jimmystartup

Last night I was cruising up the highway in sixth when someone wanted to pull into my lane. Instead of down-shifting I just rolled on the gas and my Bird responded with a slight studder before accellerating. I don't know when the plugs were changed last or the carbs cleaned...where should I start? :oops:

OK, time for a question for all your farkle-ophiles. I am awaiting the arrival of a full set of stainless lines (the Spieglers), new brake pads, new springs and the Wilburs shock. All of this is compliments of Warchild's excellent work setting up the GB's. :boobies: Should I install it all at one time or do it piece by piece? Will I have trouble isolating any setup issues if I do it all at once or should I just go for it. Everything that I'm replacing is stock so I'm assuming there will be a big change in the overall handling. I'm just a little worried that I'll go somewhere and not be able to get back. Oh, and not to beat a dead horse but can anyone suggest the correct tools I'll need to bleed the brakes? Don't worry, it'll be done under supervision! :oops:

Well, I sure as fuck hope it is OK to use this stuff because the last time I changed oil, the local AutoZone was out of the old Red Cap and only stocked the new Gold Cap. 1000 miles later I can't tell a difference. I guess if I screwed something up I'll know later.

Once I do that should they slide out relatively easily?

The YTX 12BS is for 1997-2000 models and has been replaced with the YTZ 12 For an 02 you need a YTZ 12S http://www.motorcyclebatteriesusa.com/batt....asp?battery=31

Can anyone tell me how to get the inserts out of the ends of the handlbars? My bar-ends seem to be sticking out a little bit (there is some space between then and the grips) and when I tried to fix it I couldn't remove the inserts that the bar-ends bolt into. Does anyone know what the hell I'm talking about? Do I need to go home and take pictures? Thanks, Peter

Thanks guys. I'd go buy another master link today but it's Monday and the damn stealerships are closed. Don't they know that the weekend is when everyone gets the chance to screw up their stuff?

I change the chain and sprockets but seem to have a tight spot on the rivet link. The instructions that came with the tool are not very clear...I think I may have over-mushroomed the rivets. Can anyone give me some guidance on using this tool?

Actually I just noticed they have the whole kit for $200 http://www.sprocketcenter.com/detail.aspx?ID=297

I bought the DID from White Buffalo Racing today for $96 + $11 shipping. Pretty good deal I think. They didn't have any sprockets so I called the folks at www.sprocketcenter.com and they had 'em in stock.

A cursory search turned up the following options for 97-03 Birds: Akrapovic - Carbon Fiber Slip On Akrapovic - Sport Production Full System w/Carbon Canister Akrapovic - Sport Production Full System w/Carbon Canister Akrapovic - Sport Production Full System w/Titanium Canister Akrapovic - Sport Production Full System w/Titanium Canister D&D - Blk Full System w/Carbon Canister D&D - Carbon Slip On D&D - Drag Pipes D&D - Show N Go Full System w/Blk Satin Canister D&D - Show N Go Full System w/Alum Canister D&D - Blk Full System w/Alum Canister D&D - Show N Go Full System w/Carbon Canister D&D - Alum Slip On D&D - Blk Full System w/Blk Satin Canister D&D - Blk Satin Slip On Jardine - RT-1 Alum Slip On w/Street Baffle Jardine - RT-1 Alum Slip Ons w/Race Baffle Jardine - RT-1 Carbon Slip Ons w/Race Baffle Jardine - RT-1 Carbon Slip Ons w/Street Baffle Jardine - RT-1 Titanium Slip Ons w/Race Baffle Jardine - RT-1 Titanium Slip Ons w/Street Baffle Leo Vince - ALUM SLIP-ON Leo Vince - TITANIUM SLIP-ON Muzzy - Full Stainless System w/Oval Carbon Fiber Canister Muzzy - Full Stainless System w/Round Alum Slip On Muzzy - Oval Carbon Fiber Slip On Muzzy - Oval Titanium Slip On Scorpion - Carbon Fiber Slip On Scorpion - SS Slip On Two Brothers - C2 Standard Mount Dual Carbon Fiber Slip-On Two Brothers - C2 Standard Mount Dual Titanium Slip-On Two Brothers - C2 Standard Mount Dual w/Alum Slip-On Two Brothers - C2 Standard Mount Dual X-Metal CF Slip-On Two Brothers - C4 Standard Mount Dual Alum Slip-On Two Brothers - C4 Standard Mount Dual Carbon Fiber Slip-On Two Brothers - C4 Standard Mount Dual Titanium Slip-On Two Brothers - C4 Standard Mount Dual X-Metal CF Slip-On Two Brothers - C5 Standard Mount Dual Carbon Fiber Slip-On Two Brothers - C5 Standard Mount Dual Titanium Slip-On for Honda Two Brothers - C5 Standard Mount Dual X-Metal CF Slip-On Vance and Hines - SS2R Slip On Yoshimura - RS-3 Full System w/Carbon Canister Yoshimura - RS-3 Full System w/Stainless Canister Yoshimura - RS-3 Full System w/Titanium Canister Yoshimura - RS-3 Zyclone Dual Carbon Slip Ons Yoshimura - RS-3 Zyclone Dual Stainless Slip Ons Yoshimura - RS-3 Zyclone Dual Titanium Slip Ons

