rideonXX

The 5w-40 will be great-----base recommendation is 10w-40---but the 5w only means it will flow like a 5w when tested at a specified temperature--has nothing to do with amount of protection afforded. There is extensive discussion on this subject at this forum---worth a read. Just do a search for 'synthetic oil'---------happy trails kel

I run the Sport/Road combination and they have been very good. On the street I run 38-40 front, 42 rear----no problem with stick once warm (about 20 minutes). For track day at Streets of Willow--(it was a cold, windy day) they recommended 30 front, 32 rear--worked out OK but DAMN the Bird felt like a big heavy bus at those pressures. Just my opinion---------happy trails kel

If you use the DID Chain (ZVM) the DID tool is absolutely the best because it is built to set the side plate to the exact position and then the tool that peens the pin does it to the exact amount and form without cracking the edges. You would really have to work at it to botch an installation with that tool.

The toothbrush will be fine. Those O-rings are made to withstand the grinding of dirt and chain lube. The fine grit kicked up off the road is a hell of a lot sharper than any tooth brush. I plan to do mine this week---but the weather has been so great for riding here in So Cal---well, you know---happy trails kel

I use the brake cleaner as well. Just a quick wipe down and then scratch them up with scotchbrite--or, the best I have found is scraping them with a piece of the material that is left over from when my son puts griptake on his skateboard----damn that stuff is sharp! Then by the time you get them warmed up---you are good to play. Happy trails kel

I have been running the Sport front/Road Rear for almost 5K miles and in my opinion---work great. I even did the Reg Pridmore riding class at Streets of Willow---they did real well there once warmed up. On the street I run 42/42--with about 20mins riding time before I start to play. At the Streets of Willow it was 31/32 (Bird feels real heavy running those pressures---but stuck quite well. The Road will spin up fairly easy if you are harsh with the throttle. Happy trails kel

Tire manufactures know how to get maximum performance out of tires. As I want the maximum my tires have to give---I put in a little effort (proper run-in, very close pressure monitoring) to assure it. Seems to me XX, you have some good riding right in your backyard--the road up by Lake Hughes, Bouguet Canyon area where you won't get run over at 60---and you can even scuff the sides in a bit. Besides, it's great excuse to get away from unpleasant social obligations----"you have to go run your tires in" before you need to trust them on that motorcycle hell of a road---I-5. Happy trails kel

XX--if your looking for maximum service and life out of the new tires---might be worth considering the 'run in' portion of the Metzeler riding safety site. It does make a difference if your going for long tire life---happy trails kel http://www.metzelermoto.com/product_info/safety.asp

I have been using Amsoil products for years in my bikes, cars, CNC machines in my shop. They are very good about posting independent test lab results----and if you come up with a test by some other manufacturer that claims something different (likely in our competative marketplace) then presented it to Amsoil tech people---they have been very good at answering my questions--to my satisfaction. Are they the very best? Hell, I don't know---but they have worked very well for me. Happy trails kel

Pretty certain a scale used for weighing fish (hooks through the gill) will do the trick. 1Kilogram=2.2046lb and 1.5 Kilogram=3.3069. So, I would think if you got the scale and then calibrated it with a know weight--you will have your needed tool. Happy trails kel

Amsoil has a gas additive I have used for years in both bikes and fuel injected cars---with very good results. It's not harsh---so takes some time---but worth it. Most likely you will find that treatment adequate---but regular sychronizing is the main ticket---IMHO-----happy trails kel

Thank you guys----for each bit of information. It really does help when you have never been down 'this road'-------happy trails kel

kg4fku----I don't know where the thread you are talking about is--but because of it I went to White Buffalo Racing for the set (Front springs, rear spring and fork oil) They were excellent with me---good price, special order---delivery right on time---can't beat that. Their toll free phone # is (866) 249-3354. Their web address is www.whitebuffaloracing.com G2---thanks for sharing the information. Much appreciated--happy trails kel

Tim----you never got back to us with the findings on your spring, oil change. Did you install the rear Hyperpro spring as well? I just got the set in today---should do the install before long---so any information you can provide relative to your findings will be greatly appreciated. Thanks---happy trails kel

Another site of interest relative to oil/ grease, suppliers---ST1300 site--well done. Happy trails kel http://www.calsci.com/ST1300/Consumables.h...html#OilFilters

You probably have the problem solved by now--but for those that may have a similiar problem---I did ('97 XX)and it turned out to be a pluged hose that is supposed to vent the carbs. I put on new hoses--problem gone. I know this post isn't very clear---but it has been a long time ago and a whole lot of white lines have passed since then. Good Luck---happy trails kel

Gumbybob--I've been running that combination and it works great. Just finished one of Reg Pridmore's CLASS days at Streets of Willow. A little slippry for the 1st few laps (cold day & cold track) but once they got warmed up----fun for the rest of the day-----and getting great wear. Happy trails kel

I have a pilot Sport on the front and a Pilot Road on the rear and really like the combination. Just finished a Reg Pridmore class at Streets of Willow (race track) and after about fifteen minutes at 32psi they started to hook up well and worked well all day. Also, getting very good life out of them. I will probably not buy another set---not because they are not a good/great tire---but rather because they are from France. Happy trails kel