GhostRyder

Just returned from a 3200+ mile trip to the Canadian Rockies. I have a PP 2CT front and a Dunlop Roadsmart rear. In southern Alberta with 6600 miles on my rear I noticed I was at the wear indicators. I checked the tire at each fueling, and it just kept looking good until I got home 1200 miles later! Previously I've seen tires burn through the last 600-800 miles really quick, right down to the cords but not on the Roadsmart. I'm going to keep commuting on it for another 4-600 miles I'd guess for a total of 8300 or so miles. 60% of my riding is touring with overnight gear, 40% commuting and canyon carving. Heavy rains in Alberta on the Icefields Parkway and my tire combo performed great. I'm staying with this set up for sure.

"Bout time for an update. I temporarily re-wired past the RR connector and checked voltage at the battery (after a full overnight charge on the Tender) with the bike running and got 13.88 volts at 5K RMP's. The stator resistence checked out too. Soooooo........I jumped in and learned how to solder and re-wired the whole thing together again with heat shrink wrap, electrical tape and zip ties. Now the bike run's fine, voltage is good and steady. I'm planning on riding the bike for a few weeks and then deciding what to do about this shop. They charged her $37 to "diagnose" a bad RR and stator with a quote to my GF for $850 in repair work. When she asked how much to just re-wire the connector, they pulled a figure of $150 out of their ass. I understand electical components can be erratic when they begin to go out, but according to the dealer, this was not the case, they were fried and that's that. Well gee, apparently not. How would you guys approach this? I might go pay a visit to the service writer Adam, then flame them wherever I can, but thought I'd get some imput from the collective consciousness............ Barry

So my girlfriends 2003 VFR 800 was running great, no problems. I started it a month ago and I smell burning plastic. Inspection reveals the connector above the radiator is shorting. (This connects the stator with the RR) Took it in for a new connector and shop says, "Oops that'll be $850 for new stator, RR, etc." I paid them their $39 and picked up the bike. Was that an attempt to screw me over? Can a bike run fine, blow the RR and cook the connector? A post on the VFR forum says solder the wires (or use a connector) and ride the bike, see what happens! Can I blow something else if it is shot? I'm not fully trusting this particular shop btw...........as you may have guessed. So need your thoughts on this. The RR and stator don't look too hard to replace for this backyard mechanic. The bike has 33K on it, well maintained otherwise. The battery is good, no worries or symptoms prior to the short at the connector. Thanks, Barry Sorry about posting on our BB forum. Bitch me out if you must. Anybody have a similiar experience with their Blackbird?

Ok, the beast is nestled comfortably in it's new home.........MY garage!!! Looks good next to the CBR1000F Hurricane. Beautiful bike, smooth and potent for sure. Thanks for all the info on this site and encouragement to step up to the XX. Now to the new members forum with a pic or 2.

Ok, this is my first posting. I'm the guy that drove over the mtn's and bought it! This is my first Bird, I currently have a '96 CBR 1000F, love the bike but have always wanted a XX. I stumbled upon the craigslist ad last Friday am, got my ass over there first thing Sat. and layed some cash down without even a test ride. (6 inches of snow on the ground) I'll be picking it up Monday (after a ride to check the mechanics, ride quality, etc.) but it looks like a well loved Bird!!! I'm paying less than he asked also. I'm super excited, can't sleep at night, have watched every damn You Tube video I can find........ I've got it bad, got it bad, got it bad.............I'm hot for Blackbird. (hey this group has awesome emicon's) Hey SilverBird, I've got a XR650 as well. Let's get out and go riding man!