So it sounds like the Scorpions never need to be re-packed. Is that true? What about the others?

For Christmas, I want to buy my bird a new chain and sprockets. Where is a good place to buy a DID chain online?

Happy to help! Thanks for the tip folks, this saves me from tearing the whole front end apart. :grin:

This morning was the first time in a long time I've driven in the dark. I noticed the right side of my speedo and the left side of the tach were dark. Does this mean I need to pull the cowl and replace a light in the dash? Anyone know if there are generic bulbs available or do I need to go see a dealer and order one?

What do we need to know to do the upgrade and order the bearings? Is there a kit or do you order a certain size? My front end has been making lots of clunking noises of late.

I bought a pair of the Vega Nitro sport boots as a "back-up' pair for commuting. In the wet weather it's nice to have a second pair on hand. Last week I decided to start wearing them to break them in and have kept putting them on every day. They are very comfortable, the liner is a little thicker than other boots I've worn so if you live in the desert you might think twice about purchasing these. For a general riding boot I think these things are awesome. They are made in China with all leather waterproof uppers, dual zipper/hook-loop closure, replacement toe and shin sliders and are lined with a comfortable, padded interior. The sturdy rubber sole is pretty firm and nice for walking when you are off the bike. One cool feature is the hard plate over the inside of the ankle bone. If I ever end up sliding with the bike on top of my leg this will come in handy. The faux carbon inserts are a little cheesy. Here is a picture of the boots: Retail is $80 and I saw them on sale recently at Seattle Cycle Center. Even at full price these are an awful lot of boot for the money. If you're looking for an economical but sturdy boot, give these some serious consideration. You can buy them online here!

Bring it on Doug. let's hear all the gory details.

Is it necessary or normal to replace the clutch springs as a matter or maintenance? If so does anyone know if there is a kit or do I need to just go out and buy six new springs? What about aftermarket clutch parts? Anything to avoid?

The instrument pod is held on with three (or four, I can't exactly remember) bolts fitted with rubber gromets. It seems that over time the rubber gromets dry out and shrink leaving just enough room for the instrument pod to rattle on it's mounts. My fix involved going to the hardware store and buying some rubber washers. I added them onto the bolts and "voila", the rattle was gone! The biggest pain is taking all of the plastic off the front. If I were you, get some spare plastic "pop" connectors (you know those little made-in-hell devices Honda uses on everything) as you run the risk of breaking them when you remove and re-install the plastic.

OK, I just orderd the tool kit through RonAyers and the large wrench is, indeed, a 27mm. Thanks for the correction although it never hurts to have more tools in the garage! :grin:

Thanks guys. The bike did not come with the tool kit, damn previous owner lost it. I'll go by the auto-parts store today. :grin:

After getting all my gear ready to change tires today I realized I didn't have the correct size socket to remove the rear axle. I'm going to have to go buy one tomorrow but don't know what size I need. Anyone know this? :shock:

Here is a picture from the Hindle site:

Oh man, those look nice. Where do you get em? :worship: (Edited to add) Forget it, I found the site. Here are a couple more images of that setup.