joe

Wow! Looking at some of your posts, I guess I've been really blessed! I had a similar noise on my '03 when hitting bumps and realized that the noise was caused by the key ring on my key bouncing up and down. Pretty rudimenatary, huh? Joe

Why do you ask?

Paul, This is my second Blackbird and that happened to me on both bikes. I think the problem is what you suspected, the responsiveness of the throttle. Just be more mindful of your throttle control when approaching bumps or tighten the slack on the throttle cables. Joe

I was cruising the beach a couple of weeks ago in stop and go traffic and my Bird reached 256 degrees, also. Isn't it scary seeing that temperature gauge start flashing at you? Needless to say, I pulled over to let her cool down before she shut down (quite emabarassing). Anyway, I think it's perfectly normal (for a Blackbird) to get that hot if you're just letting it idle with no airflow. Joe

No you won't HAVE to install a power commander. I installed a Yoshimura RS-3 Race exhaust system on my '03 and it runs just fine. In fact, I get about 33-34 MPG. Installing a power commander will help reduce the 5500 RPM "flat spot" inherent on all Blackbirds. Joe

Swampy, It sounds like you ride your bike a whole lot harder than I ride mine. This is my second Blackbird. On my first I never changed out the pipes. On this one, changing out the exhaust system is one of the first things I did. All I can tell you is that you will not believe how much better the bike performs with an aftermarket system. Have you ever felt that slight hesistation when you roll on the throttle before the engine responds? Well, after installing my pipes, I feel no hesistation. Also, I just seems like the bike wants you to open her all the way up with the aftermarket pipes. Maybe you shouldn't get them; they way you ride, you'll probably hurt yourself with all that extra performance. By the way, I installed the Yoshimura RS-3 Race exhaust system. And, no you don't have the install a power commander for it to work (although I know I could squeeze a few extra HP if I did). MPG: 32-33. Joe

Carlos, Just curious - how many miles do you have on your bird? Joe

I should've e-mailed you directly. But, since I started this thread... Do you know anyone that has pics of a rim that's been polished entirely? And, what's a DA? Can I use one of those mouse sanders they sell in Sears? It has a lot of attachments so I can get into the nooks and crannies. Joe

I'm going to polish my rims (the whole rim) and I was wondering if anyone had any experience sanding down the inner portion of the rim? I believe the term for this rough surface is "sand-casted." From what I hear, this is a real pain. But, can it be done? Joe

Oh, now I see your dilema...

Um, are you sure you're looking at the right stuff? I bought some of the recommended basic GP-4 oil for my bike and it cost $5.00/quart. I would think Mobil 1 is MORE expensive. Joe

As some of you know, I recently installed a larger rear tire on my bird. Well, when I went to remove the tire so I can have the dealer mount it, my brake caliper scratched what was a perfect wheel rim. It looks like I'll be polishing my rims sooner than expected. I'm going to be purchasing this polishing kit from Showtime Auto Car Accesories (Selingsgrove, PA) and I was wondering if anyone knew the procedures/steps I must perform to polish the rims correctly. Joe

I noticed the same thing when I installed my Yoshimura RS-3 race exhaust system. Does anyone have a sensible explanation for this? What a difference an aftermarket exhaust system makes!... Joe

You're not anal. I think part of the fun of having a bike is keeping it clean - it's therapeutic. Obby, what have you polished on your bike? Got any pics? Joe

Hey Joe, he only offered to send me the $20. Harry, send me an e-mail and I'll give you my address... Okay, I'm just kidding. Yeah, you're probably right. I saw a product on-line that will make breaking the bead real easy, but I will have to own a compressor to re-install the tire. Looks like I'll be making a trip to the dealer. Joe

Does anyone know the procedures (and/or equipment required) for removing / installing your tire from / to the wheel? I want to be able to do this without taking it to the dealer. Joe