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Ride On

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Ride On last won the day on January 18 2023

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  1. So last fall I got fed up with the lousy stock chain adjustment shenanigans. The two main problems are: 1.) the adjusters themselves, and 2.) The axle that wants to spin as you retorque the axle nut. I had reset the chain adjustment last fall, but before tightening the axle I pounded it out of the hub a ways and took 80 grit sandpaper to where the axle and adjuster make contact. After scaring up the area I cleaned it up with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. I then JB Welded the axle to the chain adjuster from behind and the side. It then cured after applying just a hint of torque on the axle nut to get everything positioned correctly but without squeezing out all the epoxy. I torqued the axle the next day. This morning I adjusted the chain for the first time since it was "welded". I backed off the axle torque 3/4 turn, then made equal adjustments to both adjustment bolts. Retorqued the axle to "that's about right" and done. The axle stayed "welded" to the adjuster and didn't partially rotate like it always would. Overall, fastest adjustment in the history of FJ‐09's. TIG welding would have worked too.
  2. The top case creates less aerodynamic drag than no top but two side cases, so you'll get better mileage running just the top. My side cases are from Harbor Freight. $50, plus some hardware. Totally waterproof with a tounge and groove rubber seal. Road proven with two trips half way around the country. I've loaded this bike up with 80+ lbs of bags riding solo, and 50+ lbs riding double; no issues. The bike doesn't care.
  3. Get a throttle lock (cruise control) to relieve your throttle grip and allow the occasional use of you right hand while driving. A sheepskin seat pad is really nice on the butt. Especially so for long rides. Your tires should be fine. When you get back they'll be squared off. New ones at that point will feel fantastic. I use a RAM X-Grip cell phone mount and Google Maps for directions. A wireless charger, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FM8R7J1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title siliconed to the mount to keeps the phone charged while riding. I also have a waterproof phone case handy for when it rains. I also carry a small electric tire pump (check Revzilla) with a tire plug (bacon strips) kit. Test the pump on your tires first to make sure the pump doesn't blow a fuse while under load. A 12v heated jacket liner is really nice to have when you get chilled and allows you to ride with less layers to stay warm.
  4. Thanks, I'm thinking the same here. A great bike that I'm intending to put a lot more miles on, so I sort of justified the expense based on that. I'm hoping to get good results as soon as the weather improves.
  5. How do you like your NIX 30's? I installed a set over the winter along with their compression and rebound adjustable, remote preload, rear shock. I'm not that impressed yet but only have 30 miles on it, messing with the adjustments. I'm getting more snow and rain today. Another month and I'll likely get some riding in to figure it all out.
  6. +1. I'm on my second chain now (installed with a front sprocket at 11,000 miles) with the original rear sprocket. 28,000+ miles now and the original rear sprocket still looks great (along with the second front sprocket). A Scott-Oiler X has been keeping things lubed and essentially maintaince free. I learned on dirt bikes years ago that once your chain stretches out, it no longer pulls evenly on the teeth; it then causes very rapid wear on the sprockets. Toss the chain before it wears out and save the sprockets.
  7. That Revzillia website is a great source of info (I forgot about it). After looking at that helmet, it shows similar helmets one may be interested in. There's quite a few of them with the "peak". I like the electrical tape idea someone else mentioned here. That may be my first attempt at a solution. I've got A 3XL head, so sizing has always been a problem. Trying one on for proper fit is a must, cost is distant secondary factor. I still got 3' of snow in my yard so not likely to get any riding in until late April, or early May. The bike sits patiently (captive) in my basement in the meantime.
  8. Oh, sorry. I meant to say I'm looking for a helmet with this "peak", or baseball cap lid thingy. It's great for blocking the sun and has a low and high position. Motocross helmets have them, and I've got one, but I found they're not great for all day street bike use.
  9. Any good recommendations out there for a full face helmet with a sun visor? I'm looking for something with a full shield and that's quiet in the wind at freeway speeds. I bought a Mission AMS snowmobile helmet last year and love the attached, 2 position visor. It makes riding my sled into the sun so much easier. I'd like to find something similar in a street bike helmet.
  10. I took a road trip from Minnesota, through the Rockies last year. Although down on power, there was still plenty available and I didn't feel a need for more (the secenery, spectacular, was taking priorty over spirited riding). Fueling was perfect. I didn't notice any difference from my normal 1,000' elevation rides - started and ran perfect.
  11. It will be fun to feel the difference. If it's better or not I'll report back here. Hopefully it's better because the stock suspension is not this bike's strong suit. It was okay, just not great. And beginning to feel harsh over sharp bumps. Two-up riding should be better as well with the ability crank up the preload, compression and rebound damping.
  12. Mounted my rear Ohlins shock today. A bit of a PITA but it's done. Front NIX30 cartridges are next but not for a couple weeks or so. -17°F tonight, with 30 some inches of snow on the ground, so no hurry. 75°F+ working in the basement.
  13. The Ohlins shock, NIX30 cartridges and installation tools arrived today. I figure I've got at least three months before the snow melts so I've got a good bit of time to figure out the installation. It'll be fun to try them out this spring.
  14. I was kind of thinking the same way. With the suspension upgrade I'm hoping to keep my eyes from wondering. It's a really fun bike, good at many things.
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