Silly Time
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2016 10:02 amIts that time of year again where the temperatures dictate more time reading about farkles and less time riding. Of course this means upgrades and "maintenance" but mostly the former no matter how much I justify the latter. This ends up with silliness of expensive upgrades that are hopefully well worth it but will not be fully evident until the next riding season.
CB500X:
The touring motard received its 16K service, which was a great time to also add SS brake lines, JT steel sprockets with taller gearing to make first and second more usable, and EK 3D Z series chain, which is both incredibly strong and lightweight. The stock chain was garbage from day one and regularly would develop kinks that were more time than they were worth, despite maintenance after nearly every ride. The replacement gear also seems to have less rolling resistance and seemed to reduce some of the vibrations. The accessory fuse block was moved from under the seat to the vast space under the right front fairing to improve underseat storage. The majority of trips will be with a magnetic tank bag instead of the giant recycle bin / parachute on the back, which should improve aerodynamic profile and center of gravity.
VFR:
LSL superbike bar kit with Honda 919 bars installed for less neck pain for 2-up touring duties, tapered steering head bearings, front fork service with fresh oil and seals while the front end was apart. New Bridgestone S21s should improve the sporting intentions along with stainless steel lines, which was a major undertaking of 13 lines on the VFR's antiquated ABS system. I have not ridden it yet, but my friend who did the work brought it back last night. I hope the weather cooperates a little for a test ride.
CB500X:
The touring motard received its 16K service, which was a great time to also add SS brake lines, JT steel sprockets with taller gearing to make first and second more usable, and EK 3D Z series chain, which is both incredibly strong and lightweight. The stock chain was garbage from day one and regularly would develop kinks that were more time than they were worth, despite maintenance after nearly every ride. The replacement gear also seems to have less rolling resistance and seemed to reduce some of the vibrations. The accessory fuse block was moved from under the seat to the vast space under the right front fairing to improve underseat storage. The majority of trips will be with a magnetic tank bag instead of the giant recycle bin / parachute on the back, which should improve aerodynamic profile and center of gravity.
VFR:
LSL superbike bar kit with Honda 919 bars installed for less neck pain for 2-up touring duties, tapered steering head bearings, front fork service with fresh oil and seals while the front end was apart. New Bridgestone S21s should improve the sporting intentions along with stainless steel lines, which was a major undertaking of 13 lines on the VFR's antiquated ABS system. I have not ridden it yet, but my friend who did the work brought it back last night. I hope the weather cooperates a little for a test ride.
while fitting into a limited space.