Canadian Bird

for what it's worth, maybe flush hydraulics, replace coolant, valves, plugs, check pads, tires?, charging system? My 2 cents.

I have Heli Bars on my '02 Bird. I didn't install them but the brake/clutch lines were not lengthened and now I have steel braided lines and they were installed with no issues related to the Heli Bars.

FWit's W, I just received an HID by Prius, by Phillips, from Jaws, plus a 100 W High Beam. $265 US$'s. Using the Post Office. I'm waiting for wheel bearing, a set of shrooms, a braided clutch pipe, and a set of Strada's which I'll pick up tomorrow. I'll have it all installed in a week or so. I'll try to post some pics one day. Maybe.

One Kanuk buck is worth .8641 cents per Yankee $. Or one Yankee $ buys $1.3364 Kanuk bucks. And gas is $1.17 cents per litre. Cheers from the GWN

I replaced the stearing head with OEM bearings and although the valves were adjusted they didn't need shims. I will use OEM wheel bearings as well. I used Silkolene fork oil and Motul Semi Syn and a Motul "race" coolant. I used a Swiss dot 5.1 brake fluid. all this is probly "over kill" but it's my dime. Also EBC HH brake pads, all round. If I could find a turbo kit, I just might bite.

Just a few thoughts on my upgrades. FW it's W, the Goodridge brake lines took five hours to install, bleeding etc. Ten lines and not an easy task, my tech told me. I just ordered the clutch line from Jaws to be installed along with the HID's I bought from John. The Penske rear shock is a vast improvement as are the 100 mm over front springs. I stuck with OEM fork oil weight. The remote had to be installed right by the centre stand grab rail b/c of how the resevoir exited the shock. Penske wasn't much help when called to ask for mounting instructions. I have to lift the seat to make any adjustments to the remote. Perhaps because of the Givi luggage set up that's not a bad location. I've ridden twice since the installs, due to "global warming" and tons of rain, WTF. I'm not a knee dragger, however I could be now, and the Bird sticks to the tarmack like glue, holds the line and rides very smooth, "soft", and comfy. I know the "set up" will have to be "fine tuned" but I'm very pleased with the ride now. I haven't had a long ride of twisties but the few I have been on instill much more confidence. The braided lines look brilliant but I just don't do "hard" braking so I'll have to wait till I get into the mountains, perhaps next month, to determine the effects of braided lines. I intalled a Pyramid Hugger but now, after reading a tread concerning tire rub, I'm a little worried b/c I buying a pair of Pirelli Diablo Stada's in a week or so and I'm wondering if they'll rub. I'll be installing new wheel bearing at the time of tire install. At 102 thousand kms it seems to be a good idea. New head bearings, battery, plugs, valve adj, all done as well. I only went with the HID low beams and will install a 100 W high beam as it apparently takes a moment to spool up and if I want to "blip" the highs, by time it's bright, the car is gone. I don't do much night riding so it should be more than adaquate. I suppose the next purchase will be a top line Radar Detector, maybe a GPS from Garmin. Perhaps an undertail but I don't like wimpy turn signals so I'm unsure. If I can figure out how to post jpegs, I will. I had to buy my wife a new car to appease my concious for dropping such a "boat load" of cash on my Bird. She's happy now. OK, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Cheers, Canadian Bird

Exactly what are pair valves, location and function?

Motul, no other additives. Doesn't get that hot so I don't use anything else. I change coolant every two years.

HID is my next purchase. I will most likely buy from Jaws, both high and low beams. Don't do much night riding but, ya never know but I want to be seen during the day.

Who sell Silkolene 5 weight fork oil? Cheers

What's the best fork oil available? An other oil thread? Is synthetic fork oil available, preferable? Next ? Will it be necessary to shim the rear with a Penske remote rear shock? Why would use anything other than OEM fork oil weight? Cheers

What does "stiction" mean?

Here's my two cents worth. At 102,000 kms it was time to address the f&r suspension. I purchased a Penske remote, 1000kg springs, adjustable rear shock, $757.00; front spring, 100 ml over length, spacers 100 ml under, non-progressive. Pre-load adjusters, approx $500, Can. from Jaws on the Brit site. I highly recommend John from Jaws. There are many other knowledgeable peeps on this site as well. John is knowledgeable and helpfull. I also sprung for a fulll braided brake/clutch kit from Jaws; $500 Can. Not part of the suspension up-grade but "in for penny, in for a pound". Of course I had to buy a rear hugger as well. OK, I spent $2,000 Can. and now I have to spring for the installation. For me it's part of my riding costs. I do a great deal of touring, fully loaded Givi bags plus often my wife on long trips so I needed the upgrades. F.W. it's W, I have to take a hit when buying from the USA or England, but if I purchased the upgrades in Canada I'd be paying dealer mark ups. I'll be having all the work done in a couple of weeks and hopefully I'll post some pics. Yes, it's expensive to do it right, but there are perhaps others, cheaper methods. 6mm shims? Good luck.

