joe

I just wanted to clarify a common misconception: If you put a full exhaust system on your bike, you don't HAVE to have a Power Commander. The bike will still run fine and it won't deteriote your performance (i.e. fuel economy) in any way. As a matter of fact, you will see a performance gain. I know that this information doesn't really apply to you because you're looking for maximum performance gain. Without a Power Commander, there is untold h.p. to be had. So, for you, install one. Just know that you don't HAVE to have one for the bike to run properly. Joe

I don't know what year your bike is, but I have an '03. You're not going to be able to find a fender eliminator kit designed for this year model (and I assume this applies for 2000-3). The 1997-99 have a different rear brake light, so finding a kit for these years, which is possible, won't fit the other bikes. Some companies sell "one-size-fits-all" kits, but you're going to have to do some cutting and drilling for it to work. Plus, you have to think about where you're going to put that seat key lock because these "one-size-fits-all" kits don't make accomodations for that. If you want a low-cost way to eliminate that God-awful fender, just trim it like most other people do. Check mine out: I didn't install an undertail on my bike because I heard about problems with the rear wheel bottoming out on it. Joe

I can't believe the Honda engineers used an apparent linear scale for the gas needle, even though the shape of the tank is non-linear. I don't see why they didn't fix this. It's as simple as filling the tank with, let's say 1/8 tank of fuel and adjust the gauge for 1/8 deflection. Fill her with another 1/8 tank of fuel and adjust the gauge for 1/4 deflection, etc.

Just for archive purposes, the link is actually: www.ronayers.com

If you get a chance, peruse my web site (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/joe.smith), but pay attention to the treads on my tires (the black bike). These are OEM tires with over 7,400 miles on them - they have worn down very little. Months ago, Obby made the claim that he could get about 20,000 miles on his tires and I was one of the ones to dispute him. Well, I apologize Obby. I now see how that's possible. And yes, I don't ride my bike very hard. Joe

You know I couldn't stop polishing at just my wheels!

Guys, Let me first apologize for the delay in posting this. I had some really nice pictures of the step-by-step procdure for polishing your wheels. Unfortunately, my computer died on me and I've been battling for the past couple of months trying to recover the data that was lost. I was able to duplicate/replace everything except for those pictures. Anyway, I've posted the procedure on my web site and added some pictures of the finished job. Let me know what you think... http://mywebpages.comcast.net/joe.smith Joe

What can I say except I'm sorry. I won't bother giving any excuses but know that there is a reason I haven't posted that info yet. I would tell you I'll take care of it as soon as possible, but I don't want to leave an empty promise. I will be a man of my word... Joe P.S. Polishing will be easier than you think!

Just something to think about, I've had a situation where I needed to remove both my wheels at the same time (tires re-mounted and balanced) and it helped retaining my centerstand when I went to the 4-2-1 Yoshimura exhaust system. I bought the Pit Bull front wheel lift adapter for my lift. I didn't need two lifts to perform this procedure because of the centerstand. Granted, it might not be often you will need both wheels off at the same time... Joe

Just curious, why don't you fill it up completely? Joe

Although I've never had a problem with my rear wheel alignment, this seems to be the best procedure I've read so far to ensure the alignment of the rear wheel. I say the best not because it's the most accurate, but because it's a down and dirty simple procedure that is relatively accurate (or accurate enough for me). Good recommendation! I'll try it the next time I mount my wheel. Joe

No, it's still good.

Guys, I replaced my rear blinker lights with an aftermarket set to clean up the rear end. About a week ago, my left blinker started flashing at a fast rate. It went away after a while so I figured the blinker got wet (it was raining). Well, I went on a trip to Louisiana and it started happening again (left blinker only). Because I got caught in tropical strom Ericka, I figured it was because of the rain. After having ample time to dry, the problem didn't go away. Any ideas? Joe

Okay, I'll ask the obvious question: are your brakes new? I used to hear my front brakes rubbing while riding, but my bike was brand new then. The sound eventually went away after they got worn in. Joe

Pete, You got a rise out of me too. So there you have it - 2 for 1. Feel better big guy? Joe

Pete, I understand that, but a wheel is a wheel. Check this out - the circular ring is the rim: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=wheel Here's another link. Look at the bottom of the page at the last 4 wheel desciptions: http://www.revlimiterracing.com/wheels/pvm.../pvmwheels.html Joe

Just did some quick research. This information was based on the bicycle wheel: the wheel consists of the spoke, hub, and rim. Apparently the rim (which is sometimes referred to as "wheel rim") is the outer portion of the wheel (minus the spoke and hub) that touches the tire. Having a tire mounted on the rim doesn't classify the assembly as a "wheel." Pete, I hope you understand that I am surely not trying to start a "pissing" contest. It's just that I read this forum a lot and I treat what you guys say (except for the Bird doing 215mph) as gospel. I talk to other riders and sometimes regurgitate what I learn here. I simply don't want to be called out on information that isn't correct. Joe

Pete, what do you base this on? I've never heard that before. Or, does everyone else agree that this is common knowledge? How do you get the tire back on and lined up while trying to put strain on the chain. It's a WHOLE lot easier taking the slack out of the chain. Granted, my procedure might be a little unconventional ,but I slide the inner rear brake pad out when I re-install the rear tire. That way, you don't have to fuss with the brake pads not having enough of a gap between them or worry about the assembly sliding right or left while you're re-installing. Also, taking that pad out makes it less likely you will scratch your wheel. Once the wheel is installed, it's nothing to slide the inner rear brake pad back in. You only have to take off that one bolt on the caliper. Be sure to wrap the caliper like Joe and Dave pointed out. I learned this procedure through the school of hard knocks (as I'm sure everyone else learned their respective procedures). When I first removed my rear wheel, I seriously gouged it down to the primer. The gouge is what actually convinced me to polish my wheels. After completing the polishing, I had to make sure I wouldn't scratch it again, which is why I remove my wheel the way I do. Joe

Dale and Joe, I hope the only reason you're thinking about selling your bikes is so you can prepare yourselves to purchase a new 2004 1200cc BlackBird. Joe

21,500 is UNBELIEVABLY good mileage out of a motorcyle tire. I've never even heard of anyone claim to get nearly that many miles, that is until now. Is anyone else getting this kind of mileage? Joe

Actually, I just got through cleaning mine today with some Never Dull and I was able to fit my fingers between the rotors (I also have big hands). I haven't forgotten about posting pics and how-to tips on polishing your wheels. It's just that I can only update my webpage when I'm signed on to the Comcast network. I work out of town and I can only do updates when I'm at home. I'll make the post the next time I go home. YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO SAND! You will be letting a high-speed drill do the work. Joe

Pace, Just curious, what happened to your left front reflector? I noticed that you left the right front on. Couldn't you install it with the new kit? Joe

I actually have some questions about spEEDfrEEk's procedure myself, but I must remember that he let us in on his trade secret by his own grace. If he says it works, then I trust that it works. He doesn't have to get into the nitty-gritty chemical bonding, molecular decomposition, yadda-yadda details for me. Joe

Oh, and I'm doing the whole wheel and not just the outside lip.

Dude, Just hold on a little longer. I almost finished polishing my wheels and then I'm going to post pics and how-to tips. Joe