TAPnTXs

wr0ngway Here is the Kit number I used for my 03 Combi Kit (0465-0463) It is for 96 and up, BTW Helvet was right on on this, It made the bird a whole new machine, Firm but Smooth. Todd

I just put the Hyper-Pro kit (Front Springs, and Rear Springs) in my bike, and all I have to say is that it is a totally new bike now. It turns better, tracks better is smoother and stays planted in the turns. The springs are progressive, so it is smooth on the road over the small stuff, but when you are flying through the turns it stiffens up, and makes the bike track really well. Todd[

EVLXX, You are very correct about the speeds in each state being different. I will also say that the road surfaces vary greatly in each state as well. Which may play a big factor in some riders being happy with the Roads while some are not. But here in TX where I do alot of riding around where I live, the asphalt is very slick from being worn. I just never felt comfortable with the Roads on the current surfaces I ride on weekly. I am definitely not saying the Roads are bad tires, just not good for me, and the area I ride in. Todd

I am sure I will get slammed here on this but here is my opinion! I tried the Roads, did not like them at all, very slippery in the turns, and seemed a little strange on the straights. And since I am not a seasoned vetran like alot of the guys here, I even let a friend ride my bike that has been riding for over 25 years, and is currently riding an R1. He said the same thing, felt like it was just waiting to slip out from under you. Mind you his test ride of my bike was on Cement, I told him he should try it on the Asphalt. I am currently using Dunlop 208's and they stick like glue in the turns, I just got back from a 1000 mile ride in the Ozarks, and there is very little straight roads in AR, and let me tell you it never slipped one time, and every turn was taken at atleast twice the posted speed. As far as life expectancy, the front has lasted for 2 rears, about 4k on each rear and 8k on the front. The way I look at it if I am not confident in my bike, and if it does slip out from under me just once, I will not have saved anything!!! The Roads will last along time though, I had 4200 miles on them and they still had atleast that left on them. I gave them to a friend that has one of the BMW Sport Tourers, and he even commented they were a little more slippery than he was used too also. And he has been riding for over 30 years, and has 100's of thousands of miles under his belt. I currently have 15000 miles on my bike and when I started riding this year, I had around 4k, in the last 6 months I have put 11k on the bike, and I will say after the original D 205's the Pilot Roads, and now the D 208's The 208 is hands down the best tire I have used at this point. This is totally just my experience, I am not an expert, but I can tell you the last 8k miles the bike has never slipped once. So confidence is very high, and I look forward to riding, instead of wondering if this is the day it slides out from under me!!! Todd

I use Honda HP4 (Gold Bottle) synth blend, bike runs cooler and shifts smoother. Todd

I dont think so, they are directional for a reason, clearly marked on the disk. I think if they were interchangeable, Honda would have made it a universal part. Not sure I would risk it on such a critical part!!! I have no proof that it will not work, but if it does not it could be detrimental to your health!!! Todd

This guy rides in our group, he makes these here in the DFW area, great guy and stands behind his product 100% money back guarantee. His is made from 1/2" alumnium and is powder coated. He uses powder coating because the UV from the sun will not fade it. Here is the Link: http://www.xtremecameramounts.com/ Todd

Also look at NAPA Auto Supply, they sell a primer for Flexible Bumpers. I tried it on a Fuel Jug for my model Helicopters. then painted it black with Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy. I could flex the jug and the paint stuck!!! And it was Fuel proof to 30% Nitro Methane. Todd

porterb123, No the seals do not affect the balance, the axle turns with the wheel, not inside the wheel. I will shoot some pics tomorrow for you. Also if you would like to buy a really good true axle, you can purchase Drill Rod in 3' Lengths that has very minimal run-out. Less than .002 at 3' very straight stuff, and polished. Look at J&L Supply, they sell it in 3' lengths in all sizes Metric and STD. very cheap. Todd

Dude, Good luck, I asked for maps several times with no avail. It was hard to believe no one had an 02-03 with PCIII and D&D's. Todd

The hard part of changing the tires is taking the wheels off and back on. I bought the Harbor Freight tire changing Stand. I only use it to hold the wheel, and use tire tools to slip the tires on and off. Forgot, I also use it to break the bead. I bought two sets of Rim savers, Motion Pro, not very good, and found a set the other day that seem much better, made from nylon harder, but smooth. mix up a little soapy water, get a few of the Wooden clamps to sqeeze the tire to keep it in the valley of the rim. And for the balancing part, I made a set of bearing blocks using precision Step Motor bearings. and use the bikes axle. Works like a charm, very sensitive, a small piece of tape will make the tire move. My reason for not letting the dealer touch my bike is I do not want it scratched, and it is normally the least experienced person doing the tire changes, sorry not on my bike. It is my ass on the line if he screws up. And the confidence I have in my dealer is, it took them 6 hours to assemble my bike. All they had to do is put on the mirrors, windscreen, fill with oil, and wash. Which they did not accomplish one of those task correctly! Just remember that little feeler guage in the tool bag is to set the left hand brake housing clearance!!!! Todd

I tried the Pilot Roads between 38 and 42 psi front and rear. And even with the extra weight of the girlfriend on the back, the bike just would not track right. Just seemed like you could never find the right line. The 208's are totally opposite, track very straight, and the bike sticks to the road very well, I am running the 208's at 38 psi. Todd

Well I am far from being an expert!! but here is my $.02 worth!!! I bought my bike new, had the stock Dunlop 205's got about 5k out of them. They rode pretty good, seem to stick well. Next tires Pilot Roads, hated them from the first day. Harder Compound and if you hit the smallest pebble in a sharp turn, better be ready. Yesterday I replaced my 4k Pilot Roads with Dunlop 208 ZR's, just returned back from first 150 miles on them, and let me say with out a doubt these are far superior tires to the Pilot Roads. They may not last very long, but they stick like glue in the turns, and I was intentionally trying to hit pebbles in turns, never felt them slip once. $206 to my door. The Pilot Roads I have are maybe on the outside Half Worn, I will be finding a home for them to some lucky person. Even my Girlfriend commented on the Pilot Roads I Quote " the bike feels very unstable now, and I can feel more vibration". I will say I was caught out in rain once with them and they never slipped. But on the Dry pavement, I did not like them. This is totally my opinion, but I rode 150 mile ride on Sunday, and it sucked with the Pilot Roads, and just did the same ride an hour ago, and the Dunlop 208 ZR's made it a totally different bike. Todd

Thanks for the help guy's, I am going to get the bike dyno'd and have the custom map made for it. Can anyone recommend a place in the DFW area!!! Thanks again for the help!!! Todd And to Quote Eric Cartman " I Love You Guys"

Yes, I am trying to lean that side a little, I installed D&D slip-ons, and the right side seems to be a lil Richer (more soot on the exit of the pipe than the left side. I just installed a Power Commander, and was going to try the Cylinder Trim function to see if I could lean it up just a tad. Todd