[Munch]

Hmm …being a mechanic I have issues with the whole drive by wire revolution. Until they engineer a window motor regulator that doesn’t fail at or about 3 years old, I can’t find myself trusting it. Alot of things can go wrong with open air sensors. Being on two wheels and at highway speeds is not a time I want one to. The whole “power mode” is an old 80’s thing too… even the Plymouth Champ had it one point.
Let me see when they can finally get it right in a car and I might could consider it on a bike.

[Munch]

possible… would take it to a mechanic to make sure. unless the cable is just really screwed somewhere down the line the only place left is the clutch assembly. It may also be just a hydraulic thing. Lack of pressure….or fluid….or both. In which case… mechanic would still be a good idea.
There again…. it’s an HD…. lol…might just be the nature of the beast.

[Munch]

shhhhhhhhhh….don’t tell anyone… then they will expect it all the time…

[Munch]

Wow…. you seriously went with the Jovi do?

[Munch]

No worries… glad I can help.
If I know an answer I am more then happy to share what I know.

[Munch]

OH NO..not the break squeaking… lol. Sorry the one time I get to get away from mechanical stuff and now i find it on here… just kidding. However:

1) Disc brakes on most bikes will have a tendency to squeak and squeels for several reasons. The disc is a very thin piece of metal with very little harmonic dissipation. The pad depending on the maker is a bonded material with various particles in it to help with friction, wether it be semi metallic…mixture of soft metals like brass in it. ceramic…. very hard material, or “organic” which has some cork in it and various other stuff. Mash a hard friction against a thin plate and alot of vibration is going to happen, with decent engineering you can mask this with a counter harmonic of the same frequency to cancel the sound. Less then stellar engineering will give you the same effect of rubbing your finger over the top of a balloon. If the pads are not isolated well enough in the caliper or the disk is not of the proper thickness it will allow for vibration, which causes the audible squeal or squeak.

2) The disc or rotor is a piece of machined metal, untreated and very susceptible to moisture. In high humidity areas and/or prolonged sitting surface rust will form and cause the extra vibration aka: Squeal until used numerous times to get to a clean flat surface.

3) If you are prone to “riding your brake” you can cause a mirror like finish on your pads thus creating the effect of rubbing two pieces of glass together.

4) Above I mentioned pad materials…semi metallic and ceramics are prone to squeaks do to the hard materials used. Ceramic is a very hard material and for obvious reason does not have the ability to absorb the vibrations, semi metallic has the “soft” metal particles in the pad which has no guarantees of how it sets when the pad is cured out at manufacturing… some pieces can become small squeal tabs until worn through. Oh yea, not to mention the road debris like sand and the current season, salt, can get between the pad and disc causing more availability for the vibration to occur.

Final Note: This is not just for motorcycles but also for automobiles of any type. If you hear a squeal do not panic just do your pre ride check as you should and judge your wear, look the disc over for gouges to to indicate debris. If pads are normal or new and no gouges check for excessive play between the pad and disc at no pressure. If there is excessive up and down play with the pad it will likely cause a vibration aka: Squeal. If none and depending on use, age, and repair history check with your mechanic to make sure the Disc is at the appropriate thickness.

[Munch]

Haven’t looked over sport bikes to see but with cruisers you can adjust the shifter and break levers to accommodate for the taller boot. Normally one tooth on the pivot will suffice.

[Munch]

Dang….and all I want is one that can actually do 2 things really well…. send and receive phone calls. Guess I am getting older by the day.

[Munch]

……wait….. you ride a scooter?…. Hmmm…. I had scooters……none of them looked like that. LOL….just kidding. Yours does look like it has fun written all over it, but there again… I am also the type that would just for the principle of getting the “WTF” looks still sport the bandanna and chaps.

[Munch]

My only complaint about MSF was the dang’d use of cones. I understand fully the need for them but there’s alot more attention paid to looking while turning and other skills brought forth when there’s a solid and sizable obstacle there. I found myself on some of the exercises feeling more closed in for some reason due to not being able to properly judge your space. A sweeping turn is easier when you can very plainly see that there’s a shoulder to your right and maybe 4 lanes of traffic or a mountain side to the left. Some of it also had to do with the quick rundowns our instructors gave us and the mind boggling over lapping pattern lines on the course…mixed in with 1 or 2 cones representing “turn here” or “stop here”.
My best score was the quick stop. I came in hot and heavy and beat their recommended distance by 5 feet or so. Afterward the instructor asked why I came in as fast as I did… honestly, they kept focusing on being in second gear before getting to the cones…. I wanted to make sure I was. That and well…. how many looked at the cones to make sure you didn’t get marked for pre breaking?

[Munch]

Honestly a cop is not going to know even if you show it to him, unless he is a biker. The chances of getting a fine are very minute as most inspections will be the only times you would get “caught” and even then I am unsure it would matter unless you have a tail pipe emission test. In NC motorcycles are still a safety equipment inspection anyway.
The Motor vehicle inspectors that control the stations are the only ones that would have authority to call you out on it.
Personally….. as minute a risk that it is…. not worth the effort, but there again the 900 is “loud” enough with open throttle and tame enough to talk over at idle.
I know riders that have done this and in reality there is no real high threat of fines, just wanted to point out that there is the risk out there.
Also some do not stop at just the three hole mod… the keep going till they take the full baffle out to “straight pipe” or “shotgun” it. In which case you will be eliminating the Cat.

[Munch]

Your MoM should. In the beginning pages.

[Munch]

Not sure about the Helmet or the permit requirement for the BRC in your area. Here neither was a HAVE TO HAVE. There again I took the Riders Edge course which is the same exact thing just involves money to take and gives the dealer a chance to snag you as a customer. Here in NC the learners permit is not required to have to take the course as the practice/lessons are in a parking lot and not on the streets. Helmets are optional here also as they could provide you with a used one. You will need to check with the program/school that you take the course through.
However it will be better to have your own helmet either way. That away you already know it fits comfortably, and it will become one less thing you got to worry about. Here we also had to have full gloves ( no fingerless) and boots that provided support for the ankle, you also were required to have a long sleeve shirt or Jacket and long legged pants.
Again call the organization your taking it through to get clear cut rules.

[Munch]

Ok…..someone needs to explain to me the whole “streetfighter” concept. I still have no clue. Next…. tinkering is definitely gonna be limited to pre ’09 models as with the new emissions standards for 2010 is gonna make PCM’s almost a standard on every bike. Which means programmers, sensors etc that will limit atleast the mechanics of the bike… other then that stretch it, drop it, add fiberglass hard parts are gonna be easy. Tuning… well thats gonna get tricky and expensive.
With the 900 I do believe I found my final. If I get another it will be a StreetBob from HD, more out of just want then compulsion to get another as an upgrade.

[Munch]

lol…. you are always allowed…just might have some extra consequences to go with your decision.

[Author]

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