MT.net Motorcycle Thread
07-01-2016, 02:11 PM
#981
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Did a bunch of stuff to my FJ9 over the laslt week or so...
For those of you with FZ9s, this might be of interest: Yamaha have been having problems with the cam chain tensioner on the 900 triple. This is pretty well documented on the FZ forums, and failures are starting to show up on FJ9s now as well. My cam chain started making noise a couple weeks ago, and coincidentally, Yamaha released a TSB for warranty replacement of failing CCTs on FJ9s the same week. I checked with my local dealer, and they were aware of the issue and were willing to start the paperwork, but said it would take a couple weeks to process, get the part and do the repair. Well, I'm leaving on a x-country trip soon, and didn't want to take the chance they would fall behind and screw up my trip. I was also concerned that it wouldn't be a permanent fix, since Yamaha is apparently on version 3 or 4 of the CCT, and they're still failing...
So, I bought a manual CCT from APE (less than $100 shipped), and spent a whole 20 minutes installing it. Permanent fix, just have to adjust periodically. I can deal with that for the peace of mind. It's amazing how quiet my motor is now. Noises sneak up on you when they develop gradually, and you wear earplugs all the time!
This week, I installed handguards off a KTM 1190, which have better aero than the stock Yamaha handguards and are several inches narrower overall. I also installed the Yamaha heated grips, filled the bar with BBs to cut down on vibration, and slapped on a Beadrider seat thingy.
I must be getting old, 'cause I used to make fun of these...
I'm not quite ready to spend $$ on a replacement seat, but wanted to see if I could eliminate a couple hot spots for my upcoming trip, which will entail several 600 mile days in a row. Each way...
Also spooned on a set of Michelin PR4s... big improvement over the Dunlop Roadsmarts!
For those of you with FZ9s, this might be of interest: Yamaha have been having problems with the cam chain tensioner on the 900 triple. This is pretty well documented on the FZ forums, and failures are starting to show up on FJ9s now as well. My cam chain started making noise a couple weeks ago, and coincidentally, Yamaha released a TSB for warranty replacement of failing CCTs on FJ9s the same week. I checked with my local dealer, and they were aware of the issue and were willing to start the paperwork, but said it would take a couple weeks to process, get the part and do the repair. Well, I'm leaving on a x-country trip soon, and didn't want to take the chance they would fall behind and screw up my trip. I was also concerned that it wouldn't be a permanent fix, since Yamaha is apparently on version 3 or 4 of the CCT, and they're still failing...
So, I bought a manual CCT from APE (less than $100 shipped), and spent a whole 20 minutes installing it. Permanent fix, just have to adjust periodically. I can deal with that for the peace of mind. It's amazing how quiet my motor is now. Noises sneak up on you when they develop gradually, and you wear earplugs all the time!
This week, I installed handguards off a KTM 1190, which have better aero than the stock Yamaha handguards and are several inches narrower overall. I also installed the Yamaha heated grips, filled the bar with BBs to cut down on vibration, and slapped on a Beadrider seat thingy.
I must be getting old, 'cause I used to make fun of these...
I'm not quite ready to spend $$ on a replacement seat, but wanted to see if I could eliminate a couple hot spots for my upcoming trip, which will entail several 600 mile days in a row. Each way...
Also spooned on a set of Michelin PR4s... big improvement over the Dunlop Roadsmarts!
My CCT makes noise on startup but goes away. Though, my exhaust is pretty loud so it may be making noise higher in the rev range and I just can't hear it. What year FZ is yours, i'll have to go back to the dealer to see if mine has a service bulletin for it.
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07-01-2016, 02:16 PM
#982
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lol
more like this:
or this:
oh gawd that Buell.... hnnnngggggg
there's also one of these at a local shop, brand new, with minor crate damage, for $3k. Tempting, a brand new bike for that price.
more like this:
or this:
oh gawd that Buell.... hnnnngggggg
there's also one of these at a local shop, brand new, with minor crate damage, for $3k. Tempting, a brand new bike for that price.