As a fellow BB owner and working at a Honda shop, I can get the Avon Storm tyres for: 103.40 + shipping Frt & 140.34 + shipping RR. What do you think? Would you like this price? Thanks but I don't think that will work for me concidering the $ exchange rate and shipping to Canada costs. I would have to add 14% plus if it went through FexEx/UPS(which I dislike because they add on brokerage fees) They could land here $100 more than if I buy them here. Tires are not a small item and you can't camaflage them. When I receive stuff from England, I do ok.

Is the K &N that much of an improvement over the Honda OEM? The oil filter's fine how "weak" is the air filter?

I purchased a set from "Jaws" on the Brit site. 209.50 Sterling. 10 lines. I'm expecting them anyday in the mail. I also bought my front springs, spacer, and pre-load adjusters from him as well as the frame plugs. He's a staight up and very knowledgeable BlackBird "expert". I don't know where I could have found a set designed for the Bird. I suppose peeps in the know could just measure, cut, attach the banjoes, and do it. Good luck on your search, I'd like to know the bottom line price you come up with.

Thanks for the response. I'm looking forward to all the mods. I won't get it done till March cause I'm just too busy to take my bike in and the weather sucks at the moment. I've waited this long I can wait a little longer. Are the braided line just "bling" or are they an effective performance mod. I suppose this thread will be useless without pics. When it's done I'll attempt to post some pics. Cheers

I have ordered and received front springs, spacers, pre-load adjusters in a week. Excellent service. I'm waiting for the braided line kit I ordered on Sunday. Excellent Company, service, and John is a "straight up" man who is very knowledgeable about the Bird.

Thanks for the response. Yes, all brake lines will be replaced. The kit has 10 lines. 9 lines for the brake, 1 for the clutch. (?) yes? I am not doing the work. It will be done by the tech who has done all the work on my bike. Yes, it's costly but that's the price I pay. I have no expertise, or desire to do the work. I suppose I will have to pay $1,000 or so but I know it will be done correctly, no, it's not a Harley dealer. I'm well aware of what many on this board think of Honda dealers but I've had no issues and I know this tech is very experienced and competent. In the winter he rebuilds race bikes. I feel the Bird will ride better than new once these mods have been done. Although I may get a second bike I won't sell the Bird as long as I can ride and when I can't ride I will give it to my daughter and son-in-law. Thanks again for the approx time. Cheers

For the techs. I'm looking for a time frame for installing the following items, not how to. 1) front springs and spacers(Jaws) 2) remote pre-load adjusters(Jaws) 3) new fork oil and head bearings 4) braided brake & clutch lines(Jaws) 5) bleed brakes/new hydrolic fluid 6) front & rear pads 7) install Penske rear shock(TripleDigets) 8) oil/filter An experienced tech will do the work. Please save any "smart ass" responses they aren't necessary. For those who reply, thanks

I think the paint looks cool. ps, you might want some frame plugs to smooth out the frame. Jaws make very nice ones for the bird.

I totally agree with the above advice. Don't skimp on maintenance. Use your owner's manual.

I puchased 100 mm over length springs and 100 mm shorter spacers from Jaws in England. I also bought pre-load adjusters from him. About $430 Can $'s. I have also order a new Penski 8389 rear shock. I haven't had them installed yet, will do that in Feb. At 102,000 kms it was time for a rebuild. I can't comment on any other products. Olhins was bit too spendy for me and probly my riding style. Now I'm searching for a braided clutch/brake lines. If you visit the Brit Bird site and enter Jaws, he is knowledgeable re all things BlackBird and a very nice man to boot.

My source is Jaws from which I purchased a set of overlength springs, spacers and preload adjusters. However, that being said, I'm not interested in a flame up. I'm having the front suspension rebuilt and I haved ordered a Penske rear shock to complete the package. Sorry if I confuse you does this mean you don't want to have sex? The new spring are, as far as I can determine, are 100 mm over. I've 102,000 kms on an '02 Bird and it's time for new suspension. Cheers

Front spring are 234mm and are progressive.