemic and pointless. My twin Fiamms were LOUD. The Nautilus is GAWDAWFUL LOUD. I love it.

The tach face overlay required a wire be run out the back of the cluster which was made easier by releasing the actuator motor from the PCB. I did this without paying close attention to the motor's orientation and had a 50/50
chance of putting it back in the right way. Reassembled and test fired. Tach now runs backwards. Aargh. Man card revoked. IQ downgraded to "sometimes remembers to breathe without reminding and doesn't drool on self. Much".

So what have YOU done to your bird lately?
 
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#123 ·
The spread is broad. If I had my druthers I would have an Elka triple clicker with hydraulic preload. Absolutely gorgeous bit hardware, and lighter than the stocker to boot. Also runs about $1300. Ohlins and Penske are in that neighbourhood as well. There are some less expensive ones that I can't think of right now.
It cost me just under $450 with taxes in to have the old Fireblade shock redone and I am pleased with the result.
 
#124 ·
I treated the big girl to a new CCT while I was changing the oil. Thought while I was at it, might as well remove all the bodywork and clean the panels inside and out. This led me to notice that all the bits that were covered by fairing panels and the such could use a clean as well. A full Friday night and 6 hours of a Saturday later, back on with all the removed bits, and off for a test ride. Nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
 
#130 ·
MMM, a good day on a Bird is better than a great day in a car. imho
 
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#133 ·
I have been getting some negative feedback regarding my HID low beam in that it is offensively bright to oncoming traffic. I usually respond with something about that kinda being the point but I don't want to incite oncoming drivers into doing something aggressive in retaliation. This led me to do some experimenting while I had the top fairing removed for some of my other mods. I had some thin brass sheeting in my scrap bin that seemed ideal for making a little shield to help attenuate some of the scatter that is generated by the overpowered burner.

I cut a suitably sized piece, wrapped it around a steel bar to give it the right form, then mounted it in place around the small lip on the lamp base. A little bead of silicone around the base and a dab of solder at the front where the edges meet should ensure it stays in place and hold it's shape. The tip of the lamp protrudes a bit beyond the end of the shield which allows some light to hit the out edges of the reflector.

Auto part
The lamp protrudes a bit beyond the shield which allows some of the light to hit the outer edges of the reflector. The result is a tri-light sort of affair that is still brighter (and more noticeable) than the OEM incandescent lamp, but not as blindingly overpowering as the full bore arc lamp. I will run it like this for a while to see what the complainers think of it. I'm curious to see how night riding is affected. Automotive lighting Auto part Headlamp
 
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#134 ·
on Saturday 8th of June, I took my Bird for a ride, 600 kays later in pouring rain most of the way, I got to Eden.
The sun come out, I rode around there doing the Tourist thingy, on the Sunday, Been there heaps of times, but always in transit,
Monday rode home, Eden to Bombala, 4.5 Degrees Celcius, Sun shining, but bloody freezing, then the BONANG Hwy,

Finally got my piccy near the start of the Bonang,

All the back roads back to Melbourne, Got home about 9-30 PM. This included some very fine Twistie roads, 1500 kays for the 3 days,
 

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#135 ·
705 kms through the mnts. Great ride! It's all good.
 
#137 ·
I think I did in the chain.

Spent eight days exploring the roads in WV, VA, TN, KY, NC. Rode The Back of the Dragon, The Snake, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and many other as yet un-named similar roads, so the bike had a good workout. Despite regular cleaning and lubing, the chain was in sorry shape by the time we hit the NY/CT border on the way home. It is the original chain (12 years old now) and currently has over 17,000 miles in it, so I'm really not surprised it's calling it quits.
 
#141 · (Edited)
I think I did in the chain.

Spent eight days exploring the roads in WV, VA, TN, KY, NC. Rode The Back of the Dragon, The Snake, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and many other as yet un-named similar roads, so the bike had a good workout. Despite regular cleaning and lubing, the chain was in sorry shape by the time we hit the NY/CT border on the way home. It is the original chain (12 years old now) and currently has over 17,000 miles in it, so I'm really not surprised it's calling it quits.

Like you I spent a week down yonder in the Smoky's riding. Did not see another bird between June 12th and June 20. About 3800km's covered which include a run down the Tail of the Dragon, The Snake, and The Devils Whip. A couple photo links follow, the first is on the Dragon,..the second is the Devils Whip. (use the "next/prev" buttons to see a couple shots each.

Xtreme Sports Photography at PhotoReflect.com - The Dragon June 14th, 2012 Thursday



Sorry about the dirty bike...it's not like me to let it get that dirty.


Tony
 

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#140 ·
Sorry, I cant recommend the grips. The shape is great! But the solid surface does nothing for vibration. :crap: Still considering something spongy but sure want the palm bud for the wrist factor. The right side works as a throttle control also. Believe I got them at REI but they were for mountain bikes so required some engineering.:smilebig:
 
#142 ·
WHAT? No one DOING ANYTHING TO THEIR BIRDS LATELY??:huh: Excited to of put on my new MRA after work and tested it out being one of those crazo "Quest For Quiet Air" guys that started with a cheap DB!:idunno: Well, hit the ground blastin and love the air over and around this baby!! I'm 6' 160 and had the vario down all the way so I look forward to adjusting it.:clap: Now I feel I can take off on a tour:cycle: Motorcycle accessories Windshield Motor vehicle Helmet Vehicle
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Well maybe after I snag a tankbag!:D

Hey, anyone have super sharp edges on the under side on these ? Anyone use the trim I've seen for sale to cap the edge or maybe help divert water??:idunno: Or mabe just a BELTSANDER!:cheers2:Cheers! Its Friday
 
#143 ·
It's been raining the last two days so I just washed off some road tripping and gave a quick wax. Cleaned the exhaust tips as well.
 