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07-01-2016, 02:17 PM
#983
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 1,184
Total Cats: 291
So far I like the PR4's. I feel a little squirrely on the water grooves that are parallel with driving direction. Not a deal breaker, but just something I never noticed with any other tire.
My CCT makes noise on startup but goes away. Though, my exhaust is pretty loud so it may be making noise higher in the rev range and I just can't hear it. What year FZ is yours, i'll have to go back to the dealer to see if mine has a service bulletin for it.
My CCT makes noise on startup but goes away. Though, my exhaust is pretty loud so it may be making noise higher in the rev range and I just can't hear it. What year FZ is yours, i'll have to go back to the dealer to see if mine has a service bulletin for it.
The Dunlop Roadsmart/222 that came on the bike were utter **** in the rain (and dry) compared to the Mich Power 2CT front and PR2 rear combo I ran on my 'Busa, so I have high hopes for the PR4s...
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07-01-2016, 02:39 PM
#984
For those of you with FZ9s, this might be of interest: Yamaha have been having problems with the cam chain tensioner on the 900 triple. This is pretty well documented on the FZ forums, and failures are starting to show up on FJ9s now as well. My cam chain started making noise a couple weeks ago, and coincidentally, Yamaha released a TSB for warranty replacement of failing CCTs on FJ9s the same week. I checked with my local dealer, and they were aware of the issue and were willing to start the paperwork, but said it would take a couple weeks to process, get the part and do the repair. Well, I'm leaving on a x-country trip soon, and didn't want to take the chance they would fall behind and screw up my trip. I was also concerned that it wouldn't be a permanent fix, since Yamaha is apparently on version 3 or 4 of the CCT, and they're still failing...
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07-01-2016, 03:40 PM
#985
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 1,184
Total Cats: 291
When it starts making noise?? Since there is no factory manual CCT, there's nothing from Yamaha.
I just plan to take a good listen at every oil change, unless I hear it making noise again. Adjustment takes ~30 seconds.
I just plan to take a good listen at every oil change, unless I hear it making noise again. Adjustment takes ~30 seconds.
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07-01-2016, 03:40 PM
#986
[QUOTE=turbofan;1342867
oh gawd that Buell.... hnnnngggggg
[/QUOTE]
I had a buell XB12S. it was a great bike BUT the trans was definitely from a harly. After a few hours ride in the city, the sifter pull was so heavy i had muscle failure and couldn't lift it.
oh gawd that Buell.... hnnnngggggg
[/QUOTE]
I had a buell XB12S. it was a great bike BUT the trans was definitely from a harly. After a few hours ride in the city, the sifter pull was so heavy i had muscle failure and couldn't lift it.
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703.430.3303
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07-01-2016, 03:55 PM
#987
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Hmm. Yeah, ive owned two XB12R's and rode my dad's Ulysses and XB12sTT, and all were notchy but none were too bad. Maybe you needed to run different oil? Then again, the highest mileage of all our bikes was like 13k miles IIRC.
Love.
Love.
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07-04-2016, 12:16 PM
#988
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Just got back from the trip. Did 1000 miles as expected. The bike did absolutely fantastic, It didn't skip a beat at all. I only dropped it once too(which is good for me) My own silly mistake, while trying to whip a U turn from a grassy shoulder i ended up sliding down into a ditch. That was embarrassing. I also broke the high beam switch somehow, no idea how. The poor bike is so filthy dirty from all the dirt roads i went down and dead bugs.
I did tunnel of trees, but i seriously overestimated the amount of bike needed for that road. The FZ is extremely overpowered.
I have a ton (7gb) of video to go through and edit.
I did tunnel of trees, but i seriously overestimated the amount of bike needed for that road. The FZ is extremely overpowered.
I have a ton (7gb) of video to go through and edit.
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07-04-2016, 12:21 PM
#989
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Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
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Nice! Looks like a great trip.
