BackInBlack

The filter wrench that fits my '91 Toyota Camry also fits the honda filter. $2-$3 at the auto zone, kragen etc...

I have a penske shock and a 4 into 1 aftermarket exhaust. I noticed that my chain runs really close to the centerstand as well. I'll have to check the bumper. Never thought to look at that... One thing you might want to check is that the arrows on the two triangle plates, that bolt to the bottom of the shock, are facing forward. I installed those wrong one time and the chain was hitting the centerstand...

MileHi, I recently bought a '97 Blackbird and I noticed that the R/R does get quite hot. I assumed that was "normal". Your idea sounds pretty good. I should be able to round up a cooling fan here at work from an old pc.... Where exactly did you wire it to? Do you think the plastic zip ties will hold up to the heat? Thanks, Ian

I thought about playing around with tire pressure but haven't yet. I have Michelin Pilot Sports on it and I set them both at 42psi per the sticker on the swing arm. You think I could lower those to 38psi and soften the ride?

Hello, I'm new to this forum. I recently bought a '97 Blackbird from a friend of mine. He had de-linked the brakes by installing 2 braided lines from the master cylinder which then split to mount to the 2 spots on each front caliper. He had a machine shop make an aluminum brace to replace that piston thingy on the left caliper. The rear just has a single looped line to replace the linked setup. It works well. I like to use the rear brake on slow maneuvers and also to trail brake on corners. It seems pretty hard to actually lock up the rear and I've hit it kinda hard a couple times. Linking front and rear when you grab the front brake appears like a generally good idea. I think people have problems with having the front grab when you hit the rear... Ian

Hello, Thanks for the suggestions I do get some harsh hits through the front but not enough to be an issue. That's why I haven't messed with the front springs other than taking out some preload. Usually what I notice more are the hits through the seat which I assume are related to the rear suspension compression. It seems worse at highway speeds than on slower back roads. Dropping from the 1100lb to the 1000lb spring on Penske did help (when I first got the bike it'd buck me off the seat on big bumps). Now, even with the compression set to "1" (the softest) it can be a bit harsh. I think I'll call Penske and talk to them about how I might soften it a bit more. (Valving or going to a 950lb spring maybe?) So far I'm learning that suspension is a tricky thing and it's hard to find a balance on settings. What's good on one road is not on another.... Ian

Hi, Thanks for the feedback. I might be guilty of trying to make a "couch" ride but I just don't have a frame of reference for what it should feel like. I've only owned 30+ year old UJM's and couple 80's BMW K-bikes up until now. Having a "real" suspension is something new to me :grin: I'm planning on contacting Penske again. I'm just trying to make sure I'm doing the adjustments correctly. I've also been trying to determine if sometimes what I think is a rear shock issue is actually caused by the front being a little too stiff instead? The initial hit on the front jolts or rocks the bike and makes the rear hit hard??? (Is that possible?) I'm leaning towards buying the .95 springs for the front but didn't want to spend the money if it's not going to make much difference. What is the stock rear shock like? It seems heavier guys don't like it because it's too soft. I'm a pretty mellow rider so I'm just wondering if it might work better for me in terms of sacrificing some performance for comfort? Ian

Hello XX Forum, This is kinda a long question but hopefully someone can help.... I recently bought a '97 Blackbird from a friend. He put Race Tech 1.0kg/mm springs in the forks (just springs no valving or emulators) and a Penske shock on the rear. He's 6'5" and weighs 230lbs and I'm 5'10", 170lbs. I already replaced the spring on the Penske, he had an 1100lb spring and I put a 1000lb spring on it. I called Penske and they said a 1000lb spring was recommended for my weight. The problem is that I've played around with the compression and rebound adjustments on the Penske and it still seems harsh over bumps. I currently have the remote compression adjuster set at 2 (out of 6) and the rebound dial is about 8 (out of 30) clicks. Is there anyone who's about my weight who also uses a Penske shock? If so, what are your settings? Also, according to Race Tech, I am inbetween an .95kg/mm and 1.0kg/mm springs for the front. As stated above, the bike has the 1.0kg/mm springs in it. Would switching to the .95kg/mm be that noticeable? I'm enjoying the bike and plan on using it mainly for touring so I'd like to have a cushier ride. I've already done a couple different 500+ mile days. The main comfort issue I'm having is with the suspension. It's great when the road is smooth but once the road gets a little bumpy (concrete block freeway with seems), feeling ALL the bumps can get old fast. I haven't owned a "sportbike" before so maybe I'm expecting too much? I'd appreciate whatever feedback or suggestions you have. Thanks, Ian