What I/you did today on the bike
#291
600 mile oil and filter change since BB351 install. Engine smoothing out with miles. Power feels better. Still getting around 62 mpg. Kawi should have made it like this from the start.
#294
Overhauled my front brake caliper(new slide pins and piston seals), new pads installed, bled out the air, and installed new master cylinder cap screws. Now it's gonna rain, but Wed looks OK. Am thankful for not getting 40" rain in a couple of days. Sometimes living in Va. Beach has its benefits.
Last edited by snappster; 08-29-2017 at 01:52 AM.
#295
Got almost 10,000 miles on my rear 130/70-17 IRC tire, installed the new tire, same model in 130/80-17. The new diameter is 1 inch greater as expected and seat height is up to 35 inches, about as high as I want to go. That tire kicked my ***. I really hate changing those damn things. The car tires I changed the other day at home were so much easier. The taller tire should reduce rpm by almost 300. Will be interesting to see if the bike handles noticeably differently.
#299
I changed my fork oil back to Maxima 85-150 (~5W) from synth ATF (~7W).
I was experimenting to see if I liked a little more rebound damping. When I went to ATF, I also dropped a step on both H and L compression on the GV's. Overall everything was stiffer... probably better for track-like conditions with small jumps and such... not quite right for tight woods singletrack.
I left the GV's where I had them and just put in the lower weight oil. I was 18 clicks out with the ATF and have settled on 6 clicks out using the 5wt. I figure I'm more on the GV's now and less on the bypass. When I get time, I may try 4 click out and see how that feels.
This whole "suspension is an art" thing is ringing true. I haven't found a setting I just plain didn't like, but I keep finding settings that I like better... LOL
I was experimenting to see if I liked a little more rebound damping. When I went to ATF, I also dropped a step on both H and L compression on the GV's. Overall everything was stiffer... probably better for track-like conditions with small jumps and such... not quite right for tight woods singletrack.
I left the GV's where I had them and just put in the lower weight oil. I was 18 clicks out with the ATF and have settled on 6 clicks out using the 5wt. I figure I'm more on the GV's now and less on the bypass. When I get time, I may try 4 click out and see how that feels.
This whole "suspension is an art" thing is ringing true. I haven't found a setting I just plain didn't like, but I keep finding settings that I like better... LOL
#300
All this recent talk of BB351 piston damage pushed me to order a thermobob a few minutes ago. I figure that more temperature uniformity in the cylinder may keep my engine healthier. Question to you BB351 thermobob users: have you experienced pre-ignition or detonation at all? I am concerned the higher thermostat temperature set-point(compared to OEM; 195f vs.160f OEM) that comes with the thermobob may require a cooler set-point or use of premium gasoline.
Last edited by snappster; 09-26-2017 at 11:12 PM.