The high beam switch is one thing on this bike that still drives me nuts. I had just gotten used to the 'trigger' on the front of the control pod that everyone is using these days, and Yamaha puts it in a different (and inconvenient!) spot.
The high beam switch is one thing on this bike that still drives me nuts. I had just gotten used to the 'trigger' on the front of the control pod that everyone is using these days, and Yamaha puts it in a different (and inconvenient!) spot.
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07-05-2016, 10:21 AM
#990
i sold it thinking it was just garbage. but later found out there was adjustment on the trans that effected the shifter pull. I bet mine was fubared out of adjustment. The best part of that bike was you could ride with anyone. Big harley rally on a cbr954 got a truck load of Stink eye. same rally on the xb12s fit right in. at night i could still go out and ride with the sport bike guys. If your married and your wife hates bikes get the lightning. it was a really well balanced bike and the upright seating position was easy to log good miles. if your a single man get the firebolt. there is no way anyone can fit on the back seat of a lighting.
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WWW.OGRACING.COM
800.934.9112
703.430.3303
info@ogracing.com
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07-06-2016, 03:08 PM
#991
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Yeah, I don't know why but I always preferred the firebolt over the lightning.
But it's looking like if I do get a bike, it'll be a Triumph. Always wanted a speed triple.
But it's looking like if I do get a bike, it'll be a Triumph. Always wanted a speed triple.
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07-13-2016, 12:30 AM
#992
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well, pulled the trigger on an '08 Speed Triple. One owner, less than 3500 miles. I pick it up friday morning.
What are you guys using for helmet cameras? Bluetooth? Music? Anyone tried any of those rear view helmets, particularly Reevu?
Let's talk helmets!
What are you guys using for helmet cameras? Bluetooth? Music? Anyone tried any of those rear view helmets, particularly Reevu?
Let's talk helmets!
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07-13-2016, 12:41 AM
#993
I like the Sena line of bluetooth communicators for music on the road, I've had a SMH10 since 2013 and it still works great with daily abuse. The battery life is really good and a single charge will last me 2-3 weeks commuting.
For cameras I have had GoPros but they always let me down and the form factor is terrible for helmets. I found these on Ion cameras on Amazon for cheap and for $35 for the base model you can't go wrong. The Speed Pro has an external mic input and slightly better image stabilization for $69. The video quality is really good for the money too.
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07-13-2016, 12:49 AM
#994
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Thanks for the recommendation! Looking at the Sena 10C combination Bluetooth and camera thing. Favorite feature is the video tagging -- poke a button, and it automatically saves the previous 60 seconds of video, then two other 60 second clips for later viewing. Neat stuff. Haven't seen the cost yet...
I'm really excited. Rode one for the first time yesterday and was blown away at the flexibility and overall beastliness of the triple. What an engine.
I'm really excited. Rode one for the first time yesterday and was blown away at the flexibility and overall beastliness of the triple. What an engine.
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07-13-2016, 01:18 AM
#996
The all in one with the camera is awesome, I always forget about that one. Helmet depends so much on your head shape...I'm a long oval so it's Arai Signet-Q or Icon. I've had both and despite the wheelie brahs wearing Icon, they make a decent product. For jackets and gloves I like Dainese, high entry cost but their gear has consistently lasted me longer than other brands.
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07-13-2016, 01:41 AM
#997
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my last helmet was a Bell and I loved it, so I'll probably try to go Bell again.
Thanks for the input. I think I'm pretty well set! Super stoked for Friday to come.
Thanks for the input. I think I'm pretty well set! Super stoked for Friday to come.
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07-13-2016, 03:17 AM
#998
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Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
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I haven't personally tried an Icon helmet. When Icon stuff first hit the market, I tried on some of their gloves, and couldn't even get an XXL on my hand. Sounds like they may have fixed their sizing issues.
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07-15-2016, 04:53 PM
#1000
I took a good 6 years of from riding. when i went back to my old shoei this year it had started to fall apart. I replaced it with a bell and couldn't be happier.
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