#145 ·
Well I just bought a set of levers, Brake and clutch for the Moped.

Brand new off Ebay.com for $34-89 Delivered. Thats for both levers, From China,

I have a bent Brake lever, But at that price I bought both,

Just in case the new one doesnt match the old one, In colour or is slightly different looking,

I end up with a good matching pair,

They will be here next week,
 
#148 ·
Cam Chain Tensioner.

I went with the manuel type from ape.

Since I got it running, I guess all the little thing will start popping up from it sitting so long.

I can feel a dead spot in the steering, the new head bearing arrived yesterday. I went with All Balls.

Cant put it on until next weekend. I'm debating on getting my forks done at the same time I have it apart.

My tuner is a suspension expert and a racetech dealer. He quoted $500.00 for new springs, bushings, seals, and oil including the labor.

If I go full racetech rebuild, its a $1000.00.

I'm undecided. I might be taking it to the track for cornering lessons, But it's mostly a street bike.

I have been riding my YSR50 on the kart track and its a blast, but I su@#. I know with some seat time I will improve, but I could use some lessons.

I have a 1991 GSXR 750 engine that I tore down for inspection and its in great shape. I will rebuild and make it my track bike, but I still need a roller.

This build will take some time, probably at least a year, so the bird might see a few lessons at the track.
 
#149 ·
My tuner is a suspension expert and a racetech dealer. He quoted $500.00 for new springs, bushings, seals, and oil including the labor.
I was right around there for springs, bushings, seals and both comp and rebound gold valve kits. Oil was purchased locally for another $15 and labour was provided by my right and left hands. If you're comfortable at all around wrenches you can save yourself a pile of dough doing the forks yourself.
 
#150 ·
Shew,
I am perfectly happy with my 900rr that Traxxion built for me. So much so that I am forgoing an upgrade to Penske or other. I am going to pursue the front forks. Probably just pull them and have Traxxion do it. Correct springs, valve check, fluids, clean and polish, etc. Maybe one of these days I'll have the time to do it myself.

-smurf
 
#152 ·
Shew,
I am perfectly happy with my 900rr that Traxxion built for me.
I am quite pleased with the one I am running as well (thanks again) now that I finally got off my ass and had it reworked. Combined with the rebuilt forks it has completely transformed the bike. No more harsh jarring through the bars and no more uncomfortable rear end wiggle in fast cornering.

The fairing decals are not covered in clear coat, only the tank decals are, so it's a relatively straight forward operation to remove them. The side decals are specific to the bike's colour so you may, if you look at other colour/year birds, find a different colour decal that you like better, or you could try a custom graphic shop. They should be able to reproduce (print & cut) it in whatever combination you prefer.
 
#151 ·
Decals,

If it doesn't belong here please move it. I notice some of you have the Honda strip along the lower fairing but even better the CBRXX side decal is looking great on some models. On

my 2000 Titanium they are a subdued black to point where you almost can't see them. I'm wondering if this is fade factor or should I replace with new, maybe from a different model?

Here's a picture to show a comparison. And yes those are Traxxion forks on the black edition.

Let me know what you guys think. Are we looking at a decal application here or is paint and clear-coat involved. Sorry body work isn't my forte'.

tks.

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#153 ·
Full Akrapovic Racing system and Jaws De-link kit. Now... it's becoming the bike I always wanted it to be. :evilaugh: The Akra completely transforms the power delivery - it's ANGRY now. But... it also makes riding around town easier - the loss of torque low down actually helps, I think - it's a bit less snatchy. But my goodness me, over about 4000RPM, it's transformed. I can't stop laughing inside my helmet.

The de-linked brakes are a revelation too, but I did renovate the calipers completely and install EBC HH pads at the same time - I absolutely love the new setup. I feel like I'm in control again.

But the noise the Akra makes! Ah, have I mentioned the noise? It's like heaven (or perhaps hell).
 
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#157 · (Edited)
As per Dan Anderson at Traxxion: " The AK20 kit with caps that provide preload, rebound and compression damping is $1199.95. Oil and springs are included. Each kit is built to order, sprung and valved for your weight, load, riding style, etc."

After reading the install tech document there doesn't appear to be any special tools required to do the Traxion install to the Showa forks on the Honda XX. Not so for some of the KYB forks that the Kawi brand uses.

Tony

 
#156 ·
Special tool, fat wallet!
 
#158 ·
So the Traxxion kits come with the valving pre-assembled? I wonder what else they do better than Race Tech that justifies the extra $700.
 
#167 ·
The complete cartridge assemblies are replaced in total with the Traxxion kit. I did not see that Race Tech offered the same.

Tony
Damn I want a set of those.... but my 13 year old son would complain far too much if I didnt feed him for 3 months.... which is what i would have to do to afford them...
 
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