theog

They move quite a bit during the first interval. But that’s true of many engines. I’d do the first one early and then take a cooler approach.

That looks incredible! And frankly, I don’t think the cost is out of question. Certainly non-trivial, but there looks like a lot of value … and it would tick a bucket list item for me. You just added a little bit of light to an otherwise dark time of year. Thanks for sharing!

Pull the shims, don’t stack. They are marked, but measuring is never a bad idea. If you’ve owned Ducatis, you know why measuring is best.

I’ve had mostly good success with Antigravity on my bikes. I’ve used them on my last 7-8 bikes and only experienced one issue, which they took care of. In most cases, I use them because I don’t have to leave them on a tender over winter. Although I ride year round, there’s typically a month or so where the roads are just too salt caked for my liking. The longest I’ve let a bike sit was a 6 months and it fired up without issue. No charger. And, best part, the oil was changed right before storage with the same procedure I used last week. Anyway, hope you northerners aren’t having an early onset of Parked Motorcycle Syndrome!

I can't say what the cranking voltage was on the initial non-start. However, the resting voltage was 13.1 volts. After a few more tries at starting over the last two days, the resting voltage dropped to 12.75 and cranking voltage to 11.8 volts. I had a freshly charged Yuasa on the shelf, so your question prompted me to try it out. Initially, it gave the same results. However, it had an ever so slight 'bump' in the exhaust note which gave hope. After 4-5 more tries on the starter using all sorts of throttle openings, it roared to life. After it warmed up, I swapped in the lithium battery to see what would happen. To my surprise, it started up *almost* like normal, even if the first crank was a little slower (which I'll attribute to the state of charge from all the cranking). Going to give it another go tomorrow AM and see if it'll take me to work. I'll be bringing along a portable jump pack just in case it fails me again. We'll see. You're free to check the fueling, timing, and enrichment maps for yourself, but can assure you that they there is no "literal dumping of gas". This is a good bit of urban legend that stems from days of manual chokes and carbs...which still aren't as sensitive as we're discussing here. Properly fueled with proper heat range plugs (as most bikes are delivered), they don't foul plugs if the bike is turned off within the first 15 seconds. If you want proof, go to any dealer, moto mechanic, or auto shop...not every bike is fully warmed up when the engine is started. That's just not feasible for many maintenance operations. In either case, I agree that it's always preferable to let an engine warm up to temp after starting for a plethora of reasons. On that we won't disagree. So anyway, good looking out @kilo3...looks like the battery and ECU were at odds with one another. Will update this thread if the problem returns.

Unfortunately, that trick didn't work. But it was the first thing I tried when it failed to start, so at least brilliant minds think alike! No amount of throttle opening or cranking duration changed the results. Although you're correct that the ECU enriches the A/F at start up, stock bikes designed in this century seldom, if ever, run rich enough to foul plugs if the bike isn't fully warmed up. If these are fouled, they'll be the first on my watch! So it looks like I'll have to disassemble the bike when I can find the time to see what's up. The ease at which it cranks and the lack of sound are interesting...almost reminds me of a low compression scenario. But I'm getting ahead of myself (I hope). Still, keep the ideas flowing.

The droves of fans who came out to resurrect road racing in the US would disagree with that statement. Or any MX or flat track event.

Strangest thing happened today…my completely stock Yamaha wouldn’t start! Changed the oil last week on the 2017 @10k miles. Ran the bike for somewhere around 15-30 seconds (idled, no throttle) to circulate oil. Let oil settle overnight and topped off in morning. As I’ve done on every bike I’ve owned for almost 20 years. Let it sit for a week due to holiday and kiddos school break. Fast forward to today, no start. 13v on the LiFePo battery, cranks and crank, and cranks. All electrical systems and switches work. Sure enough, I can smell fuel. Looks like I’m going to have to check the plugs. Anyone else run into this issue? Totally odd that it worked fine before parking. I’d be shocked if the plugs fouled like this, but all signs point this way…

Hard to say, but definitely running late to work!

Came with bike. Previously owner loved it and couldn’t ride without it. I’m the polar opposite. But speaking of polar, it did keep me nice and toasty. So there’s that. $100 plus shipping. Or local pickup in NEPA or NNJ

Any idea if the seat fits on the first gen bikes? If so, I’m interested.

I can’t really claim I did this today, but I remembered today that I did this one day recently. Does that count? Installed a new chain brain. About damn time. I hate remembering to maintain chains and previous owner did me no favors. I ended up taking a wire wheel to the outer links to clean them up. This is the Scotoiler eSystem v2 with lube tube.

Lawyers. I’ve cruised with my wider FJR bags well over 100 mph.

I enjoyed this description of the Supersport. Although I’ve never ridden one, I’ve owned a Multistrada 1200 and a Hyperstrada 939, in that order. I ended up converting the Hyperstrada into a Hypermotard with a longer Ohlins rear and forks. The engine was bonkers without being ridiculous, and was a gem when ridden at 8/10s or above; sadly, I never managed a track day on it. But on the street, the chassis could never deliver comfort, the brakes were strong but grabby, and the engine would stutter and cough if ridden like an adult (don’t judge me!). Frankly, it wore me out unless, as you say, I worked for it. The sound and feel was brilliant, but the total experience was lacking for me. I am fortunate enough to do my own service, but the maintenance and wear/tear are silly. And part prices are absolutely insane unless you import them yourself from Europe. The FJ may lack a little character, but it makes up for it by being comfortable and easy to ride. Ducatis need to have a stable mate…because they will get prissy and have a fit from time to time!

I’m dating myself here, but I remember the good old days circa 2007 when Buell was in business. They had an excellent demo program if you could get past the assless chaos line at the door. They would let you ride anything you wanted and gave out pretty cool swag with each ride. They even had an annual track day tour with discounted rates, catered meals, and any bike you wanted to ride. Ducati and Triumph were always good about demos, too. It seems the Japanese bike dealers just didn’t care enough to go along with it. And I guess it works for them. I’ve purchased 4 new Yamahas over the years, ordered sight unseen, no test ride.