Enmity

I put on a set of Dunlop D220's for my trip and they performed well, though I only got 6000km out of the rear before I was down to the belt but that was mainly because of the hot outback roads. I would recommend a D208 front and D220 rear. The Pilot roads are supposed to be good as well. I have some super hard Metzeler tyre on the back I put on in Alice Springs just to finish the trip and the damn thing skids under engine braking in the wet. I think I will end up using it as a burnout tyre and put something decent back on the rear. The old saying to remember is that replacing tyres is cheaper than fairings and skin grafts. Mick

I have made a couple of calls for quotes at dealers in Melbourne, only 3 hours away, and was quoted AUD$283 for the DID chain and $239 for a regina chain, and $50 for install. You guys don't know how lucky you are in the USA. Will keep shopping around for a bit. The Honda dealer said 44 was the stock sprocket size. Thanks for the quick reply, think I will change replace the chain, mainly for peace of mind as I don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere on a broken 'bird. Will take heaps of pics Mick

I just read that a 44 tooth sprocket with mess with your wear indicator? I have been looking around to replace my chain since I adjusted it last night and it was well past the replace chain mark - but I also noted a 44 stamped on my rear sprocket. Otherwise, the chain does not seem too bad - was giving it a good clean, lubing and noticed a few kinks that I worked free. Bike has 15k km's on the clock, bought it 6mths ago with 5,700 on the clock. Questions are: 1. How do you know when to replace the chain (besides stretch / wear indicator) 2. What is the stock sprocket sizes for the 2003 'Bird? 3. What chain do people recommend and going prices? I am planning to leave this coming week-end for my around Australia trip so want to make sure everything is sweet before I leave. Mick

If you replace the stock pipes with cat. convertors for some louder pipes, do you need to have the ignition curves remapped for the drop in back pressure etc? I have read conflicting reports in this. About to head out for 5 weeks Around Australia tour =) Thanks! Mick