Venus97

Beautiful bike, I cannot stop thinking about it since I saw it a couple of weeks ago.....

It depends on how picky you are. If you want something perfect, it may be easier getting a different XX. However if you feel like being handy and wants the challenge of a hunt on parts then keep and rebuild. You may a little negotiation power with the ins. company. But remember this, the higher value you settle with the company, then the higher salvage buy back. Plus you may have a CA branded title, which will surely diminish interest and re-sale value in the future. It is makes you feel any better-some dufus cager knocked me over on my 97 while I was stopped at red light a few months ago. I thought it was going to be a couple of hundred, estimate was $1,700 and the cager's company paid it. I kept the money and did not replace any panels. It is not perfect, but you really can't tell w/o real close examination. I figure it will help offset lower price when I sell.

22k is about right for a chain. Start looking for a replacement. ----------------------- +1 that is exactly when mine began failing.

This is a good question, as I find myself in a similar situation occasionally. #1 it taught me to check the traffic reports more aggressively before i leave home or work, and #2 it gets old real quick starting and stopping in the lane. (it is illegal to lane split here in NC as well and just my luck I would get popped either in an accident or ticket.) I have learned to tolerate for the most part, but one time in particular was very bad. I did actually lane split to a point where I was able to get off the road. I think I could justify it in that case.

There is a weight limit, I think around 400 lbs. You can do it, but remember, it will be like your straddling a sofa so don't plan any elaborate manuevers.

I use the Pro Grip Gels as well and Joe Rocket gloves with Gel stitched in the palm. The biggest factor in my experience is the angle of the levers. (level or up creates problems, angled down is natural extension of my hand)

--------------------------------------- I bought one of these earlier this year from John, and love it

I did the shim recently, big improvement in handling. Thanks for writing up.

Barry-I would chose the garage if at all possible-for all the reasons mentioned earlier-sun/fading, dirt, bird droppings, etc.

I've noticed dark rings at the end of the tips on my Scorpion slip ons, and actually have also noticed some signs of exhaust near a few rivet points as well. Is there a good over the counter clear that easily rmeoves this stuff?

I bought my Scorpions last summer for my '97 and also love them. The only real glitch was that the center stand stop did not match well so I need to fabricate my own stop. I also feel good about never having to re-pack them. I may get other bikes, but I think I will always have the 'Bird.

My question is how did this happen? It looks like something tore this rubber diaphram. Did the full pump nozzle do this?

Looks good.

Thanks for the great ideas. I knew I could tap your knowledge!

To clarify-If there is some noticeable type of improvement/benefit of the K&N over the stock, I would go forward with it and have the bike jetted to accomodate the K&N. If not, then I'll just have it jetted to the current set up.

I will adding a jet kit to my 1997 BB next month, and was wondering if replacing my stock air filter with a K & N filter would be beneficial/worthwhile. I currently have slip on Scorpions. What do you guys think?

OrganDonor-Those are very good photos. Thanks for posting! The Goldwing clips are a very good idea. I think I'll ask the shop about them when I take the bike and tires in for installation. Thanks for letting me know.

Hey Guys, I plan to have my service done next month (as soon as I get my tax refund money) and was wondering if installing some short 90 degree short tire stems would make it easier to check tire pressure. My questions are: 1. Would they look gay on the Blackbird? 2. Would they throw off the balancing of the wheels at all? What do you think?

Welcome. You may want to try e-bay, under Motorcycle Parts, then sub-search "CBR1100xx"

Stock Sprockets are 17Front and 45 Rear. I understand changing to 18 front and 45 Rear will correct speedometer, but will make the lower gears a little longer. I'll let you what I think when I install in the next month or so.

I agree with White Buffalo Racing. I just bought a front & rear sprocket and DID chain Combination (12,000 lb tensile strength X ring) for about $200. There is a guy there named Mike very knowledgeable and friendly.

I agree, probably had a little old oil/residue in it when you changed it. Speaking of changing fork oil, mine will be done when I install new springs very soon. My manual shows the forks need ot be removed fm the bike, is that correct-no way to drain and refill and install new springs while still mounted? Thanks.

I like it, looks nice. Black and Orange not a bad combination, I also like Blue and Yellow together for some reason.

May I ask how much did you pay for the chain + sprockets? Thanks. I may need a set soon. ------------------------------------------- $200.35 including shipping for 2 sprockets (front/rear) and DID X ring 10,400 lb tensile strength.

Whitey-today I just bought the exact set up you did from White Buffalo. I'm glad you like it, it sounded like a good package. Mike there sounds like a nice guy-answered my 100 questions w/o batting an eye.