John01XX

WD-40

Techno, I would make a recommendation that you start lubing the chain after a ride and not before. Should make a big difference. The chain needs to be warmed up so the lube can get inside where it needs to be and then cure or dry so that it is not all flung off the first mile or two. Under 10,000 is really poor life. I have always gotten at least 18,000 or better. I use regular PJ1 lube as needed and not every ride gets a lube job. I ride mine almost daily all year round.

With easy access it shouldn't be more than 20 bucks

N1k, very familiar with this kind of dent removal. The largest national company in this specialty business is "Dent Wizard" I have watched them massage out all kinds of dents and dings with perfect results. Dent Wizard always sets up displays at conventions I attend with a car and a bowling ball suspended on a rope!! A good tech can massage a 6" dent out in less than 10 minutes. the trick is being able to get access behind the dent. Seems yours would be a one minute job from your description. They use special tools with various shapes and size rollers on the end of a rod, They start on the outside of the ding and roll it in towards the center of the ding. Little at a time working all around the peremeter until tey get to the center. Also they do Not look at the ding directly when massaging it but instead suction cup mount a small mirror on the other side of the ding with the ding in the middle between their head and the mirror. They watch the mirror image of the ding as they begin to massage the ding out. It is amazing to see it. When done the surface is completely perfect no matter what angle you look at it. Hope that helps. I am going to get two small dime size dings removed from my Honda very soon myself.

It matters what one, I haven't checked mine to see what one is what. You have a 50/50 chance, cover one contact with black tape, turn on the key if it still lights you got the wrong one. +1 that is what I did. Be sure to check before re-installing lens !!!

All US spec Birds have 1157 front Signal bulbs, dual filament The Euro spec Birds have 1156, single filament Funny many (like me) put a piece of electrical tape over one of the contacts on the bulb to get rid of the running light. I think it makes the Blinking signal more visable. On and off verses On and brighter on.

Don't forget to take a look at the PowerBronze wind screen. Extra Tall and Extra Thick I have had mine for 4 years and I love it tho I have been told it looks way to tall for the Bird.

If you are anywhere close to the Thetford, Norfolk Area then see Jaws ( John Smith) for the service. Will save you about 50% and everything done by an Expert Blackbird mechanic. For the savings in dosh and the peace of mind on who is working on the Bird drive it over to see Jaws. He is also the Administrator for the UK Blackbird website : www.superblackbird.co.uk and his own site is www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk Also what everyone else told you above !

Say What ??? Negrocat? OK your right the name wacko is appropriate and does apply. The Powers where a mistake and should not have been put on the MZ but "live and learn" !! If I lived by Deals Gap or the like then the Powers would be the right tire for eating up the Sport Bikes in the twisties but here in Florida I have enjoyed riding it down the "Dykes" that border the Everglades. I also like to be able to run in the grass along the fenceline on the interstate when there is an accident and the Highway becomes a big parking lot. I will be getting a set of "proper" tires very soon as the Powers suck at grip on shellrock or grass and downright dangerous in wet grass. So thank you Joe for asking the question cause I want to know the answer also as I need to get a set of semi knobby tires (dual sport) that will hold up decent for commuting back and forth to work.

I believe there was some changes but not sure exactly when or what year. Best bet is to speak with Ohlins or Penski

I picked up one from WallyWorld a couple weeks ago for $15.00 with full float Just Do It !

I am inpressed Accurate info. When designing Cable systems there is suppose to be enough signal feeding each residencial drop to handle one 4-way splitter, ( 7db loss each port) using RG6 cable. Many older systems are still using RG5.6 cable which has a much greater amount of loss per foot than RG6. Number one cause of signal loss is corrosion at the fittings.

Both of you are correct Front Signals 1157 Rear signals 1156 But I tape off the one contact on the front signal bulbs to light up only when the flasher is blinking !!

+1 except that cable boxes do NOT need a 2way amp. Only the modem does and that is why you split the incoming line before the amp with one side going straight to the modem and the other to the amp for the TV's. Done John

Double Green Dots came on the Birds about mid year 2001, factory

Rob, My problem was due to extreme excitement I found I was short shifting in first way to early, like ..........................8000 rpm !!! Couldn't understand why I couldn't break the 7.0 sec 1/8 mile :-) After first it was balls to the wall with a big grin till I heard the limiter kick in, then a quick frown and shift to return to a big grin No matter where you shift it is a blast !!

Your Cam Chain is rattling.......hence the noise No none explosions yet but most change it out when the Cam start's to rattle !!

Ordered mine yesteday. Order placed. If I'm lucky all this shit will be here before the 6th. If you had gone through me then you would have saves about $2.10 !! Not even worth the trouble. Then again we could have done a group buy and brought them all to NEXXT and had a big FLASHER party !!!

Just to put this thread to rest ....... Joe sent me a fan to work with and see if I could improve the air flow by adapting a Muzzy high veloscity fan blade. Muzzy makes them for many bikes as a direct replacement for a stock fan blade ti increase air flow. Muzzy does not make one for the Bird and I was going to try to see if there was one that would adapt up and increase the air flow. I should have done my homework first, but didn't, so when Joe's fan came in and I looked at it I was surprised at the design and the large size. It is nothing like the Muzzy blades available and is larger than anything Muzzy makes. So I showed it to a good friend of mine and owner of Blais Cycle and EX Team Kawasaki WSB Mechanic, only to be told that I had no options on improving the air flow on the OEM fan. :-( I just sent Joe's fan back to him today and disappointed that it did not not make any headway on dropping the temp alittle in stop and go So Florida city traffic. Already tried Engine Ice, Water Wetter, various anti-freeze/boil and even direct wired the fan to run all the time the engine is running and have now reverted back to what the Honda people designed in the first place. Stock OEM fan with a stock setting to turn on the fan approx 117 degrees and turn off at 104 degrees. OEM Anti-freeze / distilled water mix as per Honda dealership. I am through dealing with the heat from this motor and going to enjoy riding instead ! Thank you Joe for the use of your fan. You Rock ! ........ even beyond 125 ! John01XX

Don't even bother John!! Just call 1-866-CLR-LENS and get a $15.00 Flasher in a couple days, plug it in and be done with it... Plug and Play - Lickity Split - No Muss, No Fuss........Done !!!!!

The CCT for the X11 does compare to the OEM XX !! The X11 CCT is better for the X11 and the XX CCT is better for the XX ! Sorry not much help there but I can say that I only sell the OEM CCT for US spec Bikes. I have no experience with the X11 CCT in the Blackbird. There is a considerable price difference.

You Canadians must be paranoid !! I will bring 4 just in case ! After all I am only coming from Florida so I will have plenty of room for extras on the Bird

No Worries Marty I have 15 more due in by the end of this week. John

I have the R&G frame sliders designed specifically (sp?) for the Bird that are suppose to work well in a crash but it all depends on how high a speed the crash is !! I don't want to find out first hand but then I like the way they look anyway .

Actually you both should be at NEXXT that weekend !!