HANKSXXX

Hey Man, how are you? Been a while since meeting you on your trip round the USA. I'd suspect the bearing that the clutch push rod engages in the pressure plate. Good luck and Ride Safe. Hank

I've had good luck with Power Stop rotors and pads. They offer matched sets in different performance levels.

Guys, I've done a number of road trips with this bike/owner. The bike is completely reliable and well cared for. He rides it like an old lady... Free bump for my buddy!

I have no way to accurately answer that... I was riding yesterday in 80-85 degree temps. I never noticed heat from the motor. Same for my Blackbird. When I ride in 95 degree heat, its hot...period.

The ZX14 is what the BB should have evolved into. It's a great bike with a monster engine. As far as engine heat, neither bothered me. I think any water cooled bike will get warm when the cooling fans kick on. Uncorking the exhaust with slip ons helps as both mufflers have catalytic converters in them and are heavier than hell. They're readily available on the used market at good prices. Just do it.

Dotetcher, sure, I remember it well...the Sunoco station in Grand Gorge. Matter of fact, I gassed up at the same place last Tuesday on the way to Warrensburg NY, then on to Jackson NH, Williamsburg VT and finally home Saturday... As far as tires, I ran 10 sets of Pilot Powers on the Turbo and a set of first generation Angel's. Bought the ZX-14 with Road 2's and ran another set of them, then a set of Road 3's, a set of second generation Angel's and now Road 4's. There were things about the 3's that I liked and some things I disliked...1 set was enough. The Road 2's were a pretty decent set of tires. The second gen Angels were real nice tires but I won't use them again since the front wore out twice as fast as the rear. The 4's seem good but maybe a little vague in the twisties...still to early to tell as I haven't really gotten used to them and pushed them. I'll know more about them in a couple weeks. Hated the shovel btw...just 1 more thing moving around.

The silver fender looks more original, a look I personally prefer.

12 point that measures 1 7/16" OD I bought the socket, measured the width of the notches it had to fit in, cut out strips of tape slightly narrower than that width, ran the 2 pieces across the opening at a 90 degree angle, cut the exposed metal next to the tape with a cut off saw, and snapped the pieces I wanted gone off. Took a half hour. I also have a 5000 mile swing arm for sale that's like new from an 03 if anyone needs one.

1 1/8" SK 1/2" drive socket... I can loan you mine if Mike blanks out again...lol

Remove the pushrod first, then pop the seal out...

I put a piece of 2"X 12" under the wheel or whatever combo of pieces of wood it takes to just touch the bottom of the tire. It's much easier to move things around when you're not wrestling with the wheel.

I suggest the Hyperpro to guys who are in the install it and forget it category. The Hyperpro springs work with factory valving and by design, self adjust to varying weight loads. They are not a substitute for a respring/revalve,set sag suspension but are rather a compromise that works fairly well.

Look into the Hyperpro Combi kit. It's front springs, fork oil, a rear spring, and full instructions. I've suggested them before and most guys are very happy.

Use Race Tech's site to choose the correct spring for your weight. Using the shim also affects weight distribution and effective frame geometry. After installing the new springs, check and set sag. Hank

Carra used to make wheels for the Blackbird. There was a group buy too, through the forums. I bought mine afterwards and had a few problems which were with the spacers, not the wheels. After 4 years and 11 sets of tires on my turbo Blackbird, the wheels still looked great. They were a PITA to keep clean as the spoke design collected road dirt and dust. Hank

I have a 99 wiring harness too.... No problem, just wanted to mention it in case you like to line things up for "future projects."

I've got a frame if you're worried...or bored...or whatever...

If you don't have data logging capabilities along with enough open road to air the bike out, find a tuner familiar with turbo bikes and have it tuned. 11.5 AFR is a pretty safe target at full boost.

Why do you think you need to screw around with the map? Are there driveability issues, fueling issues, or what? Generally speaking, I wouldn't make changes without at least a wide band that logged on the bike. That all has to work with specific fuel pressures, ignition timing, fuel, etc.

Motion Pro tool # 08-0015...should be easy to get...and inexpensive

The tool is available through Motion Pro and is called a clutch tool. I'd check the number on mine but it's on loan to a guy in Florida. Lemme see what I can do... Hank

Springs in the clutch basket are rattling around...

Send it back to Rick at Cogent Dynamics...he is very thorough and very fair and will verify the dampening on the shock dyno.

Good talking with you John...Happy Holidays!

While sitting on the bike in riding gear, have someone measure from the top of the front fender to the bottom of the fairing. If it's much less than 4", consider setting the sag..